[MAFWIZ]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some help / advice getting my grandparents old 1970 Mach 1 up and running. I'm not very knowledgeable about cars and could really use some help with an overview of what likely needs to be done and some sort of ball park figure of what it would take it make it drivable.

The car has always been a project that I've planned on getting done, (it was "given" to me as a teenager but I never had the resources to do anything with it,) but unfortunately my Grandma's got dementia pretty badly and requires around the clock care, and we need to clean out her house and garage asap - notice has already been given to the landlord.

The car was in running condition when it was parked in the garage approximately 20 years ago. Maybe 25 years ago, it's been in there as long as I can remember. But I don't really know what condition it's in, I know my Grandma didn't drain the fluids or take any preventative measures. I'll get in there as soon as I can to take a peek and maybe some pics.

So I need to figure out what needs to be done to it, and who I should contact for an estimate or whatnot (if anyone has any ideas in the SF bay area or northern cali let me know.) I just passed the bar exam here in CA, and unfortunately I don't have a real job yet, just some part time work, so money's tight- my thinking is if I can make the car drivable for a couple grand ring up the credit card, otherwise try to find someplace local to store it and work on it more slowly. I don't currently have a car but have plenty of access to loaners so it would be nice but not essential to get my own wheels going again.

I know the tires are all shot, so the first thing I need to do is get the wheels off and get some new tires, but I'm not a car guy and I have no idea how to get all 4 wheels off - I just have a normal jack and doubt I have the correct wrench to get the lug nuts off.

So I guess for starters I'm going to need a couple of things...1. A semi-local place to store the car, 2. a tow company with experience towing cars of this sort that would be able to help me with getting the wheels off and some new tires on pre-tow, and 3. a mechanic(s) that can give me an overview of what needs to be done and estimates of what it's all going to cost.

Anyhow, any and all input is welcomed and appreciated. Hopefully I'll have something to show you guys in the not so distant future. I'll keep reading other's folks adventures in restoration and try to learn a bit.

-Mike

[MustangOne]

Welcome to MM Forums...

That is a Great car to have.

1. Get the title in your name.

2. Get a place to store your car inside. Storage unit, Garage. Some place safe and dry.

3. have a towing service with a roll back pick up your car.

4. Make a list of all the things you will need to start your car.

a. fuel tank
b. oil change
c. battary
d. radaitor hoses
e. heater core
f. heater core hoses
g. fuel line hoses
h. vacuum hoses
i. tires
j. brakes check may replace master cylinder, wheel cylinders

Buy these books, study like your taking the bar.

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[MAFWIZ]

Thanks for the tips. It would be fun to make a real do it yourself project out of it, (I always prefer to do things myself if possible/feasible/ I'm unlikely to kill myself or others in the process) not sure if I'm going to have the time though, since I'll be starting completely from scratch.

The most intense thing I've ever done is assist my college buddy in changing my oil, and he forgot to screw a plate back in that ended up being a minor disaster. He has the tools but unfortunately he's at the other end of the state. And my uncle has done a beautiful job restoring a couple of old Caddy's, but in a similar vein lives half the country away.

Do you think it would be at all feasible to just get it drivable short term and work on making it a worthy legacy to my grandparents as more of a long-term project?

And do you have any suggestions regarding places to store vehicles? Are traditional rental storage places OK or are there problems with them?

EDIT: headed to the library to pick up "How to Restore Your Mustang", I figured it would be a good place to start.

[MustangOne]

On your restoration, Just thinking your going to have to drive a nice car to work soon. I would buy the New Mustang, since you are going to be in a suit alot. and save the money to have your car restored right. Make it a great way to honor your grandparents.

If you could post photos soon so I can tell you what you have. I would like a photo of the door data plate also.

Here is how I store my Car.

[MAFWIZ]

She's a beauty no doubt!

You're probably right about just finding storage for now and getting a commuter vehicle. I've been a broke student for so long I forget that something like buying a new car may actually be feasible in the near future.

I am glad to see that a traditional storage locker works. I guess I'll start looking into availability & pricing in my area. Do you take any special precautions with the security or just a standard pad lock?

And I will take some pics the next time I get over to my grandma's, should be in the next week or so. To be honest it's been quite a while since I made much of an inspection, the garage got pretty filled up with junk as my grandma deteriorated and I think as is you can only approach the car from the front and the passenger side.

[MustangOne]

I have Good Insurance, Good Pad Locks, And a Very Good storage place.

All I can is take alot of photos.

[ShadeTree68]

Good Luck I'll be doing the same soon just bought 4 1970 mach 1's project cars unseen for $5400 in a package deal wish me luck.

[ronedee]

Hi Mike, I would search around for an area mechanic who can be trusted and get his assessment. Maybe, just get it running first and enjoy it as is. When the time is right "plan" a rebuild in stages.

I took apart a 68 convertible I got for my wife's b'day. It was barely running. But running, and complete! The car has been sitting in my garage for the last 5 years waiting for me!! I wanted to restore it to perfection for my patient, loving wife! She could've been enjoying it...and parking it various places other than the spot it's been in for several years.

Just a thought for you to chew on.

[ponyrides]

You have a great car there. Sounds like it has a bit of historical significance, (solid, 'barn find' Mach 1). If you dont know much about the car, please do your homework and learn about it, specifically Mach 1s. MustangOne hit the nail on the head. Restore it RIGHT. Thats not a car you want to half-ass. Another piece of advice; When the weather gets nice, hit the car shows, hard. Dont be afraid to walk right up to a guy and start talking to him about his car. Pick his brain about what shops he used in your area, and different techniques he used on certain parts of the project. Odds are hes so proud of his project, he'll be more than happy to talk about it. This would be part of your homework. Good luck!!