Maverick has been sitting for ten years. What steps should I take?

look at all you have learned for $700...
now, take water with you the next time to check the cowl before you buy it...

 

If you only have 700 in it you shouldn't have any issue recouping your money.
Trust me I learned the same lesson and I had been around mavericks for years......

 

I wish that I could see in there, just to see the extent of the damage. Any chance something is clogged and it is just overflowing?

I feel like I need to shoot compressed air in there or something. Trying something would make me feel better about the situation.

 

On the drivers side, if you twist your body into an upside down pretzel and get a good light and mirror, you should be able to see where the vent goes up into the cowl area. That's where the rot will be. Can't see the passengers side without removing the heater box.

 

Now I'm considering that if I can't sell the car, I might just buy a magnetic cover. The seller states that it is water tight, so that would fit the bill.

My car would be a beater driver, I'm not looking to restore it. The car doesn't have AC, so my windows would be down pretty much all of the time. If the magnetic cover works as described, than it would be the perfect solution to my problem.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Maverick-Cowl-Cover-1970-thru-78-Magnetic-Custom-Fits-Comet-71-to-78-/131256590786?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e8f80a1c2

 

They don't work that well, they are for sitting, more than driving.

 

Magnetic Cowl Covers

Visit your local " Sign Shop" they'll probably have some of this stuff laying around that you can purchase at a reasonable cost. These covers are made from a magnetic sheet that they trim down for SIGNS for commercial vehicles.
Cometized
( Chip )

 

That's a great idea. I have several shops in my area, I'm going to give them a call.

Since we are discussing rusty cowls, has anyone ever had a quote from a repair shop to fix this problem? What would be a realistic price that someone would expect to pay?

 

My cowls are rusted and leaking. If you find something that works well let us know.

 

I'm getting desperate. I read a post where some guy claimed that he shot spray foam in his Mustang cowl and the leak stopped.

That would be great.....or could end up really bad. :16suspect

 

I dont find it a reason to scrap a car, especially when you can store it in a garage. it can always be cut open and repaired later.

 

Hmm I doubt it lol. U try and let me know

 

ive seen it done on other cars at a body shop my friend rob ran, it can be done. lol all ya want. ive seen way more involved repairs done on some foreign cars (fiats/auto bianchis/sprites etc).

 

My body is just an old autocross beater so I've thought about cutting the cowl vents out and welding solid sheet metal back in its place. Right now mine are covered with lexan. Works ok. If your interested in that method I could help u out.

 

My comment was directed at the op not you. Im well aware the cowl can be repaired.