I have to admit, we're teetering on the edge of selling our Maverick. Essentially here's where were at... 1975 Maverick (white/saddle, LDO package) 302-2V w/ C4 (100% stock as best I can determine) 2" dual exhaust w/ glass packs (not loud, just old school tone) 5-lug car / front disc / 8" rear / PS-PB A/C (everything is there but doesn't cool) Body is decent (old paint, some scrapes, small dent in passenger door, only rust is in the drip rails, which seems really odd but whatever) All stainless trim is present and accounted for Work we've done: New suspension (front/rear) New black carpet New door and trunk weatherstripping New stereo system (runs off iPhone) Lot's of misc stuff Here are the current issues we're facing... Front suspension still making noise (going back to the shop this week) Occasional engine light (no idea why) Probably cowl leak (exact nature is still tbd, could be windshield gasket, ) Situation: Son loves the car, but is really hesitant to drive it regularly due to the clicking/clanking noises, the engine light, and the leaks (when there's a chance of rain.) So here are my questions... If we were to sell this car AS IS what would be a reasonable price to expect in today's market? (yes, I know, something is worth what someone will pay for it - I'm just looking for opinions here - we live near Dallas) If we were to keep this car, and get the cowl and suspension dealt with, what is my best course forward for improving the engine/tranny? (as I said, I think the engine/tranny is 100% stock so I'm concerned we're already on borrowed time with it) Finally and most importantly, what should we do? What would you do? I'm just not sure if I just need a shoulder to cry on...motivation to hold the course...or objective advice to move on...
Did you replace the spring perches? how about the lower control arm cam bolts? have they been torqued properly? As for the engine light, install some after market gauges so you can see whats going on, and remove the bulb in the gauge cluster. The engine light on a 76, is nothing like the cars today, it's usually something simple, you just have to figure it out. If the engine and transmission are original, they are on borrowed time after 36 years... If you are not capable of working on an old car, then sell it now before you sink yourself into it too far. Old cars are work, no matter what you've done to them. If your son needs a daily car he can get in and go, he'd be better off with something newer, like mid 90's.
If you owe nothing on it, keep it. Excellent project car for your son to apply himself in learning as well. I've built a 2004 Mustang Mach I for performance and there is no comparison when it comes down to cost for components/parts between the Mach I and the Maverick. Granted, seeking Maverick parts is much more challenging than the Mustang, but if you owe nothing, I would keep it.
I'm capable of working on it (mostly) - and owe nothing on it - just balancing the merits of wisdom and novelty I suppose. I'm certainly not loaded with cash but can afford to put a bit more into the car. Guess I could always sell my hot-rodded Strat and completely restored Super Reverb for a little extra money...NOT !!!!
Sounds like just some typical old car issues. Nothing major except for the potential cowl leak, but even then its just water, just let it dry out if it gets wet. If some clicking and a blinking light bother you/him then its not the car for you. Even my 93 Mustang has a blinking battery light on occasion that has no real cause I can find. and it clunks when backing out of a parking spot but cant find a cause. I just accept it as part of the deal and drive on, nothing that will leave me stranded since Ive already check it out.
Spring perches are new and came installed with the uppers. Cam bolts I don't know about, and as for torque I have to believe the shop did everything correctly. But to your point, I should probably take a list of things for them to check point-by-point. Where can I find torque specs? As for replacing the idiot lights, I'm with you 100%. Its just that looking at that old engine sitting there I'm thinking, "You know, whatever the problem is, it's an old engine/tranny any way you slice the pie. If this is the tip of the iceberg, I might as well consider a replacement now and be done with it." Of course at that point I'm talking money again so...
Agreed - just old car issues. I knew (mostly) what I was getting into when I purchased it and went in with eyes wide shut...lol. Though I have to say the cowl issue was NEVER mentioned. In fact the evidence was there (deteriorated passenger side carpet and other telltale signs.) I asked about it specifically and was told point blank there were "no problems." Whether the seller honestly didn't know or purposely withheld information is irrelevant at this point. It's in my driveway. I'm just jittery now and everytime anything goes wrong I'm wondering what else I wasn't told...and what it going to take to make it right. Or right enough to drive somewhat regularly at any rate...
If it makes you feel better, the rattles and repairs and potential engine doom will still be there even with a 90s and older car. anything bought used with 100k miles or more is going to need eventual work of an unknown nature. Atleast you know where you are at with this one instead of starting over with a newer car and a new batch of problems.
I've replaced 100% of the suspension in my Green car with new parts, and it still moans and groans, it's just what they did...I think. Enjoy it for what it is, it's 50 year old car technology in a 36 year old body. They can be fun and discouraging all at the same time, even the guys that know them inside and out still have issues. I've been in the same boat, last year I was ready to sell them all, then after a few days, I changed my mind. Maybe someday I will...
I came to a realization that I have way too much money invested to sell mine. But what you have to look at is, does it owe you anything? Is it actually a total POS or should you keep working on it. If you can deal with regular old car issues and the moaning and groaning sounds thy make then you will be fine and enjoy the car... Some issues can wait like the cowl and be fixed at a way later date, just don't let a river drain I to your car and not dry it out, at the moment mine barely leaks and will be fixed next winter. So it always comes down to can you afford for it to sit a bit and be worked on? And can you handle the issues old cars have?
Well you had one and sold it and then after some time you bought this one so that must mean that you like Mavericks, if you sell this one are you going to want another one ? Sure it has a few problems but nothing that cant be fixed I know they can be a money pit but you are better than half way there.
Your decision, but I will tell you that mine will be here as long as I am. It's something I looked for a while and when I found it, it came home with me. Does it need work, yes. Does it all get done, when I get to it. It's in primer, needs interior done, and other misc, but...........I will not sell unless it meant starving. My view is, if I don't owe money on it, what does it hurt to stay?
well lets see if i can do this without ticking off everyone that seems to have unlimited funds. i have now sunk almost six thousand dollars in a car that was an ORIGANL 39,000 mile car and it still isn't together and the paint job(which i traded for a 71 mustang) looks like crap. don't get me wrong i LOVE the car and will drive her with great pride,but we all have to agree that these cars and ANY like them need alot of attention.do we remember what they were even like when they were new?i do i'm 53 and grew up with them.expecially the years that we all drive now. If you and your son keep the car and make it what yoiu want,which is a daily driver for him.you'll have some work to do to get it daily driveable AND reliable,something your not afraid will leave him in the lerch if he decides one weekend to take off fore florida or something. look into your engine WELL,id rebuild the c-4 if its that old.(anyone remember whats its like to thrash a tranny when you a kid? lol the cowl is NOT a cheep fix unless you do body work so have a professional take a hard look at where its leaking,or have someone on here help you find atleast where its leaking so you know up front before you take it to a shop. at the very least change it to electronic ignition or teach your son to change points on the side of the road because they will leave you sitting at some point unless kept up with them. sorry but thats a start.. i have to finish by saying that i have built a 79 camero with my 15 year old son whos now 31)and a 71 mustang with my youngest son at 14 whos now 27) and wouldn't change it for the world but its not cheep and tho my sons had a great time BOTH bought other cars later to look cooler. my advice it is costing you nothing for the car now so if you have the funds the time and you certainly have the resources (here) to find what you need.PRESS FORWARD but know what your getting into..................matt
the intermittent engine light is a simple thing to address. first you have to understand how the circuit for it works. it takes power from the fuse block that will go through the ignition switch then to the light in the dash then out to the engine compartment where the wire will split in to two and they will hook up to the oil pressure switch and the coolant temp switch. so now when the oil pressure drops below the switch setting the switch will close and this will provide a ground for the power flow through the circuit and the light will turn on. the coolant temp switch works by grounding the circuit when the temp of the motor gets above a preset temp. the first problem that usually causes this is if the motor oil level is too low. the light will flicker on during turns, heavy braking, and heavy acceleration. if the oil level is good and the light flickers under other conditions then move on in testing. now you want to examine the wires from the two switches all the way to the fire wall. if they have rubbed through the coating on the wires they will short out and turn on the engine light like you describe. i really suspect you will have found your problem at this point. if not then you need to follow the wires back into the car and up into the dash to find where they are shorting out to turn on the light. the only other thing i can think of that will cause this to happen is if the the wires from the light to the switches is shorted or if one of the switches is bad giving a full time ground. then the flickering could be caused by a broken filiment in the bulb in the dash or a wire on the positive side having intermintant contact. all this would be very rare and not likely. but i find that the unlikely happens more often in cars than it should. over all i would say your very invested in this car. it is an old car. clunks, rattles and vibrations are just part of having an old car.
