I found this 1976 Maverick sitting under some trees on a house that looked abandoned. I left a note hoping there was someone still living there. Eventually I went back and saw someone in the yard and asked about the car.
It had been parked for 12 years at that point (2021). He wasn’t selling the car but had too many projects so he wasn’t happy selling it for what he paid for it… a whopping 3k for an almost 50 year old car that doesn’t run, had rotted floors, terrible wiring and an interior that was moldy.
So obviously, I was sold.
However I know NOTHING about cars, so I bought it under the understanding my uncle would help me build it. But that turned out to be a funny way of saying “I’m doing it by myself”
Bought the car and over the past 5 years, I had fixed the floors, new lights, new interior, all new engine parts and obviously basic maintenance.
The car was factory green and had the original 1976 bumpers.. so I couldn’t have that. I got the bumper styles from 1972 and the valances from that time.
Shortly after, life happened and the paint money kinda, vanished. So I painted it myself. Turbo can Sail Blue.
I believe a car should be driven. Not be made perfect and then drive it. From about 132 feet away, it looks amazing.
Car has an Inline 6 making maybe 100hp on a weak 3 speed automatic transmission. But it sounds great.
Wiring got fixed with an Amazon switch panel and so far it works great. Although, fuel starvation issues have caused me to only have a total of 33 miles driven on the car.
My family had several Mavericks growing up and I’m very happy to keep that going.
I’ve had all my progress logged on my Instagram and YouTube under the name Breakdown Garage.
Let’s hope this car makes it to true daily status soon.
