Hey guys, my name is Doc and I'm glad I found this site. I do not own a Maverick yet but will eventually and am looking for advice. I am currently eyeing a 1977 Ford Maverick. I do not know much about these vehicles and am wondering if there is anything I should be wary of or look out for. The one I'm eyeing is located below. Has a V8 in it with 95,000 original miles. Owner is asking a decent price, at least in my opinion. I am a decent mechanic but not a body man. I live in NW Pennsylvania so rust is to be expected on just about everything. My question (and I've looked around a bit but nothing solid), do they make aftermarket parts for these? I'm used to working on older trucks where parts are everywhere but this would be my first classic car. Any advice would be great. Thank you. https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/5252343348.html
Welcome. I'd recommend using the search function and type in Cowl rust, roof rust, frame rust, heater core, heater fan. If these are beat you are on your way! As for parts, you are limited to donor cars for front fenders but you can get replacement rear quarter panels. Doors would be from donor cars. Lots of small parts from Melvin's ford parts, Dennis Carpenter. Search new parts for other suppliers. Very little interchange with Mustangs except for the venerable Ford 302. MD
There's far more than just engine, all the drive line is same/similar to Mustang/Torino/Falcon etc... Also front suspension is basically same as '66-'71 Fairlane/Falcon/Torino and Mustang from '67 to '73, this includes the Mercury equivalents plus Granada/Monarch from '75 to '80...
That car looks like a great price. Keep in mind it is a 4-door and won't fetch the value of a 2-door no matter what is done to it. Yes....I own a 4-door.
... as Craig stated...it's a 4-door, any rust repair will put you upside down if later wanting to sell.
Find a late '71 to '74 2-door. They have the least amount of emission controls and upgrades like disc brakes can always be added.
Welcome to the madness!!! If you are not well versed in body work/metal fab. It would behoove you to seek out a car with a rust free body and spend a bit more to get it. You will go backwards $$ wise if you have to pay someone to do rust repair for you. That car is banged up on the passenger side too. Both doors are dented up, cant see the quarter very well. It may be banged up too Looks like the fender aprons are getting rusty at the mounting flange for the front fenders too. Paint looks too clean to be 30 plus yrs old...Re-paints can hide allot of sins. Ask lots of questions and do allot of searching here on the forum. Many questions have been asked and answered by many knowledgeable forum members here. A bit of research and you will be well informed to make a mav/comet purchase you wont regret. Good luck and happy hunting!!!
Welcome to the site from northeast Ohio!!!!! Why not consider a Comet? Here are three on Craig's List in different states of repair not too far from where you live: http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/5268085608.html http://altoona.craigslist.org/cto/5249829587.html http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/5270980384.html
Thank you for the replies. I did notice the side was dented. Yeah, around here rust is just about on everything you find. I have honestly never considered a Comet before, but they do look pretty sweet. Not really looking for something to fully restore and resell. Just something that looks good driving down the street. I understand the shop around idea. Thanks for the advice guys!
Doc: It's a matter of choice .. There is not much difference in the structural areas .. The differences though mostly cosmetic .. different Hood ,Taillights , Grille and Bumper are enough for some of us to "choose" a Comet over the Maverick . I can tell you that it's more difficult to locate worthy COMET parts than the Maverick simply because there were fewer of them made.Both are great cars . Take a good look at the lines of both cars and you'll see the subtle design changes .. that may help determine WHICH model to choose. I like em both ! Cometized (Chip)
Thank you. I like them both as well. The hard part is finding a decent one in this area. Everything has rust. Im not a body man which makes it tough. Thanks for the advice guys, Ill keep looking.
from Atlantic Canada! Good Luck with your search! There was a nice looking 2dr in Maine, but the price was super high, IMHO. Hard to find anything decent on the east coast, but they are out there. http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/ford/maverick/1756294.html
