Hi! I came to this site looking for advice - I LOVE the Maverick and have wanted one for literally years. Recently, I mentioned this to a friend who restores cars and he told me that he had a 1974 4-door that had been in storage since the mid-80's and that If I wanted it, I could just take it. Well of course I want it! BUT - i need someone to tell me if this is a good idea. It worked perfectly when it was driven into the storage building and parked there. Here are my concerns - first, I am a woman would love to start working on cars, but has never changed my own oil. Is this something I'll be able to pick up from books and this board? Also, the whole interior is covered with mold/mildew - I haven't actually seen this inside for myself yet. Can it be removed or am I going to have to replace the whole interior? I am also a student on a limited budget. Really, I'm looking for some solid advice before I take this on. Thanks!
Sure, take him up on his offer. Just remember it takes time and some money to work on cars. You could start by changing all the fluids in it, get someone to check out the condition of the brakes. You want to be able to stop even before you crank it. Hard to tell about the interior but you try cleaning it before replacing it. If this car won't be the primary mode of transpotation, you can take your time and conquer one problem at a time. Good luck and welcome to the board. We like pictures.
sounds like it could be a good deal, BUT remember, all the rubber probably needs replacing such as the tires, window moldings. trunk seal, radiator and heater hoses. etc. if the mold and mildew is really bad, i'd replace all the interior that i couldn't clean. what area of the country are you located in? clean and straight body parts are prized on here. but if your looking for a project to learn and have a place to keep it. i'd grab it. P.S. welcome to the board. and there are a number of other women on here, so don't feel lonesome.
I say take a good look at it and if it is not to rusty get it. Depends on what part of the country it is in and how it was stored. The interiors were either all vinyl or vinyl with cloth inserts. Most of it should clean up. They are simple cars to learn on.
I am far from an expert, but I am also a woman, and had Mavericks in the 80's. I did my own tune-ups, and oil changes, and once a head gasket. If you want to learn the basics, it's a lot better than a newer car---you can almost crawl around under the hood, because there is so much more room to work than the newer ones. And you can't beat the price! Good luck and welcome!!
Welcome to the board Renee . Couldn't pick a better better car to learn on, If your serious about it, you will learn fast. These are simple machines and if you need help, there are plenty of guys and gals here that are knowledgeable.
sounds like a great chance of obtaining a maverick! See if you can find a friend or local mechanic that knows about cars, that would be willing to take a good look at the car with you. If you go to school,you may have a car buff in one of your classes that may be willing to help.Car nuts are always more than willing to help.As you will find on this forum. Everyone is more than happy to help,and most very knowlegible.Good luck! Great to see another woman onboard!
sounds like a good car to start on. these cars are great for learning. this forum will help alot too. this crew can answer any question. for inspiration click on the camera icon under my name. i have 2 four doors. i 71 restmod and 1 unrestored 73. good luck
