Mustang Owners Club Australia Forum

Technical & General Discussion Area => Members Cars => Topic started by: jiffy on August 10, 2020, 11:11:26 am

Title: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on August 10, 2020, 11:11:26 am
Ok, in abbreviated form, here is the journey. Started in 2002, bought it as my first purchase on ebay. Arrived 2003.

This is the before shot, from when it was retired from racing - when it arrived, it had a hot 460 w/SCJ heads, solid lifters, headers, 4-bolt mains, semi roll-cage, 4:30:1 detroit locker - it was a mad thing...

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-230420234749-49831775.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-230420234749-4963946.jpeg)

I've lost a bunch of "the journey" photos when mustang heaven locked my photos up, but here it is with all the panel repairs done, there was lots of waiting. Built a garage, stripped and sent the bodyshell off for repair, got divorced, moved house 3 times, got married, had another child...

so - it's now at my house with stuff just starting to go in (this was in the last couple of years) - fuel line in, brake distribution block and proportioning valve rebuilt, front lines starting to go in....

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-111017224748.jpeg)

Suspenders on...

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-040618220913.jpeg)

Got the engine back from the rebuilder. This is a stock build, 428CJ date correct +0.040 motor, Lunati cam but nothing particularly extreme. Need to install the tube in the intake that connects to the water pump, then bolt that on. Put all the other accessories on and take it off to be run-in and checked, then remove the accessories and paint.

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-040618221134.jpeg)

P/S control valve rebuilt....
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-110718234214.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-110718234148.jpeg)

After 12 years, it’s back on wheels!!

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-201018201720.jpeg)

Rebuilt water pump on, heater neck on, thermostat housing on.
Timing pointer next, then PCV, valve covers, carb, distributor, manifolds and START-UP!

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-170219075047.jpeg)

Then paint and install....

Dash is largely done. The mark on the glovebox door is from my dusty finger.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-140719073430.jpeg)

Then the 63.5 turned up from paint and needed assembly, so work on the Mach1 stopped for a year...

The engine was assembled and sitting for a while, so got painted in Corporate Blue:
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-040120025834.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-040120025948.jpeg)

Aaaaaand - it’s off for run-in and tuning on the Dyno.

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-270520043556.jpeg)
Managed to find a crack in the thermostat housing, so that got swapped out. Hoping for the best - but rebuilt carb, distributor, fuel pump combined with an engine made from parts that have never been together before, I’ll be very happy if there’s no issues!!

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-270520043715.jpeg)

It all went down to the Dyno shop, the cam run in went really well. It sat overnight and when they went to install the inner valve springs, they found cylinder #6 had about 3 thimbles-full of water in it. Not sure how it happened, the piston is at the top, there is a tiny bit of oil in the water sitting in the bore, but the oil on the pan is clean. The motor has been sitting strapped to the dyno waiting to go.

Turned out to be a cracked head and I have a few spares, so - frustrating - but no deal breaker so far. New head prepped and installed.

And there it is. 32 degrees total advance, rev-limiter kicked in at 5200 - could turn it up a little, but it is what it is, and I'm happy.
Lunati cam:
•Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 227/233
•Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .552/.564
•LSA/ICL: 110/106

Holley 735, 5671/5673 jetted 73/81 running the C8OF 12127H with a Crane XRi ignition module and an original FoMoCo coil

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-030620014218.jpeg)

and a link to the video....

https://youtu.be/d7vtJtlRb2c (https://youtu.be/d7vtJtlRb2c)

Aaaand we have BRAKES!!

Managed to leak 1/4 bottle of fluid on the floor due to not tightening the brakes lines on the differential distribution block, but all good and sealed and now not leaking!

Have given it a clean with brake cleaner and degreaser, so hoping it’s not going to damage any paint underneath.

Got the tilt steering column in too, but that needs to come back out after the car is painted for a touch-up...

Ok - the engine is ready to install. There are a few detailing activities than I will look into once the car is back from the painter, but I'm working to a tight schedule at the moment, so in it goes shortly...

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-060820233122.jpeg)

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-060820233445.jpeg)

ok - it's Monday and this post is now up to date.

I had a day off from EVERYTHING yesterday because Saturday was a killer.

Started about mid-morning, got the carb and valve covers off the engine and moved all the crap out of the way.

Hooked the chain onto the engine (was going to use a lifting plate but couldn't find enough hardened bolts the right size to trust the weight of the engine on it).

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-090820202621.jpeg)

My brother and my friend Paul were a huge help with advice, coffees, lifting and doing stuff!!

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-090820202716.jpeg)

Got the engine bay well-padded, and made sure the studs were out of the exhaust manifolds (thanks Barry, great tip!) because there wasn't a huge amount of room out the back between the manifold and firewall.

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-090820202843.jpeg)

But, with a fair amount of patience and taking it slow, it just dropped in barely touching the padding and not a scratch to be seen! Very relieved.

Got the flywheel on, clutch lined up (thanks Adrian for the loan of the tool) then up went the bellhousing.

Then in went the toploader - they're a heavy bloody thing!!

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-090820202505.jpeg)

and so finally, at 2am, with everything checked, locktighted, tightened and talked to, I was done.

Car on the hoist, off to bed. A big day, but it all went well...

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-090820202350.jpeg)

Please have a look at the pics - any hints, tips or suggestions would be welcomed about detailing or call-out anything wrong....

With luck, off for paint this week!
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: my 390 on August 10, 2020, 04:15:09 pm
Looking good and I enjoyed the read and pics. Keep up the great work
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on August 11, 2020, 09:47:55 pm
Love the progressive story and your commitment, well done jiffy
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 07, 2020, 09:54:48 pm
so, it's off to work we go - hi ho, hi ho etc

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-070920075156.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-070920073331.jpeg)

Unfortunately it appears a few things have gone missing over the years, including my original Ford spoiler cast in aluminium. Bugger.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Macka on September 16, 2020, 12:11:34 pm
Hows it looking now?
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 17, 2020, 06:02:05 pm
In putty today apparently, will know more next week...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 19, 2020, 09:53:57 am
Progress.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-181020185141.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-181020185050.jpeg)

This was last week - inner doors and under hood/trunk apparently in black now, will go to see it later this week.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on October 19, 2020, 04:13:51 pm
Looking good
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Macka on October 19, 2020, 05:30:30 pm
Looking forward to the progress...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on November 23, 2020, 06:14:17 pm
PAINTED!!
Just need to have the hood black-out added, then doors/trunk/hood assembled and then cut/polished/denibbed and then I can get it back and start cocking it up...

https://youtu.be/CnuY1lcmitU (https://youtu.be/CnuY1lcmitU)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-221120213013.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-221120213140.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-221120213227.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-221120213328.jpeg)
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on November 23, 2020, 08:29:18 pm
That is going to look great when it is all together
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Dwayne on November 23, 2020, 08:42:26 pm
Looks great, probably the cleanest that black car will ever be while sitting in the booth  :bolt:
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on November 23, 2020, 08:57:15 pm
hahaha, yeah - my other two black cars only ever look clean for about a week at best...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: GEOFF289 on November 24, 2020, 08:46:14 am
I guess I'm not an objective commentator but black cars look so good when they are clean.

Coming along very nicely Jeff.

Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Dwayne on November 24, 2020, 09:54:17 am
I guess I'm not an objective commentator but black cars look so good when they are clean.

Coming along very nicely Jeff.

Yep, best 2 minutes ever   :lmao:
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Macka on November 24, 2020, 05:06:17 pm
Nice........   
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on March 01, 2021, 10:18:12 am
ok - a couple of updates:

Headlining in. Bought a nice repro TMI one and they had used red marker pen to measure the loops that the bows sat in, and that meant the red ink eventually bled through into the white headlining - not happy Jan.

Luckily I got one made and that went it - front and rear windows next then side windows etc... The visors will be replaced with white ones, I just wanted to ensure that the holes were aligned.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-280221181029-5173463.jpeg)

Media blasted, sanded and polished the fins on my original aluminium covers - then clear coated them for longevity. These will go on to replace the chrome ones I installed the engine with.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-280221181027-5172972.jpeg)

Stripped the tail lights down after they sat in a box for 16 years. Lyndale Plating in Dandenong cleaned and zinc plated them and they look fantastic, so together with a new set of seals, assembled them and they went in. Great fun to assemble - it's like a huge jigsaw puzzle..... 
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-280221181025-5163710.jpeg)

Struggling with the clutch fan at the moment, but P/S pump, hoses and alternator are in. Once the fan issue is resolved, then radiator & shroud, then headlight buckets...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: HRTZ65 on March 02, 2021, 09:27:53 am
Jiffy

How do you remove the steel trim that's glued to the lens? I have to restore my tail lights very soon.

Thanks Don
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on March 02, 2021, 01:08:48 pm
Hey jiffy,
You've done a incredible job!  :omg:
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on March 03, 2021, 11:44:21 am
Thanks Phil - Don, the lenses and trims were in pretty good shape when removed, the old owner had done a bunch of work in the '90's and I think the lights were replaced at the time, then as its sat for so long they didn't get scratched or marked - plus thay have sat in a box for the past 16 or so years so they're still pretty good....

I think you can buy the trim rings (for want of a better term) repro so it's a matter of getting them off without marking the lenses - I have no guidance on that unfortunately....
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on March 25, 2021, 11:31:18 am
so - I have been very busy - I seemed to have worked a TON of time on the car, with little to show for it - as always, if you see something I've done wrong, please let me know!

Got the reversing lights in - they're repro rev lights, with the original harnesses and sockets cleaned and plated so that the grommets through the trunk drop-offs are correct, and I'm using the original lenses after a good clean.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321200734.jpeg)

Got the fuel tank (repro) in, used grey caulking and sealed it in. Tested the fuel level sender and it appears to get to about 80 ohms when empty and about 10 ohms when full, so hopefully it'll be fine.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321200604.jpeg)

I got a drive shaft from Dead Nuts On a few years ago, unwrapped it, cleaned it, clear coated it and put it in - it looks fantastic!
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321200707.jpeg)

Got the shifter installed - what a huge job that was! Wow - so, I thought I had two sets of the shifter linkages so a few years ago I sold one set - it turned out the remaining set was just odds n sods and weren't going to fit. So I bought a repro set and then got the trusty welder out and made a good set (wrong or no numbers) but they seem to work really well, so I cut up the no-good set and made a spare set-up that will go to a good cause one day. Shifter handle appears correct but didn't mount very well, so I made up some hard rubber insulating mounts and put it in - all good now. Chrome is nice without being show-quality, the shifter ball is a new repro as is the carpet..
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321200425.jpeg)

The shifter setup - once I got it in and working to my satisfaction - needed to have the reversing switch installed then removed to fit the rubber boot - I had to do this a few times to get it to fit right and the shifter linkages to all work ok, but it's in now (as is the harness clip on the front mounting plate bolt-hole)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321200250.jpeg)

I've had the seats recovered and they look fabulous - really can't wait for them to be installed!
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321202619.jpeg)
However I was a little surprised that the "red" stripe in the covers was actually more like "orange" which (according to my interior designer wife) is a horrendous colour mis-match, so I'll have to have a think about what I do with those. I thought TMI made better quality products - but these are certainly not even close to the red of the carpet inserts...
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-240321202502.jpeg)


Now I need to install the choke stove tubes for the carb, then the exhaust can go in which finishes off the underside then I can get onto the P/S hoses (I really don't like how they're routed) then I can start on the engine bay.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on March 26, 2021, 08:41:31 pm
Love the white interior
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on April 19, 2021, 12:42:46 pm
Exhaust is in!! So are the trunk letters, gas-cap and passenger-side door locks and handle.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-180421220856.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-180421221001.jpeg)

Unfortunately the "N' is pretty wonky (and it was a b*****d to get in) - it's an original trunk-lid so will have to carefully remove it and do some Australian engineering on it....
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on April 24, 2021, 06:59:29 pm
So - had the front stainless trim repolished and they came out looking sensational!!
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-230421181500.jpeg)

Now for the rear trim....
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on April 25, 2021, 05:35:05 am
Hey Jiffy,
What an incredible build, you've saved and rebuilt a beauty!
You must have spent hundreds of hours on it and it shows!
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Reborn67 on April 25, 2021, 07:37:22 am
Hey Jiffy, with the letter N  have a double check, you may have it upside down?
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on April 25, 2021, 08:25:22 am
Hey Jiffy, with the letter N  have a double check, you may have it upside down?

Ha ha ha,
You must be a genius to think of that! :omg:
I reckon 1 in a million would think of that!
Well worth a try jiffy!
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: scollist on April 25, 2021, 09:54:55 am
Good idea. But the N is definitely up the right way if you look at the Scott Drake packages or https://www.vintage-mustang.com/attachments/69-trunk-letters-2-jpg.506570/ (https://www.vintage-mustang.com/attachments/69-trunk-letters-2-jpg.506570/)
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Reborn67 on April 25, 2021, 10:12:20 am
 Hey, it was just a thought.....,
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on April 25, 2021, 09:41:57 pm
Hey Shane,
I see what you say now! :bow:
Hey jiffy,
I'm sure you'll work something out!
Cheers all Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on April 26, 2021, 11:47:06 am
so - a favourite saying of mine is:

Experience, its that thing you get just after you needed it....

and after posting this particular issue on the CJ forum, I get told that it's a known problem with the repro trunk letters, that the pins are not in the right place - the 'N' is the worst of the lot.....

#@$(@*$*(@!
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on April 26, 2021, 06:29:24 pm
Hey jiffy,
I did an ebay search and there is another brand.
Eckler's!
Well worth a try or use a stick on "N" or fiddle with what you've got! Cut off the pins, drill holes in correct position and super glue new nylon pins in position.

Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Macka on May 15, 2021, 09:25:01 pm
It is looking good...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on May 18, 2021, 02:23:51 pm
Very little happened over the past month unfortunately - I was out there last night, flat out and got nothing done....
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on July 14, 2021, 03:00:44 pm
so - lots of work for little visible progress. I had all the drip-rail stainless polished up, and I found some NOS boomerangs a while back, so they all got put on and the new roof rail seals went in. So, after Barry helped me out with some qtr window upper hinges (I had no idea what they were or where they went...) I finally got to put the new chrome on, new seals, latches etc and put the windows in - got to say - it looks good - every bit of progress is very encouraging...

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-010721233532.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-010721233453.jpeg)
(Reflection in the glass is the wheel of my 2002 Cobra)
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: 69candy on July 14, 2021, 06:25:30 pm
well done!!!
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on July 16, 2021, 11:06:31 pm
any progress is good progress
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Reborn67 on July 17, 2021, 12:13:04 pm
 Looking great, and very envious as mine is back in mothballs again...,
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on July 23, 2021, 08:37:45 pm
Rear bumper on - it's a repro so it fits really badly - are there any tips on improving it or just "time to get the original re-chromed"

I'm assuming nothing fits like OEM....?

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-210721231641.jpeg)
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on July 24, 2021, 08:09:35 pm
Rear bumper on - it's a repro so it fits really badly - are there any tips on improving it or just "time to get the original re-chromed"

I'm assuming nothing fits like OEM....?

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-210721231641.jpeg)

I have no idea as to how much rechroming a bumper would be but that would be my preference
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: SMH00N on July 25, 2021, 11:04:22 am
That bumper is way worse than my repro. Mine at least is close to the body.
I can't recall the name, but somewhere in country Victoria is a chromeplaters that can still do 'decent' chrome with all the nasty chemicals banned from urban places.
Might be a myth but I've seen it referred to in a few forums.

So if your OEM just needs rechrome, go that way.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: nickd on July 25, 2021, 01:47:02 pm
Highly recommend Vinnies in Dandenong. I have had a fair bit of work done by them over the past 20 years and never disappoint.

They are not cheap but stand by their work. Google vinnies chrome.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on July 26, 2021, 04:52:25 pm
Hey all,
Anyone in Sydney I had Pioneer Plating do my quarter windows frames and did a great job!
Just off the M5 near Moorebank.
It took me ages to find a chrome plater near me, on Google and Yellow pages a lot are old addresses and have closed down.
There is or was a great bloke in Windsor but I believe he was having trouble getting chemicals, I wish him the best!
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on August 20, 2021, 01:30:35 pm
ok - so now that the windows are located correctly, we're on to the next piece. There was too much play in the rag joint at the bottom of the tilt steering column, and I couldn't get the damn bolt in, so it all had to come out. I chased the threads with a tap and installed the rag on the bottom of the shaft and it all went in and the bolts are all tight, so happy with that!!

So, next cab off the rank was the tilt steering actuator. This is a complete original '69 setup that I acquired a couple of years ago. I had a recommendation from West Coast Classic Cougars rebuild it all, so everything is good and ready to install. It was never optioned for my car, so I have no idea how it all works or goes together. where the holes should be etc so it's all trial and error - so my apologies for the bone questions that appear from time to time.

I figured out that the canister mounts under the battery tray (I haven't painted or installed that yet) - so I search on the 'net and found a couple of pics that show where it should go. On the apron below the tray but above the lower mounting holes, there are three dimples in the apron - the centre one becomes a hole for the valve to poke through, the outer ones are drilled for the canister studs to appear, so I used a hole-saw to mark the circle, drilled the ring and used the hole saw to break through - easy to do after a while, just a PITA whilst you're doing it...
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821220812.jpeg)

So, the canister is now in the right place
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821220735.jpeg)

I put the hoses on, they run up from under the battery tray (not in there yet) around the shock tower and under the export brace to the rear of the PCV and (soon, when I figure out where it's supposed to go) through the firewall to the actuator/relay and vacuum motor.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821222150.jpeg)

Next thing was figuring out the actuator and vacuum motor.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821230515.jpeg)

I had a few questions about this thing - what were all the parts for, and how did it mount, and what are these wires for?
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821221024.jpeg)

So, it turns out that these are for a second "safety switch" - these get wired in series with the NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) on an Auto car - so you cannot start the car whilst the column is tilted. Apparently not used for a 4-speed car as the idea is to use the little jumper wire (I know - the switch is not connected right??).

I spent a couple of days trying to figure out how this thing would mount onto the steering column, and it didn't matter how I twisted and turned it, there was no way it would mount anywhere sensible.

Then - I had a light-bulb moment - the lower dash wasn't it, and I saw a pic on the interweb that hinted at it not being mounted on the column, so I figured out that it actually mounts on the underside of the dash itself!! So, nearly ready to put the lower dash in and once that's in, then the final piece of the puzzle will be complete, I'll just need to cut a hole for the additional door switch and it's done!! 
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-190821232253.jpeg)

 
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 14, 2021, 12:54:16 pm
ok, got the lower dash in but no cluster, starting to work through the electrical issues (and there are a few):
Wipers work but don't park (see my fix for that in the tech section)
Interior sail lights done work - (fixed)
Tilt steering - (not yet)
Brake lights - (nope)
Indicators - (fixed these on the 14th)

Got my new wheels out, put some new tires on them, a little excited now...
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-130921225023.jpeg)
Put them on
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-130921224413.jpeg)
but the fronts (235/60/R15) rub gently on the UCA's - so not sure what to do about that (anyone want to swap for a pair of 225/60/R15 BFG's?)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-130921225223.jpeg)

Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on September 14, 2021, 06:16:53 pm
Hey jiffy,
You probably already know this but you may have to use wheel spacers if you can’t swap them for narrower tyres, even then hard on corners they may rub, it’ll only give you an extra 5mm and on high profile tyres that’s nothing.
Do you have much room to the wheel arch. Negative chamber wedges may also kick the spindle out a bit also.
Are they on 8” rims. Ideally 4.5” backspace clear easily, I’ve got a good finger distance from my UCA to the rim on 18” x 8” wheels.
Wheels look great though.
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 14, 2021, 06:46:58 pm
Hmmm, these are 7 inch rims and supposedly the correct backspace for a Mustang…
Dunno why they’re so close to the UCA.
The springs are the wrong ones, too thin (15.7mm) for a big-block car and too long (car sits up and begs, but I was expecting to swap them out so not worried about them) so I cannot tell if the tires will run yet as they’re a mile from the wheel arch. I’m just annoyed with the tire/UCA clearance.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on September 14, 2021, 07:19:05 pm
Hmmm, these are 7 inch rims and supposedly the correct backspace for a Mustang…
Dunno why they’re so close to the UCA.
The springs are the wrong ones, too thin (15.7mm) for a big-block car and too long (car sits up and begs, but I was expecting to swap them out so not worried about them) so I cannot tell if the tires will run yet as they’re a mile from the wheel arch. I’m just annoyed with the tire/UCA clearance.

Hey Jiffy,
With the ride height have you rolled the car back and forward to remove the binding of the suspension being in the air and toe in, you should get about 2" drop.
I've got 235 on 8" rims, you could go back to 215 on 7" rims, but would look skinny, 225 are maximum on 7" rims as per google.
I know you've the wheels already but 8" with 4.5" backspace rims no worry on a 69. Can you return them! But still use the same tyres.
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on September 27, 2021, 02:07:20 pm
Hey Jiffy,
How did you get on with your wheels, tyres and springs.
Hope you were able to sort them out.

Cheers Phil.

Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 27, 2021, 09:13:43 pm
Going to try 225/60/R15's as soon as I can find time/funds to swap them over...

Trying to stretch the door rubbers to fit nicely at the top/rear of the doors.

Going to finish off wiring for the console gauges then the dash cluster goes in. Test all that, paint the 2 interior panels and install the interior.

Then START!! Whoo hoo....
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on September 28, 2021, 04:47:28 am
Going to try 225/60/R15's as soon as I can find time/funds to swap them over...

Trying to stretch the door rubbers to fit nicely at the top/rear of the doors.

Going to finish off wiring for the console gauges then the dash cluster goes in. Test all that, paint the 2 interior panels and install the interior.

Then START!! Whoo hoo....

Hey jiffy,
I know what you mean about funds, every time I say to my wife “I need this” her answer is “of course you do” hahaha
We can be sitting in the lounge room of an evening and I say “I need to go measure something “ and she says “of course you do” hahaha.
Glad to see your progressing!
Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 13, 2021, 10:26:50 am
so - very chuffed with myself for getting some of the prettier parts ready for install - found a nice KM/H speedo in the UK so that went in to a new repro cluster housing (I know it should be argent around the lenses, but I am out of time...) with some really nice pieces:

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-121021191158.jpeg)

I had the clock reco-d many years ago, and that is sitting in a new housing - I still need to install the map light, but hopefully that proves to be easy....:

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-121021191128.jpeg)

And I have to say that I that I was very clever for assembling the console!!

I think it looks terrific and the chrome work is very bright (around the lighter) and a new 4-speed insert.

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-121021191933.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-121021192001.jpeg)

I didn't feel so clever once I had tried to place it into position and then realised that it won't fit over the shifter until you remove the top-plate with the insert and gauges first then re-assemble in-situ. Ah well, one of many lessons to learn AFTER you needed it...

Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 18, 2021, 10:27:13 am
ok - big weekend!

Spent Friday night, Saturday and Sunday doing a bunch of the final things you need to do before starting the car.

Did a few of them twice because, well - just because.

Primed the oil pump - luckily I had an old distributor shaft lying around and used that. Made the electrical drill I was using smoke a bit as it was working pretty damn hard, but got a bunch of oil pressure for about 20 seconds, figured that was probably enough to get oil everywhere it needed to be. Put the distributor back in, filled the primary bowl, squirted some "Start you b*****d" down the carb, jumped in then this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=innF1iWH-0o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=innF1iWH-0o)

I can see how tired and stressed I was - it made me pretty abrupt when talking to my brother who has helped me a lot with this car. My wife Lara was doing the camera work, and she was more excited than I was. Probably would have made more sense to packed it all up and waited for another day until I was fresher in case something went wrong.

Luckily nothing did. A few oddities to work out - a leak inside the heater box (new core, so pretty disappointing), the ALT light stays on weakly after you turn the key off and the dash-lights aren't working when the "lights" are turned on. Best of all, the gauges in the console worked perfectly - couldn't be happier.
The only casualty was the speedo cable which was resting on the exhaust pipe, so that's a bit worse-for-wear...

Also, the tach sits at about 1500 rpm (which was where the idle speed was set - the engine has been broken in and dyno'd already) but doesn't really climb. I am using a Crane XRi module in the distributor, this replaces the points but uses the resistor wire, original coil etc - not sure if that means I would need a tach-adapter, but I'm hoping not. I have another tach set-up that I'll try, see if that makes a difference.

Obviously the car is filthy, it gets a load of dust all over it from the local quarry - all my cars do. But the car needs to go off for paint correction and a cut-n-polish after the paint can debacle, so not to much I can do about it until the rear window is in.

Wow - I'm exhausted. A couple of days off is called for, then back into it...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: GEOFF289 on October 19, 2021, 08:43:38 am
Way to go Jeff. Congrats.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: justdrive4 on October 20, 2021, 11:42:01 am
You are doing a great job with this build. Looks like you had a fun and productive day modifying this car.  :cheers:
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on December 22, 2021, 09:27:51 am
while it’s not complete yet, for the moment it’s done.

And a significant milestone has been reached - I’ve driven it (not far, to be fair) under its own power for the first time since 2004.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-231121153115.jpeg)
Apart from the door panels, the interior is in.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-231121152757.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-231121152949.jpeg)

The headlight buckets need to come off and everything needs to go into them, then the grill, lower valance and spoiler etc, then the rear slats need repainting or replacing - I haven’t decided which.

But it’s now in storage as I’m moving the family interstate and we’re off to the sunshine and warmth. My mum is nearly 91 and needs help and my sister has carried the load all by herself for too long - so time for me to step up.
We’ve bought a new place and I’ll get the garage sorted and move the cars up mid-next year, so no more updates until then.
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-231121153221.jpeg)
 
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 05, 2022, 06:24:04 pm
so - we're closer....
Stripe kit is on, spoiler and slats to go on tomorrow then it gets packed into a truck and comes back to me....

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-051022030839.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-051022030922.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-051022030955.jpeg)

Then it'll get the door cards on, seat belts in (any recommendations??) front bumper, head lights and grill, then I get to DRIVE the damn thing...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on October 10, 2022, 07:59:52 pm
Just in relation to seat belts I had retractable seat belts put in my 69 Mach 1. They allow me to bend forward to get to the handbrake without having to undo the seat belt each time.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 11, 2022, 06:13:21 pm
Excellent - do you remember the supplier - and were the centre buckles on stalks or lose?
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on October 12, 2022, 05:16:41 pm
Excellent - do you remember the supplier - and were the centre buckles on stalks or lose?

They were fitted by Image Classic Cars here in SA. The seat belt tag states HEMCO Industries Ph 1300 065 057. The centre buckles are on stalks.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: Dwayne on October 12, 2022, 06:13:44 pm
They were fitted by Image Classic Cars here in SA. The seat belt tag states HEMCO Industries Ph 1300 065 057. The centre buckles are on stalks.

They certainly do some great work there.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: mwizz on October 12, 2022, 11:05:14 pm
They certainly do some great work there.

Indeed they do Dwayne
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: GEOFF289 on October 13, 2022, 06:50:12 pm
Here's another belt supplier option. I have them in my car.

https://www.seatsafe.com.au/
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: 69candy on October 14, 2022, 06:42:23 pm
got mine from here Jiffy. Stalks in the middle. https://www.willshire.com.au/
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 20, 2022, 08:50:26 am
thanks guys - I need to get some bucks together and buy them.

Have to sell some stuff...
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on October 26, 2022, 06:19:40 am
ok - got them home...

https://youtube.com/shorts/H7LM0OAAu8U?feature=share (https://youtube.com/shorts/H7LM0OAAu8U?feature=share)

(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-161022113536.jpeg)
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: ag71 on October 28, 2022, 04:13:11 pm
looking good,
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on August 23, 2023, 12:34:02 pm
Registered and on the road - with bugs to iron out....
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-020723225933.jpeg)
(https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-020723230111.jpeg)

Drove it a few times and it pinged its head off and fouled the plugs - went back to 66 main jets and runs much better - timing advances too quickly so will sort that out.

Likes 12 degrees initial to start, but pings when accelerated. Checked timing and it gets to a maximum of 25-27 degrees by about 1,750rpm but doesn't really advance any more than that.

Will recurve it to start at about 12, get to around 34 by about 4,000rpm
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on August 28, 2023, 12:13:52 pm
ok - bought a MSD distributor spring kit and had a play in the weekend and got the advance where I wanted it. 12 initial, no real advance until about 1,500rpm, then progressively advances until about 4,500rpm when it has around 24 mechanical or 36 total. Seems really happy, fingers crossed.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: 69candy on August 31, 2023, 06:16:10 pm
nice, will it do a skid now?? want proof!
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on August 31, 2023, 10:36:30 pm
Well - i did a little one almost by accident, but I think I'd have to be particularly hard on it to melt some rubber with tall tires and a Close Ratio toploader running through 3.00:1 gearing.

Time will tell - I've done about 150km's now, about time for it's first oil change.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: AussiePhil on September 01, 2023, 04:26:47 am
Hey Jiffy,
Great transformation from this photo!

https://www.428cobrajet.org/forum/gallery/184-230420234749-4963946.jpeg

The government gives out incentives for all sorts of crap! Maybe Car Manufacturers should do the same on total rebirths of bring back from the dead stories like this!

Cheers Phil.
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on September 19, 2023, 08:38:01 pm
Thank you sir!
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: GEOFF289 on February 02, 2024, 08:10:36 am
ok - bought a MSD distributor spring kit and had a play in the weekend and got the advance where I wanted it. 12 initial, no real advance until about 1,500rpm, then progressively advances until about 4,500rpm when it has around 24 mechanical or 36 total. Seems really happy, fingers crossed.

I put one of these in mine to fine tune the ignition timing. Very happy with it.

https://progressionignition.com/
Title: Re: '69 Mach1
Post by: jiffy on February 02, 2024, 01:39:31 pm
Quote from: GEOFF289
I put one of these in mine to fine tune the ignition timing. Very happy with it.

https://progressionignition.com/

I imagine it would be fine, but I am trying to keep this as numbers matching as possible. All the date codes and part numbers line up...