1970 Ford Maverick thoughts?

Question

I just found a 1970 Ford Maverick. It has no rust, a great paint job, and a V-6 with 83k original miles on it. I am going to use it as a daily driver until I get out of college and then I have a 460 I would drop in it. I can get this car for $2000. Is it worth it?

Answer 1

it is worth more if you leave it the way it is there are not many of those left anymore. i think you will find it has a straight 6 not a v6

Answer 2

If it has the 200ci or 250ci, leave it original. I was tempted to swap out the 6 for an 8 but it's not a matter of just dropping an engine in and turning the key.

You MUST add the larger brakes which also involves swapping the rear end to accommodate the larger brakes - you cannot keep the original rear end and simply add larger brakes. There's no exception to this. The 6-cyl models had brakes just adequate for the 6 cylinder engine which weighs roughly 240-275 odd pounds or so vs. some 460lbs for a 289 or 302 or 510-550 lbs for a 351 W or C respectively. You'd make the Maverick go really fast, but you wouldn't be able to stop it.

If you put a good glass pack muffler on it, you'll get the challenges and complements that I did with the 6 cyl. It's a good engine, they can last "forever". Mine was still running strong after 33-years as a daily driver. In fact, be advised that the Odometer on these old cars just rolls over at 100k and starts over. If it's been driven after 100k, it looks like low milage. I think mine was showing 55-58k before it was towed and lost to outrageous fees. I rolled over 100k long before I came to PA. Drove that car from West Texas to Wisconsin and then to Eastern PA. It could top 100mph with little problems. Fuel economy was about equal to my then g/f's '97 Malibu which led the way to WI. Fun car and a great engine.

That Carter YF is a PIA though, so watch out. With no PCM to regulate air/fuel/temp ratios you have to learn how to adjust it manually for optimum every Summer and Winter. The automatic choke tends to stick and requires frequent maintenance as it ages. If you take your turns hard, be prepared to restart the engine while coasting through the curve. The carburetor is the only thing I don't miss. MPFI is a dream.

I also don't miss the lousy rear-view; mine had a bad dent in the rear bumper because of this. Not as bad of a rear view as the Mach I, but almost. The tail lights can be dim so I suggest a 3rd brake light should be added to avoid bumper-humps. Easy to install if you got the time.

Is it worth it? Do you want it or not. That's how you can tell if it's worth it. Prices go up but the car never gets much more modern. No ABS, no OD, no Fuel Injection (I don't think you can even add it without major mods to the manifold), and they usually don't have power steering or brakes. Getting used to the Maverick and then going to a modern car with power anything is like science-fiction. Takes a lot of getting used to the differences if you swap back and forth occasionally.

On the other hand, Maverick parts are mostly simple to work on and fairly inexpensive to maintain. They're also exempt from Emissions in most states. You can do your own tune-ups and save a lot of money. Is it worth it? Heck, I replaced it with a Jeep. I still miss my Maverick though.

Answer 3

As a former owner of a '70 maverick it sounds like a good deal. You'll see good gas mileage out of the old six banger. Be warned though, a 460 will not fit without major modifications to the front end. A 302/351w will fit in with some minor mods. Mine was originally a 6 cyl and I put a 302 with a five speed. It was fun.

Answer 4

Yeah I think so. Also the 460 will fit but be really tight on a daily driver. Thats better left to the race cars. Better to put in a warmed over 351 windsor as it has more accessable parts for your car.

Answer 5

The steering knuckles will have to be changed so you have a caliper mount. Don't know what exist for the rear since you need to come up with some type of caliper mount, though I'm sure something exist. Also, braking pressures are controlled by a Proportioning valve (drum brakes), this compensates for brake spring pressures and reduces chances of rear wheel lockup due to weight shifting forward. On a front disc/rear drum, you have a combination valve, this is the proportioning valve and a metering valve to control pressures to the front disc. I don't see it done in an hour.

Answer 6

Maverick was about the cheepest car for sold except for the Pinto. Last 1973 maverick I bought was 650 dollars 3 speed manual inline 6 cyl 1bbl carb really a rolling piece of crud. And 460cid engine just won't fit. 289 and 305 are good motors weld sub=frame connectors onto it. ANd get a stronger rear end.

Answer 7

only if it's a 2 door, don't waste your time on a 4 door. and they never came with a v6, it had either a 302 v8 or 200/250 in line six...they have very weak brakes, if you up the power you will need to upgrade the brakes...

Answer 8

If it's in the shape you say....it's a steal! There aren't that many of them left but they are rad cars and I am looking for one for my soon to drive son. I had one of the 76s....it was a decent car and and be made into anything with some good paint and care. Buy it and take good care of it!