Which one to buy?

Hi guys, I want some opinions about buying a Maverick to restore.
I have seen (online) a few cars and I have a question...
There is this 1971 available and affordable to buy. It has a non running 6 cylinders engine, requires body work on the rear fenders and the interior is ugly.
There is also a 1975 available and just a around $600 more expensive than the 71, but the body is way better, the interior is also in better shape and it has a V8, the engine I would have to put in the 71 anyways.
It would be a no brainer if wasn't for the bumpers on the 75. I really don't like how they look and the mechanic who will help me with the job (he has two 1970 and a 1973 Mavericks) told me that changing those bumpers for the skinnier ones like on the 71 would be expensive and hard to achieve because it's hard to find those bumpers to buy.
Beside the bumpers and brackets what also is needed?
Is it really hard to find the skinnier bumpers?
What would you do?
Thanks!

 

The 75, no brainer.... the 71 would have a few niceties.... but the large bumpers can look nice is they are tucked, and even the cost of finding the small bumpers then installing then is far less than the extra bodywork, enginework, and interior is worth, probably more than the 600 extra dollars too. Take a look at the brakes too, the 75 ought to have front disks, which in and of itself is a 200$ plus bonus

JMHO

 

...:Handshake

the '75 would be the better choice...
you will need the front and rear valances.
does the '75 have A/C?

 

You should buy the better of the two, you can always do a bumper swap.
Always buy the best car you can, it saves you lots of aggravation in the long run.

 

The answer is right in front of you .... BUY BOTH!

Use the better car for the foundation and you will have a ready supply of the assorted stuff you need for the bumper swap, etc. Pillage that parts car for anything that seems remotely useful and sell the hulk for scrap. Hoping the 75 has other options too, like front disc brakes. That is a biggie if you want to share the road with modern cars.

 

I Agree with Captian Comet

 

Buy both. To get good condition skinny bumpers, brackets, valances youre going to be an ez 500$. I pieced my swap together and it took me about a year to locate suitable parts.

 

You need a good body,the mechanicals are easy.

 

Appreciated every reply!!!
I will get the newest one possible and go from there.
My plan and hope is to have it running in December, when I will turn 50.
Can't think of a cooler gift to myself!
Thanks again

 

Well, destiny played it's hand and I was very blessed!
I just bought a very nice '71 Maverick.
I had to drive 6 hours to pick it up in Georgia, but the car was worth of every mile.
NO RUST!!!
Body is in great shape, the story I was told by the seller is that the lady who bought it new became blind after a short period of time and the car was parked in a garage since then (probably around 1973) and was sold to this guy 6 years ago.
Time to start the mods...

 

Oh, did I mention I paid $1000 for it?!?!?!

 

Wow that car looks great i really think you got a screaming good deal

 

Very nice and you got your small bumpers too - you must be doing the happy dance

 

Still doing it, mav1970. Still doing it!

 

Is that a factory black car?