70 grabber clone build, resources for the restoration

Hi everyone I’m building my 1970 Ford Maverick.
I bought it in 2002 and have enjoyed it the entire time
It hasn’t had a motor since 2010 but I’m planning on putting a 289 in it
It has disc brakes in the front and I’m installing the new brake petal assembly bracket for the power booster soon

I’m rebuilding a 8” rearend right now and hope to have it installed soon

I started research on ordering parts that I need and I’m coming up with used old stock that is as old as my car

I’m looking for weather stripping for the doors and the track of the window, also the back wing windows
Seems like everyone only has the windshield or back window. I don’t want to buy multiple kits and end up with 3 windshield gaskets at the end

I’m going to be rebuilding the heater ac box next and I can’t find the seal kit

I’m planning on updating my dash gauges, under dash, center console, bucket seats, cruise control, gas tank, front suspension, rear suspension, electrical wiring

I’m just hoping to talk and brainstorm during my build

 

There's no specific seal kit for restoring heater box that I am aware of. I and others, use kit for early Mustangs that had some mod's associated to make it work. Can't recall which kit off-hand, will look in records later...

 

The Mustang stop I went to yesterday said that if I bring my box in they might have something. I’m hoping that using the factory interior ac components that it will do good for me. I’m planning on updating the under the hood parts

 

I suggest having the evaporator tested for leaks while the box is out. Clean and paint the metal parts in the box -- most likely have lot of rust on them. Check/test the vaccum motors and blower resistor. I had to replace the vac motor near the pass door -- easier done w/ box on bench.
I used under hood upgrade kit from Classic Auto Air; I find they are a good vendor to work w/. Had their setup for about 6 yrs. works pretty well, no complaints.

 

Getting closer, I hope to install the axel shafts this weekend.

I ended up ordering KYG G2 rear shocks and I’m looking ether to add a leaf or buying leaf springs off a Ford Granada

 

I’m hoping to replace the vacuum motors for piece of mind. Thank for the info on the under hood kit. What motor are you running. Did you use the stock mounting plate for the ac compressor and did you do anything with your pulleys
I was looking at the aftermarket Crome serpentine belt conversion kit and the stock 5.0 Black serpentine kit and wasn’t sure what route to go

 

Found a shop to rebuild my leaf springs and also add a leaf.
I also figured out what I’m going to do with the fuel cell situation
I’m going to build a steel box to replace the floor wear the tank was and I’m planning on running a flat bottom 20 gallon fuel cell
I’m not quite sure on what venting system is best for our cars and I’m not sure about the vacuum hook up to the cell
Going to start cleaning the rear undercarriage to prep for undercoating
I’m staying busy

 

why do you think you need an extra leaf?

 

I’m planning on running 15’s with decent rubber and the stock springs are almost 50 years old. Everything I’ve looked into and all the speed shops, machine shops all recommended going to a 4 leaf spring.
Some of the people suggested 6 leaf E-100 van springs and Granada 4 leaf springs.
Since I bought the car it has always been low to the ground, I ran air shocks for years and now I’d rather have the springs do the work

 

The people at the speed and machine shops have probably never driven a Maverick or Comet of our vintage. Our cars are very light in the rear, they tend to bounce all over the road with stiff rear springs.

I run stock 3 leaf rear springs with rather wide 15 inch drag radials or BFGs on 10 inch wheels. In fact I'd be more pleased if the rear of my Comet sat just a tad lower.

If you are interested, pictures of Hotrock's stance are in the Garage section of this site.

 

I have 302. If your car is/was fac AC, it should have correct pulleys to start with. I am running V-belt config. w/ modern style Sanden compressor. Also, mounting bracket is part original w/ added aftermarket addition to mount compressor.
I don't have any knowledge on serpentine systems for older SBF!

I agree w/ others on the 4 leaf spring issue. I rode around on General brand 4 leaf's for 2 years w/ bone jarring ride. I wound up taking 71Gold's advice and removed the bottom leaf. That was one of the best thing's I have done to the car, and I have done plenty mechanical upgrades. I am running 70 series 2.25 tires w 26lbs air and ride is tolerable now; when I had 4 leafs ride was unbearable on all but smoothes streets.

 

What about just re-arching the original 3 leaf set up so it’s closer to factory?

 

Just get new springs. They're not all that expensive. An extra leaf will ride ROUGH unless all the leaves are thin.

Good resto resources are Melvins, Autokrafters, CJ Ponyparts, and Rock Auto.

 

Hey on the granada leafs i hear their good havnt droped the car off stands yet but ive installed 78 granada leafs and 8in with the front diskson my 70(69.5)

 

How many leafs are in the Granada springs