Revive to Drive: Sub-$2k Vintage "Muscle" Cars - They are STILL Out There

[@ThunderHead289]

So, now that power tour has been announced, should I take this? Thinking of swapping my OG 289 into her, what are your thoughts???

[@robz8989]

Take anything you like as long as the engine doesn’t fall out 😂

[@kenlangbridge9907]

Will the 289 be more reliable or get better power now that you e sorted out the 302?

[@joshcummings6642]

Run her way she sits.

[@Josh-hu6vp]

Definitely take this car. As for the 289... If it's a better, more reliable engine, may as well.

[@mcdlt8414]

Take the galaxie, 4 door boats are some of my favorites! Especially with the 352FE, so old school

[@Scoots71]

I miss Luke and Kevin together. Hoping they collaborate again. Both fun guys

[@ThunderHead289]

I said I’d do it again, but no teng tools advertisements. The conversation stopped there

[@Scoots71]

Sounds fair to me. Love the Mav by the way. Funmobile

[@ThunderHead289]

@@Scoots71 I drive it everyday - sitting in it as I write this as I just pulled in from work

[@Scoots71]

I watch all your vids. Fist pump from Buffalo NY brother. Glad to have you back

[@ThunderHead289]

@@Scoots71 thanks so much 🤓

[@BarbazuX]

You're a hero for keeping that car. The less stuff in the junk cycle the better; if it can be used, it should. The need to junk operational stuff is rampant in the U.S., in favor of the latest and greatest. I expect that is the same everywhere in the world. Anyway, I'll watch any vid you do; I'm addicted to you, J.Y.D. et. all. Keep 'er up!

[@donellmuniz590]

Not in Cuba! They have to keep their 70 year old junk running with whatever they can make or scrounge. They dont throw ANYTHING away.

[@lightningboltz525]

@@donellmuniz590 I respect that mindset

[@brianfloyd5510]

This is America and you have every right to choose whether to involve ads. Don't let it affect your friend association though cause ya'll are bigger than that. But yeah, I am a bit of a nerd and I like the detailed directions on carbs that you have given us all. Your vids have given me the courage to delve further into carbs and I began with my first examination of one today as a matter of fact, albeit it was a small engine carb with a "dia=fram" lol...

[@michaellehmann2803]

About 10 years ago I helped a buddy of mine build a 74 Maverick. We did a fuel injected 5.0 swap with trick flow heads, e303 cam, a T5 swap, a 3.80TL rear, and manual brakes. Every time you took the car out, it was either going to kill you or make you a better driver! Eventually my buddy traded it for a Harley because he felt it was safer.

[@emilmaki3001]

I've got a 67 Fairlane that I got back on the road thanks to you, digs and VGG! Thanks!

[@Ahnenerbe1944]

Same with my 66 convertible. Grandpa gave me it for free. Sat in their garage 40 yrs.

[@diez0305]

currently in the process with my 65 mustang!

[@lyricaldreamer84]

These are golden memories you're making! We still laugh about our trip to the hospital for my son's birth 30+ years ago. A 74 Dodge Dart, mid December, blower motor out, scraping ice and a broken spring lol. These are the memories that tie 32 years of marriage together.

[@willjoo5976]

Mine walked out after 24..memories arent as sacred to some as others

[@shad0fx]

I'd like to see a charity revive and drive off challenge between VGG, Mccool, dig and thunderhead. One junkyard. 4 or 5 teams. Rules... find a car, revive it, drive it home. Then see who can auction the cars off for the most $$ for a charity! Itd be fun to see.

[@zimzorgaming4557]

That would be really cool

[@BoringIntrovert1982]

Restored (formally Turning Rust) could be your 5th team member. I'm all in on that idea!

[@davidsteen1496]

That would be awesome !!!!

[@donellmuniz590]

Great idea in theory, but without big buck sponsors to provide parts and funding, I don't think these channels are wealthy enough (MAYBE VGG is) to build cars and basically give them away. Then there's all the liability bullshit to deal with in this litigious atmosphere. Now CLEETUS, on the other hand, THAT rich sumbitch could fund ALL the cars!

[@davidsteen1496]

I see the issues there bit maybe that's a great idea with maybe cleetus get it worked out it would be a large draw from all of us guys and gals that love these channels and maybe do a lil good too.👍

[@sccarguy8242]

Your wife laughing at it when it was warming up, was just hilarious... she is a keeper.

[@jeffpowers2916]

Love the trip down memory lane, your wife cracking up the whole time was awsome!!! Do enjoy your videos. Am kinda bummed you quit collabbing with Kevin. You made his videos better. Congrats on the new property!!!

[@johnallison5075]

I always loved the 4 doors. With a little work they could be quite fun. Something about a V8 up front and room for the homies in the back

[@jonathanz4987]

At 6'7" I barely fit in most cars. I was rolling on the floor when you reached under your leg to shift!!! I've done that more than once! 🤣 I still go under the leg to open the door in my Jeep. Cheers from Arizona.

[@donellmuniz590]

The Midwest. Trailer park. Scruffy white country boys. A primer black 4 door Maverick. A jacked up orange Explorer. A $200 conversion van. Could be a tv show, "The REAL Trailer Park Boys of Iowa".

[@olikat8]

I picked up a 'very solid '76 Valiant sedan from an older woman. 318, 88k miles. Have a bunch of parts to make it pretty fun on the cheap.

[@cobrajet8866]

Power Tour? The Galaxie for sure. Luke - I really like your videos, they are very educational beyond just detailed carb adjustments. You have a great attitude and are very humble. Thanks for the time you spend on this and keep making videos. Talk to us about Transmissions (Manual and or Automatic), Rear axles and gear ratios for a daily driver based on car Weight and Engine size.

[@1ihnut]

Glad to see you are posting longer vids. And yes, take this one on power tour. Wish I had something to take on tour.

[@jakeroark8698]

Luke is what that greasy old mechanic in your local garage looked like when he was in his prime. Guys like that will always be in a garage working on junk and love every minute of it, and there ain't nothin wrong with that. Much respect!

[@dave3657]

I drove beaters back when it was the only car I could afford. Wait a minute,, I still have beaters in the garage.. I bought a bone stock 1941 Chevy and drove it for a year. Makes you appreciate modern cars.

[@ThunderHead289]

I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler now also - what a waste of money, I never drive it and essentially gave it to my wife now. I love the oldschool rides and the feel I get from driving them too much. The mav has been my daily driver for 6-7 months now

[@carswithed2946]

As an Aussie I approve of the Aussie accent on the condition that you don’t improve it. It’s perfect the way it is in all its hilarious glory

[@jman4652]

no way.. sounds to much like a queenslander lol

[@carswithed2946]

Hey I’m from Queensland! Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to go back to drinking my daily bottles of XXXX gold

[@jman4652]

@@carswithed2946 Lol. You have ya 4x. I'll have my toohys new. 😂😂 Even though I moved from nsw to. Wa. I'm still. New south at heart. Lol Have a good day mate 👍

[@dirtroadfarmsjimmideanreen2458]

You Aussies are great! I think it shows how cool you are that you get laughter instead of Anger while the boys do their Aussie ACT!!! Thank you Aussies for being understanding human beings that would rather laugh than be angered!!! Because Luke and Kevin I believe are the same way!!!

[@jman4652]

@@dirtroadfarmsjimmideanreen2458 cheers mate. Us Aussies are pretty chilled when it comes to taking the piss out of something for a laugh. 😂

[@clintonbell5311]

Brought back some real feels hearing you and Digs in the same video

[@charlesmeguin5608]

I've been following you both for over a year and boy I'd love to hang with you both along with my son,who by the way is a die hard ford guy..you too are honestly cool as can be..keep the videos and laugh's and knowledge coming..

[@jeffdiehl8394]

I vote hard yes on the Power Tour! find a pair of Junkyard buckets out of a tempo or something( buddy used Tempo buckets in a boxtop Fairmont back in the 90's, worked well) so you fit in it. weld up some rust patches, swap in an explorer 8.8 for a cheap gear/LSD/disc brake upgrade and some front springs. boom Power Tour greatness!!! as for your 289, sure why not?

[@ThunderHead289]

Peep my most recent upload 🤓

[@DublinIsBubblin]

I recently just got a 1974 Maverick. Fun car to drive around, give it a bit of gas around a corner and it likes to kick out.

[@doctor2bob]

A great recap on owning a Maverick. It is amazing how time flies and I still remember the original steps in this journey. Power Tour will be an epic adventure

[@ironhead2521]

I seen this on vid on my side screen, And I am 50 now , Watching you guys brought back some fun memories of me and my gear head buddys building 300 dollar hot rods! Ill stay tuned to see what other things you guys get into!! But thanks for the laughs!

[@combatmotorsports9006]

Thank You for making and sharing these videos. My son and I really enjoy them!

[@garycook2355]

My mom had a 70 Maverick 2 dr, 6 cyl, with an a/t. she drove that thing for years and years and years with nary a problem. But my favorite Maverick was the Grabber with the 302, 4 spd, and the gnarley scooped hood. the poor bo's boss 302. The Maverick was built on the Falcon/Mustang platform so by the time it came out they (Ford) had all the bugs ironed out. Ah yes adventures are made of this. (but not wedding bliss).

[@sinformant]

My first thought to plug the vacuum leak. Was a valve stem cap from one of the wheels but that works

[@AlexBrowningPX]

I miss when you and kev made videos together it's was always comedy gold mixed with awesome revivals. But I completely understand the separation, I just hope it didnt ruin your guys friendship.

[@jayburrough4308]

It goes from not being able to hear y'all to blasting my ear drums but I'm liking what I'm seeing with the channel I like videos like this you get to see the car come back to life in on video.good job guys

[@daveb7358]

I am amazed to see a maverik which has not completely rusted out. I had a 1974 mav 4 door. By the time I finished grad school in 1985 it was completely rusted out. The drivers side floor was gone, and I could not use the scissors jack, the body deflected when I tried to jack it. The tops of the front fenders were rusted out, as there were no inner liners under the fenders. I guess the care was not designed for northern Ohio.

[@TwoTrakMind]

I absolutely love that car. It reminds me of my teen years in the late 80s. I drove a 76 Chevy Vega and the body of the Maverick reminds me of the Vega. I've always thought they were sweet cars.

[@uuwalnut]

Keystone Classic rims! Hahaha I had those on my 69 Mustang in the 80's. Always enjoy your channel TH289

[@akersjon278]

Dang, if you only lived closer to Scott at ColdWarMotors , it could have been a contender for the "Winter Beater Challenge"...lol!

[@victorrobison5069]

Just a comment, after hearing Digs guessing about module wiring. Red is to positive side of coil, understanding that a separate wire brings the coil power from the switch. White is used only during cranking, many cheap modules do not have any circuitry inside the box for this wire, they included it to look like they sold you a good module. Green is to negative side of coil. Orange and Purple are to the pick-up coil inside the distributor. Black is to ground. Hope this helps in the future.

[@tekvax01]

You two are hilarious when you get together! Don't ever change fellows!

[@danielheartsill4269]

In Texas those spark boxes would get hot in the summer and quit. You could pour a large coke cup of ice water on it and drive on until it got hot again. The sad part is Ford kept using those things for years.

[@Buttermilkjug]

First car I ever owned was a 1969 Ford Falcon Futura Sport~ I loved that car even more than the '66 Mustang I owned a few years later~ Been looking for another one ever since I got rid of it~ I can find the smaller Falcons pretty easy, but I prefer the later models because they were bigger~ Just the right size car~

[@davidsteen1496]

I loved how luke and his wifey got the van to the shop and she has a great heart to put up with a car guy a rare thing these days ...great vid man!!!

[@Rollormotor]

I think the 4 door maverick rocks! perfect for power tour

[@raymondholley8646]

I had a 73 Maverick 2-door came from Factory with a 302 I pulled it out and I put a 1968 big block 462 out of a Lincoln in it I put a small thumpr cam in it it was a nasty critter

[@ksokie63]

Great video on the mav and all the fun things you have done and it is still going strong. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@randyekman3185]

"The adventures of Uncle Luke and Aunt Kevin". Great episode!

[@ReallyDumbName]

There is nothing better than the look on your face when Kevin opened the door.

[@Detman101]

How this video popped up in my feed I don't know...but i'm sure as hell glad it did!! What an adventure!! Reminds me of what it was like to have friends...

[@2hacksinashack]

I like watching your videos cause you work on Fords. You should take that beast on power tour. I’ve got a soft spot for “odd ball muscle cars”.

[@Bradrick_Larney_Sr]

Next time in a pinch, in most cases you could use a valve stem cap to plug vacuum lines.

[@edwardlubin322]

Murphy's law was in full effect, but you prevailed! Hillbilly perseverance and dumb luck, gotta love it.

[@dirtroadfarmsjimmideanreen2458]

Nice compilation on the Maverick! Great to see you doing videos again!! I like it when you do videos by yourself I like them with Kevin and I like them with your wife as long as you're teaching us and having a good time they're always great videos!!! Country/Rock on Luke!!!

[@gregferguson9987]

I still like the blue and white galaxy!!! Sharp looking ol family car.

[@matthewterry5540]

I didn't go to work today since my '93 Volvo 240 shorts out whenever it rains and won't start. Normally it's not a problem since it's my backup car but the '89 740 I usually drive is sitting at the other end of the driveway with a big hole where the transmission is supposed to be and my wife took the XC90 to Ohio so I'm screwed until it dries out enough that the 240 will start again. Maybe.

[@scottwitkowski1298]

Tip of the day: a cigarette butt will plug most vacuum leaks. Take off the paper and twist/pull to size it.

[@robz8989]

Loving the glove compartment lock 😂 screwdriver for repairs that may occur that you need to screwdriver to repair

[@ruwithlee1970]

You should get one of those 12 volt camping hair dryers for a window defrost! Haha

[@mikeb988]

I don't know what happened between the two of you but this was a hillbilly genius friendship made in heaven I really hope you guys can fix it

[@whatusteppin6200]

I here it is 75 miles that came in between them. They are still friends, but a funny little thing happens, it’s called life.

[@mikeb988]

@@whatusteppin6200 I heard it was content differences there must be a middle ground some where between fun and educational

[@spicydeath82]

@@mikeb988 nah, junkyard on his channel said it was just due to thunderhead moving 45minutes away. makes it hard to collaborate.

[@mikeb988]

@@spicydeath82 well it's good to know there still friends at least

[@viper2009]

I’ve watched so many revivals this is a top 3 for me. Y’all hilarious

[@billespinosa5088]

Back in the day, you two made a dynamic duel.

[@jaredfarney675]

Awww, poor van. I remember watching videos on that and the Mazda with the V8. Wow, that was a long time ago.

[@Str8sixfan]

I really appreciate the phrase "muscle flavored cars". That's my Fairmont to a tee. Kinda like the "Chocolate chip flavored - cookies"

[@SirEpifire]

Oooooof I know the feel with having to scrape the inside of the windshield, due to a leaky heater core. I just replaced mine on the 78 LTD and I'm so glad I did. The old rides are awesome but if you're still between fixing and desired condition, it does try the patience. 😄

[@NIKOSAUTOS]

Awesome channel, been following and watching... Now I'm looking for a cheap muscle car. Thanks Luke!

[@shabadoo24]

Maverick and the Comet. The rust loved these cars.

[@jeffreypierce1440]

not really compared to other cars. i had a '76 in '85. the paint was fully oxidized but no rust at all. this in iowa...salt salt and more salt.

[@stk0308]

There was a red Boss 302 Maverick in Iowa City back in the 80's. It, actually,, looked pretty cool.

[@2ndCavTrooper]

So glad to see ya back!!!

[@Redfiregtag]

Lol, when they were doing the Australian accent bit an outback steakhouse ad came on lol how fitting

[@mikewhittaker4520]

I'm currently swapping a 460 into my 79 bronco, I got it running but most of the header bolts broke off in the head and were so seized in that I had to get a shop to use a mill and drill them out im almost done just waiting for the heads to get finished atm

[@rilyb15]

Mr and Mrs. Thunderhead. What a great video!!

[@michaelschmitz1444]

iIm happy to see you guys collaborating again. I was kinda worried. lol The A Team together again.

[@nicknackdaddyack]

Great video! I love my fellow gearheads!

[@tommydee1437]

You need to find a V6 Mustang II. Every one came with a 3.55LS. would be a nice upgrade for your 8"

[@centralbears3010]

So glad I met Mr. Luke and saw this car in power tour 2023.

[@kennethdispain1807]

Love those old cars

[@hollowpoint357sw4]

Good video dude. Sorry if I was out of line about your video output time lines. Just hang in there dude. Maybe someday you'll show us your garage. Just throwing out a video idea.

[@Jake-im2lv]

Struggle to find anything under 2 grand where I'm at even if its some boring car from the early 2000s with a blown engine. Covid pricing has gotten ridiculous. Plus we have to get yearly safety inspections and pay a pretty hefty road tax so its expensive keeping rigs on the road, cant afford more than a daily and a project at once. I'd love to do these sort of revivals and flip them maybe but its just not financially feasible to get old cars back on the road here. I've done it on project cars as a labour of love but to pass inspection and get insurance and road tax its almost more than its worth. Most of the cars you could buy cheap enough to be worth fixing up, you'd end up spending more getting it on the road than it would cost just buying one that has survived and is already registered and on the road. Otherwise you got people asking tens of thousands for a shell of a desirable car, when there are good condition examples for similar amounts. Its just stupid and we have a shitty market for revivals. For example I've seen people selling a clapped out rx7 shell asking 10 to 15k, no engine no gearbox missing most of the interior. For 20 to 25k you could buy a complete, running and registered version. The shell would cost you 15k plus all the extra to make it whole again and get it registered. Just ridiculous. Managed to snag a 2004 forester pretty cheap... doing a revival of sorts at the moment. Its good being able to find heaps of them at junkyards for parts compared to scouring yards for parts only to find most of what you have picked clean.

[@friguy4444]

Okay it's time to give it some love already dude! LOL. Come on give it an LSD and fix the problems of heat and defrost the seats etc. It won't make it worth any more money so you can still treat it like the burn out queen it is but just give it some deserved attention already! Love it!

[@PhaQ2]

It's a Maverick 444. 4 barrel 4 speed 4 doors.

[@garageofscrap]

443. 4 barrel 4 speed 3 working doors

[@henryescat1104]

I have a CHEVROLET G20 1995, thank goodness I have a parts van too.

[@tomayres4237]

you 2 make laugh its like you grew up together all your life!!!

[@MrLotrecht]

I am jealous-the car out of my dreams-just like it is- no new colours just technically ok .... wow....wont you send it to me-its just Germany! Keep her, love her!

[@ethancowell6738]

We are doing this episode in Australian😂🤣😂10/10

[@BUILTFORDTOUGH79]

1700 for the heads, intake, and carb alone was worth it for sure let alone the 302

[@aarongrabowski3775]

13:47 they alway take off when you give em a sniff of the Cosby in a can!!!

[@keithharden7844]

Shout out to @mortske repair

[@jimmymarrs7605]

Keep them coming really enjoy the content.

[@Banzai-fq1qm]

I just Bought a 1976 2 door mercury comet a few months ago for my first car it has a inline v6 250 cubic inch engine in it and has an automatic transmission the car has 31,700 and some original miles on it the car was put in a garage for 30 years the car has a rebuilt title due to being rear ended in the past but the car is like brand new the car has everything factory still on it the only parts that needed to be replaced were all the Parking brake cables and new brake shoes I just need to put the new shocks on it now and get a new fuel sending unit and I need to figure out why my dash lights aren't working

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I remember you guys pushing it into the gas station after the light

[@shogunMR]

I have the same exact car two door mine is also black it's a 1975 with a 302

[@vicmabus1532]

Always play "Crack-the-Whip" when towing around corners for added fun!

[@researchandbuild1751]

The variable load alternator LOL

[@glennnickerson8438]

The only thing missing from the Aussie segment was: "A dingo ate my baby"!

[@donellmuniz590]

I didn't hear any "fair dinkums" or "Bob's your uncle"s.

[@Daisyduke419]

we need folks like you to migrate to upper mi we need this good influence up here in da UP :D

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

That is a classic Mustang engine a 302, which can be seen in the Boss Mustang, eventually it would become the 5.0 engine found in later Mustangs, Thunderbirds,and The Police interceptors I believe, now if you want to give it a menacing look, put a rear spoiler on, and make it look like the Ford Maverick Grabber 302 the only difference is the car you guys have is a 4 door,

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Fellow Iowan with a question: Putting a 5.0 into my Ranger this summer so will be seeing you guys at the shows around Iowa soon! So my 5.0 is the 86 which was the first year offered with factory carb fuel injection. I have everything but the wiring harness but my question is. For a mild streetable build in my Ranger. Should I consider keeping the 2 barrel EFI or go ahead and put in an after market intake and a Holley? I am not likely to be going much more than 300HP because I do not intend to race and the truck has no need for a lot of HP to be enjoyable and streetable. My concern is that the early EFI is not going to really give me any benefit and might have troubles at idle if I use a loping cam.

[@sinformant]

Id love that steering wheel! My 72 c10 has an 80's model steering wheel in it currently and I hate it!

[@falappisgarage_yt]

If you ever do another run of hats, I'd gladly buy one. Love the content and the educational aspect

[@BravoKing1]

Love the thunderhead289 junkyard digs crossover revivals hope you guys do some more in the future or even spoil us and invite dylanmccool along as well

[@cressmerrill2429]

Fishermans line knot would work well, self locking!

[@lukeeagles1756]

That clutch pedal. Perfect

[@brianstarr]

Nice to see you have an understanding wife and a cattledog.

[@Joloke08]

Loved the video Luke but is it just me or is the Audio really quiet? Got the volume full up its a little hard to hear :( I am over in the UK don't have a modern daily just two 1975 American Vehicles a Mustang II which I have restored and a Dodge B100 Van which I'm not restoring. You guys Luke,Kevin,Dylan have changed my point of view I am not knocking restoring a vehicle but it takes over you life trying to get things perfect then you get scared to use them, The Dodge Van had been off the road for 10 years I am resurrecting it but not restoring it as it has a story its kind of beaten up I am giving it a cheap home paint job a doing as much as I can as i no longer see the point of buying an old beater and spending more than its worth doing it up,love the character of your Maverick and your Truck they have lived and continue to do so on the road being a car not a show car day after day its what they were built for :) Thanks for posting this Jo

[@JD-zm4eh]

That was a great bring me up to date episode Morty.