Orange and White 73 Grabber Restoration

Discussion in 'Maverick/Comet Projects' started by Allen Small, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    I have been working on this car for quite some time now and never started a thread for it. My son had been helping me with it and still does when he has some free time. I am picking it up from Action Race Products this coming Friday. He (Jack Abernovich) has had it installing the sub frame connects and Cal Tracs for me along with the small shock tower notches needed for the Crites headers on a 351W.
    This car started out as just a motor swap quite a few years ago and snow balled into a full blown restoration/modification project. I have attached a few pics of how it is sitting right now. I just need to finish the motor assembly and set the motor and trans in it. I am hoping to have it running by the end of Feb for the first time in 5 years.
    I will update this build thread as I go from here on out.

    Thanks
    Allen Small
    73 Grabber Front End Complete Restore.jpg 73 Grabber Under Carriage with Sub frame Connectors and Cal Tracs.jpg 73 Grabber Undercarriage with subframe connectors installed.jpg Rack & Pinion Steering Unit installed pic 2.jpg 73 Grabber Under Carriage with Sub frame Connectors and Cal Tracs.jpg
     
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  2. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    I attached a few more pics
    73 Grabber with 9 inch Versalles Rear Installed.jpg 73 Grabber with Rack & Pinion Unit installed.jpg 73 Grabber Sub Frame Connector.jpg
     
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  3. Mel Moeller

    Mel Moeller Maverick Moe

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    That's looking good Allen. I have the very same wheels that I am refinishing.
     
  4. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    Mel,

    Those are just roller tires and rims on it for now. I bought a set of Kelsey Hayes Magstar Rims that came on the 67 Shelby Mustangs to go on the car when it is done. I have attached a picture of them. The fronts are 7 x 15, the rears are 8 x 15.

    Misc info and pics 092.jpg
     
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  5. Mel Moeller

    Mel Moeller Maverick Moe

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  6. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    Very nice!!
     
  7. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    Here is a rear shot of the 67 Shelby tail light panel. I also did the rear valance from a 67 Mustang but realized it will not work with the were reverse lights are placed. They hit into the rear frame rail cross member and leave not room for the light itself. So I might be switching back to the original rear valance panel and just cut the reverse lights out where they work best on it. 67 Shelby Tail Light Panel and rear valance panel.jpg
     
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  8. Paul Masson

    Paul Masson MCCI Atlantic Canada Rep

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    Very nice build!
     
  9. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Always loved the Orange and White paint scheme on the 73's. Good luck on the build
     
  10. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    The motor for this car is a 427 stroker with twin four barrels mated to a top loader four speed and hydraulic clutch set up. The car has a 9" Versailles rearend with 3:50 posi unit, 4 wheel disk brakes. This car is an original Grabber V/8 car, with bucket seat, auto in the floor and air conditioning.

    The short block is built, I have the heads back and just need to do the final assembly to measure for pushrods. Then I can do the final assembly of the motor and mate it to the tranny and set the unit down on the car. I need to get the headers coated before I install them. I can not wait to hear it run.

    Everything underneath the car has been replaced with all new parts and gas and brake lines. The complete undercarriage has been stripped to bare metal, primed and repainted.

    My goal is to have it done for the round up this year.

    Thanks for the nice comments that I have gotten so far. I will keep everyone updated as I make more progress.

    Thanks
    Allen Small
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2015
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  11. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Looks awesome, Nice Work! I can't wait to get started on my White & Orange car.
     
  12. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Super job so far ..................... :party6:
     
  13. mavgrab302

    mavgrab302 MCCI Florida State Rep

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    Look into the led back up lights from mustang project.com they might be flat on the back...
     
  14. Allen Small

    Allen Small Member

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    Thanks mavgrab302 for the lead. I will check that out and see.

    Thanks again to everyone for the compliments given.

    Thanks
    Allen Small
     
  15. Maverickmike73

    Maverickmike73 Certified Wire Tie Tech

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    :thumbs2: Looking Good Allen
     

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