I was getting my lawnmower repaired and in the distance I saw a Grabber sitting in someones backyard. I went to the house and the guy told me his dad gave it to his brother and it had been sitting for 3 years and it wasn't for sale. He said about 4 other people had inquired about it. It was a 72 with a 302. It is so sad to see cars with such potential just sitting and wasting away. The guy probably wants to restore it but like so many people they get caught up in other things and it will probably just sit there and rust away for the next 15 years.
A common post, sadly. If all else fails, why not nudge the boundaries and say (in an 'understanding' way) that it's only going to rust away as is, and then hope they change their mind? Maybe let them have 1st right of refusal in writing when/if you ever want to sell it (like you would want to do that). 'Might be enough to sway them. (just keeping my post counts up here.)
I had a similar experience last week. While I was back alley cruising for Mav's I saw the nose of a Sprint sticking out beside someone's back porch, with a tree growing up around and over it. After rubbing my eyes several times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating (I don't know what the odds are of finding a Sprint in Canada but I would think they're fairly slim) I rang the doorbell and asked the gentleman who answered the door if he was the owner. He replied that he "might be", so I asked if it was for sale. Again he said "it might be". Anyhow he didn't get much more forthcoming with information except to say it had a 302 and it hadn't run in a while. I think he thought I was some young punk (I'm quickly approaching my mid-30's) that was casing the joint or something, cause he was giving me a lot of sideways looks, and he seemed extremely suspicious about how I had spotted it. Anyway from what little I saw of the car it's got the original paint and is not in bad shape, so I left my name and number with the guy in case he decides it is for sale. It just looks so pathetic there under that tree. As weenie as it sounds, I told the story to my dad and he offered to go over and try to see if the guy will sell, since he's closer in age. Man, 33 years old and still gotta get my dad to stick up for me. How embarrassing. Sorry to ramble on but sometimes you just gotta.
snap some pics of these cars, got to immortalize them somehow.. then show us, but please warn of the graphic nature of the post
In the last year I have asked about two 72 grabbers, both sitting in Tenn. yards rusting away! Both were not for sale! They will most likely rot, so so sad! I know first hand the amount of cash, and hard work it takes to get one on the road looking good! Were are these people gonna get $5000.oo to get it done? Not from me! Cuz I spent it all on my wife's Mav!!! LOL Mark
My suggestion: Have a set of business cards made up that have your name, address, phone, email, website, etc on it. At the top have it say "Maverick/Comet Collector" or "I buy Maverick Cars and Parts" or "Member: Maverick/Comet Club International" or whatever. I have done this and whenever I see a Maverick, I stick one under the wiper. You won't believe how many cars I have bought this way. It might be years later....but they save the card. The last blue 4-door Maverick I bought....I stuck a business card under the wiper last winter sometime....paid off!!!
Yes, I leave my calling cards on Mavericks too, and it works! (You never know when you might want another Maverick)!
"DAB MAVERICK/COMET ENTHUSIAST Vehicle: One '71 Comet GT V8, two '72 Maverick Grabber V8's, one '72 Maverick Sprint V8, one '74 Maverick Drag-N-Fly, one '72 Maverick 4-door V8, one '74 Maverick 4-door V8, one '77 Comet 4-door, Darryl's '77 Maverick 2-dr (with flames), & '73 for parts " I would listen to that guy ^^^ on how to get more mavs! LOL -Todd
Thanks Craig for the suggestion. I really hadn't thought of doing that, but it's a great idea. Now I just have to get around to joining the MCCI.
Yes...need to do that too!! Click here to learn all about the Maverick/Comet Club International, Inc.
