Finally Got My Dream Machine - Looking For Assistance In Chicagoland

1073 Views 23 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Roddster, 5 mo ago

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

Hey guys, I finally got a decent 1971 Mustang Convertible with most of the specs I wanted. 351c 4v C6 3 speed trans. There was lots of work done to it including rebuilt motor and trans, new interior, paint, exhaust and more but there are some things I need help with.

I'm looking for a club to join in the Chicago area (I'm in the Brookfield area). I'm stuck on a few things like getting it running smooth and driving straight. I can't figure out how to time this, (don't see a timing tab), bleeding the brakes (can't do it alone) and front end alignment (take it to a shop?).

If anyone can make some recommendations on a club near me and some folks that might be able to help, I'd really appreciate it. I just don't know any shops that work on classic like this that are reliable or know the old cars still. I'm new to the Mustang scene in Chicagoland but I've had several ol beauties in the past so I know my way around these machines fairly well, but am limited.

Thanks in advance.

-jim

Reactions: 1

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

kenash

· #2 · 6 mo ago

Welcome, I see this is your first post. You came to the right place........Fortunately, if you go to "FORUMS" and scroll down the page, there is a list of VMF Chapters. "Chi-town" is the first on the list. Now, let's' start with adding a little more information in your "Signature" (make and model etc.) and a few pics of your new, to you, ride. Car shows and C&C events are a great place to learn about what resources are available in your "Hood" for the classics.
Again, post pics, it's not difficult , select the "paper clip" icon below and follow the bouncing ball........

Reactions: 1

65fstbpieces

· #3 · 6 mo ago

Welcome Yes the Vintage Mustang Cub of Chicago is a good resource. Mustang Restorations in Dundee, Il. Does very good work on Mechanical and Body work. Bill

Reactions: 2

[email protected]

· #4 · 6 mo ago

Welcome, and as stated you have found the right forum for help!
Pictures are required or they won't believe you own a car, jus kidding but we love pics!

Reactions: 1

Master Hack

· #5 · 6 mo ago

The car in your avatar looks pretty cool! You might consider a vacuum bleeder for the brakes. The cheaper ones are.. well cheap but the devices themselves are a pretty good solo act. Welcome to the forum and good luck with the car. For the alignment you need fishin' poles, a shower curtain rod, tape measure, jack stands, a bubble level, 3 beers and an eye patch.

Reactions: 2

Stevert66

· #6 · 6 mo ago

65fstbpieces said:
Welcome Yes the Vintage Mustang Cub of Chicago is a good resource. Mustang Restorations in Dundee, Il. Does very good work on Mechanical and Body work. Bill

I'll second both these suggestions. The CVMC folks seem like a friendly group. They put on a big show at the Autobahn in Joliet every year. And I've been quite happy with some work I've had Mustang Restorations do on my '66 hardtop.

Reactions: 1

gwstang

· #7 · 6 mo ago

Master Hack said:
The car in your avatar looks pretty cool! You might consider a vacuum bleeder for the brakes. The cheaper ones are.. well cheap but the devices themselves are a pretty good solo act. Welcome to the forum and good luck with the car. For the alignment you need fishin' poles, a shower curtain rod, tape measure, jack stands, a bubble level, 3 beers and an eye patch.

Or add speed bleeders on all 4 corners. Very easy then.

Reactions: 1

MidnightExpress

· #8 · 6 mo ago

I gravity bleed with this contraption:

Bottle Liquid Bottle cap Fluid Plastic bottle

It takes forever, but I'm pretty good at drinking beer.

See less See more

Reactions: 3

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #9 · 5 mo ago

Hey thanks for the welcome and tips everyone. I was able to uncover the car today for the first time since buying it and started it up and putted around the block. It felt great. Can't wait until the weather gets better and I can start working on this again. Until then, I get sneak peaks at it and sit in the rumble seat every now and again.

Reactions: 2

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #10 · 5 mo ago

MidnightExpress said:
I gravity bleed with this contraption:
View attachment 873270
It takes forever, but I'm pretty good at drinking beer.

Ha. Yeah, I've haven't seen that one yet, but get the jist.

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #11 · 5 mo ago

gwstang said:
Or add speed bleeders on all 4 corners. Very easy then.

Thanks. I think I'd rather take it in somewhere to get the alignment done right the first time. I can peck at it for a while, but with kids ridding with me would feel safer with a professional doing that. Other things I don't mind doing, but for toting little ones in parades, need to be sure.

Reactions: 1

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #12 · 5 mo ago

Stevert66 said:
I'll second both these suggestions. The CVMC folks seem like a friendly group. They put on a big show at the Autobahn in Joliet every year. And I've been quite happy with some work I've had Mustang Restorations do on my '66 hardtop.

I'm on the waiting list to get in to Mustang Restoration. Hopefully late January. I'm looking forward to them giving it a once over and the green light for summer fun. Small tuning issues and some light body work. I had other places in mind but not sure how well they know vintage Mustangs and don't want to pay someone to learn off my car. The CVMC folks do sound great too. Looks like they do a lot. Thanks.

Reactions: 1

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #13 · 5 mo ago

[email protected] said:
Welcome, and as stated you have found the right forum for help!
Pictures are required or they won't believe you own a car, jus kidding but we love pics!

Hahaha. Yeah, more to come as I get it cleaned up and some parts replaced.

MidnightExpress

· #14 · 5 mo ago

71JCChicago said:
Ha. Yeah, I've haven't seen that one yet, but get the jist.

Cheap and simple. Allows fluid and air out, but, as long as the tube seals around the bleeder, won't allow air to reenter the system. Set it up, crack the bleeder, crack a cold snack watch the fluid levels.

Reactions: 1

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #15 · 5 mo ago

How about parts. Anyone know a good place to get good used or new parts for 71-73 Mustangs in the Chicagoland area? My rims are Magnum 500's but the car sat for a while apparently and got some rust and pitting. I'm looking for a replacement set new or used. I found them online but would like to buy local if possible. I've also got boxes of spare parts that came with the car I'd like to sell or trade including a 73' Mach 1 grill with fog lights to trade for a 71 Mach 1 with or without fog lights.

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #16 · 5 mo ago

Also, I don't think the hood paint scheme is correct. At least I don't like the square design. I like the more streamlined paint that hugs the NACA scoops and tapers down in the front. Do you guys recommend peeling the decal off (if it is) and re-decal with the other design? Or strip it off and paint it on?

Israel

· #17 · 5 mo ago

Welcome,….pics please!

Hemikiller

· #18 · 5 mo ago

Welcome from another 71 owner in CT. Not a lot of 71-73 owners on this forum, compared to the other years. You should also check out the dedicated 71-73 forum : 7173mustangs.com

Bleeding can be a one person job. Never had any luck vacuum bleeding, but pressure bleeding is another story. I picked up a Motive pressure bleeder setup a couple years ago and it's a great tool for not a lot of money. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mvp-0105

Timing tab on a 351C is down below the water pump on the passenger side.

Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Vehicle brake Alloy wheel

See less See more

Reactions: 1

Shoelessjoe75

· #19 · 5 mo ago

Check out Mustangs of Chicago in Benseville. I used to get parts from John all the time.

Reactions: 2

71JCChicago

Discussion Starter · #20 · 5 mo ago

Hemikiller said:
Welcome from another 71 owner in CT. Not a lot of 71-73 owners on this forum, compared to the other years. You should also check out the dedicated 71-73 forum : 7173mustangs.com

Bleeding can be a one person job. Never had any luck vacuum bleeding, but pressure bleeding is another story. I picked up a Motive pressure bleeder setup a couple years ago and it's a great tool for not a lot of money. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mvp-0105

Timing tab on a 351C is down below the water pump on the passenger side.

View attachment 873891

Hey thanks! That picture helps and for some reason, I don't have it on my motor. Looking into buying one now thanks.

That bleeding kit seems like a good deal and pretty easy to use.

And yeah, not as many 71-73 owners or discussions as I was hoping for here but so far those who are have been great help.

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