flyingbison

Does anyone know how to distinguish a 1971 fastback from a mach 1971 on the spot, as in not checking vin numbers through computer. Im gunna go see a mach 1 and I was wondering if anybody had some cues to look for to confirm that it is a mach 1. The car has to no paint job/just primer. thanks

atomsk680

if the car has the vin it will look like

1
F/T
02-fastback or 05-mach 1
(engine code)
(consecutive code)

02 for fastback or 05 for mach1

72351CJ

I think the OPs question was, Is there a way to know the difference between a 71 fastback & a 71 Mach1 by sight. Not by vin. number..

What would he look for, becides the Vin..

THUMPIN455

Well since Mach parts are easy to put on a sports roof, and usually the doors and dash pad are around the car, its relatively easy to check and see if its a Mach by the VIN.. There is no sure way to tell without having the numbers and letters that tell you.. the 71 rustbucket outside has 02 in it, even though it had a bunch of Mach pieces on it. No need for a computer, just remember the code and where it is in the VIN and you are golden..

rwh129

Checkfor chrome on the hood lip and around the fenders. I believe the Mach 1 didn't have chrome it was painted. But they are right the best way to check is the vin#. It is easy to just put Mach 1 parts on to a fastback.

flyingbison

arites that sounds easy, thanks

bw71mach1

You can also check these:
Front bumper is painted
Rear shock should be staggered (not just for Mach 1's)
Front seats may have insets of a different color.
Door panels could be deluxe bust doesn't have to be.

hyena429

ya.the vin is so easy to check for.on the dash or in the door..i would decode its numbers...only takes about 5 secs and a peice of paper ...i can decode one with a glance...easy to remmeber ..plus,,just cause its a mach 1..doesnt mean its right...the vin will atleast tell you what model it is..and what motor code...very importaint..i wouldnt buy one with out decoding it..too easy to fake a mach out of a regular fast back...i have seen alot of them sold to folks who thought they had a mach 1...plus you mite wanna know what motor code it is...h..m..q...3 ways to find the code..on the dash mat....in the door..and on the title

flyingbison

Can you make up a vin and do an example? atomsk said that "02" stands for mach1, also should i check multiple vin locations on the car?

atomsk680

sure

mach1 - 1F05M100001

fastback - 1F02F100001

the vin is on the dash, and in the shock tower inside the engine bay, and on the door sticker