Project Boss: Drive Train & Engine Removal

I was fortunate to find a very good ’70 Mustang Mach 1 fastback (as you can see… someone cloned a Boss 302) in Pompano Beach, Florida.  I sold a ’56 T-Bird through this dealer, Cool Car’s, and while delivering the T-Bird, I returned home with the Mustang in my enclosed car hauler.   This car had a 302-4V, 4 speed manual transmission and a positive-track 3.30:1 rear end.  My main interest is the body, glass and interior.  I’ll replace the engine, drive train, rear-end, all suspension.  I’ll repaint, upgrade/redo the interior, new 17″ wheels and tires, 13″ big brake kit, Flow Master exhaust and add security & sound.

As you can see, the car is pretty straight and has good glass.

The interior is pretty complete also and gives me a very good starting point for my project.  The instruments even include a rare and working tachometer!

 
Let the dismantling begin!  This was a good weekend to begin the actual dismantling to kick off the Boss 429 project.  It started off with a quick add on Craigslist to sell the Engine, drive train and the Wheel/tires.  Within two hours…. everything sold!!  So, proceed to put the Mustang on jack stands to start the process.

I removed the starter, carb, battery, all eng. wire connections, radiator/fan, motor mounts and dropped the headers.

Prior to the actual Engine being pulled, the drive shaft was removed, 4spd top loader transmission unbolted and dropped

Now that the engine is totally free, the engine hoist was attached and the engine came out easily…… After the engine was out and clear of the car, the bell housing was removed to all the engine to be mounted to the engine stand.

Now that the engine and the entire drive train was removed it allowed me to closely inspect the frame rails and underbody sheet metal.  Sure, I found the usual floor panel rust which is relatively easy to cut our and weld in new panels…. but I was very pleased to see the main structural parts were in tack.

My next post will detail the removal of the front suspension and shock towers to make ready for the new coilovers/rack & pinion suspension…. then followed by a total interior removal.  I ordered a Roto 2000 Auto Rotisserie to really allow me to do this project correctly!!!  It will be well worth the investment.  I can use for my next project, or sell and get most my money back.  Hopefully, my two post lift will arrive today 😉

Stay tuned…. Mark