Maverick owner again, 34 years later

Discussion in 'New Members Forum' started by Mike Copeland, Mar 20, 2011.

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  1. Mike Copeland

    Mike Copeland Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    1974 Maverick
    My name is Mike Copeland. I work for Lingenfelter Performance Engineering as Operations Manager. I also own a speed shop in Brighton Michigan called Diversified Creations.

    In 1974 I bought a 302, 3 speed, Grabber Blue Maverick brand new from the dealer where I worked, Ray Whitfield Ford. With 500 miles I removed the driveline and installed a Paxton blown 302, 4 speed top loader, and a 9". I street raced, and drag raced it until 1976. Along the way I blew up a couple small blocks, then installed a 351 Clevland. I got married and had to sell the car. It had 2500 miles when I sold it to one of my best friends. He kept it for 10 years, and sold it.

    It was my first real hot rod car. I have been searching for it over 15 years. Last week I found it on Craigs List, but someone beat me to it. I was able to get my phone number to the new owner, and he called me. After some conversation, and a visit, I now own my Maverick again.

    It is 95% the way it was when I sold it. It now has 4900 miles. It has spent most of it's life sitting in garages, and will spend the rest of my life in mine. I am going to repaint it, and build it the way I would have if I had the knowledge, and money I have now.

    This site has already helped find the original seat material so I can replace the faded part on top of the rear seat.
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2011
    Mike Copeland, Mar 20, 2011
    #1
  2. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Welcome Mike, from Northeastern Illinois. Congratulations on recovering ur long lost Mav. You have a background and knowledge in the auto industry, I am sure a lot of folks here can benefit. Also, since ur in Michigan you might be interested in attending the Roundup in Dearborn the latter part of July...:Welcome:
     
    mojo, Mar 20, 2011
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  3. Jsarnold

    Jsarnold Senior Member

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    Welcome from NC. You were a Maverick before Mavericks were cool!! Glad you found it and were able to buy it from the new owner. Hope he finds another.
     
    Jsarnold, Mar 20, 2011
    #3
  4. strokermaverick

    strokermaverick Member

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    Location:
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    '75 Maverick 2 door/ 420 c.i. stroker, converted to small bumpers ('73 Maverick 2 door 302 a/c p/s c-4 SOLD) '69.5 Maverick 2 door 200 c.i. c-4
    Welcome to the site from eastern N.C.

    Got any pictures to post? I'd love to see it.
     
    strokermaverick, Mar 20, 2011
    #4
  5. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    1972 Maverick Grabber - Color: Orange Also, 1976 Ford Maverick 4-door, 1977 Mercury Comet 2-door.
    Welcome aboard.

    You are also in luck. The Maverick Comet Club International, Inc. (MCCI) will be holding their 18th Annual Roundup Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan next July 20-24. You will see lots and lots of Mavericks and Comets. You will have to plan and attend. More details can be found at www.MaverickCometClub.org
     
    Craig Selvey, Mar 20, 2011
    #5
  6. rayzorsharp

    rayzorsharp I "AM" a Maverick!

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    Welcome aboard Mike! :Handshake
    That's awesome that you found your original car. Not many guys have succeeded in doing that. Especially having the low mileage and all. Look forward to seeing pics of it!
     
    rayzorsharp, Mar 20, 2011
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  7. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    70 mav, 71 grabber, 73 Comet, 2004 f-250 crew cab diesel, 2001 f-250, 2004 explorer, 2007 Gold Wing trike.
    Good story. Welcome to the board.:Welcome:
     
    don graham, Mar 20, 2011
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  8. socalcomet

    socalcomet Member

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    :Welcome: from Southern California. You sound like a great addition to the board.
     
    socalcomet, Mar 20, 2011
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  9. mavgrab302

    mavgrab302 MCCI Florida State Rep

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    Welcome from Ocala,Florida...........
     
    mavgrab302, Mar 20, 2011
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  10. Mercurycruizers

    Mercurycruizers David (Coop) Cooper

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    :Welcome:to the board... I use to live in Walled Lake & Novi, not far from you...
     
    Mercurycruizers, Mar 20, 2011
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  11. Shorty

    Shorty Member

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    Great story and welcome to the site!

    Bruce
     
    Shorty, Mar 20, 2011
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  12. franktf

    franktf Member

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    :Welcome:to the site!!!!!
     
    franktf, Mar 20, 2011
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  13. mav1970

    mav1970 Bob Hatcher

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    :Welcome: from Northeast Pennsylvania
     
    mav1970, Mar 20, 2011
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  14. maverick1970

    maverick1970 MCG State Rep

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    Great story! Welcome and glad you got your car back.
     
    maverick1970, Mar 21, 2011
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  15. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    Welcome! It is rare that you get a second chance to do it the way you wanted to do it way back when, congratulations!:mischeif:
     
    injectedmav, Mar 21, 2011
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