Advice for my 1970 Maverick resto/maybe mod…

Phased out for production cost saving and HP/TQ installed in cars. Also less parts on the shelf.

 

Per Hollanders, the '70s used both 6 7/8" & 8". Possibly 8" phased in when 250 became optional in mid '70 model run. The '71-'77 all used the 8".

 

My rear axel code is 6 so what I read this is a 3.00 but it has 4 lug hubs. Not sure the the size yet

 

I think all the 3.00 were either 8" or 9", of course no Maverick came with the big rear end. Thru '72 the 6 cyl used four lug, beginning with '73 all were five.

 

Removed the dash today and determined that the floor pan rust was mainly due to the cowl being rusted out around both vents. I think that I will have to drill out a ton of spot welds and do this right. Really that is about the only rust on the car, underneath is really clean except for the floor pans. That’s next to get started on.

Has anyone ever put plastic collars on where the vents are in the cowl or do you think I should fab the metal back by patching it.

My to do list just got a little longer but knew that was a possibility.

 

no cowl and no floorpans... " I am considering upgrading the brakes, engine, steering and absolutely a automatic transmission. Any advice would be helpful." you're almost starting with a title...

 

Yep! Doing it for my honey. Cheap to buy but might cost a fortune and not easy! It will keep me busy and off the couch!

 

And what is wrong with bringing a 1970 back from the dead, that has been sitting for 18 years, take it down to bare bones and build it the way I want to? Is this a forum for already built Maverick’s that want to show them off or for any Maverick owner. Don’t be a dick to a new member! If I want to spend my money and time on it why would that matter? I guess I can’t ask for advice without comments like this.

 

1. Convert to 5-lug. It will be a lot easier to find aftermarket wheels for it if that is the direction you want to go.

2. Your car has rusted out floors, rusted out cowl, and I see the quarters and doors are rusted as well. Nobody is saying you shouldn't restore/fix THIS car. But with the amount of work required, you might want to consider getting a more solid car as a start. But....if you can know how to weld and can do it all yourself...then go for it.

 

You have to overlook Frank's Comments, doesn't have almost 26K posts minding his own business. Spends his money making his LS powered Mav look like a derelict.

 

Ford's ' better idea for cowl vents was misguided for sure. With fenders off, you may be able to cut in and form patches to re-imagine / fab the setup after open access. Magnetic covers work but would fill top grill next time.
Fender seal gaps and lower drain locations still provide cabin air through cowl 'plenum' with top grill sealed.

sad Comet GT

. .

early Comet
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'Fab shop"


have fun

magnetic grill cover

 

and I spent very little money doing this.

 

I say more power to you if you want to bring this car back. Cars have been recovered from a lot worse. If you're just going to tool around in the car you'll have no issues with the six, either. I really enjoy enjoyed driving Dad's '74 with 200 and three on the tree even though it wasn't going to tear the asphalt out of the ground. I wish I had that car now, though the harsh Iowa winters and accompanying salt destroyed it mercilessly.

 

Doing the cowl is not an easy task to overtake. I've recently done mine making everything i needed for it myself. Its very labor intensive and you have to make sure it goes back together damn near perfect or everything that lines up withe cowl will be off. If you dont have welding skills or fabrication skills you are in for a heartbreak.