Category Archives: Car Restoration

73 Mustang Heater Box Part 5 – Clean Up

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I know…I know…it’s a bit of let down moving back to the heater box for #ProjectSportsRoof when the beautiful 351 Cleveland that’s going to power the 73 Mustang is sitting in the garage waiting to roar back to life, but the heater box has to get done.

As I showed you in the previous heater box post is was pretty much a mess.  So after accessing the damage and apply epoxy to the broken pieces, I needed to clean it up before applying the fiberglass.  Here’s a little look at that:

 

I need give a bit of caution here when doing the cleaning.  Take a look at the part numbers on the heater box:

heaterbox-datecode

Those number are no longer there.  The Simple Green clean removed them.   I’ll mention again that this is not a concourse restoration, but nonetheless it’s always sad when you change or remove something that original that didn’t need to be.  Yes it’s just the heater box and not something anyone is going to notice, but I know it’s gone as do you and all 17k members of this blog.

Coming up next on AG Car Restoration is fiberglass repair of the heater box and maybe I’ll sneak in sometime on the Cleveland.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

postmach-2

 

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

With the heater box for #ProjectSportsRoof out form under the dash, I now have to do the repairs and replace the heater core. Here’s what needs to be done and  …

73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Rebuild – Removal 4 – YouTube

Aug 1, 2016 … I’m So close to getting #ProjectSportsRoof engine pulled and starting the tear down.

restorable classic cars | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.

73 Mustang 351C is Out – YouTube

Aug 9, 2016 … Finally #ProjectSportsRoof gives up it engine. Thanks to my neighbor Dan Thomas for helping me getting this out.

Great American Muscle Cars – muscle cars – Community – Google+

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. With the floor pans welding, sealing and coating finished the next step was to apply the heat and sound barrier. This is …

351C Removal and tear down – YouTube

Jul 19, 2016 … Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. This the beginning of rebuild of the 351 Cleveland for the 73 Mustang.

 

 

1973 Mustang 351 Cleveland is BACK!!!

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We interrupt this Heater Box restoration for an important announcement.

THE 351 CLEVELAND IS BACK!!!

postmach-1 postmach-2
postmach-3 postmach-4

The main piece of this project if finally complete. 

Here’s what we have now:
351C bored .040
Crank .020 and Stock cam
Flattop pistons
Double Roller Timing Chain

Here’s what I’m going to add:
Edelbrock 4bbl CARB 800 CFM ELEC CHOKE
Edelbrock Performer 2750 Intake Manifold

Heads have been restored and upgrade as follows:
Bronze valve guide, stainless 1 piece valves,  MATCHING retainers, a proper 3 angle valve job,
springs matched to cam and set up to proper height and pressure checked and hardened seats.

Here a more complete look:


The change in the bore only increased the CID (Cubic Inch Displacement) from 352 – 358 and that’s not a lot.  But keep in mind that this is a 1972 engine and the 351C with a 4bbl carb was rated at 285 bph @ 5400 rmps (The Boss 351 was rated at 330bhp @ 5400).    So I’m guessing with the Crank .020 milled, Edelbrock 4bbl  800 CFM, Edelbrock Performer 2750 Intake Manifold and the slight change in displacement that the horse power of this 1972 Cleveland will be about 300 hp – maybe.

Keep checking back as I have to finish the heater box, engine bay and the top half of the 351C.  Lots of fun coming up!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

projectsportsroof

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

While the block is out for machining I can turn my attention to one of the MANY other sub-projects on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you’ve followed the blog you know …

restored-cars | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.

73 Mustang 351C is Out – YouTube

Aug 9, 2016 … Finally #ProjectSportsRoof gives up it engine. Thanks to my neighbor Dan Thomas for helping me getting this out.

Great American Muscle Cars – muscle cars – Community – Google+

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. With the floor pans welding, sealing and coating finished the next step was to apply the heat and sound barrier. This is …

1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 4

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With the heater box for #ProjectSportsRoof out form under the dash, I now have to do the repairs and replace the heater core.

Here’s what needs to be done and I pull the heater core.

 


Coming up is the fiberglass work to fix and seal up the heater box.

Thanks for reading.
Tim

newprimedhood

#ProjectSportsRoof

 

1973 Mustang Original Invoice and Window Sticker – Marti Auto Works

1 day ago … I didn’t purchase the window sticker for 1970 Mustang but I did for # ProjectSportsRoof. Check it out: 1973 Mustang SportsRoof Window Sticker.
Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

While the block is out for machining I can turn my attention to one of the MANY other sub-projects on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you’ve followed the blog you know …
73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Rebuild – Removal 4 – YouTube

Aug 1, 2016 … I’m So close to getting #ProjectSportsRoof engine pulled and starting the tear down.
351C Removal and tear down – YouTube

Jul 19, 2016 … Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. This the beginning of rebuild of the 351 Cleveland for the 73 Mustang.

 

1973 Mustang Original Invoice and Window Sticker – Marti Auto Works

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I’ve mentioned a few times here on Average Guy’s Car Restoration the great work that Marti Auto Works does to help car owners discover information about their Mustangs and other Fords that are important to being able to restore the cars and even help establish a value.  They own the rights to the Ford databases and records prior to 1974 (some models up to 1989).  These guys have everything..I mean everything.  Give them the VIN number and they’ll pile on the data (it’s not free but very reasonable).  They are authorized by Ford to reproduce window stickers and Protector Plates (identification plates that go on the inside door jamb) and more.

I didn’t purchase the window sticker for 1970 Mustang but I did for #ProjectSportsRoof.  Check it out:

1973 Mustang SportsRoof Window Sticker.

1973 Mustang SportsRoof Window Sticker.

That’s pretty cool but if you want the coolest thing (in my opinion) that they offer it is this:

The original Invoice!!!

The original Invoice!!!

This is the original – THE ORIGINAL – not a copy, not a reproduction – but the original – complete with pen/pencil marks and water stains – tucked way in a folder – invoice for my car.  That is beyond awesome.  The edges of the form didn’t make it into the scan but it all there.

The fact that it still exist is unbelievable and that I was able to purchase was great.  It’s a great piece to have and I couldn’t appreciate the folks at Marti Auto Works more!!!!!      

Check out the cost of 10 gallons of gas – $4.00!!!

Thanks for reading

Tim

You can find Marti Auto Works @   http://www.martiauto.com/

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

While the block is out for machining I can turn my attention to one of the MANY other sub-projects on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you’ve followed the blog you know …
vintage motors | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.
73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Rebuild – Removal 4 – YouTube

Aug 1, 2016 … I’m So close to getting #ProjectSportsRoof engine pulled and starting the tear down.

 

Interior Help for the 1973 Mustang

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While the block is out for machining I can turn my attention to one of the MANY other sub-projects  on #ProjectSportsRoof.

If you’ve followed the blog you know that I’ve tackled the heater box (more to come on that) and as well as cleaning up the engine bay.  As you’ve seen the interior needs work.  I’ve completed floor pans (sealed/coated), new under-layment and new carpet.  That was just the beginning, so much more to do on the inside.

One thing that makes restoring the interior go a bit smoother is having all the little things like screws and other fasteners.   That’s where AMK Products comes in.

I saw an AMK commercial on one of the car restoration shows.

I saw an AMK commercial on one of the car restoration shows.

Here’s a brief look at what it contains:


 It is pretty complete and well labeled for application.  You can find more on their website.  Go to https://www.amkproducts.com .

Thanks for reading.

Tim

newprimedhood

projectsportsroof

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 3 http://wp.me/p2YxYx-505. Tagged: projectsportsroof. Source: average-guys-car-restoration-mods-racing.com · 3rd October …
1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 3 | Tim Sweet

Thanks for checking in on #ProjectSportsRoof. I’m working on the heater box and it is now out from under the dash. Although the box was easy to remove, …
race guy | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.
vintage motors | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.

Stairway To Car Doors

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It seems that car culture here in Arizona is everywhere.  (Or is it just me?)  I always have my eye peeled for cool cars and car artifacts, I’m sure my wife thinks I need therapy, sometimes they pop up in surprising places.

In a recent trip to the cool Southern Arizona town of Bisbee – which is right next door to Lowell, AZ (check out my post –  click – Road Tripping – Cars – Lowell, Az. we ran across something unique.

Bisbee is a mining town build, mostly, on the side of a mountain.  One of its main attractions are the many stairs that you can climb to reach different street levels.

So many stairs that they hold the Bisbee 1000 – The Great Stair Climb annually an it’s a big deal!!

Stairs!!!

Stairs!!!

Well the stairs we claimed only number 181 and well.. they are pretty steep.  As we climbed I had to stop twice…to view the follow….not because I was winded…much!!!

Check these out these yard gates:

img_20161008_122107666 img_20161008_122228266

Cool!!!

Thought I’d share these.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

1000+ images about Lowell AZ on Pinterest | Bisbee Arizona …

Road Tripping – Cars – Lowell, Az – The Lost Blog Posts http:/. Save … Downtown Lowell, Az Road Tripping – Cars – Lowell, Az – Part I http://wp.me/p2YxYx-1A1 …
The XP 798 Firebird concept Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22 …

… StagedPeriod CorrectPostboxGas Pump Gasoline Pump Petrol Pump. Road Tripping – Cars – Lowell, Az – The Lost Blog Posts http://wp.me/p2YxYx-1An …

1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 3

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Thanks for checking in on #ProjectSportsRoof.  I’m working on the heater box and it is now out from under the dash.

Although the box was easy to remove, unfortunately that might have been because the two brackets that hold the unit to the firewall were broken and dropped down only hanging by the A/C block still sticking through slot in the firewall.

Take a look:

 

 The rust isn’t too bad.  I’ll clean that up and see how much damage exist, cut out what I can and make a patch for it.   You can clearly see the condition of the brackets and the box.

Coming up next I attempt the repairs.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

newprimedhood

 

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

… Box Part 2 https://www.average-guys-car-restoration-mods-racing.com/1973- mustang-heater-box-part-2/ · http://wp.me/p2YxYx-4ZS. Tagged: ProjectSportsRoof.
73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Rebuild – Removal 2 – YouTube

Jul 27, 2016 … Prepping the engine and engine bay for removing #ProjectSportsRoof power plant.
classic ford mustang | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.
Classic Cars / Car Projects / Car Shows – Your Car/Truck Projects …

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. With the floor pans welding, sealing and coating finished the next step was to apply the heat and sound barrier. This is …
restored-cars | Tumblr

The 351 Cleveland is out of #ProjectSportsRoof. Yeah…I know!! It seemed like to took forever!!! Seems longer since I have driven it in months. Now if you missed …

1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 2

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I’m finishing the labeling of the components for the heater box before I pull it out.  These videos help with replacing any “left over” parts and memory joggers.

Unfortunately I did discover an area of rust and that is never a good thing!!!

Take a look:

 

 

Coming up next the box comes out and we take a good look at it.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

newprimedhood

classic ford mustang | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). I’m moving right along with getting the progress on the 351C tear down posted up.
73 Mustang 351C is Out – YouTube

Aug 9, 2016 … Finally #ProjectSportsRoof gives up it engine. Thanks to my neighbor Dan Thomas for helping me getting this out.
Classic Cars / Car Projects / Car Shows – Your Car/Truck Projects …

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. With the floor pans welding, sealing and coating finished the next step was to apply the heat and sound barrier. This is …

1973 Mustang Heater Box Part 1

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Maybe one of the worse task to tackle on a car is the heater core.  In particular on some older cars.  In most cases you have to remove the entire dash.   I know this because when the heater core sprung a leak in my 1974 Cobra Jet Torino, I didn’t have the time to fix it.  I took it to a shop and the cost was hefty.

Since I’m doing a lot more of my own work on #ProjectSportRoof and I’m going to dive in and replace the heater core and like the Torino it is an A/C car.

Now the goal is to attempt to remove the box without taking the entire dash out – that is a huge time sync and it leads down the road of ” since I have it out, I might as well  fix…”.

I refer to the heater box as the portion to the right of the blower, there are some references that include the blower as well.  There are only 3 bolts holding the heater box in place, two are behind the unit and poke through the firewall and one is in the front.  I’m hoping the rest is just getting it in the right angle to pull it out.

I don’t have a camera guy only a small tri-pod  that I can set in limited flat spots and record what I can.

HINT:   Remove the passenger seat, it sure does help.

Here we go:

 

Coming up we’ll take a close look at the box, access what needs to be done.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

newprimedhood

 

73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Tear Down Video 7 – Mains and Pistons …

Aug 25, 2016 … Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. This the beginning of rebuild of the 351 Cleveland for the 73 Mustang. 73 Mustang 351 Cleveland …
Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

Tagged: ProjectSportsRoof. Source: … Tagged: ProjectSportsRoof · 22nd September 2016 … Thanks for continuing to follow #ProjectSportsRoof. The 351 …
collectors cars | Tumblr

The 351 Cleveland is out of #ProjectSportsRoof. Yeah…I know!! It seemed like to took … Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. I’m getting ready to pull the 351C …
73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Rebuild – Removal 2 – YouTube

Jul 27, 2016 … Prepping the engine and engine bay for removing #ProjectSportsRoof power plant.

projectsportsroof

 

 

 

1973 Mustang Gets a Breathing Upgrade – Edelbrock 2750 Performer LB 351-2v

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With all the engine work being done it would be a shame to plop that big old iron intake back on top of all that work.

So after some research I selected Edelbrock’s 2750, an intake designed for the V2 351C engine, and set up for a 4bbl carb.

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Ports

 

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The weight difference is amazing!!!

Here are the details:
Edelbrock 2750 Performer 351-2V Cleveland Intake Manifold
Part Number: 350-2750
4-bbl Square-Bore Carb Flange (non-EGR)
Idle-5500 rpm

Now I have to pick a carburetor for #ProjectSportsRoof.

What would you use?

Thanks for reading.

Tim

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods and Heads

Thanks for check in on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you remember a of couple months back, shortly after bringing the ’73 Mustang home, I conducted a compression test on all the cylinders.  The 351C was running rough (to put it mildly) and smoked like a pile of tires on fire (only the smoke …

73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Tear Down Video 7 – Mains and Pistons …

Aug 25, 2016 … Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof. This the beginning of rebuild of the 351 Cleveland for the 73 Mustang. 73 Mustang 351 Cleveland …

Average Guy’s Car Restorations, Mods, and Racing

Thanks for continuing to follow #ProjectSportsRoof. The 351 Cleveland has been torn down and you’ve seen the major components and their deplorable …

73 Mustang 351C Rebuild – Tear Down’s Final Conclusion

1 day ago … Thanks for continuing to follow #ProjectSportsRoof. The 351 Cleveland has been torn down and you’ve seen the major components and their …