Detail Info for: Ford : Mustang 1970 Mustang Convertible "H code" California Car

Transaction Info
Sold On:
03/29/2012
Price:
$ 16669.69
Condition:
Mileage:
19802
Location:
Amherst, MA, 01002
Seller Type:
Private seller
Vehicle Specification
Year Make Model:
1970 Ford Mustang
Submodel Body Type:
Convertible
Engine:
8 - Cyl.
Transmission:
Automatic
VIN:
0F03H156312
Vehicle Title:
Clear
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:
Vehicle Detail
1970 Mustang Convertible Up for auction is a well preserved, documented and rare “H-Code” 1970 mustang convertible. There were just 7,673 Mustang convertibles produced in 1970 and of those, only 851 with this particular engine and transmission code. This car maintains its original 8 cylinder, 351 Cleveland -2V engine, FMX transmission , 3.0 standard rear axle and rare factory air conditioning. This is a very solid, rust free California mustang which has been well maintained and cared for over the years. Given the fact this car was equipped with an engine/transmission typical on the Mach 1, I decided it would be fitting to add a mach 1 appearance package to this vehicle. These upgrades include hood scoop, hood locks, dual factory correct exhaust with correct exhaust tips, front spoiler, rear valence with cut outs and magnum 500‘s . Although there was no mach 1 convertible produced by Ford, all of these upgrades are correct for the 1970 model year and could have easily been added as dealer options, so I don’t believe these features detract at all from the authenticity of this vehicle. History Based on the Marti report and original dealer invoice (included with this sale), the car was manufactured at the Dearborn plant and delivered to Courtesy Ford of Baytown, TX in January 1970. When I purchased this vehicle in 1999 from an elderly lady in Reseda, California she informed me she had owned the vehicle for about 9 years and had kept it garaged, using it as a weekend car and for special occasions. When I purchased the car, it had the old blue and yellow California license plates with 6 digits. (see photos) From my research, it appears these are from the early 70’s and seem to indicate the car was moved from Texas to California not long after it was sold to the original owner. When I bought the car in 1999, I was provided with full maintenance records showing the car had been serviced regularly by the previous owner. Although the odometer at the time I purchased the car read just over 2,000 miles, I honestly have no idea what the actual mileage is. The current mileage is nearly 20,000, which averages about 1,300 miles a year since we have owned it. For my wife and I, this car has been a pleasure to own and drive for the last 13 years. It has always been garaged , serviced and maintained as if we intended to keep it forever. We have driven it regularly, but not as a daily driver. We mainly use it for going to car shows, weekend driving or other special occasions. Since moving to the East coast in 2006, we have kept the car garaged year round, driving it mostly spring to fall or whenever the roads are dry. We are hoping to pass this car on to someone who can appreciate and enjoy it just as we have. Although it's difficult parting with this car, we have decided at this stage in our lives it just isn’t practical for us to own anymore. Without question, that is the one and only reason its up for auction. Exterior The show quality paint job was completed in August 2003. Due to the quality of materials and maintenance over the years, the car maintains nearly the same appearance it did when the paint was new. The original bright blue metallic paint, medium blue interior and white top were removed in favor of the current “triple black” package. The work was performed by a small but very professional body shop in Hawthorne, California called Richard Paris Enterprises that specializes in show quality restorations. The car was stripped completely down to the bare metal, exposing the original sheet metal, then treated to resist corrosion, primed and given a two stage show quality paint job with the highest quality DuPont materials. As you can see from the pictures, the body was in exceptional condition for a car of this age, showing very few flaws. The minor door dings etc. that were present were removed through metal working with very little need for filler in the restoration process. After the paint was applied, all gaskets and weather stripping were replaced before installing the chrome. The interior was restored with correct vinyl seats and carpet. The convertible top is a high quality replacement from EZ-ON with a correct split glass rear window. I recently had the car color sanded and buffed. As you can see from the photos, the mirror finish looks incredible. If you come see the car in person, you can gain a better appreciation of the fully documented $8,600 I paid to have the exterior of the car restored. The body is in exceptional condition with clean straight lines free of any dings, dents or noticeable scratches. The doors and quarters line up evenly and all doors, trunk lid and hood open and close as they should. The only imperfections on the body include a few small places on the lower rear quarters where the paint blistered due to some slight surface corrosion. The metal is very solid however and I can only surmise this occurred due to a failure of the primer to adhere properly in these areas. This occurred a few years after the paint job was completed and I treated the areas promptly with POR. The areas have not worsened since I treated it and frankly, I have not bothered to have the areas fixed because they really go unnoticed unless you are looking closely. When I had the car painted, I replaced the driver side rear floor and rear tail light panel with correct sheet metal. A previous owner replaced the driver front floor. Interior The carpet and upholstery have been replaced and are in excellent condition. The metal interior pieces including top of doors and rear quarter panels were bead blasted and repainted. The vinyl portion of the rear quarters was professionally died and still looks very presentable. There are a few blemishes you can see in the photos, but nothing too serious. All weather stripping and window felts were replaced. The dashboard is covered with a high quality dash cover that gives it the look of the original dash without having to replace the whole unit. I did not adhere the dash cover, so it can be easily removed. The original dash has a small crack in the center speaker area which is shown towards the end of the pictures below. The gauges area and glove box could use some detailing or restoration, but overall very presentable. Mechanical I used to spend my pay checks on Ford NOS, OEM and concourse correct automotive parts. Now I spend it on gymnastics, guitar lessons, etc. (you get the picture!). Anyway, the point is, over the past 13 years I have invested a considerable amount of money taking care of this car and keeping it in top condition. Whenever possible I used Ford, concourse correct and quality USA made replacement parts. Look closely at the photos and you can see “autolite” correct stampings on hoses, spark plug wires, regulator, radiator cap, hose clamps etc. I have complete records of all the parts I have purchased and mechanical work performed on the car. I will happily allow any prospective buyer to examine the mustang and records before placing a bid. As shown in the video, the 351 Cleveland engine runs smooth and strong, the car tracks straight down the road, with no weird vibrations, rattles or unusual noises. There are no fluid leaks to speak of, even when the car is not driven for extended periods of time. The following mechanical items have been replaced since I have owned the car: Engine- Wires, plugs, belts, hoses, valve covers painted and replaced w/new gaskets, new oil pan and gasket, oil and filter changed regularly Transmission- Completely rebuilt transmission including torque converter and valve body. Shift kit and stainless steel lines added. Pan gasket replaced. Aamco lifetime warranty. Transmission has been checked annually by Aamco since 2002. Ignition System- Battery, battery tray and hold down clamp, starter, voltage regulator, ignition coil, solenoid, alternator, point system replaced with electronic ignition, Fuel System- Fuel tank and sending unit, fuel filter Cooling System- Radiator re-cored and painted, radiator mounting brackets, fan shroud, water pump, all hoses replaced, coolant flushed annually Air Conditioning System- System was pressure checked and charged in 2007 and worked fine. Has not been charged since, so does not cool as well. Compressor, condenser and all hoses and a/c equipment are present and otherwise operable. Steering & Suspension- Coils, KYB shocks, leaf springs, control arms (upper and lower), sway bar, tie rods , idler arm, new bushings, insulators as required. Power steering control valve and all new power steering hoses. Exhaust- Complete correct exhaust from the manifold back including original style clamps and hangers. Note: this car originally came with a single exhaust. The installed system was typical on a 1970 mach 1. The H-pipe did not provide enough room to re-install the bolt-on steel plate that goes between the lower reinforcement pans. (This part is specific to convertibles) I have a new plate that goes with the sale and can be installed if you choose to modify the exhaust so it fits. Wheels, Tires, Brakes- Magnum 500 rims w/ BF Goodrich radials P235/60 R15 w/ raised white lettering, master cylinder, complete brake job w/ new rotors and pads. Power front disc brakes w/ drums in rear. Electrical- headlight switch, all new bulbs, horn switch, correct type stereo, speakers. Much of the original wiring is still in tact. The turn signals function properly, however, the dash light for the left turn signal is burned out. The clock on the passenger side dash does not work. The turn signal indicators on the hood scoop are not wired. Disclaimer- I have done my best to describe and provide photo/video documentation of this vehicle. Although I have gone to great lengths to describe this vehicle in detail and to the best of my knowledge, there may be some small items I have overlooked. Please be mindful this car is over 40 years old and being sold "as is" with no warrantees expressed or implied. I encourage all serious bidders to inspect the car in person or by a mechanic of your choosing. I am willing to accommodate serious bidders however I can to ensure you are well informed of the condition of this vehicle before placing your bid. I can be reached at (413) 218-4733 if you have any questions. I reserve the right to cancel bids of anyone with fewer than 10 positive feedbacks. Payment- A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within 3 days of the close of auction. The balance is due within 1 week. All funds must be paid by certified or bank check and funds must clear my account before the car will be released to you. Clear Massachusetts title in hand. Pick up- The vehicle must be picked up within 1 week of payment. I am willing to work with you or shipper to arrange delivery, just let me know. The closest airport is Hartford, Connecticut. Fly in and drive home! Good Luck and hope it finds a good home! BLEMISHES VIDEOS On Mar-25-12 at 17:21:28 PDT, seller added the following information: I received a few inquiries about the power top. It works great, open and closes smoothly. On Mar-26-12 at 18:15:20 PDT, seller added the following information: Full Records Available for Inspection:Paint/Body Work/Mechanical and Parts