New to me '73 Maverick 302 Manual trans, Northern VA

Purchased this beautiful machine for 3.5k a couple of weeks ago as a summer project to fill my free time while I do my internship between semesters. I'm certainly having a great time planning my build. Basic run down of what the previous owner did before he sold it to me to pursue his drag bike projects. Lots of new engine components I.E carburetor, intake manifold, straight side piped exhaust, alternator, fuel pump, water pump, distributor, spark plugs and wires, and valve covers. All new fuel system, 15 gallon cell in the trunk. New battery and starter solenoid (I'm currently as of today working on replacing the old starter motor as it died on me). The interior is in rough shape as the front bench needs to be reupholstered and the dash/gauges/wiring are a mess. I need to wire up the turn signals, thankfully the headlights and brake lights come on just fine. The old drum brakes feel very mushy, not sure if the lines need to be bled or perhaps a front disc kit is needed. The suspension is worn out and soft lots of body roll and with the huge spaced out rear wheels the driver's side one in the rear has gotten some rub from the fender. Some minor rust from what I can tell but I'll get the full picture when I strip off this god awful looking orange that is currently on it, I'm strongly considering a dark green with a satin finish and black accents. The three speed shifts okay for the car's age, the clutch feels worn out for sure. I'll likely try and tackle a T5 swap. Lastly the radiator seems lacking in its ability to cool the engine, I've never had the engine get above 210 degrees cruising around town (haven't taken it on the highway yet). The guy I bought it from filled up my truck bed with various parts, random interior panels, rear folding window panels, some of the original fuel system parts, various chrome bits, the rear lower bumper panel, and other random stuff I can't think of right now.

Sorry if this was a long description.


TLDR: I NEED to wire the turn signals, fix up the dashboard and some gauges, bleed the brakes possibly get a front disc swap, and replace the clutch.
I WANT to get new and stiffer suspension set up. Swap the three speed for a T5, repaint it dark green, get a new three core radiator w/ pusher fan, and just in general clean up the interior.

Any advice or build inspiration would be more than welcome. I'm no mechanic aside from fluid changes and a clutch swap on my ranger I have little experience working on cars. I do have however a great community of friends and neighbors who have offered to help me work on it and let me borrow various hand tools. I have a fairly extensive set of hand tools currently nothing crazy for fabrication though.

I'd be happy to put up more pictures if anyone is interested.

 

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"minor rust" start with the drivers quarter, I think you are in for a surprise when you sand it...
why a..."pusher fan"...and not a puller?

Frank

 

Welcome to the site from northeast Ohio!!!

My advise, get and keep the car drivable. Do not take everything apart. One upgrade/repair at a time. I've seen far too many owners disassemble their cars only to loose interest in a short time.

Have fun!!!

 

from Atlantic Canada! A 70-72 front valance would be something I'd add to your NEED list. Looking forward to seeing the build unfold.

Speaking from experience, @Hotrock is right about getting into a major rebuild. Mine took almost four years, but I did make it out alive. LOL I would get the mechanical stuff done, then look at body/paint. The interior can chew up a ton of time and money as well, but it sounds like you have a plan in place.

 

Yeah I can tell a decent amount of bondo has been used there haha. There doesn't seem to be room for a puller fan with the stock one being on the engine still hence the pusher idea.

 

I completely agree, gotta get the little things done to make the big thing happen.

 

Thankfully the guy before, who's a motorcycle mechanic, cleaned up the engine pretty nicely. My work priority on it is definitely to get it mechanically sound first. Brakes, clutch, and lighting are what's mainly holding it back currently.

 

from Northeast Pennsylvania

 

Install a fan shroud and you likely won't need the pusher fan...

 

That's a good idea, but I didn't think they made them. I'm still getting the old starter motor out today. I got it unbolted but one of the steering control arms (I'm not sure if that's what it's called) is in the way of dropping it out. So I'm gonna spend the afternoon unbolting that so I can have room to take it out and put the new one in. I'll put up an update with pictures of the whole process when I'm done.

 

it will come out, just need to turn it in the right direction...

 

take the stock one off...

 

Great looking Mav. Welcome to the Forum!!!

 

to the site and good luck with your new ride!!!!!

 

Welcome from Northern California!