Will it run? 73 Maverick sitting for 18 years! Can it be saved?

Left next to an abandoned trailer is the cool 1973 Maverick. Once someone's shiny new car, it is now sitting in the weather year after year? Can it be saved??
#abandoned

[@robertwoodpa6463]

You know, when I see these abandoned cars I always think this car was once new and was someone's pride and joy.

[@whattherust]

Exactly. Someone was pretty happy driving off the lot.

[@michaelg1060]

@robertwoodpas6463 robert, see my above comment...obviously I feel the same way. The person put a tarp on her. I can't imagine why it was left, not driven for so long. The Mavericks were not given the respect they deserved, even now, they are undervalued at auctions, fetching a paltry 11,400 on average. This is a 51 year old car that is built. They don't look glamorous, well, now they do because of the retro look. But, it is the "little car that COULD...and DID. She would always get you there!!

[@lannyfloyd6131]

My 18 year old son is really in love with those old Mavericks and Comets. Said he would own one some day no matter what it takes.

[@whattherust]

Good for him. They are neat cars.

[@billywird]

Yes I thought that was the name for the Mercury version (Comet).

[@ocmonman1]

The cookbook explains the flattened seat.

[@LoboBranco1985]

Also the cup and the pan inside! 😁😁😁

[@josephwatson2711]

They had to eat

[@tahirusman5929]

Lolz

[@junkersandclunkers]

Lol

[@ColinBarrett001]

So great to see once commonplace cars like this being rescued. A lot of channels spend a lot of time resurrecting old trucks, but personally I like see ordinary old cars of the 60s and 70s saved.

[@whattherust]

Commonplace is good with me too! I like them all, as long as they have history.

[@contraband1543]

They save the trucks because now they are selling for far too mich money. You can get a rotted out 70-90s truck and it running and make a couple thousand because you can't get a single truck out there for less than 2500 running and driving now

[@terryeustice5399]

Another great start. In the weeds.Thanks Richard! 💯👊

[@cherylviveiros7945]

I had a 1975 before had it for fifteen years 🥰🥰

[@whattherust]

That is cool. You must know these cars very well.

[@glentucker4250]

Can’t wait to see more on this ol’ Maverick. The look on your face when she first came back to life was priceless! 😁

[@whattherust]

Thanks Glen!

[@jimtomassetti8928]

It is nice..worse thing is to let a car sit. Can't wait for the next one? Thank you. .

[@whattherust]

You are welcome. More on this one to come!

[@thadmachia9873]

Nice work nice video! Thank you

[@whattherust]

Glad you liked it!

[@newenglandpats59]

I can’t wait to see more on the Maverick. My mother was loaned a Maverick when her ‘71 Ranch Wagon was being serviced. She would let me drive the Maverick which was presumably a ‘71. I remember thinking, it doesn’t get any better then this! That new car smell! Tight responsive steering and peppy six cylinder. The Ranch wagon was brand new and one of the way in back side windows let rain in. We had the Maverick for a while till the wagon was fixed. I was 13 in 1971 and learned to drive with that Maverick. It was blue, like Ford engine blue. I hope to see more of your video on the Maverick and I’m totally hooked on your channel! Western Mass.

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support and more is coming! I spent some time in Western MA (Holyoke) re-decking the bridge over the Connecticut river back in 1983.

[@retrorusticsRSA]

Great video!!!!

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@paulmoldenschardt2728]

That is really cool you got that maverick running I had a 1972 and I loved it they are a fun car to drive mine was a 2 door

[@whattherust]

I am amazed how popular these Mavericks are now. People do love them.

[@jonathanbanks8749]

I bought a used '74 Maverick lime green two door (with matching vinyl top), 200 cid six, three on the tree Dec 1976, traded in May 1978. All I could afford @ twenty-four.

[@whattherust]

Wow, lime green with a vinyl top. Total 70s.

[@tommisik5749]

Back in 1980 I bought a 1972 Mercury Comet it came from the factory with a 302 V8 3 speed manual on the floor, no power steering and no power brakes and just a AM radio

[@whattherust]

Basic but cool.

[@rupertomoran1062]

Great job!

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@joshuabrooks4907]

What a cool find! An early-73 Ford Maverick Sedan, baby!

[@whattherust]

I am really liking this car.

[@davida.p.9911]

That's awesome! I'm glad he wants to sell it, this car needs to be saved. Like you said, it's too nice to let it rot or go to the junkyard. Great job!! 👍 I'm looking forward to seeing it back on the road.

[@whattherust]

Thanks David. I should know this weekend if we can agree on a price. Assuming we do there will be more videos of it soon.

[@richardcline1337]

I can NEVER understand why some people absolutely refuse to sell a vehicle they have no use for and just let it sit and rot away when they could gain money from it and someone else could put it back on the road.

[@richardvg7670]

​@@richardcline1337I know how you feel there was one time when I stopped and looked at an old think it was a 1971 Lincoln and asked if the person wanted to sell it and they said no and I said well it's just going to sit there and rest and the person said fine they can sit there and rest right into the ground that made me so mad

[@dantruxxx]

Outstanding video!

[@whattherust]

Thank you!

[@dwaynecope1914]

I rode with some girls to HS with HEART playing on the radio. I like any car that reminded me of good times of my past.

[@whattherust]

Absolutely. Reminiscing is one of the things I love about the old car hobby.

[@jerryb1234]

I was expecting to hear a thick accent of some kind, and I wasn't disappointed, it was nice to hear someone that wasn't a spreading it on thick, thanks for sharing.

[@whattherust]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the support.

[@66skate]

You should have made the deal to buy when it wasn't running. Now, it's worth twice as much.

[@whattherust]

Right, but I didn't want it until I saw how it was ready to see the road again.

[@Eduardo-js7fl]

my dad used to have one like that one, on the early 80's but his was 3 speed manual, really good car

[@whattherust]

They are cool cars.

[@mikeschriever1034]

Correction. V8 engines were used in these cars from 69.5 throughout the entire run of years these cars were produced. I love these Mavericks and Comets! Good video!!

[@whattherust]

Thank you! I haven't found any info on V8s being available before 73. Good to know.

[@monicaburgueno4664]

Good luck with your new car

[@mysticpuppie]

We had the 1971 with 302 V8, easy way to tell, 6 cylinders had 4 lug wheels, 5 lugs on the V8.

[@donsmith8614]

Great job Tarzan, i grew up with Fords , so i'd drive it around.

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@idletime]

I'm an 80's kid and I like the odd quirky & kool 80's & early 90's cars. Especially w/ pop up & down headlights that most other people wouldn't think twice about & I'm a Buick Guy 😋😋

[@johnmadow5331]

I took a ride on one of them in 1973 on New Year party, I really like it it was the same color, the price back then with A/C and AM-FM stero was about 3.2K. I want to get one but have to wait.

[@miketate9901]

Impressive my mom had a 74 back in 74 yellow with plaid interior four-door

[@whattherust]

Nice. I think this one had plaid originally too.

[@Brock_Landers]

Wow man, I'm pumped that I found this channel. I've got a whole bunch of new to me episodes to watch!

[@whattherust]

Thanks Robert. Glad you like it, and more videos coming.

[@alancoller1602]

I really like your Chanel you don’t joke around and laugh just down to earth great job. Cheers Alan

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the feedback Alan.

[@frankwurth5375]

We had basically the same car here back in the 70s, one tough little car. After severe abuse by Auntie, it kept going for years. The timing gears finally went so I traded it to a friend for his teen age daughter to learn to drive in. He fixed the timing gears and they still had it for a good number of years.

[@whattherust]

Good to hear they are tough. This one seems to have been taken care of, so it should be a good car.

[@punchion]

My first car was a 1970 Maverick. It was Chinese Red and I thought I had the world by the tail when I drove away in it! Thanks for the great video. I did have a problem with valve seats in my Maverick.

[@Popeye823]

I had a ‘74 Maverick Grabber, 6 cylinder, three speed, orange and white. Called it the Creamcicle. The floorboards were rusted out and you could see the road as you were driving. I loved that car despite.

[@winger-eo1qf]

I hope you take all these cars home and give them a new life. Love seeing them brought back.

[@paulfellows2094]

hi there i must be one of the few people who like the maverick looks in good nick sounds great too good content as allways great job all the best stay safe

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much Paul.

[@hollymcvicker3437]

The car is in mint condition for the year hoping you can save it

[@contraband1543]

Your definition of mint is quite broad lol

[@dale5303]

What a good one!!!

[@locotrucker46]

Wow. Those old Fords really are unbelievably easy to bring back to life

[@whattherust]

This one really wanted to go.

[@paulodasilvaandre7808]

Good cars forgotten in the time ending, congratulations for the excellent work Maverick ......

[@whattherust]

Thanks a lot!

[@daleschuler1720]

Good job, hope to see more on it.

[@whattherust]

Thanks! If I am able to buy it you will definitely see more.

[@hallmark2511]

I've been patiently waiting for a new one brother. Here we go!!!

[@whattherust]

More coming too! Thank you for the support.

[@hallmark2511]

@@whattherust thank you sir

[@hallmark2511]

Thank you sir...

[@TheWalkmanRotation]

I dig it!!!!!!!!! I want to see a follow up on this as well.

[@whattherust]

If I can close the deal there will be many more of it,

[@vernonmurphy2912]

My cousin let me practice for my driver test with his new forest green 3 on the tree 70 Maverick ,Good memories.

[@clintonperkins2740]

I love seeing videos like this one. I honestly don't really know anything about workin on a car,but seeing these old cars come to life after many years or decades. Makes me feel like I know something when I don't

[@whattherust]

Thank you Clinton. Nice comment.

[@clintonperkins2740]

@@whattherust Welcome man.

[@charlesw.hopperjr.5236]

Definitely Amazing;The’73 Maverick runs, and will drive.Looking Forward To Seeing More Videos! Take Care, Your Oregon Friend ☮️

[@chestermasters7349]

My first car that I ever bought was a 73 Maverick. Had the 250 six in it. Still to this day best car I ever owned!!!! I wish I could find one to restore.

[@vilstef6988]

Trunk floor is one of the best I've seen in a will it start. Always interesting to see the weird stuff in the trunk.

[@whattherust]

So true. Thankfully nothing was living in this one.

[@fordfandiecast]

Great job. Hope you buy it. Agree it is in too good a shape to let her waste away

[@whattherust]

Agreed!

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great work , thanks for sharing 👍

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support!

[@Fiftyx60]

Great video! When I was a kid, a buddy of mine had a tudor with a three-on-the-tree, and he drove that like it was a Mustang. It was a fun little car, even with just the inline 6.

[@whattherust]

Thanks very much!

[@mrford70]

Old Fords never die

[@lonniefisher1309]

I like seeing the joy on your face when you get a motor running that has set for decades . I am always rooting for you to get the old engines running . and your wife is really brave to walk around the cars when there are weeds etc all around. I think I see poison ivy etc when you are clearing brush and weeds from around the cars or trucks are you not allergic to it?

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support! I am allergic, so I avoid it whenever I can.

[@randyriggs5463]

My dad had one. It was yellow,and 6 cylinder. It ran really great. Motor was good,and it ran a long time. You can't kill these old ford's. Like to see a rebuild video on it

[@whattherust]

I am working on the purchase. If it works out there will be some good rebuild videos coming.

[@jwrappuhn71]

Can't wait to see that vid.

[@robertvance1873]

I'm a new Subscriber and I like the old Maverick's I can't wait to see you transform the old girl back into a nice car again. I had a 1980 Mustang that had the same engine and it was so dependable. Thank you for saving her.

[@rdmeenach]

I think he just gets em running for people, doesnt go any further

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support Robert.

[@SlyDellian]

@@rdmeenach He’s trying to buy this one.

[@robertvance1873]

@@whattherust your welcome

[@1977jed]

These Mavericks are such great cars! Always had a soft spot for them as my Uncle had a Yellow Maverick Grabber...Hope you can drag it out and save it!

[@whattherust]

Thanks. I hope so as well.

[@hallmark2511]

Thanks for sharing my friend. I'm a Ford guy100% . ❤many blessings❤

[@whattherust]

Thanks!

[@danielventura8073]

It sounds just like I remember. Our friends up thr street bought one new in 1971

[@informyourself4074]

that was really a success - great job

[@whattherust]

Thank you!

[@tomc7631]

My 1975 orange Maverick was a two door with the 200 ci engine and auto trans. It was the first year for the catalytic converter. It would over heat but the idiot light never came on. After replacing a bunch of parts including the thermostat, water pump, and hoses, an old timer told me to check the radiator core. The fins had separated from the core tubes so the heat wasn't transferring for proper cooling. My dad's best friend replaced the core for me for $25 and I installed a temperature gauge from Kmart and the Mav drove like a dream! Driving from Frederick MD to Virginia Tech for 2 years in 1981 and '82 , I averaged 26 miles per gallon on fully unleaded gas. Oh and my Maverick had the factory 2-55 central air conditioning. Wind down both windows and cruise at 55 mph!

[@whattherust]

Great story! Those are good little cars.

[@edmccormick8024]

Another great job

[@michaelg1060]

My first car when I was still 16 in 1977 was a '71 Maverick that my Uncle Mike sold me for 200 bucks! I liked the Maverick so much that I bought another in '78 from a guy two streets over from me for I think it was 500 bucks...not bad for a car that went for 2200 dollars new, approximate. I kept that second Maverick (it was Green the '71 was Blue) for a long time, until '99. It started to go all at once and I didn't have the bank to keep it like it deserved. I sold it and I think I've blocked it out of my memory the price that I sold Sally for. My wife called her Flivver! We courted in that car and it was a sad day. I won't lie, I shed a few tears over that one. That's why I loved this video so much. The only difference between that Maverick and mine is mine did have the V-8 302. Man could that girl haul ass down the highway!! I hope you're still running, Sally. PS-- I would very much like to see the work being done on this beauty and, of course, the finished result. I subscribed, look forward to seeing all of your other videos as well.

[@fraserobrien3828]

wow this is great man..i hope you can get her... love to see you drive it . and see it cleaned up . yes i can hardly wait for that .. thanks so much fun .diging old cars out ,of grass. lol fraser .in toronto

[@whattherust]

Hi Fraser. I hope I can get it, and if I do I'll post a video of getting it cleaned up and on the road again.

[@michaelhill2844]

Now you've made me miss my '74 Mercury Comet. Which was stolen and I never got back. :(

[@johnanderson1023]

Just subscribed to your channel. Love this video I had a 1974 mercury comet 4 door in high-school. What a great memory

[@whattherust]

Thanks for the support!

[@josephwatson2711]

I had a 72 maverick 2 Door with a six it was hard to beat that car it had a 3 speed on the tree nice car

[@josephwatson2711]

Even that 4 door will look good fixed up I've them all dressed up

[@billyfoster3223]

Good of you to save this car!😁🛠️

[@idletime]

Hell yeah guys, that ol' Maverick is pretty kool 😃

[@patricknicolucci5073]

I had a 75 maverick in Tan Glo color bought new. mine had the 250 straight 6 cylinder I loved that car ! Vinyl interior

[@elihulee5367]

Please do more! It was an awesome vid on a cool little car!

[@whattherust]

Thanks,!I am trying to get a hold of the owner to buy it. It has been a slow process.

[@TheIronDuke502]

Hello From Mark In KY. You have to love those Inline 6 cylinder engines - They are awesome. We had a 1972 Ford Maverick some years ago that had a 302 engine from the factory that was bright yellow and had hubcaps that had an area within the hubcaps that had the bright yellow just like the paint on the car. This car had a brown vinyl roof and was very sporty looking. The front of our Maverick was pretty much identical to the one in the video other than the additional driving lights that was installed. Our Maverick had the beige interior and had bucket seats with a console. Otherwise everything else was identical the same as the Maverick in the video with our car also having the factory AC. Our Ford Maverick would absolutely scream - But had the most horrendously terrible front suspension that just would not stay in alignment. Obviously Ford dropped in the 302 V8 engine without upgrading the front suspension that was very dependable for the Inline 6 engine. This car had absolutely no special markings or decals like the later Ford Maverick Grabbers did or for that matter anything denoting the 302 V8 engine other than maybe the extra running lights on the front of the car. From my personal memories of the Ford 6 cylinder Maverick cars, They were very economical to drive and tended to be very dependable much like the Ford Falcons were. Good Luck with possibly getting the Maverick. With the price of gasoline, I wouldn’t mind finding something like that Maverick to ride around in myself.

[@whattherust]

Hi Mark! That is a great story. Those hubcaps you describe were unique. I don't recall any other car having body color hubcaps, yet alone on an economy car.

[@TheIronDuke502]

@@whattherust The 1972 Ford Maverick was originally owned by the mother of a very established local Ford dealer, which I would very easily assume that would have first access to “Special Released” vehicles before anyone else. The hubcaps that was with the Maverick in the video looked more similar to the Falcon hubcaps that I remember. My dad always used to say that the Maverick’s were basically a Ford Falcon just like the Chevy Nova was a renamed Chevy 2. Dad did not keep any of his cars or trucks very long and could tell you the pros and cons of just about anything that had wheels. I wish that Dad could have lived to have watched your past video of the 1958 Chevy with the 348. Oh the stories that he told me about that car that had a “Naturally Hot” stock engine that was only beaten by a “Very Modified” engine. Dad knew both local and state police officers who had cruisers that had basically the same engine that he beat hands down. Dad always claimed that the three speed transmission had 2nd and 3rd gear inverted in which the engine would only develop marginal power in 3rd gear but absolutely come to life in 2nd gear. Dad purchased that car brand new and was instructed by his mechanic friends to break the engine in hard. Dad claimed that when he drove the car of the lot that he floored the accelerator. You could imagine my amazement hearing Dad describing his 58 Chevy exploits after lecturing me about my driving. One of my dad’s friends purchased the car and told the exact same stories about that car and how awesome that it ran. My dad passed away in 2004, So I wanted to share this personal experience with everyone for more than one reason. And Yes, I’m very sure that Dad would have loved your work with the Maverick.

[@daviddavis4444]

I had a 74 Maverick Ghia 2 door bucket seats and a 302 V8

[@Bonazzoliband]

50 years old and it still wants to go for a drive.

[@KB2HSH]

My first car was a 1972 Maverick. This brought back some memories

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

My 76 maverick is about the same 👌

[@JoshuaDyer1981]

My favorite car ever. I hope one day to own one. Great video.

[@whattherust]

Thanks Joshua. We were surprised at how popular these Mavericks are. There are fans everywhere.

[@KawiG5]

My Great Grandmother had a 1971 model. It was a 4-door and I believe it had the 250 I6 under the hood. Very solid car. She gave it to my mom when she bought a brand new 1986 Ford LTD. I would love to have a 70-71 2-door Maverick to build. I already know what I want to do with it but finding one is difficult here in PA.

[@michaelcarver6114]

more than driven to that spot,nice find

[@valleywoodstudio7345]

I'd be outa there if I saw a snake! Nice find - hope you got it and look forward to seeing how it turned out.

[@whattherust]

Thanks! I am hopeful the sale will work out.

[@Barb5001]

I actually bought a new Maverick in 1973 It was Ford's very basic mid size economy car and as such was a bit cheaply made However, it was relatively inexpensive and basically reliable . The main sore point for them is, they tended to wear out upper front ball joints relativity quick

[@whattherust]

That is good to know. Thanks!

[@georgeclontd4984]

Will be watching this.

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you

[@whattherust]

You are welcome!

[@josephwatson2711]

A 302 will fit right in there plenty of room to drop one in

[@whattherust]

Yes, and the car would be very fast with the right speed parts.

[@clydepodvin5026]

Great video 😊 thanks for sharing, just subscribed from Ohio. Want to see more on this Maverick I had a 74 same color back in the day.

[@whattherust]

Thank you for the support. If I am able to buy it there will be much more of it coming.

[@rajrammbbs]

Find and save them all!

[@whattherust]

If only I could...

[@michaelolsen2348]

I always liked 4 door cars. My Plymouth Fury is a 2 door, and it's a pain getting in the back seat. Lol. My 85 Oldsmobile and 77 LeSabre were 4 door and I loved em. To see the lights (especially taillights) come on was amazing. That Mopar part looked like the motor mount in my car.

[@whattherust]

I think you are right. It looked like a motor mount.

[@jesusvillaortega4492]

congratulations good video keep it up greetings from mexico

[@whattherust]

Hello from Tennessee! Thank you for the support.

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello to you Saw came across your video. Great job you did to get it running. I had a Monarch version of that car and my was a (2) door Be well

[@whattherust]

Thanks! You as well.

[@LoboBranco1985]

No Brasil os Maverick são extremamente valiosos, principalmente os equipados com v8 302, junto dos dodges dart/"charger" que foram fabricados aqui eram o supra-sumo dos motores V8 que tivemos por aqui nos anos 70!

[@whattherust]

That is interesting! I would not have thought they were popular in Brazil.

[@marciopereira572]

MÁRCIO, SP-BRASIL , BOA TARDE , SHOW ESSE MAVERICK , POUCA DIFERENÇA , COM OS DAQUI . MAIS OS MESMO VEÍCULOS , PARABÉNS 👍👍👍

[@ocmonman1]

I can’t wait to see it cleaned up!

[@whattherust]

Me too!

[@volmoore1899]

I bought a new 1972 maverick with 302/3 on tree.

[@vilstef6988]

Sounds great! Another one that wants to be a road machine again!

[@whattherust]

And it will see the road again!

[@JadieJamboree]

Hey! My aunt just gave me their 83 f100 farm truck that's been sitting for 15-20 years. We've been working on it for a little while, and watching your videos for tips but were pretty clueless. We're in northwest Kentucky on the indiana boarder. Want to come help us out? 😂

[@richardmarino5658]

I'd like to see a follow up video on this. Not in bad shape at all.

[@craigwall5356]

The v8 was available in 1971 and the bumper eats were available in the half year 1970. I have had 5 of these cars and have parted many more. My dad bought a 1971 with the 302, 3 spd manual on the floor in grabber blue without a vinyl top and black bucket seat interior. I have one now with a 347 roller/stroker motor. Ever in black rattle can it is quite the attention getter. EVERYONE had one of these cars in thier family in the early 70's.

[@whattherust]

Craig, any idea what this car is worth?

[@thomasedwards3372]

Cool good work. Mine was a Straight 6 also ran literally forever.

[@whattherust]

Thank you! These are good engines.

[@mattbrown5511]

I hope that sweet little Ford found a loving home. She deserved a second chance.

[@whattherust]

Definitely does.

[@eduardocertain2227]

Nice video.now to the carwash

[@daveallen8824]

you really need to get/make a better fuel bottle - that funnel is kind of dangerous.

[@everready19373]

I'm shocked it didn't rot to pieces by now. My best friends dad back in the 70's worked at the Ford plant in Cleveland Ohio. Those cars were absolute junk. If you paid it off before it fell apart you were ahead of the game. That's the way it was in the salt belt anyway.

[@buxxbannerspov30]

I had a '73 Mav, same color from '98-2013..302 V8 Crane cam, Holly 650, headers...it ran like a scared cat... I sold it; I was sad to find out it had been totaled.

[@whattherust]

I bet that car was fast.

[@buxxbannerspov30]

@@whattherust Too fast...I sold it to a guy who gave it to his teenage son...rolled it three times and ended up in a lake...he didn't make it. I REALLY enjoy you vids!