1973 Maverick Grabber

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by 302proof, Mar 28, 2021.

  1. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    Purchased this car a few years back for a daily/hot rod build. The maverick satisfied what I was searching for which was a ford based fastback classic. I purchased this car from someone who bought it from his coworker and original owner. They worked for CBS and the car was used for a CSI New York episode. The plan with the car is to bring the technology from 1973 to "1993" by swapping in foxbody and sn95 components and making the simple machine, 'The Simpler Machine."
     

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  2. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    First items I addressed were ignition, charging, and cooling
    Pertronix to get rid of the points.
    For high torque mini starter, i swapped the starter wire to the other side of the solenoid and added the trigger wire to the other.
    Used a sn95 3G alternator and added a one wire regulator. then hooked it up to the starter solenoid with 4 awg wire and a 175 amp megafuse
    For cooling I installed a champion radiator with electric fan and a jegs aluminum overflow tank. Derale unit controls the fan.
     

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    Last edited: Mar 28, 2021
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  3. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    For the interior, I added window flashing to the rust-free floor. Then installed new carpet with mass backing. Sunpro gauges to be able to monitor tach, temp, volt, and oil pressure. To match, I added white decals to the stock cluster and and replaced the bulbs with LEDs.
    The column shifter no longer had positive engagement so I installed a B&M quicksilver to use until the T5 swap.
    Obligatory Carls Jr '73' table number
     

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  4. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    Next came front suspension, brakes, and steering
    A AJE colt 65 kit allowed me to use foxbody disc brakes and fox style manual rack and pinion
    For the brakes, I used a ford ranger aluminum master cylinder and new lines from and replaced the master side fittings with m10 and m12 bubble flares. For brake hoses I used Maximum Motorsports part number MMBK1F and had to enlarge the mounting tab a bit.
    For the steering I found a 3/4 pipe with 36 splines and welded it to a 3/4 round to DD universal joint in order to keep the stock rag joint. Used the correct spline for the rack to 3/4 DD. I will be swapping one of the DD sizes to install a collapsible shaft.
    Since the sway bar did not mount up properly, I found that a 1" 70 shelby bar lined up perfectly with the AJE arms.
     

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    Last edited: Mar 28, 2021
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  5. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    To stiffen up the chassis is bolted on some subframe connectors and a monte carlo bar from TOPORANGER
    air cleaner is an aluminum 3/4 raised from summit
     

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  6. yellow75

    yellow75 MCCI Oregon State Rep Supporting Member

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    Lots of nice mods that you have done, its never ending once you start or should I say money ending
     
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  7. Jaybee

    Jaybee Member

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    Great car, I like it a lot.
     
  8. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    Next I swapped in a T5 out of a v6 sn95 mustang using a 94-95 sn95 v8 bellhousing. To add a clutch pedal, I took a sn95 pedal assembly. I did not source a pedal tube so I took the opportunity to get rid of the plastic bushings. I used a 1" od 3/4" id x 6" steel bushing. Then used bronze bushings to replace the oem plastic. Used a washer to fill in the remaining gap. For the cable, I used the adjustable LMR and drilled the hole in the firewall. Only took a bit of hammering to make the mount area flat. Will weld a support metal to the firewall in the future.
     

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  9. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    For the mount, I reused the stock one and cut the center away. I used some flat stock that I already had and positioned the t5 as high as I could (had to cut into the support bracket and hammer in the tunnel) and then welded the mount in place. The shifter location located perfect for me using the stock shifter lever and knob.
     

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  10. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    With a sn95 t5, the stock driveshaft would have to be shortened about an inch but I found that an aluminum foxbody fit perfectly. I found a combination spicer ujoint to adapt the 1330 shaft to the 8" differential.
     

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    Last edited: Aug 8, 2021
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  11. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    Took it for its maiden voyage

     
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  12. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Nice work; seems maiden drive worked out well.. What axle ratio you currently running?
     
  13. 302proof

    302proof Member

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    Thanks, still running 2.78 original diff. Would like to get it rebuilt with 3.55
     
  14. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    3.55 would be nice gearing, good compromise for all around cruising. If I ever swap my C4 for AOD that's the gear I would be favoring. You were quite creative modifying the SN95 pedal assembly for fitment in the Maverick :thumbs2:.
     
  15. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    Or even a 3.70 gear would be cool with a T-5...
     

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