The Story Of My !973 Grabber (w/pics)

The Story Of My 1973 Grabber (w/pics)

Well, a few weeks ago I bought a 1973 Grabber from
a post I ran across in another forum. It was located in
Philly and I had it trucked to Washington state.

Here are the photos from the forum post where I
originally saw the car:

http://www.MavGrab.com/73grabber

When it finally got here it was time to start the project.
The first item of business was the front disc brake
conversion and then the replacement of the entire
power steering system:

http://www.solidhosting.com/mavgrab/73grabber/index_02.html

Next, it was time to strip everything off the engine
and out of the engine compartment. Then the replacement
with new parts began:

http://www.solidhosting.com/mavgrab/73grabber/index_03.html

Now it turns out that I need just about all new body
metal for the car. Guess what comes my way? That's
right, the opportunity to purchase a parts car:

http://www.solidhosting.com/mavgrab/73grabber/index_04.html

The complete body and paint job is months away.
However, I notice while the car is up that the front
valance is too rough to live with until then. So, I
roughed it up, primed and painted it to hold me
until then. At least your eye won't be drawn to that
area when it sits on the ground. There are pics of
this on the page above where the parts car is
shown.

We're now finishing the rear brakes and replacing most
of the brake lines. I've also replaced the u-joints and
I'm having the driveshaft balanced.

Next, the new MSD ignition system and the rest of the
external engine parts.

Whew.

 

Wow thats realy looking good !!! keep up the good work

 

Wow that looks really sharp and I'm really impressed

 

Well, thank you very much, that's very nice of you.

The rebuild is fun, but it has been a bit of a let down.
I was so happy to locate it and then it took forever
to get it here. I was 'jonsing' to get in and drive it
the whole time, just like a little kid.

Then, when it arrived it had no brakes and an engine
that wouldn't stay running. I barely made it from the
truck depot to Hankle's Auto Restoration, about four
miles. It's been on the lift ever since...still haven't
gotten to really drive it yet.

I'm hoping that at least all the mechanical work will
be finished in time for the meet in September. That's
the goal anyway, to able to drive it there.

Keep hope alive!

 

Thank you very much Elliot!

 

that is a sharp car, wished i would have had the money to go check it out before it left the state.. your resto is going fast.. keep the pictures comming.. any chance you would want to sell me the wheels if your not going to use them? i would love to find some like that for mine..

 

Thank you!

At some point I will be replacing the wheels with
new Cragars and I would be happy to sell you the
wheels. Drop me an e-mail at al@mavgrab.com
and I will file it away to contact you at that time
if you wish.

 

very nice and thanks for the pics!

 

Looking good!

 

very nice little project you got going there! enjoyed the pictures, keep it up!

 

Which Cragars you think you going to get for it?

 

My wife and I are leaning towards the classic SS style.
My 4 door has the Keystones on it.

 

Nice looking car Big AL ...keep us posted on the progress

 

Some very nice work Al... I tend to lean toward the SS's also ...it was either these or Keystones also...so call me Old Fashion

 

Thank you, will do!