Hi Everyone!!! I just bought my first "classic car" today, a 1976 Maverick 4-door sedan... It's my first restoration project, and I'm really excited about getting this thing up to par. It has 93,000 miles on it, but the transmission runs excellent. I know it's going to take some work to get it up to par, but it seems like almost all of it is cosmetic... I've attached links to photos of it... http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0002.jpg The interior is in really great shape for the age of it... http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0008.jpg Here are the issues that I will end-up having to face to get this up to a good condition: 1.) Obviously, it will need a new paint job. The interior is of that olive green and black. Any suggestions on an exterior color choice would be appreciated!!!! http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0006.jpg http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0010.jpg 2.) There is a big dent on the front left panel, near the headlight. I've attached photos, so if someone could tell me where to start on it, that'd be great... I don't know if I should repair it myself, take it somewhere to get done, or if there's some place I can get a replacement. http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0016.jpg 3.) There are about a dozen "raised paint" spots, which tell me that I will need to strip that area down and primer it. 4.) The engine tends to idle really rough, shaking the car... I don't know where to begin to look to fix that... 5.) The bumpers both have a lot of rust on them, so I'll need to find a place that can re-chrome them. http://coyote.ycp.edu/~dpyle/Maverick/ADSCF0003.jpg I know it's going to take some time to get this done, but hey, that's why they call it a "project car".... Any feedback would be great...
The first thing I would do is a tuneup. I'd replace the plugs, plug wires, dist cap, rotor, points, & condenser. Then start it up & see how it runs. If it is still idles rough, I'd buy can of Sea Foam from the local parts store. Be prepared for alot of smoke (white) if it has lots of carbon buildup. If that doesn't cure the idle, I'd buy a rebuild kit for the carb & check the timing. Hopefully that will take care of the problem. If not, you may have to rebuild the engine (keep fingers crossed). I would also check your transmission fluid to see if it is brown in color & smells kind of burnt. It should be a nice red in color. If it isn't, I'd get the transmission flushed, change the filter & pan gasket (use type "F" fluid). Then I would check the rearend fluid to make sure it's full & not real dirty. If it is dirty or low, I'd change the 90w & replace the gasket on the center section & refill. Also I'd change the oil & filter. I'd check the coolant to be sure it isn't rust in color. If it is, I'd flush the coolant. I'd check the belts for cracks & replace if needed. If you have power steering, I'd check the fuid in that too. It should be a nice red also. Then check the brake fluid, should be clear in color, not brown. If brown in color flush the brake system. After all of that, it's time for the cosmetics. Good luck! The car looks great....
