New Maverick Inquiries and suggestions.

Thank you for responding quickly and effectively. Would One recommend buying a new motor or salvaging the blown motor. Based off what One has seen in the past. Price being the area of interest. I am looking for the cheapest way to get the job done, because I already know the most expensive. The final result will be some hybrid marriage of the two, as I am sure all of us know.

 

So if One had to give a rock bottom, absolute rock bottom, cost of getting a running driving Maverick from the broken down old girl, what would that be. The fancier things could come with time.

 

it's a 4 dr, there will be...no...fancier things coming with time...

 

Hey this is funny. I agree that the Sedan version of a vehicle is never as fre$h, but I disagree when it comes to the topic of whether or not it could be made at least ~Okay. The only reason I am even thinking of this car is because I just found it in life, not even looking for anything. Plus bringing a car back from the grave sounds sort of interesting. Four doors is never preferred but does have some obvious benefits.

 

Minimum$$$...5 to 6K, that does not include interior/body issues...If the 6 is blown up... Damaged cyl bore/bent or scored crank. The engine is scrap metal...( Unless you want to pay the freight for the machine work) Not worth it, get a used one somewhere...They come up for sale on this forum sometimes. With a known good, running, carbureted V 8 With trans, add another 7 to 900 dollars to do a V8 swap... This gets you a SAFE fairly reliable driver nothing more...If you have to add labor cost to this, figure a minimum of 8 to 10K. For a more door, its just not the way to go. Just swap in a used 6... ( Do the front trans seal while the engine is out )Freshen the fluid and filter in the trans. Cross your fingers, you could be running and driving for abt 2500.00 but you will still need brakes...Have electrical issues etc...It will nickle and dime you while you drive the wheels off it. Save your time/effort and $$$ For a worthwhile project that you really want to have/do. You will be much better off/ happier in the long run. Good luck man.

 

if a Mustang or Camaro 4dr...just not a Maverick 4dr. LOL

 

These guys know what they're talking about. There is no inexpensive way to restore one of these cars.
The biggest savings comes from doing the labor yourself, but parts are still expensive, and some Maverick
parts are really hard to find. The 6-cylinders are a waste of money. They're not like modern 6-cylinders.
I suggest you keep looking for a better candidate to fix up.

 

You asked if anybody on this board has ever done a full restoration. Many of those people have chimed in, and I will add myself to the list. I have not seen even one of these people tell you that this is a good idea for this car....or that it is even affordable "on the cheap".

You are getting the answers you need, but maybe not the answers you like.

Bottom line: Find another car.

 

I am getting that impression from you guys. At the end of the day however, I am looking for an classic car that I can drive every now and again, with Basic insurance they are incredibly affordable to do as such. Because of speeding tickets insurance will probably go through the roof. This will be a task, but it is something that I look forward to. The car is in Alright-Condition from the outside (it appears) so I just want to get the low down on what to expect/things to look for. Being a young male, chances are getting license prohibited in some manner may happen, God forbid. Having a little fun project that I found to do while I cannot drive sounds fun and I found this Maverick out of nowhere, and just wanted to get the low-down. If anyone has an idea of an easier model that may be more practical, please let me know.

 

find someone's project 4 dr car that they have dropped 15K in. give them 3-5K for it and finish it.

 

Since you are pretty dead set on the car here are somethings to look at on the car and some approximate cost.... but it always costs ways more than you expect.

First thing first is check out the Cowl, I cannot stress this enough if you don’t have access to a hose. Bring several gallons of water and pour it down the louvers. Have someone inside and checking the fire wall and check for running water. If there is any PASS on the car. It isn’t worth it then check the floor boards, quarters, trunk, roofline, pillars, etc... then check the car for rats, if there are rats. You are in a world of trouble, you will have to go through the entire wiring harness... plus the cost to fix the upholstery.

Ifthe car is solid then the first thing you will need to do is find a motor/trans. You will have a hard time finding a new six. If you want to go to a V8 then find an explorer (96-97) and get a V8 from it. That is your best bang for the buck. But to swap to a V8 you will need a variety of parts. Transmission rebuild ($500-$700). You will need the correct bell housing also. Frame mounts ($100-$150) belly bar ($100). Trans mount ($70-$100), new radiator ($160ish), throttle cable ($30-used), under hood wiring harness ($50), new tires ($300-$400), rebuild the suspension ($400-$700). Drive shaft?($100). Fluids ($100-$150), new lines ($200), does the rear ending need to be rebuilt ($200-$400), new brakes ($100-$300 depends on if it’s drum or disk). This is the bare minimum. Expect to pay another $2000-$3000 in surprise costs. I am writing this fast so it isn’t complete.

 

Hey neighbor!

Look on the local C'list, there is a Maverick more door in MD that can probably be had for $1500-$1800.

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/search/cto?query=ford+maverick

 

Hey Jackpot !
No offense intended .. If you check for water intrusion into the car after drenching the Cowl Area and find you have a ' Leaker ' I agree with Will .. Pass .. and sell the usable PARTS off the car .. including the windshield and rear glass interior Front Bench Seats .. and any other part that is compatible with a 2Door Car . When you get the $$$$ together .. look for a nice clean 2 Door which isn't so challenging ! These cars a lot of fun to own and drive .. and I've parted out MANY 4 doors for parts like Hoods , Fenders , etc. etc. Good Hunting !!
Cometized
(Chip)