Category Archives: Classic Cars

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.

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

 

 

 

73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Tear-Down – Cylinder Inspection

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Well we are finally at the next to last post for the tear down of my 1973 Mustang SportsRoof  351 Cleveland.  Everything has been removed and we can not get a look at the last piece of  the puzzle in figuring out what needs to be done to make this thing run again.

Take a look at the cylinders.

 

 

All the indications are that this engine was oil starved at some point. I’m sure it was a result of the valve supporting the #2 cylinder being fired shut, but that is still just a guess.

If you look back at earlier posts, I waffled between guessing if this Cleveland had been apart and worked on.  Well by the sight of the cross-hatching it’s clear that the cylinders have been worked before and I’m guessing the rings are well.

Next the block, crank and cam are headed off to a machine shop and things become very clear after the experts look at this 351C.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

HoodPrimer-14

 

projectsportsroof

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 …

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 …

vintage mustangs | Tumblr

Thanks checking back in with the 1973 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof). … the knocking in the bottom end and if the 351 Cleveland in #ProjectSportsRoof is going …

 

73 Mustang 351 Cleveland Tear Down – Crank and Cam Removal/Inspection

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Welcome  to #ProjectSportsRoof and the seeming never ending processing of tearing down the 351C.  We are in the final stages and I wanted to show you the crank and cam condition.  I put together the video below.


 As you can see the crank is not in great shape and the cam is a bit worn.  The crank is going to have to be turned and the cam might be beyond polishing.

Leaving the flange on was a time set back as I had to stabilize the engine with the hoist so that I could unbolt it from the engine stand.  I had intended to drop it on an engine cradle but I hadn’t even un-boxed it yet so I removed the flange and the flex plate and bolted it back on the engine stand.

It’s now clear that the engine had severe oil starvation at some point and this caused all the damage – ring wear in the cylinders (you’ll see that coming up), severe wear crank and main bearings.

It just about time to get this block off to the machine shop.  I’m going to have them do some measurements for me and help decide what needs to be done to save this engine.

I have a couple more posts for the tear down and those are coming up.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

HoodPrimer-14

projectsportsroof

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 …
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 …
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 …