Will it run? 1974 Maverick 302 manual trans, sitting for 37 years!

[@NickManCuso59]

In 72 I bought a brand new Ford 2dr Maverick. It was a 302 3 speed. Then my dad drove it to work for years until he retired. After he passed my nephew aquired the car and totally restored it.

[@jeffrobodine8579]

Nice.

[@mikerobertson2993]

I’m a Chevy guy but the mustangs and mavericks are one of my favorite ford cars

[@richardbates2367]

I agree as long as it's not a mustang II lol

[@jeffrobodine8579]

​@@richardbates2367I always had a soft spot for the Mustang II ever since I had a Farrah Fawcett poster with her on the Charlie's Angels car.

[@unclegrease1]

I'm a retired master mechanic and these two are very rare in this video genre as they do KNOW what they are doing. Very refreshing!. Also to have a beautiful wife that enjoys junkyards....priceless!!!

[@jamesdavis4858]

Love these cars. My ex wife had one and it brings back memories to see one.

[@ct20ar]

My first car was a 1974 Maverick Grabber. Yellow and white with a 3 speed manual and 302 engine. I can still remember the smell and the sound. 17 years old then (1975) and man I had a ball with that car.

[@richardbates2367]

I almost bought a 74 mercury comet 200ci straight 6 and a manual column shift 3spd transmission with no title until I realized that the entire underbody and rear of the car was rusty I'm like nope because id have to sell my 86 Buick Regal Factory V8 sport coupe with a good running Oldsmobile 307 roller cam V8 and it just had a little rust on the quarter panels and the bottom of the factory doors were rusted out but it was a much better car so I just ended up keeping my Regal

[@marktosolt]

74 Grabber orange and white 250 six

[@locotrucker46]

I laughed so much I almost cried when Christina said "maverick, this is your last chance". It was so funny. I love you guys.

[@erictate8986]

Hello Richard and Christina Friends, this brings back good memories because my Parents own a 1976 Ford Maverick car !! So i hope you can go back to try too get this Ford Maverick going, because she's Worth saving !!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪💪

[@lunokhodisarussianbot6004]

For cryin' out loud! Richard you have the patience of a saint. The only way that Maverick's motor could be unstuck would be to take it out and tear it down. It was worth the effort though.

[@richardbates2367]

Could be a good rebuild and performance cam carb and intake manifold swap project car when you pull out the motor at that point

[@garyalleccia2793]

A 2 door V8 Manual and AC! How cool is that? Shame that motor is stuck. The car still has potential. Great effort! And still made a great video.

[@jeffreyshultz3075]

I was pulling for you to get the 0:39 Maverick running. I owned a 74 302 3 speed on the floor, from factory. I loved the car, it was a lot of fun driving. I started replacing steering parts, clutch and pressure plate. We started having kids and I had to sell it. Wish I still had it. I'd really love to have a 64 falcon hard top .That's my birth year.

[@davida.p.9911]

You gave it a great effort, Richard and we appreciate your hard work. Sometimes they just won't go. You and Christina always do your very best to bring us the best content. Thank you for sharing! The next one will be more successful, I can feel it. 😎🔧👍

[@whattherust]

Thanks David. I agree, the next two seem promising!

[@KeithRutledge-t1w]

Hi Christina and Richard....buddy , you really went above and beyond on that one ! Had an old Merc. with a flathead in it that we tried to unstick once , no matter what we tried , she was a boat anchor. It is disappointing , but you can't save them all. Would be interesting to pull that 302 , and in a shop setting , tear it down to inspect the carnage ! Always enjoy your videos...I hope you know how much your fan base enjoys them too !! Bless ya both !! Great Work !!

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice always wanted one, but I like the 4-doors better !

[@killiam2868]

I had a 74 mercury comet GT 302 automatic. My aunt gave it to me it was beat half to death and the brakes sucked I gave it to a friend who needed a car wish I still had it today

[@dalehartley-vd9qo]

You tried your best Richard that's all anyone can do I liked those cars but still you and Christina made a good video for us to watch thank you both

[@mikesawyer4707]

In its day the Maverick was a really nice economy ride. This specific car seemed to be well equipped for a entry level ride. Good luck with this project.

[@vincentcalderella6404]

Richard, you gave it all you had! It would have been a kick to drive!

[@tomcooney1584]

Excellent this is the one I am waiting for.i hope you can get it running and if anyone can Richard you can for sure good luck 🤞

[@chrisnoeske8904]

The Ford Maverick was a very cool car. I bought a brand new 1976 Maverick off the lot for about $3500. Nothing fancy. It had the split vinyl. Top 256 cylinder straight automatic power steering. AM Radio. A very fun car to drive.

[@johnmarshall8021]

Would you drive an maverick today (truck)

[@mattbrown5511]

You all did a fantastic job of trying to revive that old machine. If you had the time and space to work on it over time, you would get it.

[@whattherust]

Right on, Matt.

[@brettjones5041]

Fantastic effort mates Thankyou Car needs saving and a transplant or rebuild

[@baxojayz]

Nice work. I had a 73 Maverick with a 302 and auto. It was a ripper! I hope you get this running eventually.

[@bigbill709]

My Grandpa had a brand new 76 Ford Maverick 250 6 banger 2 door automatic I inherited it in 1977 web drove it until 1984 when the transmission expired it was a complete rust bucket by then we sold it for $100.bucks.

[@jamesmallinger9555]

Cristina is a great car fixer upper and Richard is a great follower of what Cristina says,lol ❤,LoveJim J&R mobile service and God Bless y'all and your critters

[@billymcmanus9642]

I'm the same way lol when I get determined to do something I'm going to get it done one way or another 💪🤣🤣

[@mylanmiller9656]

in 1979 I bought a 1971 Maverick Grabber from My sister, that she had bought new, It was a rust bucket, but the Fenders hood and Bumpers were in great shape. I run into a guy at a swap meet that had a 1974 Comet GT 302 Standard, but the Front end was smashed. I got the car for two cases of beer. I took the hood Fenders and bumper off the maverick and put them on the Comet. My car was the only one around with Comet taillights and Maverick Hood and grill. Both cars were V8 cars and both had bucket seats, everything was interchangeable. It kind of looked out of l place with small bumpers on front and the Boat ankers bumpers on the back. Back bumpers were a real job to change From large to small because of the different body lines. I tried changing them myself but It needed more skill than I had to make them fit.

[@William-v9i]

The two of you are winners in my book...whether you ever get another vehicle up and running, or not.

[@jimmydean358]

I had a 74 Maverick. 6 cyl 4 speed trans . Thing ran like a top and tune ups were super easy to do.

[@locotrucker46]

I love the mavericks. Especially the maverick grabbers.

[@steveb6371]

I had a new 1972 Maverick Grabber back in my younger years. I wish I had it today. That was one fast car as it didn’t weigh anything .

[@Carrilleptbreak]

All good... se ya on the next one. (never give up!)

[@Country-Marshal]

Man, I had high hopes for this one. I think Mavericks are so cool. This one having the 302 and a 4 speed could make it a holy grail Maverick. I guess we can't win em all. Thanks giving it your best shot. I'll see you in the next one. I'm rootin fer ya!

[@whattherust]

Much appreciated!

[@danswartwood4580]

At least you tried your darndest, thank you for sharing.😊

[@ronaldvanhorn9558]

That was a magnificent effort, but the old Maverick was not budging! We would have liked to see that one run. You did your best, Richard and Christina! Loved the video anyway! Looking forward to the next one.

[@nickdegolier5820]

I wish I owned that mavrick to fix up and I have a sporty 347 that would be to much fun in that car! 😮

[@jeffrobodine8579]

That 347 would work good in a Granada, Monarch or Versailles.

[@nickdegolier5820]

@@jeffrobodine8579 I'm working on a 351 w right now gotta send to machine shop to get ready for me to put eagle rotating assembly in to make it a 410 , gonna be pretty sweet

[@ronbunker5778]

That car would be a rocket ship! I don't know if this matters but when I have the valve covers off and am adding oil, I will pour it over the lifters and let it run down the push rods also. I think it helps lubricate those components at its first start. Another fun video!

[@JoshuaDyer1981]

I was hoping to see a video on this car. They definitely have a special place in my heart since my great grandmother used to own one when I was a kid.

[@Pontiacdreams]

You’re brave to air up old rotten tires! Please be careful. You encourage me to get more done on my old cars - Thank you!

[@scottwright388]

Rust never sleeps...Neal Young.

[@terryeustice5399]

Thanks!

[@whattherust]

Thank you very much, Terry!

[@danobrien3109]

Thanks for your effort Richard and Christina. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@bigbill709]

Back when I worked in parts when it came to radiator hoses some applications the end of the hose was marked A or B there was a footnote in the parts book you had to cut the hose for proper fit.

[@cageliner]

I would have wrapped a chain around the pulley and tugged on it with that lift truck or its forks 😁Mavericks are way cooler than people thought they were in the '70s.

[@brianhayes7618]

You guys gave it a heck of a try. Too bad it didn't go right but like they say you can't win them all. But look at the bright side, you kick butt on more that end up running than don't so your batting average is still pretty good.

[@aarsir1961]

Efforts appreciated guys

[@chuckypaonita7974]

Hi Richard and Christina, it's probably easier to pull out the engine than change the plugs lol

[@richardbates2367]

You're not far off believe me lol,, have they looked around at some of the bumpside Ford trucks seeing if they are seized or in useable shape as far as the trucks,i say that because I myself am looking for one around me 68-71 preferably a f250 custom cab trim or sport custom trim truck would consider 67, and 72 and ranger trim truck and even f100 trucks but I want to trade my 2000 dodge ram laramie slt quad cab long bed magnum V8 318 46re automatic overdrive transmission manual shift transfer case lever on the floor northern Ohio truck for one for a rat rod shop truck project idea i have but we'll see i guess

[@LouisCapps-p3z]

I worked on vehicles like this when I was turning wrenches for for back in the late 70s

[@danieldeleon8001]

Me an my grandpa pulled a 74 Maverick out of a field from an ol boy just outside of Amarillo, Texas in 2005! 4 door, 6 cylinder, automatic. Did brakes all the way around and then swapped a 5.0 and 5 speed manual from a 83 foxbody. And that's one if the cars i drove to highschool a year or two later!

[@whattherust]

That is cool, and a great sleper.

[@BillBAILEY-gv1no]

I'm Bill Bailey my aunt had a Ford marick it was dark green it was cool so good luck with it

[@howardkoster4026]

You gave it your all!! I would have loved to hear this one running. GREAT TRY !!!!!!!

[@samuelcarver9183]

Good one

[@allstylinone5122]

Very nice find and save! Rare one there to be a Maverick with a V8 and 4spd on top of it. 😮

[@Fiftyx60]

Back in high school, a buddy had a '73 or '74 Mav with a straight six and three on the tree. It wasn't a speedster, but it was still a fun little car to cruise around in. I can imagine that a 302 and four-speed would be a blast. Nice try!

[@johnnyh409]

I have managed to break a few engines loose in stick shift cars by putting them in 2nd gear and rocking them.

[@sidviscous5959]

When you have the mass of the entire driveline working for you then you will definitely either break it loose or break something in the motor.

[@toddfrazier3844]

OMG!!!! Revive the crane and old camper van❤❤❤❤

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the feedback, Todd. I seriously have my eye on that crane. I think it would be amazing if it ran.

[@scottnyc6572]

My grandma used to have the same car in light green.

[@greenmtnman7714]

Nice car, I was in Jr. High in '74. Remember these well.

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Christina :) & Richard :) and soak up motor for awhile to also tried hardest too also! Also those nice cars and never seen till vechiles shows over years too run too !

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great work,,on to the next , thanks for sharing 👍💨💨

[@djreb15]

This car is gold i hope it gets a full restoration too

[@Jstme303]

Enjoyable video as always

[@geralderdek282]

Sparkplug access like that is one of the reasons I love in line 6s.😊 I remember while in my high-school auto shop in 74 about the then brand new chevy monza v8 that needed the engine to be raised off its motor mounts to remove the plugs!!😵

[@whattherust]

Right on. Love those six in a row engines.

[@jeffniznik2963]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Keep them coming!

[@whattherust]

Thank you, Jeff. More on the way.

[@joanstehlik235]

I got a 74' 4 dr. 6 cylinder. 3spd auto in 80' for like 200 bucks because the trans was stuck in drive. Turns out a band in the trans broke and a piece wedged itself into the linkage. Pulled the valve body, replaced the band and it was good as new. Car wasn't fast but did Hella one wheel burnouts.🔥🔥🔥👍🇺🇸 We had speedbumps leaving school parking lot. You could get the rear tires right up to them and brake torque them and spin them to amazing clouds of smoke that would rise up and drift over the school. 1980s were the BEST❤❤❤

[@whattherust]

That is the best use of a speed bump I have ever heard.

[@osi2484]

Tighten that crank shaft bolt back up Good video

[@Jeffrey-y9y]

Hi Richard and Christine. I felt so bad about this one you worked so hard on it. But it is a great video I really enjoyed it. My Dad bought a new one in 1977 last year they made the Maverick he ordered it with a 250 inline 6 and a 3 speed manual it was a good car easy on gas and easy to work on lots of room with that inline 6.

[@whattherust]

Glad you enjoyed it. No worries about us feeling bad about it. Failing is a part of what we do. If we always succeeded, it would mean we are picking vehicles that are too easy!

[@robertvance1873]

Hey you gave it your best, you can't win them all.

[@butcher390]

What an incredible find !!!!

[@rsbolin]

You are the best!

[@jacobcousin9766]

I’ve been waiting and here it is

[@SouthernRebel-j1n]

I bought a 77 maverick that was traded in in 1978 with 7,500 miles. they had taken the carb off and it sat until 2019. it was locked tight. i got a used carb and filled the cylinders with mystery oil and gave all i had with a cheater. finally while pulling with all i had and having someone bump the starter it broke free. runs like a champ.

[@whattherust]

Good job!

[@terryeustice5399]

Just like Maverick steer. Just did not want to go. It happens.Thank you and Christina. In Junk yard. Just have the area to tear down engines. Only so much you can do outside in the environment. You gave it all you had. Most of the time you’re successful. Enjoyed the video. 💯💕👊👍

[@whattherust]

That's right Terry, the environment does limit what we can do. This engine needs the heads pulled, and it isn't practical to do it so far from home. Thank you for the support.

[@SlyDellian]

Very cool! In my late teens, I had a ‘75 Mav with a 302 and a C4 automatic tranny. I’ll comment more after watching the vid.

[@SlyDellian]

11:15 - There’s an old saying that goes something like, “It’s easier when you hold your mouth right.” 😄

[@SlyDellian]

So bummed that the motor was seized. If you can’t get it unstuck, nobody can. Looking forward to the next video! Your channel is really growing!

[@whattherust]

We are as well! We had a lot of optimism going into this one, but it was not to be. Thank you for the continued support, David.

[@LouisCapps-p3z]

Love the old fords

[@ralphgedney1782]

My father had a 73 Comet 2 door with a 3 in the tree and a 302.

[@jerrylockwood2624]

Oh my love that car folks had a grabber one. Love it.. like to that 1 to restore lol.. super it up cragers on It fat tires jacked up in back lol

[@tombob671]

Guy I had a1968 Cougar GT with a 390 FE . It was stock. The only way to change the plugs was to unbolt the engine anf jack it up. The engine was rated at 335HP. It would pass anything but a gas pump. The bullett mustang was equipped the same way.

[@jimrobin98]

The '74 maverick with a v8 is rare! They either came with a 4 cylinder or frequently a 6 cylinder if at all! They were matched with a c-4 transmission. The v-8 with a four-speed manual is a very rare car.

[@ericdaniel92]

Dude ... NO MAVERICKS / COMETS EVER HAD A 4 CYLINDER. THEY ONLY EVER HAD INLINE 6 CYLINDER ENGINES .. 170 CI 6 CYLINDER ... 200 CI 6 CYLINDER.. 250 CI 6 CYLINDER .. AND 302 CI V 8 ' S THERE ALSO WERE SOME REALLY RARE FACTORY 289 CI HI PO / SHELBY STYLE V 8 ' S AND EVEN SOME FACTORY BOSS 302 CI V 8 ' S MADE BY FORD / MERCURY BACK IN THE 70 ' S. BUT NEVER ANY 4 CYLINDER ENGINES EVER IN ANY FORD MAVERICKS / MERCURY COMETS .

[@8THIRTEEN]

never a fail always a win with the videos you both put up thanks u2 stay safe be well till the next WTR & MWTR 😎👍🏼

[@whattherust]

Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@garyavery3032]

I had a 76 with the 302, you learn to do it. Easy peasy on the 2nd plug change.

[@marthasmadman]

Hopefully someone will save this car!

[@whattherust]

Agreed, and I think it will be.

[@markcollins5026]

Man, nice someone will have to pull the heads to get it going !

[@francoisbouchard602]

Nice show sir Sorry to you engine 👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@JacobBurch-e7u]

Good job eny way

[@NileKelly]

Way I saw Josh Sleeperdude get to plugs in his 62 Falcon, he resorted to removing those annoying braces that run from the shock towers to the top of the firewall. He installed these adjustable aftermarket braces, made of small diameter tube steel, not the factory stamped plate stuff. Made both spark plug access and header install easier. The placement of those in-the-way braces are identical on both the Mav and Falcon. It's not the be-all-end-all hack, but at least you can get your fingers and a socket down in there better. Of course, delete as much wiring and plumbing out of your way as you can.

[@whattherust]

That sounds like a worth-while upgrade.

[@johnstock4233]

always love your content, keep it coming

[@DependableAutoTruck]

if the intake valves are not stuck on the 2 rusty cylinders take pry bar force open fill with diesel and acetone and let soak few days have seen Jennings do that and work that way the whole cylinder is full to brake up rust

[@johnmcdowell9059]

hi richard and christina what a bummer although that is a rare maverick with the 302 and 4 speed combo i've seen the 6 cylinder with the 3 on the tree not a v-8 4 on the floor if that 302 is rebuildable it would be a good restoration project what a great video you worked hard on trying to get it freed up thank you for sharing

[@No1Bigbear]

Good video!

[@jefflangmack]

I had a 72 in Grabber Blue 302/3 speed. Always had clutch problems with it nice runner.

[@royhaught9516]

Your right, you would have to pull the heads to see what's really going on!

[@carlschmidt4271]

The starter issue was the starter drive is out, this is the one way clutch with the drive gear on it, no repairs only replacement or entire starter as drives are harder to come by now. Banging on the starter only helps with clicking and no engagement when the armature is stuck and not turning and the vibration helps.

[@laurensjan8425]

Boy oh boy, what an episode on What The Rust! You guys really have put effort and time into this video. I loved it. I hope next contest is about working on a car with Richard , would love to learn this kind of skill ;) Thanks for the content and keep it up. PS. If I may do a suggestion for filming those tiny sparkplugs, try to do it on a plane/flat surface, that way your camera will quickly get it sharp ;), anyway, much love

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support and the tip about filming the plugs! We will start doing that!

[@mikegonzales7234]

Hey you can only do so much. Especially with rust in the cylinder. I consider you a great mechanic . I used to work on a lot of cars but now I'm 70 and it's harder to move under cars and I don't have a large space to work on them. I have a 1967 Chevy C-10 with a 327 4 speed with power steering that I tinker with, and the wife is asking me to sell it and I really don't want to, but anyway I enjoy your show and the way you can bring cars back to life. Keep up the great work.

[@richardcline1337]

You tried your best but there are always some that are thinking "Oh no you don't, either!" and this Maverick was just one of those.

Some you win some you walk away from well done for trying

[@scottjones1497]

That’s an awesome car. Hard to find. Grabbers was awesome

[@dlyall26]

I can't remember the exact year, but back in the early 90s, late 80s, my oldest brother gave me his Ford Maverick 3 speed on the column or 3 on the tree. It was a maroon and black one. I drove it a couple of times, but the clutch was out, and I didn't have as much knowledge about cars and transmission that I know now.

[@montewall6142]

Put a piece of hose on end of plug to remove/ start .to get into tight places

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

Can't win 'em all! Regardless, still a great episode.

[@Alexander001ist]

Thats ok I'm sure you will try again-I've used a Mophorn wrench-if you can get in there-onto the next-good job guys