Two Thumbs up? Lets do this!!!

It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are underway on “Project Pete!” Today was the first day to get some work in on My 1973 Grabber Maverick. Please see my introduction for the story on this build started. http://www.maverick.to/mmb/showthread.php?t=41206



I spent the morning pulling what was left of the old carpet and headliner and making the “To Do” list. I then got out the soap and brush and scrubbed like I was preventing a pandemic. This was one dirty little girl. I’d guess that she hadn’t been washed since 2002. I found a mouse nest in the headliner that I’m sure belonged to the same little sucker that deposited acorns in the intake. I hope he understands he’ll have to find somewhere else to entertain the lady mice. The big surprise was pulling off the front wheels and finding Disc Brakes. I was going to do a swap if they happened to be drums.


I was unable to locate a door tag to identify the original configuration of the car. Not that it matters, It’s getting Red paint and a refinished all black interior. I’d suspect that the car was pea green with pea green interior.
I have no idea if these are the original seats. Let me know if you recognize them.


As expected, the floors are shot with rust. It’s a good thing there are suppliers for pans. I might have to do the rear quarters after I grind away at the bondo and see just how bad it might be.



Next weekend the Engine and Transmission come out. I haven’t decided how I want to build the motor. It never hurts to have more ponies, but I’m not going to break the bank on this one, not yet anyway. Here’s a shot of the Stove and its pipes:





Feel Free to throw me a comment. If you have resurrected a project that was in worse shape, post some pics or a link! It is always is a good kick in the ass knowing that someone had it worse (or better depending on how you look at it.) I’ll update this post when there is actual progress made.

 

Those seats are from a LDO model, Maverick or Comet. It looks like the car has some kind of bolt on subframe connectors. It's always scary when you first get started, but once you do dig in, the fun begins! Good luck!

 

I know how you feel! It looks like its going to be just about as much work as mine

 

Glad to hear you're getting into it. those frame connectors can be reused but i would change them in to a weld in set.

 

Tis but a mere flesh wound......

 

looks like it was definaly some one else's work in progress years ago. hopefully you'll be able to pick u where they left off.

 

Is that a holly steet dominator intake? Looks a little tall to be a Edelbrock.

 

The fun begins!!

 

looks like fun...thanks for the pictures!

 

At one time someone did alot of work to that car, too bad they didn't keep it up.

 

good luck

 

Sell that comet bumber!!! on the front of it and weld those sub connectors on.They look like alstons(same as mine)but I welded mine in,Those bolt holes are great for plug welds too.It really doesnt look that bad.Should be a great project,have fun!!

 

It took me 6 years to complete my Comet. I think I have a small, Maverick front bumper. Give me a shout, I'm just down I-5 from you, near Auburn. I have parts & parts cars....

 

Hey Guys, Thanks for the comments. The intake is an Edelbrock, I can’t remember the series off the top of my head. (No pun intended) We, already talked about welding up the sub frame connectors. It’s cool when you drag something home and it has a few good surprises. We’ll most likely burn those on after the floors are in. I’ve been kicking around putting in a 351 Windsor. I have it has a spare for my 34 ford pickup project. I still have to pull the 302 to see its condition. If I end up sending a Motor down to Mike at Auburn Automotive Machine, I think I’ll go with the displacement. Here’s a pick of the 351:


I’m going to go against the grain and say that I think the front Comet bumper looks good. It is going to stay. I am going to strip off the black paint and return it to chrome. There is a little repair needed on the rear bumper. I’m planning on putting a flat black front spoiler on after the car is shot red. I thing the absence of the over-riders will make it look more 70’s Trans –am racer. Here’s a controversial question for you all….
Has anyone made a Split bumper front end on their Maverick? I won’t go any further than to say I like the early 70’s split bumper camaros and we have already dismissed the idea on my project. Let me know if you have thought about it. I’ll feel less guilty if I didn’t originate the idea.
Mercurycruizers, I live in Auburn also. I might have to get in touch with you on your parts help offer!
Does anyone have, or have seen in person the PROCAR Rally 1000 Seats that JEGS sells? I like the look and want something that has side bolsters to prevent sliding around.

Stefan, Yes that is My E30 M3. It is chassis # 00069 and is one of earliest E30 M3’s that came to the US. I’d forsake all other cars for this car if I had to. I’m not married yet so we’re still looking good.