Being that it's a 4 door, just fix what needs to be fixed and enjoy it for what it is. Restoring it would be a waste of money.
Another idea is to go to your local pick and pull. Find a very cheap panel in poor shape and use it as a teaching tool. You'll be able to cut, weld, bondo, paint or whatever else you're into without any fear or reservations.
It's a 4 door, look at the one in Michigan, the owner poured loads of money into it, and it was tough to even find any interest in the car. If it was a 2 door, then it would have sold a lot easier, maybe not for a lot of money, but for more than a 4 door.
I understand people have no interest in four doors, but I love four doors. I'd be fixing it up for myself. I love Mavericks and Mustangs. And as for where I live, I live in Hendersonville, NC. Anyone close to that? Haha.
I've had my Grabber for over 30 years. I have no intention of ever selling it, and I hear all the time how it is in bad shape and I should replace the body. It's my high school car, with tons of memories. I have replaced lots of rusty panels, and next week it goes to the frame shop for a little tug on the rear (it got sandwiched 25 years ago and slightly bent the frame rails) Then I will work on the body for paint... I just wanted to throw that in there, because I always hear how someone says one particular car is junk and not worth saving. If you want to flip cars and make money, Mavericks ain't the best car. If you intend to keep a 4 door and put lots of money in it, I say "go for it!" I've even had a 4 door once, oh, and one of those "Comets" too! Enjoy what you have!!!
Try making a post in the parts wanted section. Someone might hook you up with the doors cheap. Not as likely on the hood, but you never know.
Ford made 4-door Mavericks so that 40 years later, there would be parts-cars to fix up the 2-doors. In any case, that is a good car for you to learn on. It can be a great educational experience for you. 'Wish you luck.
Sometimes 4dr cars can be found in original and unmolested condition. Often a 2dr has been hot-rodded and modified numerous times over the past 40 years. Having both a 2dr and 4dr, I can say I get more use out of the 4 dr as a summer driver. That car is definitely worth saving, fixing with the resources the owner has. In North Carolina there should be still some supply of relatively rust free body parts available.
I absolutely love this car. It's my first. I worked and saved my money and I'm loving it. I know it will probably take years til I fix her up fully, but I know when I'm old, I'll appreciate it. Haha.
I found this to true on a few spots on my car but I then replaced each piece with new metal - you have to take all of the hidden rust out in order to get back to solid metal where a welder can tack without burning through the junk
And there isn't a THING wrong with that! My first Maverick (also my first car) was a 77 4dr. It was a 6 cylinder car that my parents paid $100 for me to learn on when I was 14 years old. My father said he wanted me to appreciate what was involved in repairing and fixing a car before I started driving HIS. I spent tons of hours working on that car and learned a bunch!! I wouldn't have the confidence to have torn my Grabber apart if I had not have spent all that time making mistakes and figuring stuff out for myself on my 4dr. The first crack at my car involved pop-rivets and spray-can paint-jobs. I eventually bought a welder, and taught myself how to paint and do body work with more professional tools. There is nothing wrong with restoring/fixing a 4dr. Good luck!:Handshake
