Hi all,

I just bought my first classic mustang - a near mint 1970 fastback, 302 V-8, auto, Ginger inside and out. It's gorgeous, but pretty naked - no stripes, scoops, spoilers, or anything else. I'm debating whether or not to dress it up into a Boss 302 clone (lowering rear, new tires/wheels, Boss stripes, black spoiler, black hood scoop, louvers). Would these cosmetic modifications add or take away from the value of the car?

I'm also wondering if it's a good idea to add power steering, power brakes, and A/C. I live in a big downtown core where the summer is hot and sweaty, and where stop and go traffic / parallel parking are constant issues. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[IMG]local://upfiles/74337/8BD6758FB0EE4464BAF7ED1719F32E8E.jpg[/IMG]

 

Very nice looking car. I would stay with the car as it is. If your going to do a boss clone, All I can say is do it right. Dont just add the scoops and paint. change the drivetrain/ engine to match a boss. I dislike it when people try to imitate a car by just changing the look.

 

+1
I say keep it like it is, or mod it to YOUR liking. Why try to make it look like something it is not. It is a nice ride.
As far as the PS and brake, do the brakes. I personally would not do the PS, just my preference though. Is the car a daily driver?

 

Do as you want and can.Its your car, but take your time in making the decision, and form an overall game plan. Don't rush things. A well conceived plan isworth its weight in gold. Think of thefinal product, the way you want it to look, and what mods you want to have. Then workfrom that. As far as "Resto" or "Original", its your car. I will say this, its only my opinion, but I think some cars are worth keeping original (all there and matching), and some are not, thosethat are missing several parts or have been previously modified, these are good canidates for the "Resto" thing. I would love a 69 to mod, but not one worthy of keeping original.Wanna sell it?

 

It won't be a daily driver (traffic is just too brutal here), but it will probably be a frequent driver (although not in the winter). I guess I'll decide on the power steering issue based on how easy it is to drive around and parallel park. But yeah, power brakes are probably a must. I have two front disc brakes and two back drums as is, but with the way people drive around here, I'll probably need the extra braking from PB.

And sorry, it's not for sale (it's my first classic car - gotta enjoy it for a while!).

 

Nice car! My wet dream isa '70 Boss 302 so personally I would throw caution to the wind and just run off into the clone mine field waving my arms over my head with glee...

There was a Boss 302 featured in Car Craft a couple of months back - it was metallic green and it had the Boss racing style wheels. Car was lowered and motor had been rebuilt - I've probably re-read that article so many times I can quote stuff and tell you what each picture had in it. I'd thrash that car if it were mine - probably land myself in traffic court too...

It's a long road to tear into a car to make it a clone - especially if you paint it. Lots of money and time - if the car is running (appears to be) and you can get behind the wheel and drive and enjoy it right now then I'd suggest keeping it running and not tearing it apart. I definately would swap to power brakes though. Huge upgrade for safety and ease of driveability!!! Air conditioning is a personal matter - do you have to look presentable when you arrive at your destination then A/C might be worthy. I'd keep the manual steering though - perhaps upgrade to a roller idler arm to improve the ease of turning. (www.opentrackerracing.com) John might haveone for the '70 or if not he can make it for you...or Day at www.Dazecars.com probably can come up with something.

I'd say drive it and enjoy it now - if you want to make changes along the way do so but don't do anything that puts your car on jack stands indefinately...they were made for driving.

 

Uh... adding a brake booster to your current system won't increase the braking effort of the car, as it only decreases the braking effort needed at the brake pedal. Since you already have discs up front, you could consider upgrading them to larger discs.

BTW - sweet ride! And yeah - do with it as you please, but promise us to never, ever say it's a "real" Boss if you do actually clone one.

 

If not a boss 302 you could always make it a mach 1 : P

 

Nice car. Have fun with it. I know I love mine. As for what to do, that is always going to be apersonal preference. I know that a classicmustang dealer in Houston, can't remember to website right now, has had a '69 Boss 302 clone on the lot for a long time before he could sell it. It was a great looking car, but a clone. I don't think they sell very well around here, but if that is what you want to play with and drive, I say do not worry too much about what will add or remove from your car's value. Just drive it like you stole it!