1973 Ford Maverick Project

I came across a good deal on a parts car a few weeks ago. It's a 71, with a v8. Most of the front frame is gone, quarters, cowl, floor pans, etc. The main reason I traded for the car was the v8 they had in it. This past Sunday, we have just about stripped the vehicle of all the good parts. Here are a few pics highlighting what we accomplished on this project.

"But your project is a '73?" you ask. Well, this v8 shown below will be going into my '73 within the next two weeks. All that is left on the engine is the transmission bolts, cross member, and headers. I got quite a few good parts from this deal. Small bumpers all the way around. Bucket seats, grille and round medallion, 3 core aluminum radiator, mag wheels, deluxe gas cap, front and rear valances, rock guard and so on and so forth.

 

does your parts car have manual steering? nice work so far.

 

Thanks, I appreciate that. Yes, it does have manual steering. It has manual brakes as well.

 

would you be interested in selling the manual steering box? i also noticed in your picks you are a dipper as well. i have being dipping for 18 years now and would love to quit but boy its hard to give up.

 

Dipper? No, not me. My Dad does though. At the moment, no, I don't want to sell too much until I get this project how I want it. Never know when you might need something.

 

Yeah I know how that goes soon as you sell something all of a sudden you need it.

 

Took the v8 out of the donor car this weekend. Here are a few pics:

 

I missed subscribing to your build thread when you first began it but it looks like you're making great progress now

 

Hey, thanks! I appreciate that. Seems like it's took forever to get this far. I'm not giving up though.

 

Don't feel bad - I've been working on my car since 1989

 

Well, I got lucky. When I first bought the car, it was in really great shape, body-wise. I've seen people start with way worse than that. The worst part on mine was the battery case. Also, the back windshield seal is leaking and I haven't even started on that project yet. The back package tray is badly damaged due to the water. I'm hoping it didn't too much else damage. The trunk is in great shape, so it hasn't leaked too much. I now keep it under a car cover.

 

Looks like someone made the rad support removable, they spent some time on that car.

 

Yes, someone did. From what I could tell, the radiator that was on it wasn't the one that should have been on it. All the hoses were spliced with couplings and crossed a bunch of ways. I'm guessing they made all those tabs to make up for it being the wrong-fitting radiator.

 

Got a few more things done today. Got most of the engine took apart. Good thing I did too. Something has happened down inside where the distributor goes. Lots of chewed up metal. The head gasket was blown. Found little pieces of metal in the heads as well. Also, they used caulking/silicone for an intake gasket. Here are some pics. Any ideas as to what happened where the metal is chewed up? Also, anybody recognize what pistons they used?