Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rust-Free Restorer: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Don’t be fooled by its Winter Wonderland surroundings because this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 has spent its life in a drier climate. That has allowed it to remain rust-free, making it a prime candidate for restoration. Its cosmetic needs a relatively minor, but the buyer will face some choices as they proceed along the pathway to return this classic to its former glory. If you feel up to the challenge, you will find this Boss located in Granite Falls, Washington, and listed for sale here on eBay. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $28,100, but this figure is short of the reserve.

When the previous owner purchased this Mustang in 1972, it was located in sunny California. It remained there until he sadly passed away in 2021 before moving to its current location. The original owner went to the effort and expense of having this classic undercoated, and when combined with a dry climate, it has allowed this Boss to remain rust-free. The usually prone lower body extremities like the rockers, lower rear quarter panels, doors, and front fenders, are all spotlessly clean. The supplied underside shots show that the undercoat remains intact, and there is no evidence of rot in the floors, rails, torque boxes, or shock towers. The Medium Blue Metallic paint has seen better days, and a repaint will be on the agenda. Somebody attacked this classic in the past and relieved it of its Shaker assembly and original hood. The deceased owner did not replace the Shaker and fitted a standard hood in place of the original. The exterior trim is in good condition for its age, as is the tinted glass. This Mustang rolls on a set of what appear to be relatively new Magnum 500 wheels that suit its character perfectly.

The Marti Report for this Mustang makes mouthwatering reading. It rolled off the line equipped with the 302ci Boss V8, a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a 3.50 rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. With an official 290hp on tap, this Boss would have covered the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds before winding its way to 133mph. I would love to tell you that this classic is original and numbers-matching, but sadly, I can’t. It seems that not only did somebody relieved the vehicle of its original Shaker and hood at some point, but that beautiful 302 has also disappeared. In its place, we find a 351ci Cleveland V8. The transmission is correct, but the 9″ rear end is also non-original. This V8 runs well, with no issues or problems. If the buyer isn’t focused on this vehicle’s originality, it should serve faithfully for many years. However, if a genuine Boss 302 is on their Wish List, they may need to search high and low for a replacement motor. I performed a brief search and spotted a freshly rebuilt 1970 date-coded Boss 302 for sale for around $9,000. I admit that’s a fair chunk of change, but it would return this classic to its factory specifications. It is an option that many potential buyers may consider carefully.

If considered purely as a driver-quality classic, this Mustang’s interior remains serviceable. The deceased owner installed new covers on the front seats, and these look perfect. The Sport Deck rear seat looks like it would benefit from a deep clean, but I think doing so would allow it to present nearly as nicely as the front buckets. The remaining upholstered surfaces present nicely, with no tears or physical damage. The dash and pad look spotlessly clean, and the original AM radio remains intact. One item that appears on the Marti Report but is conspicuous by its absence is the console. However, reproductions are readily available if the buyer can’t source a factory item. Otherwise, this Mustang retains its correct Hurst shifter, and in addition to the radio and Sport Deck rear seat, the original owner selected an 8000rpm factory tachometer and a clock.

Let’s say that hypothetically you are considering throwing your hat into the ring to become the next owner of this 1970 Mustang Boss 302. You already know it is a rock-solid classic with no significant rust problems. You are also aware that the original engine, Shaker assembly, and hood are missing. What is the path that you follow? Do you source a correct motor to return this classic to its factory specifications, or do you leave things as they are? It is a tough call to make, and I suspect that the numbers will be split pretty evenly between the two schools of thought. With those questions in mind, are you tempted to make a bid to become the next owner of this classic Mustang? If you’re successful, I hope you keep us updated on your progress.

Comments

  1. Avatar Sam Shive

    It’s only original once. This is the start of a sweet ride. Nothing wrong with a good 351, Nothing wrong with a flat hood. It’s solid. Build what’s here and drive it. No Need For Another Trailer Queen.

    Like 24
  2. Avatar Stan

    This vs 71 Camaro w 350 4spd ?

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Mutt

    Ford proverb: A rewarding journey begins with a single step…

    On the accelerator.

    Like 24
  4. Avatar cold340t

    Wholly shoot…. Is this the Boss that was parked for years in Albany? Off of Solano Ave. I remember seeing it parked and when the Hood was stolen too. I and friends used to gawk at it as middle/high schooler’s 79’/80’s. Shame about the 302 getting stolen.
    Small world. I love seeing cars that I recognize regularly on this site. Just not some of the back stories though. Once a car nut, always one.

    Like 14
  5. Avatar Terrry

    As long as it has the Boss 302 VIN, I’d like this car. Definitely a driver after i repainted it. These are great-looking cars.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar Boatman Member

    Two tone Boss? That’s a first for me. I almost like the roof, but not the decklid. Strange car. Do they really steal shakers? What about the 302? And the console? And the chin spoiler? Rough neighborhood.

    Like 9
    • Avatar Jost

      Two tone was not available from the factory. Someone, unfortunately, did that. Probably in the late 70’s when 2 tone cars we’re popular. If this can be bought for the right price it would be a great driver after just freshening it up and absolutely do a paint job to get rid of the 2 tone.

      Like 4
    • Avatar Sam Shive

      It’s a good thing they didn’t leave it sitting on HARBOR FRIGHT Jack Stands

      Like 6
  7. Avatar fran

    It has some nice features. I was surprised to see a clock on the marti report, I thought Bosses did not come with them, (I think I will add one to my Boss, love that look). It just might be one of many “1 or 1” cars due to the clock.
    With that said, I am not sure that there is not some underside issues, or body issues due to paint. Which makes it a non-original car.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Karl

    The car would need a bit of correction here and there first for me would be finding a correct 302, the Boss 302 was an extremely healthy engine! Then dear with all the cosmetics bringing that part back to original. When done the car would be breath takingly beautiful! It’s pretty darn nice as it sits here now!

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Yes the two tone looks goofy, no air cleaner? What is the mileage?

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Troy s

    IF this 351 C was built to ’71 Boss 351 specs, installed in the ultra cool ’70 Mustang it would be my ideal Boss Mustang, I have to believe the extra cubes from the 351 could only help here at least on the street. Of course I’m only thinking of the drive not the value..err, same thing at one time.

    Like 4
  11. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    Seems to me this is now a Mach I wearing Boss stripes rather than a Boss. The vin is worthwhile if you could source a Boss 302, but…

    Not hating on it…I’d love to roast tires with it. Just calling it what it is (imo)

    Like 3
    • Avatar Sam Shive

      Lots of 70 Mustangs had 302’s and lots more had 351’s BUT that didn’t mean they were BOSS’s or MACH 1’s Even with a BOSS 302 back in it it will never be original. I just can’t see spending all the extra $$$$$$ to make it something it’s never going to be again. Enjoy it as is and save a bunch.

      Like 5
  12. Avatar Mark Tuovinen

    Anyone got a good Boss 302 short block? I already have a brand new, never assembled, set of heads with almost all of the springs, studs, etc, that I’ve been sitting on for thirty five years. That or spice up the Cleveland that’s in it with a Bud Moore Engineering Boss 302 Mini Plenum intake manifold. I have the adapter to fit it to a Cleveland but sold my manifold years ago, maybe the guy I sold it to still has it. If the car is clean underneath I’d drive it as is and work to acquire the missing parts over time.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar joenywf64

    I think it’s got a flex-o-lite full flex stainless fan for less drag over say 35mph & better cooling at < 35 mph – may or may not need the factory fan shroud with that fan. Best to install a temp gage with numbers on it & compare to/note position of fact gage needle.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.