I want to take a 1970 Maverick and turn it into a cruiser. I want to retain the current 200 v6, but dress it up so the engine compartment looks more clean and appealing. I would like to paint the block and valve cover, replace the current breather with a chrome k&n, hide the fuel filter, wrap the hoses in wire mesh, add colored spark plug wires and a colored distributor cap. How does this sound so far? The body is in great shape and I want to paint it some form of blue/purple metallic. I was thinking of shaving off the door handles (though my friend at work wants me to suicide the doors or use lambo hinges so they open vertically...I'm unsure how either of these would work). I had thought about adding a sun roof, but the idea of cutting a hole in the roof scares me pretty bad. I am trying to decide wheter to re-chrome the bumpers, paint them, or look for replacements. I would also like to replce the tail-lights with some form of l.e.d. tail light ( I have no idea what would work ). I would also like to add power windows. I want to swap the current wheels and tires for the something like 17-18" wheels and a good low profile tire. I would also like to have the current exhaust replaced so that I get a low rumble and have dual tail pipes with chrome tips. Inside the car I want to replace the headliner and find a carpet that compliments that black interior as well as the grey stripes in the seats. I want to replace the plexiglass covers on the gauges and switch them to black numbers on white background. Add a nice stereo system, retint the windows and get rid of that awful brown steering wheel cover. Let me know what you think of my ideas. Add to them, tell me what to expect, what might go wrong. If you think it is a bad idea please tell me. The car is going to cost $1000.00 and I would like to keep the entire project well under $5000.00. I have two friends that are very mechanical and have agreed to help me with the project to help me keep the cost down ( I won't have to pay them ). One of the guys even paints (he worked in a body shop at a dealership for a couple of years) so the paint job will only involve the cost of supplies). I look forward to hearing from some of the veterans of the group. Here is the link to the pictures of the car that I am thinking of buying. http://www.pbase.com/mblanton/maverick
Sounds like some neat and ambitious plans. Dosent really matter what we think, its what you think. Go for it and keep the updates comming.
You've got a plan. Go for it. One day, you can light up the cigar, move it one side of your mouth (without hands), and say, "I love it when a plan comes together." (Col. Hannible Smith, the A-Team)
I wasn't aware Mavericks came with a 200 V6? Just messin' with ya. Sounds like you got a good plan, but I would leave the doors alone. Not sure if your going to get a "rumble" out of a 6 cylinder. The dual glass packs on this car we bought from Terry don't sound half bad.
I put duals with turbo mufflers on a 72 Maverick 250 I-6. Sounds like it has a V-8 in it. I was shocked. I'm going to do the same to my 70 Grabber with a 200 I-6. You might want to think about replacing the steering wheel with a Grant. They look awesome & come in all shapes. Keep us posted on your progress....I also see chrome valve covers on Ebay once in awhile for a 200, 250 I-6. Might check there....
The car looks pretty nice. One thing I'll say about the I6 is that it's sssooo easy to work on. Everything is easy to get to. You can make it sound nice as Coop said. My '73 has a 302 V8 and just changing the spark plugs is a royal pain. I usually have bloody knuckles and frazzled nerves by the time I'm done. If you buy that car & want to sell those slotted wheels, let me know!!!!
I was thinking about the wheels. I would like to use something very big...like 18". What is the biggest wheel that will fit on a Maverick??? Mike
$5000 is gonna get you a good looking car if you plan it before you do it. Buy the stuff that make the most impact on how YOU see the car. Plan out what you ultimate goal is. Look at the photos of all the cars of the guys on this board and see what you want and then shop around for stuff then collect it and go for it.
There are several board members that have 17's on their mavericks. Maverick Man has 17's in front and 18's in the back. There was a Maverick on Ebay with 20's on it, but it looked horrible. Really- It did. I think 17's look great on these cars when they are done right. Have fun with the car. It sounds like you know what you want to do with it, so now all you have to do is go do it. Post some pics and keep up updated on your progress. Good Luck!! Preston
