Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof, my RARE (snicker) 1973 SportsRoof Mustang (#SR73).
I’m catching up on the fuel issue with my 351 Cleveland.
I didn’t notice but in the last posting at the very end of the video when I’m attempting to start the car there is an issue with the carb. I totally didn’t catch it at the time nor did I see it in the video.
I really struggled with trying get a video on the removal and installation of the new Speedmaster Fuel pump. One of the hazards of working on a ‘semi-cool’ car like my Mustang – outside in the driveway, is that neighbors love to peek in on the status and of course chat. The installation had some many interruptions that the video was choppy and salvageable. I had some misgivings about the Speedmaster pump, more exactly the lack of support – no instructions for adjusting the configuration(which required disassembly to accommodate different applications and no specs on the fittings required). I did managed to get few tips and the after math. Here’s what it looked like:
So clearly it was not the fuel pump nor was it vapor lock but in fact it was the floats. I tackle the those in next post!
Thanks for checking in on #ProjectSportsRoof (#SR73).
Bill finished up the restoration and installation of his ’68 RoadRunner (#ProjectBeepBeep).
If you haven’t watched this group of videos, you should! When you do grab a notepad because there are tip in each one that make the restoration, easier, quicker and last longer.
Thanks for checking back!!
Great job Bill!
More coming up with #ProjectBeepBeep and more on my ’73 Mustang SportsRoof #ProjectSportsRoof (#SR73).
As I sorted out the fuel issues with my ’73 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof) (#SR73) I was asked about the fuel system and what I used for reference.
I have all the manuals and specs with diagrams but the best I’ve found is from a a sales catalog. National Parts Depot has it laid out and labeled. You’ll have to excuse their SKU numbers but it’s a great resource.
Check it out: – OH I will have an update on the fuel issue coming up next, along with shocks and some other work being done on #SR73.
So much work going on with my ’73 Mustang (#ProjectSportsRoof, #SR73), new carb, brakes, shocks it would seem that there should be time for the smaller projects. But currently due to the pandemic supplies locally are focused on newer cars and the things that don’t sell quickly aren’t being stocked at the local auto parts stores. Most major parts have to be ordered and shipping times are Sooooooooooooooo Slooooooow, that there is time for these side project.
What better way to spend that time then to get the Mustangs shock tower braces ready for installation. Waiting until all or most of the engine work is done before actually installing them, because I don’t want work around them or keeping removing them to gain access to upper parts to the engine. But they need painting. I opted not to use the chrome plated option and go with steel and paint them myself.
Why bother adding Shock Tower Braces? Dude….for unibody chassis, like the early Mustang had (only sub-frames) they provide extra stiffness between the shocks. Helps keeps things from twisting when doing some “spirited” driving or on the track.
Here is the prep of the braces for my Mustang:
Part II will be coming soon and you’ll show awful the first shots of paint turned out.
Also brakes and and upholstery coming for the big Stang.
As I shelter in place during the 2020 CoVid19 historic event (why didn’t they call it CovVid2020? that would have been cool…actually I really don’t care. m) I pondered many things. One of the most important ponderings (not a word) was the difference in body styles of the 1973 Mustangs like #ProjectSportRoof (#SR73).
According the all the numbers and confirmed by my Marti Reports (plug – the folks at Marti Auto Works are have access to soooo much Ford (and other brands) information. I always get their full set of reports and invoices/window stickers/data plates etc for my cars. That includes for my 1970 Mustang Coupe, my 2004 Ford SportTrac (pickup) and my 1973 SportsRoof – if you’ve never heard of them #1 Where you’ve been? and # 2 – Here ya go – https://www.martiauto.com.) #ProjectSportsRoof is a SportsRoof, not a Mach I. It’s body code is a 63D. As far as numbers goes that’s a good thing if you want/like unique. With only just over 10k produced (10,820 to be exact) my #SR73 is the lowest production body style for the last year of the Big Stangs. And we all know that – low production equals rare and rare equals more desire and more desire equals more value. (It doesn’t really – at least not always and not in this case…yet…check with me in about 100 years.) Just to give you the rest of the data, Mach I’s (body style 63R) numbers are over 35k – the 2nd highest. First highest is 2dr hard top (body style 65D) at 51,480, followed by Grande (body style 65F) at just over 25k, and by then the Convertible, body style 76D at 11,953.
The fact that there are different designations for the body styles (back to my pondering) what is the difference? I’m looking for the answers for at least the my 63D vs. 63R. Maybe even the between Grande (65F) and the 2dr hardtop (65D).
I think it would be “nice to know info”. For example all the welds on the SportsRoof were done by blind, one armed welders, using a mirror. (that’s not true…I don’t think!) I’d like to know that. There’s one response suggesting that they have a “…unique body code due to the added standard features.” Which is not specific enough. My SportsRoof came with Mach 1 interior package and slotted aluminum wheels those could be add by checking a box when ordering.
So I’ll keep send out quires and see if I can get anything more refined.
But the fact that my body designation is unique is cool. I have a habit of selecting unique cars. My 1970 Mustang was one of only about 11k produced that year, last of the medium sized Stangs. My 1984 Corvette was first year unique, for body style, engine, Z51 suspension and lowest drag coefficient windshield up to that point (yes…really).
If you think you know or have a guess drop me a note and I’ll update this post, or write a new one with and update.
Every Muscle (or classic or older) car owner has a list of little things that need to be tackled. (see notes the bottom of article)
For me the list is long:
Fix mirrors
Fix locks
Fix door handle
Adjust the hood…..I”ll stop here but there’s more….much much more!!!
Bill popped over yesterday and we tweaked the new carb (you’ll see that in a bit) and timing on the 351 Cleveland and while we were test driving #ProjectSportsRoof – #SR73 (Yeah…I just added that) we had a bit of a problem with the brakes. Rear’s were grabbing and the fronts locked up after a few trips up and down the road. So I’ve ordered parts for those and put moving #SR73 on hold.
Now is a perfect time to shorten the “Little Things” list.
Some time ago when I was removing the heater box/AC box and discovered there has been a leak – many moons ago and there was some rust damage. It could have stayed that way for the next 30 years but I didn’t want to leave unattended. Now, if you are a purest, please stop reading right read and DON’T WATCH THE VIDEO!!. I could have cut out the rust and shaped a piece of sheet metal and at least riveted it in and given it a shot or primer. But I didn’t. It’s hidden, no chance it is going to get worse in the Arizona climate. Here is what I did:
Thanks for stopping by. We love comments…..drops us a note!
Tim
NOTES: Every now and again I need to remind readers what this blog is really about. It’s about what average guys, with average skills, an average toolbox and average working guys budget do to their cars. Mostly I’m chronicling the progress on my cars and share successes and failures, ups and downs and the smiles and frustrations. It’s not meant to be a HOW TO, but to encourage shade tree restorer to take on a project. I hope you enjoy checking in on the project like #ProjectBeepBeep and #ProjectSportsRoof and any of the car ‘stuff’ that appears here.
I always want your comment and questions, positive nor negative.
Bill stopped by and we tweaked the timing and carb on #ProjectSportsRoof.
For the first time the stars of this blog are in the same Air Space!
Check it out!
It was a good day. The tweak smoothed out the new carb and I don’t think I ever saw Bill this happy working on BeebBeep. It must be he’s really a Ford guy at heart (Oh his daily driver – A MUSTANG!!).
