I recently purchased a 1973 ford Mavrick with rusted floors no, breaks, a 200 engine, and in dire need of a restore lol. I know little about cars very little. I am hoping to restore it myself and learn to work on the car myself and better understand working on cars. I know it wont happen over night but any advice you guys can give me , like what manuals to buy , or parts to buy , I would really appreciate it. I want to find a car group near me so I can learn under someone but so far no luck. If any one doesnt mind directing me to a few Id appreciate it.
Welcome! Sounds like you are jumping into the pool to learn how to swim! Do you have some tools? Mavericks are fairly simple cars, so you have that in your favor. I would get a manual and fix the brakes first. I am not the one to answer all your questions, but I would be happy to walk you through the brakes. Stuart
... "a 1973 ford Mavrick with rusted floors" I would find out why the floor are rusted out first. rust is a big issue with these cars, some to the point of being nonrestoreable. check the cowls, frame rails and rair gutters. does it have a vinyle top, got any pics?
I have the standard hammer and socket wrench etc tool kit what else would I need? And thanks I think I need to replace the entire break line, pads, rotars etc.
It has a 200 engine , but I want to replace it since I'm not sure if the original owner took care of it. What engine would best serve as gas efficient and still give it the necessary power?
LOL, the old inline six aren't known for their economy(at least not today)... With a O/D trans and careful tuning, milage in range of 25-30 mpg is possible... Pull the valve cover, if the internals are clean it's been serviced fairly regurarly...
Gotcha , So Should I should I go with the 302 or look for another 200? And the car has just been sitting for years It has not been serviced at all lol
what are your plans for the car and what is your end goal money wise? do you have any body shop skills?
from Atlantic Canada. Judging by the bumpers, the car appears to be a 74. Possibly manufactured in the last half of 73. It looks like there is a fair amount of work to be done. Its going to take lots of time and money... What's your budget? I'd almost guarantee the cowl is leaking on this car. There are several members on here from Georgia. Good Luck!!
The 200... If it runs, it will serve you just fine. Not a lot of power but enough to drive around in.
I have no bodyshop skills lol, My goal is to restore it , paint it a blue maybe and use it as my daily/ weekend driver. I'm eager to learn the car so I can work on it if something happens. I also want to learn so one day I can teach my kids and pass it on to them. I know thats not realistic considering I know a little about cars but My way of thinking is if everyone who does know anything died today, what would I do?