The start of my maverick

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by A1973Maverick, Mar 16, 2024.

  1. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Welp its day 4 of working on this thing. I had this car for about 5 years and it just sat complete with a 302. I bought it to restore but im sure all of you know life gets in the way. I had bought this car as a package deal. The guy was a carpenter and unfortunatley did a crappy rustoleum paintjob and wacked up the interior. But the body is in OK condition. I got this car for two grand. I bought this car when I was a little younger, and at the time thought I could get to it, nope. So fast forward 5 years later finally things are starting to slow down in my life, I have never really been into these cars but then all of the sudden this car just grew on me. So a year ago I went and ordered a front end kit and a disc break conversion kit, with billet shocks/struts. And just a few days ago I decided im gonna get this car where it needs to be, and I figured it would be nice to have this car done by summer to enjoy out on the weekends. Finally today I finished getting out all the suspension pieces and painted the front of the car with frame paint rust converter, then once I get my frame paint in, it should look decent, there was alot of sanding involved... Heres my progress.
    Im so sad about the paint, who would do such a thing to this car :(
    I really wish I can save the old bronze on this
     

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  2. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Unfortunatley the whole front end wont be completley done until I get upper control arms and a few other stuff I overlooked
     

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  3. TeeEl

    TeeEl Senior Member

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    While you're at it, get some roller front spring perches from Opentracker racing...
     
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  4. Greg

    Greg Member

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    Looks like you have V8 motor mounts. Do you have an engine for it? The front looks great good job on the sanding.
     
  5. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Sorry for the late response, I will go ahead and do that! Thanks
     
  6. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Thank you im actually on the way to pickup a 302 engine and trans for this thing. I have been doing lots of bodywork to say the least. Ive finally gotten to sit down and post an update here
     

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  7. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Oh man I just saw the price of these, my pockets gonna be hurting lol. I see that they are an upgrade from regular perches, whats the difference between roller and regular perches?
     
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  8. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    Yep, just close your eyes and hit the Order button. If you have ever driven one of these cars, you will not be sorry with the rollers.
     
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  9. dyent

    dyent Member

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    Here is quote from OpenTrackerRacing..........
    How can the roller perches improve my cars ride quality?
    By removing the bind from the stock rubber perch, the suspension moves as it should and with less bind, the car rides smoother. You will notice an immediate change in the way your classic Ford drives and handles. The cars have more grip, more stability under braking and more precise steering. Regardless if you are a casual street driver or vintage auto racer, roller spring perches will improve how your car drives.

    More very good information, take your time and read the whole link......
    https://opentrackerracing.com/frequently-asked-questions/
    David
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2024
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  10. A1973Maverick

    A1973Maverick Member

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    Thanks! I apreciate the info im gonna order these and see how they change the ride, last time I drove this car the suspension felt OK for a car this old but I knew the whole thing probably just needed to be gone thru
     
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  11. dyent

    dyent Member

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    While there will always be debate on whether or not items put on their Mav/Comet work or not or whether it is worth the cost, ask any member or anyone who have installed Roller Spring Perches on their cars, myself included and I am sure they will say, worth every penny! The improvement/ride over the original rubber perches is a night and day difference, you will be very happy.........good luck and have fun with your build!
    David
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2024
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  12. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    Scott Drake offers perches with urethane bushings that act the same as the roller perches. Not sure they are any cheaper but they are also an option.
     
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  13. Jaybee

    Jaybee Member

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    There aren't a lot of folks here who build things like suspension bits, but here's an option for anyone who does. It's a 3 layered bushing. There's the usual steel sleeve to prevent crush, which can be sized for either a 1/2" or 9/16" bolt. Around it is a Delrin sleeve to prevent stiction/squeaking. The outside layer is polyurethane to make the assembly a little softer and allow a little eccentricity for things that move in ways which aren't pure pivots. I've contacted the company, they'll make them in custom lengths because it's a small shop and they make everything on site.

    This place makes most of their stuff for the later Mustang and Crown Vic markets. These would have a lot of potential for things like home-built spring rockers, lower control arm inner bushings, three and four link suspensions (the intended use,) Panhard bars...lots of potential uses.
    https://www.cheperformance.com/collections/replacement-upgrade-parts/products/1klca
     
  14. TeeEl

    TeeEl Senior Member

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    I'm still waiting for someone besides RRS in Australia to make a rack-&-pinion steering for Mavericks...
     
  15. Powerband

    Powerband Member

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    ---- 1976 Comet --- 1974 Maverick- - '61 Comet T'Bolt Six ---- 'quite a few projects ...
    "By removing the bind from the stock rubber perch, the suspension moves as it should and with less bind, the car rides smoother. You will notice an immediate change in the way your classic Ford drives and handles. The cars have more grip, more stability under braking and more precise steering. Regardless if you are a casual street driver or vintage auto racer, roller spring perches will improve how your car drives."
    .

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    . always wondered why Ford decided to change the original bronze bushed 1960/61' perches to the rubber bushing spring perches used thru the Maverick era. ( $ -saved a few cents per car ?)
    .
    If you can find a set they work like the expensive roller design - maybe better ...
    .

    Original OEM spring perch design from Ford featured bronze bushings with grease fittings sealed with O-Rings. I refurbished a still intact set from a rusty '61 Comet for use in my Maverick.
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    have fun
     

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