This is my first project car ever, and first mustang. i bought the car site unseen with the understanding that the car won't be too original, but had the guy saying its matching numbers. he must have meant the apron vin numbers all match the door and the window...
on closer inspection:
original 302w 4v replaced with a '74 dated 302w with 2v carby.
Original C4 replaced with 69 dated Maverick C4
Original 8" 3.00:1 diff - yep, replaced with a 67 A code 8" 2.79:1
the Original Dizzy from my car was in the boot. so at least something was Original and present.
car came with AC - Removed under hood but under dash all original,
Bench seat - removed and replaced with 70 cougar high back seats,
power disc brakes - Still original including booster with tag. when i opened up the hub, it still had the remnants of the radio suppressor there.
steering box - tagged and original,
power steer pump - tagged and original,
Alternator - still not determined (a ton of calcium/oxidation buildup),
i have since sourced:
most AC parts including brackets and pulleys - minus hoses, and the fixed idler pulley. all specific for build date - same as 67 AC setup.
Date correct engine, never been apart, but had a few external components replaced - fuel pump and everything above the carby spacer was either replaced or incorrect. waterpump was replaced and everything forward of that was missing. there was no fan or spacer, etc...
radiator was replaced, and no shroud present. i recently found a shroud, and have my eye on a few radiators kicking around online.
car has had front end damage. both front rails are pushed towards the middle of the car. the aprons are crumpled, but are not rusty. the rear aprons are a little worse for wear and i am considering placing these. not only are they slightly rusty, and damaged, they also have relocated the hood hinge an inch out from their original fixing. the shock towers are cracked and have some dents. there are rust spots in the overlap of the aprons to the shock towers that need work. and damage underneath to the strut rod supports.
after owning this car for 4 years i am starting to uncover markings, stampings and codes from the car that i did not notice previously. mainly due to rading parts of this site and talking to others online and in person. i will start to compile a list of these things below. i must stress that like every other car, this car has been in accidents, had things replaced, and has also been driven since its original purchase. don't expect everything i put up to be original markings or even significant. its just things i have uncovered along the way.
Hope you enjoy the story as it unfolds as much as i do.
Cheers,
Tim
