'70 Maverick

[TerryH432]

Evening everyone! Jut starting a thread for our newly acquired '70 Maverick. Car is a couple years old and is a rotisserie build by Fat Daddy's Garage in Texarkana, Tx. It's a great build but I have plans to make some changes to update the build. It all started as a super clean and rust free '70 6 cylinder.

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The car is powered by a Prestige Motorsports 425/425 aluminum headed 347 stroker. Trans is a Tremec TKO 600. Rear is a Currie built 9" posi with 3:50 gears and Wilwood brakes and master.

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Suspension is all from RRS out of Australia. It is a strut front with center steer rack and RRS stage 2 brakes. Rear is the RRS 3 link with torque arm and QA1 Coil overs.

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The Mumford link on the rear was not oriented correctly when we got the car. I've corrected that now. I had to cut the tail pipes off to get the arms in the proper configuration. No issue as I'll be changed the exhuast any way.

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Interior is built around a pair of ProCar Elite lumbar black leather buckets. The remaining interior was redone in black leather to match. Heat and A/C is Vintage air. Pioneer and Skar stereo equipment provides the sounds.

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Paint and body is very nice. Color is Chrysler Blue Streak Pearl. Not much to do here other than a fresh polish and ceramic coat. Wheels are Boyd's J5R's. 17x7 fronts and 17x9 rears. Tires are Nitto N555 G2's. 225/45's on the front and 245/45's on the rear. We'll be tinting the windows and color matching the black Grabber hood scoops.

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Car was not running when we bought it. Turns out the issue is dead injector drivers in the sniper. I'll be replacing the OG Sniper with a Sniper 2 in the next couple days and my tuner will be here next week to get a tune in it. I'll post more as we go.

[813Demon340]

Nice Maverick!

[jaybee]

Really sharp, love the color. Lots of good parts in there.

[TerryH432]

Nice Maverick!

Thank you! We feel very blessed to be able to get it.

[TerryH432]

Really sharp, love the color. Lots of good parts in there.

Thanks! I have the file from the shop that did the work. The parts list is pretty impressive even past what I've posted. It should be an amazing driver. Swapping to the Sniper2 today. Fingers crossed that all is well in the motor.

[TitanFox]

Very nice! I'm always excited to see other mavericks. Any plans for future upgrades?

[TerryH432]

Very nice! I'm always excited to see other mavericks. Any plans for future upgrades?

Thanks! Not a very long list of changes but a few on the way. I can never leave anything alone. lol...

[TerryH432]

Spent some time on the undercarriage. Mostly cosmetic. Touch up painting and detailing. Much happier with this now.

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[TerryH432]

To complete the story of this car, the previous owner swapped a home spun 347 to the Prestige Motorsports built 347 that's in it now after the build was complete. He then had a Holley Sniper installed after that. Unsure of the exact circumstances but the ECU got fried on the Sniper. The car was not running when we purchased it. Quick diag showed there was no tune in the system. Once a tune was added as soon as it was key on all 4 injectors were firing at 100%. Yikes! I ordered a new Sniper2 and installed yesterday. Runs well now. Will get a pro tune in it next week. Glad to finally hear the engine.

Click the pic for the video.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2023/12/53432024802_361342e23a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ppB6qW)

[andrewb70]

Cool build! If I can help with the Sniper 2 tuning, please get in touch with me. I've done several Sniper 2 tunes now and countless Snipers.

Andrew

[TerryH432]

Cool build! If I can help with the Sniper 2 tuning, please get in touch with me. I've done several Sniper 2 tunes now and countless Snipers.

Andrew

Thank you! I subbed your channel. As excited as I was yesterday, today was a disappointment. Cold in my shop this morning. Car would not start. I'm waiting on the Sniper2 can cable. Local tuner is going to come when I get the cable. Appears to me that the prime shot is way too much. I'll mess with it more tomorrow. I keep looking at the Brawler 650 that came on it from Prestige. Wishing I had just went to that right now. Hopefully some tuning will change my mind.

[jaybee]

Cool build! If I can help with the Sniper 2 tuning, please get in touch with me. I've done several Sniper 2 tunes now and countless Snipers.

Andrew

I see a lot of YouTube videos complaining about these things. If I had to guess I'd say there are too many people out there who think they can just bolt it on and have a perfect tune without doing anything. In the real world carburetors aren't that perfect out of the box, either.

[TerryH432]

I see a lot of YouTube videos complaining about these things. If I had to guess I'd say there are too many people out there who think they can just bolt it on and have a perfect tune without doing anything. In the real world carburetors aren't that perfect out of the box, either.

Seems Holley has addressed quite a bit of the common issues with the original Sniper with the 2. Most importantly the RFI problems with the original ECU. We will see how it goes. Have a local pro tuner coming later in the week to put a tune in it.

[TerryH432]

You know cars amaze me. Perhaps I should say owners or people that have worked on them previously amaze me. Seems like stuff like this exists on every car I buy. The fan was wired to be key on. Obviously I don't want that. On today's list was to get the Sniper fan control set up. Previous investigation found a relay under the right fender at the firewall that was controlling the fan, or so I thought. Turns out that relay was powering yet another relay that was powering the fan. Why you say? I have no clue. The Maverick has hidden wiring. Cool to look at. Pain in the butt to work on. I pulled the harnesses out of the looms to more things that make my eye twitch. Yellow wire coming from the front spliced with pink wire part way back to the redundant relay. Green wire spliced with blue wire. Blue wire spliced with green wire. lol...

Anyway, 1 relay for the fan wired correctly now with the sniper controlling the fan and all of this chopped out.

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Spent a stupid amount of time reworking wiring at the battery. Whoever had a mess going with the ultra cheap replacement style terminals and way too many things piled up on them.

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Shaking my head on that. Still waiting on the billet battery hold down to arrive from Summit but my OCD likes this much better.

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Car has had a terrible belt squeal ever since I got it running. Literally had a ton of belt dressing sprayed all over everything. Huge mess. Spent a couple hours with a ultra fine scotchbirite pad and lacquer thinner cleaning the gunk off the CVF billet stuff. Repolishing everything afterward. Get ready to put it together and only then do I see that it has the wrong crank pulley on it and nothing lines up right. The 347 in it now has an aftermarket balancer. The previous one, which I also got with the car, has a stock balancer. SMH again. I have a serpentine conversion kit from CVF for my other car so I'll be putting that on the Maverick now.

[mmosley]

The CVF kits w/ tensioner are one of the few aftermarket serpentine kits that has tensioner and it is in the right location. Unfortunately my car has too many one off systems and I just have to make my own stuff. Besides, it is a Mopar and hardly anyone makes modern aftermarket parts for them.

[Dave B]

Looks like a pretty sweet Maverick! Should be a fun car, I’m a little partial to them myself.

[TerryH432]

Looks like a pretty sweet Maverick! Should be a fun car, I’m a little partial to them myself.

Thanks! Looks like you got a serious Maverick game going on!

[TerryH432]

Continuing on with a ton on detailing, polishing and changes in the engine compartment. I swapped to the CVF serpentine belt pulleys. Added a bunch more stainless bolts with billet washers. Polished stainless puke tank and the very trick billet battery tray from Summit that is designed just for the Optima batteries. Traded a smooth top polished air cleaner for the ribbed top one. Pulled the grille and repainted the black. Bunch more rewiring and new loom. Finally had a buddy come by so I could get the hood back on. Still a few things to change/do but overall I'm liking it!

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[TerryH432]

Got the new exhaust done. Nothing like most of you guys have but I'm happy with it. 2.5" pipe with crossover and Flowmaster 40's. Much more mellow and much more to my liking. I'll have it coated before we start driving the car again.

Problem now is the noisy TKO. The motor was installed before I got it and we found all the bellhousing bolts loose with a couple missing while we were going over the car. Got that corrected but appears the damage was already done. Guessing input bearing and seal. Going to get it out this week and out to a local guy that speaks Tremec.

Click the link for the exhaust video. Apparently the forum doesn't like a Flickr video link.


https://flic.kr/p/2ptsgkJ

[jaybee]

I think 2.5" exhaust is plenty adequate for a 347. The car sounds great.

[TerryH432]

I think 2.5" exhaust is plenty adequate for a 347. The car sounds great.


Thank you!

[MachineADDICT]

This is impeccable work. I look forward to seeing how it turns out in future, willing to bet it’ll come out a stunner

[TerryH432]

This is impeccable work. I look forward to seeing how it turns out in future, willing to bet it’ll come out a stunner

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Few more projects going on. Yanked the TKO out and took it to a local shop that works on them. Definitely needs an input bearing. Pulled the bellhousing and RST clutch to check everything over. Took time to measure concentricity while it was out. Took a little bit of effort to do it by myself but with the help of my phone shooting video under the car and a bunch trips under myself I got it done. All good with .0025 runout. Would have the clutch and bellhousing back in it but a small snag with my Summit delivery yesterday. Bronze bushing in a McLeod 8606 pilot bearing package. Bummer but Summit has another on the way.

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Took time to do some VHT high heat on the welds and the Flowmaster 40's. Pipe is aluminumized and the VHT aluminum is a pretty good match. Used my MAP gas torch to cure the VHT. Turned out pretty good. Still nothing like a lot of big money exhaust systems I see on these cars but I'm happy with it.

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[TerryH432]

Continuing with a few other projects on the Mav.

I hate hood prop rods but refused to spend $1500 on the cool billet hinges from Brazil that have hydraulic cylinders on them. Found these on the Maverick/Comet forum. Has a pretty neat little catch on the right hinge to keep the hood open. $400 a lot easier for me to swallow for a set of hood hinges.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/02/53503411738_5461a24751_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pvUYhb)

Got them mounted up but not ready to put the hood back on just yet. Looks like they should work out well and look 100x's better than the totally worn out stockers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/02/53505367845_bc7f07c531_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pw5ZLa)

For whatever reason the door weatherstrips and bumpers were not put on the car when it was built. Got those installed. Replaced the painted over screws on the door latches with the proper new ones. Little things make a big difference...to me anyway.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/02/53528833971_12bc6baaf9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pyagqx)

Started on building a set of shock tower struts. Using the sedged aluminum rods and rod ends from Speedway. Fabbing up the brackets from 1/4" 6061 plate. Got a bit done but stuck until the trans is back in the car. The long rod going in between the towers has to fit just right between the Sniper and the distributor. Like to be for sure that the engine is sitting where it's going to be before I finish shaping the brackets on the top of the towers so they look good and function properly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/02/53529277395_8c6856219a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pycxeM)

Sent a few things out to polish. Debated painting the valve covers, air cleaner and battery hold down body color but just couldn't do it. I know it would have been more in current style but I guess I'm just too old school to paint polished stuff. Have these pieces at my Cerakote guy's place now getting cleared.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/02/53529277390_65ac8967e8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pycxeG)

[TerryH432]

Got the Tremec back and in. Still noisy. Beats me what to do now. :hand: Guess I'll just drive it with the stereo up. Several other projects completed. Rerouted the fuel and brake lines under the car. Got the fresh polished valve covers, air cleaner etc... cleared with Cerakote MC-5100. Cleaned up a bunch of wiring and such. Got the hood back on and the new hood hinges adjusted. I'm really liking the new exhaust with the Flowmaster 40's. I think it looks better with the VHT on the mufflers. Putting the strut tower project on hold for now because I'm sick of working on the thing. Ready to drive for a while and then get back to it. Anyway, good to have it back together. Headed to our local cars and coffee tomorrow.


https://youtu.be/XPr1ZHiWjtw

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53562721584_c2f1ac5cc6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pB9X2J)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53562843110_7d4f38050d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBaza1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53562395541_009e079efa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pB8h7i)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53562590923_3f4b593a73_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pB9hbX)

[TerryH432]

Took the opportunity to get some shots using some of the cool murals in our downtown for a background. Just park illegally right by the no parking sign pointed in the wrong direction. lol...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53564177008_e16ccbfe73_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBhpFf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53563988146_24fb176c67_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBgrx1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53563129707_5138a06569_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBc3mk)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53564177103_fc9cb70424_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBhpGT)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53564177118_035bee67c2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pBhpH9)

[speedfreakcobra]

Great build, yesterday I was driving south on I-15 here in San Diego County and saw a blue one just like this. About broke my damn neck staring at it.

[TerryH432]

Great build, yesterday I was driving south on I-15 here in San Diego County and saw a blue one just like this. About broke my damn neck staring at it.

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Continuing to work thru an assortment of issues. The axle seals look like they've been seeping for a good while. Upon close inspection I see that the rear end does not have the correct Wilwood bearing retainers on it. Pulled the axles. Had the new bearings and seals pressed on and got the right retainers on it. No more leak and no more slop in the axles.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53633480976_e162692cf7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pHpBkf)

Correct vs incorrect bearing retainer. Retainer needs that lip to take up the space of the backing plate for the parking brake.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53633692303_21ed38e71a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pHqG9P)

Didn't get any pics but I pulled the crossmember for the Mumford link setup and opened up the existing notch for some clearance to the back of the rear end housing. The car has a Currie "Hot Rod" style housing in it and the crossmember is made for the "notch back" style housing. This was allowing the rear end to contact that crossmember. Another example of a lot of really nice aftermarket parts that are not well matched and don't play well with each other.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/03/53562395541_009e079efa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pB8h7i)

Also removed the poly trans mount and replaced it with a factory style Ford rubber mount. Fabbed a 1" aluminum spacer as the factory mount is shorter than the poly one. Made a big difference in the noise transfer. It says specifically in the installation instructions to run the rubber mount. I see why now.

After measuring the angles and an at length discussion with Tremec I ordered a TKX to replace the TKO. I measured at the bell housing and the engine/trans is 5.1° down. Tremec says this is causing the front of the trans to not be properly lubricated not to mention the bad driveline angle. The smaller case of the TKX will allow for more tunnel clearance so I can get the rear of the trans higher without chopping the tunnel out of a done car. Raising the back of the trans will help with some issues farther forward with header and oil pan to sway bar clearance.

I'll report back after the trans swap.

[TerryH432]

Taking a couple of weeks to get a bunch of projects done on the Maverick.

Biggest is swapping the Tremec TKO for the TKX. The TKO is just to tight in the '69.5 tunnel. Tremec says we are starving the front of the trans because we can't get it any higher than 5.1° down. The TKX should solve that without cutting the tunnel...I hope.

Moving the Lokar parking brake handle and installing the E-Stop electric parking brake actuator to run the Wilwood parking brakes to free up space in the tunnel for the driveshaft. Still trying to figure out where to put the unit. Not much room for anything under the car. Perhaps in the trunk. Perhaps on the back seat braces. Beats me at this point.

Installing 3 point seat belts. Still need to figure out the mounting for the retractor. Dread cutting a hole in the perfect headliner for the pivot.

Rerouting the fuel and brake lines to get them away from the tunnel. Still scratching my head on the route for this stuff also. The car has all RRS suspension including the 3 link rear with a torque arm so there's a bunch of stuff in the way.

Pulling the door and quarter glasses and getting all the glass tinted. Thankful for a friend that has a mobile tint business so he'll be doing it in my shop.

I'll be shooting some video of the processes so I'll post them on the YouTube channel as I get them edited.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53640384685_29a4cfe510_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJ1ZyH)

[TerryH432]

Well, I'm in the middle of all these projects. Waiting on new cables for the parking brake deal. Found a good spot for the E-stopp unit in the trunk right behind the rear seat. Interior all out and seat belts mounted. Waiting on the seats to be back in before committing to the factory mounting spot for the buckle side. TKO is out and I'm working on relocating the fuel lines and remounting the brake line going to the rear and the power wire for the fuel pump. TKX going in tomorrow.

Thought I'd do a little side by side comparison between the TKO and TKX. TKX is going to fit way better for sure.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53646875962_28f529537e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJAgch)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53647963568_f01c0c9657_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJFQv7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53648211725_525dbb4ee6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJH7gF)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53648211735_7366713d28_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJH7gR)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53648091784_2237b07463_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJGuBJ)

[jaybee]

That transmission hoop inside the tunnel makes things pretty tough on all these old Fords. A lot of people cut through the hoop and call it good. I find it hard to believe something hasn't been compromised in the process. If the cars had strength to spare in that area the Mustang convertibles wouldn't have had underfloor pans and a plate to tie the sides of the tunnel together.

[TerryH432]

That transmission hoop inside the tunnel makes things pretty tough on all these old Fords. A lot of people cut through the hoop and call it good. I find it hard to believe something hasn't been compromised in the process. If the cars had strength to spare in that area the Mustang convertibles wouldn't have had underfloor pans and a plate to tie the sides of the tunnel together.

Agree. Thought I had a pic of it but apparently don't but they left the center of the band in this car and trimmed off the edges. They were searching for an acceptable compromise I suppose. No clue if the this car being a '69.5 with the smaller tunnel is a good thing or a bad thing with part of that band being removed. The torque arm has a sizeable crossmember bolted thru the floor with big backer plates right behind the transmission crossmember for the torque arm. I hope that would offer some additional structural support.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53663264996_cc7421ffcc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pL3g5Q)

[TerryH432]

The TKX is in and wow is there a lot more room! Was able to get the tail up 5/8" with good clearance from where the TKO was when it was smashed against the tunnel. Rerouted and fabbed up all new fuel lines. Moved the fuel pump and filters and rewired. Redid the rear brake line and got it properly attached to the factory mounting spots. Removed the Lokar parking brake handle and in the midst of mounting the E-Stopp in the trunk. Pulled the rack and dropped it off at my front end guy to get the seals fixed so it'll stop pouring fluid. Working on getting the 3 point seatbelts in. Fixed and refinished the quarter interior trim and the kick panels. Also pulled the side glasses and got all the windows tinted. So we're moving right along. Unfortunately one fix caused another problem. The exhaust is against the torque arm crossmember as a result of how much the motor is rotated up from raising the tail shaft. Back to the exhaust shop sometime next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677188598_b37d1eff02_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMgC5W)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677421960_f921d0ae2c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMhPsq)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677421945_0c77a6bfa7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMhPsa)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53676967531_a3eed478c8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMfunr)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53676977736_50455fa7b0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMfxpo)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677432815_884f8f2d5b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMhSFz)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53676980086_ee9fce6324_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMfy6U)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677337239_6e6914f238_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMhogH)

[TerryH432]

Making some headway on the list. Got the E-stopp installed. Looks like it's going to work out perfectly. Positioned it right behind the back seat in the trunk. Made cable routing fairly simple and the custom trunk floor fit right over it without any mods. Put the switch in the lower dash tray on the left side of the column.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53684954381_ef05ff64b8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMXqzK)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53684087357_4732aedbe4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMSYR4)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53685411450_3318d90f32_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMZLsf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53685326874_c8cf6b5bb7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMZkj3)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53684957906_0c14557c07_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMXrCw)

[TerryH432]

Also got the 3 point belts installed. These cars only had lap belts. Was able to mount the retractors behind the quarter trim panels. Had to make some spacers on the lathe as the upper mounting point is only 3/8-18 instead of the normal 7/16-20.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53684957956_82cc278499_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMXrDo)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53685415140_50c6372b9f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMZMxS)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53685182858_4b0f8d9f50_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMYAv1)

[wfo guy]

Nothing like a little debugging to get to the end. :)

[TerryH432]

Nothing like a little debugging to get to the end. :)

A good bit of debugging was needed for sure. I think we're about to get it though.

[TerryH432]

Amongst the projects was finally getting the windows tinted. The passenger door glass that was in the car when I got it was badly scratched. Finally found a good replacement. I pulled the side and quarter glasses and my mobile tint buddy did the rest in the car at my shop. All ceramic tint. 20% on the side and back glasses. 70% on the windshield with a 20% band.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53677337239_6e6914f238_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pMhogH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53687701388_3166d07bf5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pNcvaW)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53687838819_cc8b1bfea2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pNdd2r)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53686609577_e1fcf69320_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pN6UBB)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53687701413_abee151566_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pNcvbn)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/04/53687838894_843fb860bd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pNdd3J)

[Vimes]

That is a pretty car.

[TerryH432]

That is a pretty car.

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Here's our install and review video for converting to the 3 point retracting belts.


https://youtu.be/q_F4ckzYNso

- - - Updated - - -

And the install and review video for the E-Stopp parking brake actuator.


https://youtu.be/3GIkZE06Evg

[TerryH432]

Finally finishing up the strut tower brace project I started a good while back. These cars had factory supports from the firewall to the towers. Those were deleted when the car was built. The towers are notched. Guess they thought that was good enough. The guys at RRS suspension were pretty adamant that the car needed bracing so I fabbed up supports from the firewall to the towers and across the towers. Thankfully enough room to fit the swedged rods between the Sniper and the distributor. The swedged rods, heim joints, spacers and nuts for the rods from Speedway. Couple chunks of 1/4" 6061 off Amazon and a bunch of stainless bolts and such from my local bolt and screw supply.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53706140966_183be277c5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPQ1BG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53706141111_37cea532a7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPQ1Ec)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53706352778_e63d9138c5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPR6zC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53706471914_f95117f6d2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPRGZG)

[RMMiller]

It's looking good Terry!

[TerryH432]

It's looking good Terry!

Thank you! Been a little bit of a journey but I think we are winning!

[TerryH432]

Finally got around to making up some new plug wires. Not my favorite thing to do but 3 of the old ones were pretty toasty.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53722151393_1e7e2d44aa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pRf4Xx)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53721940601_0938d2755c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pRdZic)

[TerryH432]

Playing in a world of high dollar custom wheels and 315's, here I am trying to make 255/45-17's work on the rear of our junk with the wheels we have. 17x8's with 4.5" backspacing is definitely not the right wheel for this car but here we are. 1/4" billet spacer and the 255's clear the inner wheelhouse and fill up the wheelwell opening better. Much happier with how this looks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53739116492_4710e01d70_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSK26f)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53740371874_7fc4a1fd6c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSRsgL)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53740234493_3889cf352f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSQKr8)

Heartbroken that I just couldn't make these 275/40-17's work with the wheels I have. Here next to the 245/45-17's that were on it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53740243828_248b4b15a5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSQNd5)

Anyway, also have a bunch of stuff pulled and at one of my buddy's shops getting painted body color. Guess we'll see if this is a smart move or not in a few days.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53740473830_5a0fdb7719_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSRYzC)

[TitanFox]

Looking good. Are the fenders rolled?

[TerryH432]

Looking good. Are the fenders rolled? Thanks! Fronts are stock. Rears have the lip trimmed. They're just about 1/4" or so from about 10 to 2. Lots of clearance still. I really wanted to run 1/2" spacers but the studs are not long enough. Not worth changing the studs for 1/4" more.

[TerryH432]

Parts are back from paint and on the car. I fabbed and polished the new spears on the now body color valve covers and air cleaner from aluminum interior molding I found on Ebay. Color matched the black headlight doors, hood molding, hood nostrils and hood striker bracket. Also smoothed out the texture on the black front spoiler and did it body color. Hood latch and striker redone with stainless steel paint. Super happy with how all this came out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53756411389_42e391ba38_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUgEg8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53756502750_a37fab1b31_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUh8qj)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53755178052_b0e2ecb2fc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUakCG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53756502825_f9d0bb2bb9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUh8rB)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53756502810_b1323a7d83_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUh8rm)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53756502815_fedb826dac_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUh8rr)

[TerryH432]

One more piece of the puzzle. I've hated the elcheapo Grant steering wheel since the minute I saw it. Been searching for something I like since day 1. Finally found this MPI wheel that I love. Got a great deal on it from the protouringstore.com.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53759736737_db548a1a52_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUyGLH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/05/53759736777_46bf3fb66b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pUyGMp)

[TerryH432]

On to the next weird issue with this car. The brakes have never seemed right. It stops but not like it should. Figured out that it has a 1 1/8" bore master on it. :confused: Called Wilwood and went over the brake components on the car. RRS stage 2 discs on the front with Wilwood Forged Dynapro discs on the rear. They suggested a 7/8" bore to match up with what I have. Still has the stock 5:1 pedal in it.

Changed that out today. Bought and adjustable pushrod kit. Had to cut 2" total off the rods and thread the rod in the master 1 1/4" more to get it dialed in. Took way too long to get the master bench bled but finally got everything swapped over. What an amazing difference. Nice to have brakes that work as they should now!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/06/53801186058_a8cceb836f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pYe9db)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/06/53800011067_173c3e0177_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pY87VH)

[TerryH432]

Couldn't resist these US Mags Ramblers. Liking the look on the Maverick. Pretty cool for cheap wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53839076282_0a254b62a5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q2zkDU)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53840231508_94ea1d66f4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q2Fg4A)

[Dave B]

It’s looking good!

[TerryH432]

It’s looking good!

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Well, it's been an interesting week. Started out with a total idiot move on my part. I was working under the hood and forgot that my pocket flashlight was laying on the air cleaner and shut the hood. :help: Result was a pump knot outie that cracked the paint on both sides of the hood. :hammer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876474328_92c64c1680_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5T1MN)

Sigh...

Thankfully my buddy and my ex painter when I was running a shop came to the rescue. The car had some existing chips on the left side of the hood and the left fender also had chips and what looked like an elbow dent that someone had tried to PDR and failed on the top when I bought it. I had touched up the chips already and planned to get all of this taken care of over the winter but apparently winter came early.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876650755_19e561c8a1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5TVeD)

Big chip on the cowl fixed and in primer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876650795_340b1fe22f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5TVfk)

Everything repaired and ready to go in the booth.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876238851_12f6561b7d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5RNMR)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876238826_896a33ce3d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5RNMq)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876474183_3a74823198_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5T1Ki)

Shot and color sanding under way.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53875336977_0795797856_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5MbGi)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876584094_6b907fc962_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5Tzqj)

Back together and polishing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876238661_4b5a87d374_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5RNJz)

Everything back together and final polish on the new paint and a polish refresh underway at another buddy's detail shop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53876238656_93cf9a2ace_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q5RNJu)

https://youtube.com/shorts/QxoD1f26mcY?si=2hzoGCqwrPjP-IAw

The plus to all of this is it made the car much better overall. Still feel like a total idiot though. Anyway, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

[TerryH432]

And after 35 hours of blocking to 4000 grit and polishing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53883639638_92637a1d27_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6vJMC)

Straight to the next show and got Best Paint. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53886633267_39ac53084a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6M5FV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53887966665_fecf589ac7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6TV4x)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53887966625_352177a002_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6TV3R)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/07/53886633252_8711b8b5e7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6M5FE)

[TerryH432]

Finally took a little time to do a walk around video of the Maverick. Brand new on our YouTube channel.


https://youtu.be/8TLmUxy2QDI

[TerryH432]

On to the next projects. The car does not like traffic and temps over 90. Even without running the A/C it's up around 220. I am determined to be able to drive anywhere, anytime and run the A/C. Been waiting for 2 months for these parts. Have the max cool Wizard radiator, shroud and brushless fan. Took 6 weeks bu that was expected. What wasn't exactly expected was the Vintage Air front runner that's been on backorder for 2 months. Finally got a tracking a couple days ago and began the disassembly.

FedEx dropped the front runner off today and I must say, it was worth the wait. what a super nice piece of engineering and parts. I chose the VA kit becasue it is much shorter than any other front drive for the small block Ford. They use a huge back plate that replaces the timing cover and everything bolts to that. They also use a mid 90's Explorer water pump which is also way shorter than the typical SBF pump.

I've been cleaning and touching up under the hood. Pulled the hood and the right fender to aid with the install and the rerouting of the A/C hoses and heater hose for the VA kit. I'm shooting video so will have that up once we get all these parts in and functioning.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959836744_8a9d4c996f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdfgwQ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959513631_c2dda7be61_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qddBtV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959969485_96d079e933_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdfWZt)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959514556_4a4564472f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qddBKS)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53958619842_52def4bbe9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qd92ML)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959638171_c6770b4218_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdefva)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959638181_906357a248_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdefvk)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/08/53959884558_145139ab57_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdfvKd)

[TerryH432]

Gaining on the install of the new stuff. We're down to finishing up the fan/trinary switch wiring and finalizing the rerouting of the A/C lines and the heater hose. Cleaned up a bunch of other questionable existing wiring to simplify and hide it better. Love how the VA puts te A/C and heater hoses out under the alternator. Will barely be seen. Made a 1 1/2" x 4" oval hole in the right inner fender to get those hoses out under the fender. Drilled the A pillar for the heater hose. Loving the Gates heat shrink hose clamps. Really cleans up the look. Back at it today getting the hoses and wiring finalized.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53967130142_a7bbf7c3f6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdTDB5)

Once I have the A/C fitting sorted I'll get these secured but happy with the new routing. Lots going on under the fender.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53967169417_d4123e448a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdTRhe)

I opted for a simple oval hole in the inner fender to get the hoses out of the engine compartment. Put some door edge guard around the hole to protect the lines.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53968509575_fde4d2f067_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qe1HEp)

Also opted for simple on the heater hose entry thru the A pillar. Just a 90 degree fitting and the proper grommet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53968059786_f102a6df3e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdYpXq)

[TerryH432]

More progress. Wiring and plumbing done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53972188828_1b851e9cd8_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qekznN)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53972188818_0555c84782_k-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qekznC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53972484190_0139b32452_b-1.jpg[url]

We're an A/C charge away from putting it back together. Replaced the A/C hose under the dash to hopefully solve the A/C leak.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2qekzoj]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53972188858_3444fe9743_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qen6bf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53972188863_0513482f08_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qekzop)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/53971951936_69263969a2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qejmXs)

[TerryH432]

And that's a wrap. Cooling issue solved. Bumper to bumper traffic running the A/C the car never got over 189°. Loving the much cleaner look under the hood also.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/09/54007360937_311eabf78b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qhrQPt)

[TerryH432]

Video of the Vintage Air Frontrunner and Wizard cooling module is up on our channel.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOk1kz7nqhk

[TerryH432]

Not actually winter but the winter upgrades/changes have begun. In my buddy's fab shop betting some sheetmetal panels under the hood.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54111801115_73d645ef85_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qrF8fc)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54110472057_6b94baefd2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qryjap)

[TerryH432]

And here's the final result. Had to show it in bare metal to show how cool and perfect it is even before body and paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54126521701_8f551cc5b8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsYzap)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678662_1d843ce183_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfyf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678647_c12af2faff_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxZ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54126865044_b1420c729e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qt1ke7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678632_22e73cbf9a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxJ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678627_c6a3ee5538_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxD)

[Cheveezy]

And here's the final result. Had to show it in bare metal to show how cool and perfect it is even before body and paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54126521701_8f551cc5b8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsYzap)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678662_1d843ce183_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfyf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678647_c12af2faff_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxZ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54126865044_b1420c729e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qt1ke7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678632_22e73cbf9a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxJ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54125678627_c6a3ee5538_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qsUfxD)


Looks great!

[TerryH432]

Looks great!

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

And the grille filler/radiator support cover is a wrap.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54149975827_86b94800f8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qv3MfT)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54149975892_43e9b98f29_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qv3Mh1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54151280605_63fa7e0827_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qvat84)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54148910382_c26a7ac463_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2quXjx9)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/11/54150051753_710d8edd12_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qv4aPX)

[TerryH432]

And we've moved to the other end. Buddy who is an amazing interior guy doing upholstered panels in the trunk.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54210441561_22339cd2a7_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/93396776@N06/1Ppu2Ro3L0)

[TerryH432]

My buddies knocked it out of the park with the upholstered panels in the trunk. Super happy with how this turned out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54230485828_ef9baf6907_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCaq5m)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54230500489_15c62a35ee_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCaur8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54229346637_8067e1f5ae_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qC4zr8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54230485873_074315250c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCaq68)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54230658335_f97be7d18b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCbimB)

[TerryH432]

Onto the not so fun winter projects. Solving the axle leak on the 9" and finally biting the bullet to cut the tunnel so th TKX can get within angle spec. Had to raise it nearly 2" at the mount. Have a local sheetmetal shop making a new tunnel for me. Dealing with some issues under the hood that raising the trans that much caused. My strut tower braces are in the way of the Sniper. Had to notch the lower control arm brackets to clear the oil pan. Throttle cable is too short as one of the fuel lines is also. Going to have to get the front of the exhaust remade but have more header clearance to the towers now. Some days I hate cars.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54233964292_07a575014f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCtf6S)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2024/12/54235274115_705f958b7a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCzXt2)

[TerryH432]

Slowly progressing on the winter mess I've made of a perfectly good Maverick. lol... Dealing with the resulting issues under the hood from raising the trans into Tremec spec. Had to make new mounts for the strut tower braces. The engine rotated far enough forward that the Sniper didn't clear the Monte Carlo bar. New mounts move it 1" forward. I also hate sanding and polishing aluminum. Nasty business but necessary. Bunch of work for and inch. Got the new trans crossmember fabbed and in and the massive hole trimmed up. New throttle cable and fuel lines coming up tomorrow if FedEx shows up. Sheetmetal shop supposed to have the new tunnel patch done tomorrow as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54257294469_93a2d8e27e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEwPmi)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54257480905_e75668a913_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qExLLH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54257056496_84e9bb9c32_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEvABj)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54256166707_b098ea0a3a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEr378)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54257055516_836c858263_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEvAjq)

The world's tiniest trans crossmember. :) Interestingly enough, the trans mount is high enough that it's almost perfectly aligned with the mounts for the crossmember so super simple to make. All from 1/4" plate.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54257293549_b36ef7cd1d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEwP5r)

[TerryH432]

Winter update vid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfmVOu5iiNI&t=131s

[TerryH432]

Got the tunnel patch for my boys at the sheetmetal shop this afternoon. Looks like it's going to work out pretty well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54265551458_c838639d1a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFg8Sb)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54264439087_a4fdbb2b3b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFarcn)

[TerryH432]

Some days I hate this car. Finally got the radiator lowered. Had to notch out the front crossmember for clearance. Decided I'd feather out some chips in the crossmember and spot those in just to dress it up a bit. As soon as I started sanding the paint started flying off. Apparently it was acceptable to just paint over oily dirt and surface rust when it was on the rotisserie. :pat: Thought I had it feathered out good enough until I went to blow it off. That's when I saw a big bubble and pow, a bunch more decided to blow off. Who knows where this is going to end.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54268573952_3c12a16cd7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFwCm9)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54269877405_a11b13cca2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFDiPt)

[TerryH432]

Well that was fun. :seizure: Not too bad for spray cans.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54270779905_3644e24380_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFHW6P)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54270598148_4a8ca57839_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFH155)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54269473132_0c489021a7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFBeDf)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54270779885_17c522aa92_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFHW6t)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54269471947_2fa78a649d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFBehP)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54270679808_8e9aa4e52a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFHqm1)

[TerryH432]

Yesterday I disassembled rear suspension and Mumford links. Painted that stuff along with the rear end housing and 3rd member once I welded tabs on the housing for the new flex lines. Also stripped out all the old rear brake lines so we could do all new. The calipers were hard plumbed previously and I want to get the main brake line out of the tunnel. Also got the paint freshened up on the rotors for both ends. My buddies Steve and Robby came over today. Super fun to hang out and work with these life long friends. Got everything finished under the hood, radiator back in and filled, new throttle cable installed. Got the right axle back in the 9" and the rear end hard brake lines fabbed. The tunnel patch fab is coming along. Still need to finish fitting the ends of the patch. Have some trimming to do on the tunnel itself and I'll be ready to get the patch welded in but gotta pull the trans first. Got the new rear bumper installed. We're gaining.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54273919636_634cd69d07_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qG12r7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54273919646_df4cc73e1c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qG12rh)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54273919566_9fe1c3754c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qG12pU)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54273036702_1bdd3db1b6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFVuY7)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54274167598_8104c1e516_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qG2i9j)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/01/54274170259_92078a7aa3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qG2iWc)

[TerryH432]

This feels like a big step forward. Nice to be able to complete something that I've never done before and quite honestly don't feel very qualified to do. Turned out pretty decent. Still need to seal the bottom and redo the bed liner. Unfortunately everything has been slowed down from being sick for the past month. Major sinus infection followed by the flu.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54299896225_00ef0598c9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJiank)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54299896230_61f53b01dd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJianq)

[TerryH432]

Brake lines and sound deadening were the Saturday themes. My best buddy Steve got the new brakes lines finished up and I did a mile or 2 of sound deadening.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54301106364_05406145a6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJpn6N)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54301106409_3be0d9eb66_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJpn7z)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54301298465_f26dcfe013_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJqmcT)

[TerryH432]

Had such a great time rolling/brushing Herculiner on the bottom of the Maverick today. :seizure:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54308853147_c2b59f07c0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qK64X2)

[Vimes]

Hopefully you didn't get any on your hootus. :lol:

[TerryH432]

Hopefully you didn't get any on your hootus. :lol:

I think that's the only thing I missed. lol... I found out the hard way that bedliner goes right thru a long sleeved tee shirt like water. I looked like a Dalmation.

[TerryH432]

After finishing up the bedliner I got the transmission, driveshaft, torque arm crossmember and front sway bar back in yesterday. My best buddy Steve got the brakes finished up today including the new cross drilled and slotted rotors. With that I declare the bottom of the car and the mechanical mods to be complete. I turned my attention to laying down the closed cell foam on the inside. Stuff does an amazing job but is a pain to work with.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54315427960_5346840ee1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKELpS)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54315005226_5de15d15a9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKCAKm)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54314119632_baaf396d32_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKy4uu)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54315427915_ab653b8a4a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKELp6)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54315243778_09f9e1602a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKDPEj)

[andrewb70]

That looks fantastic!

Andrew

[TerryH432]

That looks fantastic!

Andrew

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Another day in the books on the Maverick. Got the front suspension all buttoned up and the camber set good enough to get it in and out of the trailer so I can get it to the exhaust and alignment shops. Finished the closed cell foam on the floor and got the carpet in. Seats and dash tray are also in for test fit so I could start imagining the console. I finally found a factory A/C dash tray. We modded the factory A/C bezels to mount the same Vintage Air vents that are going in the console. Lot going on in a little space with the console build.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54319923906_5b1500a3de_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qL4NUb)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54320155658_c6765f3a4e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qL5ZMU)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54320155633_a8a0b81bd5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qL5ZMt)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54319923871_75c52d4be4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qL4NTz)

[Vimes]

Looking good.

[TerryH432]

Looking good.

Thank you!

[JustJohn]

Did you use a heat gun on your MLV? I've never seen it conform that well.

[TerryH432]

Did you use a heat gun on your MLV? I've never seen it conform that well.

It's actually closed cell foam. It stretches so pretty easy to get it in all the weird spots on a floor pan. Didn't need any heat.

[TerryH432]

Console progress.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54324447420_f49d6cbe54_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLsZzN)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54324257718_509f961224_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLs2c5)

[TerryH432]

Just about to the end of the console build. Couple things to clean up and then off to the upholstery shop. Pretty happy with it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54326991797_39b36c49cf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLG2Wn)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54328119713_24ee89d8a5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLMPec)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54328301870_0670a57ac3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLNKnQ)

[Vimes]

Looking pretty good. Are those the center vents moved down or the floor vents?

[TerryH432]

Looking pretty good. Are those the center vents moved down or the floor vents?

Thanks. The car has Vintage Air heat and A/C. Those are the center vents from the VA unit. The car had the rectangular Vintage Air pods under the dash previously which I hated. I finally found an original under dash tray with A/C and converted the vents to use the Billet Specialty ones.

Here's how the vents were before.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2qyt1F3]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54188653136_78703975e6_b-1.jpg

[TerryH432]

I pronounce the woodworking portion of the console project to be done. Today was an arts and crafts project with the addition of the 1/8th inch ply to give it some dimension. I ended up with way more time in this thing than I ever dreamed I would but I think it turned out ok. Off to my upholsterer buddy for some of his upholstery magic next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54338767718_9fc246ede9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qMJovu)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54337639232_2b37d564d8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qMCB3Q)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54338767733_490d56d8c4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qMJovK)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54337639262_8ee0cd6734_b-1.jpg

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2qMJowb]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54338767758_b5b87190c1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qMCB4m)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54338767753_b6222b3b8a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qMJow6)

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2qMHepi]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54338541971_68d19a25a7_b-1.jpg

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2qMCB4M]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54337639287_f148e12b0a_b-1.jpg

[TerryH432]

Still a ways to go with the list but good to see it back on it's wheels for the first time in months.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54342697112_14a6c1a009_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qN5wzE)

[TerryH432]

Back to the exhaust shop tomorrow for the necessary changes to the exhaust system. Couldn't resist a little sound clip beforehand though.


https://youtu.be/GEUkygFMrQY

[TerryH432]

The console project is finally done. Also of note is the new to me factory A/C dash tray that my buddy wrapped in the same material and we modded to accept the Billet Specialties vents so they all match.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54355225636_6496f843f6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPbJSG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54354345937_0460c4a670_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qP7ent)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54354345932_f307da5939_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qP7eno)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54354345927_1cb4e0c2cf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qP7eni)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/02/54355630530_6902fb2f4e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPdPeC)

[TerryH432]

And finally the interior back together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54356336472_bc17acc447_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPhr63)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54357423689_89665f239b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPo1ha)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54357620695_370cc1702d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPp1QP)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54357441638_f2e80da7b0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPo6BC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54357620655_a046629b31_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPp1Q8)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/03/54357620680_0a84559928_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPp1Qy)

[Vimes]

Looks great.

[TerryH432]

Looks great.

Thank you!

[TerryH432]

Purely an OCD deal on my part to do this but I had to have the drilled and slotted rotors. Bit of an adventure on the front. For whatever reason the folks at RRS in Australia decided to use 2004 GTO rotors so I had to have those redrilled to the Ford pattern. Just for conversation's sake I also found out the the front calipers are C5 Corvette. Beats me why but alas, that is what they are. Paid an utterly ridiculous price to get the Wilwood rear rotors. Anyway, this was exactly what I was going for.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/04/54413003563_d525ed64dc_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/93396776@N06/9CEd42A220)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/04/54413003553_429e38ef7c_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/93396776@N06/F5a1nV80C1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/04/54413003548_ef70e9df20_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/93396776@N06/6117qr6815)

Also nice to rid ourselves of the "why would they do that?" hard plumbing to the calipers and get it done properly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/04/54411883337_39bec65bf7_b-1.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/93396776@N06/cb4981a08Q)

[TerryH432]

And another thing... lol... Finally got these sequential LED tail lights from Digitails. Ordered in November. Received them in April. :crying: Anyway, we color matched the bezels also which I like a lot. Overall these lights are very cool and will be seen way better than the original incandescent bulbs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALQXIeP5ZCU

[TerryH432]

Just posting some random pics that I thought were cool.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54435445797_dc51c02f3e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWgTwV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/04/54435445792_6a8ce42cbd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWgTwQ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54512653844_93f3816bd5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r46AN9)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54442963864_a7645dc134_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWWqoL)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54443147955_3007cd19f8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWXn7K)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54448123704_b79f291a91_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qXoSew)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54554614438_9d39a41113_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7NEdE)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54554380251_ff01d1fbc5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7MsAX)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54554723235_fc04e88e95_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7Pdyt)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54553505627_b40bd13d95_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7GYBe)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54554723230_b2e52ecc48_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7Pdyo)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/05/54554620323_3bf1ed5f03_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r7NFY8)

[NCSU68]

Great work! Enjoy!

[TerryH432]

Great work! Enjoy!

Thanks!

[jaybee]

Love that car.

[TerryH432]

Love that car.

Thank you! I do too on most days. :)

[TerryH432]

Well, the last couple months have been interesting. After getting the TKX lined out everything seemed fine at first but the farther we went the worse and worse the clutch got. It refuses to disengage completely. We had to pull the TKX...again. It was pretty ugly. The RST was smoked.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54594726134_513431847c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rbmf2C)

Anyway, while all this was apart I decided to deal with the rear end. Back on page 2 I documented the wrong bearing retainers were on the rear end when we got the car and we solved that but unknown to me the damage was done. Once we quieted the TKX it became obvious that the rear end had issues. Turns out that the axle bearing issue had left behind a big issue.

This is not water. It's a ton of bearing material in dust form. Yes I know that I should have pulled the third member was back on page 2 but here we are. Really sad because the car has a nice PEM nodular 3rd member with their Trac Loc. Oh well. It's only money.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660907234_d21f70025e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcrn5)

Had a local shop rebuild it and it's quiet as a church mouse now.

Back to the clutch. Installed the new RST and got everything back together. The car had a Wilwood clutch/master assy under the dash. Once we started to bleed the system we quickly saw that it was attached with a cobbled up bracket and much of what I thought was pedal travel turned out to be the garbage mount flexing. It once upon a time worked but obviously fatigued over time. We fabbed up a new and beefy 1/4" plate bracket. Had a heck of a time trying to get the system bled out completely but thought we had it solved. We put the car in the trailer and headed to the Good Guys show in Des Moines for the 4th of July weekend. It was way better but still not disengaging the clutch completely.

Enter the Malwood under dash clutch pedal setup we saw in the Tremec booth at the show.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660914939_8808c82600_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhctDV)

This is a pretty trick piece. Took a little back and forth with Ross at Malwood but we got everything working with the RST. It worked great but had the exact opposite issue we had with the Wilwood setup. Too much pedal travel and more throwout movement than we needed. I added a pedal stop I found on Ebay an finally the clutch works right in this thing!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660920643_72a188c95e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcvmg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660926889_ff18020c58_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcxcX)

The Malwood has a remote reservoir. No place to put that under the dash. No room on the firewall so ended up with it on the back side of the strut tower. I don't love it there but it works.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660931688_76f021f9e6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcyCG)

Really nice to be able to finally rive this car and have it be quiet and have a clutch that operates properly. Feels kinda weird that for the first time since we bought it I can't really see anything that needs fixing. I'm sure something new will shoot craps soon though. lol...

Speaking of the Good Guys show, we didn't win anything but did get some love from them with a nice cruising pic in their weekend review pics. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54644195846_bc5a6b786b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rfHMDG)

[TerryH432]

And another thing...lol... We've fought some prior poor paint prep issues with this car and had to deal with that once again. We're slowly but surely painting the whold car one panel at a time. This time it's some ugly bubbles on both ends of the rear body panel. On the Monday before we need to put it in the trailer on Wednesday to go to Good Guys we decided to dive into it because we are just plain ignorant.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54630560268_df9cbf3b23_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2revUgw)

Turned out to be a really weird deal. Once we ground it out there was no smoking gun. Obviously it was some sort of contamination that caused it to turn loose.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660742831_aa57cdaa06_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhbAux)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54661065800_fe200b65a3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhdfuY)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660975944_b9015113bc_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcMMJ)

All better now and actually made it in the trailer when we needed to. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/07/54660974794_a38e340f4c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rhcMrU)

[TerryH432]

Video of the Malwood clutch pedal install and review is up on our channel.


https://youtu.be/aMk1YvUh-yo

[TerryH432]

https://youtu.be/gfMeTZhZ-XY

[TerryH432]

Not much for new projects but here's a few new pics I thought were pretty cool.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/10/54863237163_b0f2d1a891_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rA5r18)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/10/54859679641_1b5dc0d45c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rzLctx)

[TerryH432]

I saw this trick on a Facebook post by Mark McDonald. Zip tie plug wire separators with a twist. He put marine heat shrink on the main zip tie. Love the clean look. That little piece of heat shrink makes a totally different look vs a naked zip tie.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/10/54866965432_b294e0cc25_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rApxhC)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/10/54868058723_000ce4f1b2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rAv9ht)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/10/54868640041_384ea79a4c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rAy86c)

[TerryH432]

Finally we have a lift! Found a lightly used one for half price vs new. Managed to move it without taking it apart. So stoked to have it!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54935543080_0df21cd905_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rGt22S)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54935545105_355ca9a207_b-1.jpg[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rGiM8V]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54933740327_42157fbeb9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rGt2CM)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54934857324_555ebeab1b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rGpvbu)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54933740372_0d3f8f83e7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rGiM9G)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2025/11/54934609416_556be538c1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rGoeud)

[Vimes]

Nice on the lift. But, I see you like to live dangerously. If you're going to use the lift to store one it really needs something across the entire middle area to catch drips from the top car. It would seriously suck to have something acidic drip on that Maverick's paint and stay there overnight or over a few days.

[TerryH432]

Nice on the lift. But, I see you like to live dangerously. If you're going to use the lift to store one it really needs something across the entire middle area to catch drips from the top car. It would seriously suck to have something acidic drip on that Maverick's paint and stay there overnight or over a few days.

They weren't in there but it has 3 big drip trays. I was over anxious to see if they would really stack with a 10' ceiling and not having to do anything with the garage door. Need to put the jack tray on it as well. The Maverick was under there just long enough to take the pics. :)

[TerryH432]

Before I ever dreamed we'd have a lift I was in the midst of a major shop rearragement to be able to get the Mustang and the Maverick in the shop at the same time. I shot a 3 part video series for our YouTube channel. Thought I might as well share those here. It was quite a journey.


https://youtu.be/VaNmprOFDNg


https://youtu.be/Rw-HDcQM3vU


https://youtu.be/96ERKEr7SiA

[Chris74]

What part of Arkansas are you from I live 15 minutes from Fort Smith.

[TerryH432]

What part of Arkansas are you from I live 15 minutes from Fort Smith.

Cool! We live in Springdale.

[TerryH432]

Cool video of the Maverick from my friend Craig's channel Fueled Up.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xHeCIn71fk&list=PLE8bNgzOgdF9M1pRwyDwvF5d UEPsg4-dG&index=1

[TerryH432]

Winter '26 projects are primarily on the inside of the Maverick. Correcting things that have bugged me since day 1 with this car. Mismatched colors and finishes make me insane. First up is to go from the gloss black on the dash to satin black. Absolutely no fun painting a dash in the car but it is the lesser of the evils considering how the dash comes out.

Once again with the interior out of this car. :crying:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55089810355_0956fbc720_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rW6Fjt)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55090208942_b83cee86aa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rW8HNE)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55091293808_71693fb843_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWehif)

Came out pretty wll considering it's just satin Trim Black ultra spray bomb.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55091357439_e59e367ba3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWeBdk)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55091451480_bcea606508_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWf6aJ)


Bunch of other fixes while I'm this far starting with the wiring under the dash. Really nice that the car had a Kwik Wire 14 spot ATO fuse box and complete new harness but the install that was done previous to me getting the car is sloppy. Spent hours up side down under the dash trying to make sense of it and I have the zip tie tails to prove it. lol...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55089810360_4e8d8f07c0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rW6Fjy)

I also remade the harness in the console to simplify getting it in and out of the car. That's on me from last year's winter projects. Lesson learned.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55088557597_5dd98e736a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rVZfVc)

New speedo cable ran up and out the top of the tunnel to get it inside the car to get away from the header that melted previous cables. Even when the cable was heat wrapped. Wrapped the new one just in case but hopefully this solves the issue.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55095498809_3a6ddae257_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWAQig)

Finally getting everything back together. Got some billet knobs that are machined very similar to the other billet knobs on the turn signal and tilt lever. Replaced the original headlight and wiper knobs along with the Vintage Air knobs to finally have continuity.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55094156714_7c5c9fddee_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWtXkG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55093004042_4c1c7c060b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWo3G3)

Pretty happy with how all of this is now. New custom door panels and painting inside the doors satin black is next up.

[TerryH432]

Moving on to making the custom door panels before I paint the inside of the doors satin black to match the dash. I found a pic that I liked for inspiration so on to cutting th 1/8" Baltic Birch plywood layers. Sort of like making your own jig saw puzzle pieces. Lots of band sawing, jig sawing and sanding. So far I'm liking it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55100238940_165ec58fac_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rX28nE)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55100238935_620cb1fae1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rX28nz)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55095757899_cba1389146_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWCajk)

The inspiration. We'll have a much simplier arm rest but you get the idea.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55091502975_87b9137b81_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rWfmtz)

[TerryH432]

I'm sure at some point in the future I'll look back and say that I enjoyed building these door panels but for now I'm just happy that my part is finally done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55114772874_d3c98cb7a5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYiBNJ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55114900195_7b1f838452_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYjgDV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55114711733_d906150a9e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYiiCz)

[LS1-IROC]

Looking good, this has to be one of the cleanest Mav's around!

[TerryH432]

Looking good, this has to be one of the cleanest Mav's around!

Thank you! Killer IROC! We had a blue one back in '87. They are such cool cars. Must be a bunch of fun with the turbo LS and th 6 speed.

[TerryH432]

And on to the next thing. I have diligently searched for a 12" oval air filter element that is blue to no avail. Finally someone started making them. The second I put it on all the red stuff under the hood looked wrong. Soooooo, more disassmbly and more painting. Pretty amazing that in today's world my PPG distributor can put the correct Mopar PCL Blue Streak pearl blue in single stage urethane in a spray can for $20 but a pint of DBC base is $200. Go figure. So all these parts are done completly with spray cans. Single stage sealer, the aforementioned urethane blue and KBS Diamond Finish single stage clear. The spray can is a dead on match for the ridiculously expensive PPG base/clear.

The battery cover is the DBC base and 2021 clear. The battery is the spray cans.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55118522280_4b570e9f9a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYCQnE)

The victims after becoming blue.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55118332343_dc50a5cc6f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYBRUT)

In some sort of M/T valve cover flash back, you have to be an old hotrodder to get that reference, I sanded to top of the MSD 6AL with 80 grit on a block to expose the aluminum. This makes me giggle like a 5 year old at Chrsitmas. So cool looking.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55116974017_623efb453c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYuU8t)

And everything back on the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/02/55117257547_98afc0a8d7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYwmpV)

[TerryH432]

More color matching fun. Brake calipers and such this time. Stupid amount of work for these little pieces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55120177673_83d9ab19e8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYMjsV)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55120238344_a61fe81285_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYMCuY)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55119102927_2435cfa55d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYFNYP)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55119102932_a136b0d46a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYFNYU)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55121188621_6774527cb6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYSuZ4)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55120308527_c8bff4be11_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYMZn2)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55121282793_f832c0c385_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYSYYH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55121335634_6a4e3a0826_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rYTfFL)

[TerryH432]

My amazing upholstery buddy covered the door panels and arm rests for me today. So cool to see what I saw in my head and worked on so hard become reality. Really happy with how these came out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55131094093_2423c0e84f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZKgx4)

[jaybee]

Love your eye for detail.

[TerryH432]

Love your eye for detail.

Thank you, John.

[TerryH432]

The interior revamp is in the books. I'm happy with the color and sheen changes to the dash and the doors, the new billet knobs that actually match, the new door panels, the new door handles and shifter knob. Still a couple more small projects going on but just about to the end of the list...for now. :hammer: Pic of the old interior at the end just for comparison.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55132779863_db33a765fe_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZTUE4)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55132594531_51e60b4ea7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZSXyF)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55132976460_041823b328_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZUV6E)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55132828229_5deeb199f1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZUa2X)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55131699362_88363a80fb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZNnsJ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55131943557_b11dc5b4ed_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZPC3Z)

[TerryH432]

Finishd up the engine compartment with a little bedazzling of the Wilwood master cylinder lid. Crusied around and grabbed some pics today since it was an amazinly clear day. I love this color in the sun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55135413291_54ebaff508_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s18ptZ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55136005642_5505745bfa_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s1bryW)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55134818673_3330e5d5f5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s15mHX)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55133745252_ea6815ef68_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZYRCG)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55133745217_e882c9e11c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rZYRC6)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55136305631_6aaf335316_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s1cYKa)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55136543299_284f82ec2e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s1ecoT)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/03/55136487653_acc9073a62_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s1dURt)

[TerryH432]

Can't leave well enough alone...as usual. Decided that I'd get the max tire and wheel on this little turd. I realize all you guys got them 345's or whatever but I'm not ready to do what that takes and likely won't ever be so I'll settle for the 275/40-18's. Trust me, that is all that's going to work without major surgery. Got a set of custom Raceline 2 piece billet's on the way also.

Current 255's vs the 275's.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/04/55225768257_c155da2581_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s97uSe)

It's tight but it's right. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/04/55227084725_d732f9c914_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s9efcX)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/04/55225777722_491dc97cc1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s97xFq)

And now we wait on Raceline. I will say they were awesome to deal with.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/04/55213117648_208c188265_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2s7ZEhh)

[TerryH432]

I am taking the car down to central Arkansas for a full stainless custom exhaust next week. Arkansas Performance Exhaust will be doing the system. Really excited to get that under the car. But for now... Waiting for the wheels. Super fun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55254895102_bd1f504956_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sbFMgd)

[TerryH432]

Moving on. Me and my best buddy Steve delivered the ole' Maverick to Zach at Arkansas Performance Exhaust in Sherwood, Ar Monday morning for a major exhaust update. Up on the lift and a bit of discussion and we were headed back on the 3 hour trip home and Zach went to work. There is very limited room under this car and he is doing a masterful job of tucking the exhaust into the tightest of spaces. Here's the pics so far. I'll add more as he sends them to me. Scheduled to pick the car up on friday afternoon.

I love the old school Flowmaster 40's so I bought 2 more just in stainless. Unfortunately they only do 409 and powder coat them all black. I had the powder blasted off and I put in the time and work to get a decent brushed finish on them. I'll be adding some sort of clear to help protect the not so stainless stainless.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55261232087_2906b09242_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scfg2z)

Heading out early with the car in the box and a beautiful sunrise.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266661704_c69a212dbf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scJ64E)

Getting up and over the torque arm crossmember is key to making the plan work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266416141_a5eb5b1977_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scGQ4P)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266416136_cb315bdfa4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scGQ4J)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55265328366_8ddcf13d0f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scBfH5)

And this is why. H's don such an amazing job of getting verything tucked up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55265902899_72e9fd531e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scEcuP)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266403798_b8315fa88a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scGLp1)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266403803_5e06a18dd2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scGLp6)

The other test was to get up and over the left side of the rar end. Super tight but he made it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55265364107_d8824d0f6f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scBrki)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55266666770_79283221b6_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scJ7z1)

I'll add some more pics tomorrow when he sends me some.

[TerryH432]

More pics. The fab work is done and Zach has disassembled the system so he can take it to his home shop and zen out to do the 59 individual welds totalling 38.5 feet of tig. Can't wait to see it in person hopefully tomorrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55268552177_25f0c0e1ae_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scTM32)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55268552187_a05c65deac_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scTM3c)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55269465036_c7a49869e0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scYsoY)

How many V bands can you put in one system? All of them. lol...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55269696534_a265feec6c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scZDdj)

[Ammoholic909]

Wow, that exhaust work is clean and tight! They do some great work!

[TerryH432]

Wow, that exhaust work is clean and tight! They do some great work!

Thanks! I'm honestly blown away with the quality of what they've done. Especially in the super tight places. I'll post more pics tomorrow after we pick it up but here's a few I got today.

Probably my favorite spot. Curving the pipe out and around that bracket for the Mumford links on the 9" is next level. That one little section had to have V bands on both ends just to get it in there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55270510920_cb8b29894e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sd4Pis)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55270245258_3b0e82dc1e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sd3sk5)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55270245293_509370fd86_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sd3skF)

I totally dig the tiny H pipe with the V band and it's in a crazy place above the torque arm crossmember.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55270114156_049bd4bbe4_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sd2MmG)

Super tucked.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55269562542_ea7009da82_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2scYXo7)

[TerryH432]

Done and back home.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55272631493_7e1a47e7a2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sdfFF4)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55272631488_5552169d74_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sdfFEY)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55271582147_047a0b3cd9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sdaiJT)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55271582137_157400aa1f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sdaiJH)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/05/55272732669_3122b21de5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sdgcKt)

[Larry Callahan]

Oh that looks nice!!!!!

[TerryH432]

Oh that looks nice!!!!!


Thank you, Larry!

[TerryH432]

The new Racelines have landed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/06/55298012106_290e286c99_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sfuLrQ)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/06/55298425300_22f8a122c9_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sfwTgS)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2026/06/55298249884_65dddccb2d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2sfvZ8s)