Hi, I just picked up a 1972 Grabber with ac and power steering. It is in restorable shape but wonder if it is worth it. The Hood has been replaced with a stock one and am not sure of the 302. It has dash air conditioning. The DMV is in question. So any thoughts? I also have a clean body 1970 that I bought the Grabber for parts to put into the 1970. Thanks for any input. Curt PS this morning I'm in a hurry to get out of the house so not much time for details.
If the 70 has a better body...Go that rout,especially with DMV issues. Welcome to the center of the Maverick/Comet universe!!!
So far that's good that you think the Grabber is not really the way to go. I can make a fake Grabber without the numbers. I don't know if that will make a difference in the long run maybe but now I will have to decide which way is the best choice. Both cars have strong points and both have small problems. I really want AC and power steering might not be worth the mechanical hassle. As far as the changes will it be a big job to switch dashes? Is the power steering as bad as my friend tells me? Thanks for the help Mavman72.
What's the DMV issue? Smog is the same for both. However, ya gotta have ALL the smog equipment on for the inspection.. After that, no more smog check until it's sold again. Build the one that is in the best shape to start with. The power steering is real light. I'd rather not have it. Smaller steering wheels make it worse. My car really darted with the Grant wheel. I changed to a stock wheel and like it much better. A/C is a must for Fresno... Man it gets hot there in the summer...But A/C can always be added later with aftermarket kits like Vintage air.
The grabber will have more value than a plain jane 70. Either way, you need to figure out which body/chassis is in better overall condition. Power steering in these cars is a love it or hate it affair. Personally I prefer the manual steering (better road feel IMHO) If both are in descent shape...Build em both...Are you sure the grabber is a grabber??? gotta have the all important "93" in the 3rd and 4th position of the vin. Good luck!!!
In my opinion a factory Grabber has no more value than a equally built grabber clone. I'd go with the best body.
Thanks for the replys! I was still wondering how hard the dashes are to remove and install? It may take time but I think the 73 grabber I have had a 6 in it. So it could go in the direction of switching the six stuff back into the Grabber and hot rodding the 70 as originally planned. The 70 has a Bronco type AC unit in it and if they had a good reputation of working well and it's able to work again then that will solve the AC problem. Yes Fresno is an inferno during the summer and AC is a important item when cruising at 11 PM and it's still 95 degrees. My Superduty AC runs about 9 monthes of the year.
You have to pull the windshield to change the dash. I put a factory set up in my old 77 by swapping everything from another car. Its a project, but not too bad. Be careful when pulling the heat/air box out. There is a drain hose on the bottom and the nipple breaks off easily. Also when you get the dash out, check the vacuum switch out. They usually are broken and now is the time to find another on and replace it. You also have a few more holes to drill but there are factory dimples where they need to be.
