MachSpeed73

Hello everyone - I am new to this forum and from what I've read so far, this is a great place to get info and advice. I have a 1973 Mach 1, 351 Cobra Jet. I bought it 4 years ago. It was restored about 12 years ago, and needs a little TLC to be show quality.

I live in upstate NY and only drive it about once or twice a week during the summer. I've had a lot of problems keeping my battery charged. My thought is because I only drive short trips that it never has the chance to charge. I had the alternator belt changed when I got it - is there an easy test to make sure the alternator is working properly? Although I grew up around cars, my tech knowledge is pretty basic - so learning about this car is a lot of fun.

I'd like to get the car back to (or as close as I can) to original. Is there a specific battery everyone recommends? I think the Motorcraft brand was out in the 70's. I need something that still functions well when the car sits for a week or so.

Any advance is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

andrewmp6

You can take the alternator off take it to autozone they can test it for free.The factory battery should have been a autolite one i believe but if its not a show car run whatever battery you like.

2+2GT

In 1972, Ford sold Autolite, so a 73 would have a Motorcraft battery. Best thing to do for a car that's mostly stored is a Battery Tender. I have one on a 10-year-old show battery, and it still works perfectly, every time.

MachSpeed73

2+2GT,

Thank you for the response. Was 1973 the first year Ford branded the name "MotorCraft"? I looked at a few websites that sell replica antique batteries and the cutoff for the Autolites that went in the Fords was 1973.