New and need help for my dad - 73 Comet GT

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by pmricken, Sep 1, 2019.

  1. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Hi, everyone. I appreciate you allowing me to join the forum. I have a 76 Stallion that I've had garaged for 10 years with no progress, but that's not the purpose of this post. I'm in a unique situation...I'm 38 years old, my dad is 67 yr-old pastor, and he's been diagnosed with cancer. He has a 73 Comet GT that he began work on a few years ago. He and my mom had a 73 Maverick as their first car when they got married so he's always wanted another, but he fell in love with this Comet when he saw it. Long story short, it's been stripped down, rotisserie (sp) restored cosmetically, original 302 completely rebuilt to a 331 Stroker, transmission fully built with shift kit etc, but there it sits. The engine's on a stand, transmission sitting to the side, and NOTHING else has been done. I'd love to begin work on it and surprise him with it, but I'm having a hard time with resources for upgraded (new) parts, ie new upgraded wiring kit, suspension advice, interior resources, etc.

    Sorry for the lengthy post, but I would really appreciate some help/advice. I'm assuming that wiring/suspension needs to be done before the engine/transmission go back in the car. Please feel free to shoot over any resources (parts vendors), advice, etc. By the way, it's an original white car with hood scoop (black inset on the hood), black tail panel, orange side stripe with "Comet GT" in the rear quarter portion of the stripe, and orange interior with bucket seats (including original orange headliner). Beautiful car, just need help to finish it for him. Thanks!!!
     
  2. stumanchu

    stumanchu Stuart

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2016
    Messages:
    1,375
    Likes Received:
    556
    Trophy Points:
    338
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    74 comet, 70 Olsen step van, 2005 Scion xB
    Welcome from Portland, OR. I am not the one to advise you on how to finish off a rotisserie restoration as the junkyard is my major resource. I am sorry to hear about your dad though. I have lost close friends and family to cancer, and very much dislike having to say goodbye too soon. I wish you success in your endeavor, and will cheer you on!
     
  3. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Thank, Stuart. Really appreciate it, brother. If you come across a full wiring kit, please let me know.
     
  4. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,464
    Likes Received:
    2,842
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    :Welcome:...:Handshake:

    I have the..Ron Francis...wiring kit (XP-67) in my car, love it.
     
  5. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    18,225
    Likes Received:
    1,310
    Trophy Points:
    878
    Location:
    Albany, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    Curious....what color is your Stallion?
     
  6. Earl Branham

    Earl Branham Certified Old Fart

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2002
    Messages:
    6,367
    Likes Received:
    200
    Trophy Points:
    218
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Lugoff, SC
    Vehicle:
    '69.5 Maverick 302, T-5, Grabber Green
    I have the Ron Francis kit (XP-67) as well, and it works out very well. Good luck, and welcome to the boards!
     
  7. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    It's black with the standard Stallion silver down the side and all black interior. It's completely original with no rust, but needs complete restoration to make it right. Looking forward to doing that one because they're pretty rare, even if they're not worth much in book value.
     
    Craig Selvey likes this.
  8. Doug

    Doug Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2002
    Messages:
    197
    Likes Received:
    31
    Trophy Points:
    71
    Location:
    washington state
    Vehicle:
    71 maverick grabber
    I am sorry to hear about your dad . I hope he makes a great recovery . I wish I was closer and I could help you .I have a 71 grabber that needs lots of work and have yet to get started . My wife and I met and dated with my first grabber and took my grabber on our honey moon . I sold it after a year together and have have always regretted it . Spend lots of time with your dad and good luck with your idea . Remember there is lot's of info here and maybe a few guys can help ! Be careful of shops that can restore the car if you go that route . I have read where a lot of guys give there car to a shop , the repairs stall and then they have to try and get the car back minus lot's of parts . So do your research . Maybe a car club there can help . Doesn't need to be a maverick club that helps . Good luck and pray your Dad makes a quick and great recovery and enjoys what you did with your Mom . Good luck !!
     
  9. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Is there a reason you went with Ron Francis over some of the other kits/manufacturers?
     
  10. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Thanks so much, Doug. Really appreciate the advice and will keep everyone posted on progress.
     
  11. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Thanks, Earl. Researching it now!
     
  12. fastfords

    fastfords Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2005
    Messages:
    455
    Likes Received:
    37
    Trophy Points:
    86
    Location:
    East Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    70 Maverick, 71 Comet GT, 72 Sprint, 75 Comet, Maverick Stallion
    Pmricken,
    What part of Tennessee are you in? I live in Roane Co. maybe I can help.

    Chuck
     
  13. pmricken

    pmricken Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2019
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    4
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Vehicle:
    1973 Comet GT, 1976 Maverick Stallion
    Hi, Chuck. I'm in the Jackson, TN area, so the other side of the state. :-(
     

Share This Page