Time for my project to go… I’ve done a lot in the last year, but it needs more time than I can give it! This car sat in FL for several (5+ years) at Dad’s house before I started working on it. Dad bought it in 1988, it was a great car at the time.
New since June 07:
Power Steering Pump
Rack & Pinion (factory 15:1 ratio)- included inner tie rods
All PS Lines
Outer tie rods
Tires: (4) P225/70/14 (about 5k miles on this set)
Front brakes: pads, calipers, brake lines (both sides)
Rear brakes (wheel cylinders both sides) / Shoes (Rt side)—still have the new set for left side (where’s the time?)
Fuel tank / straps / pump replaced March 08
Throttle body rebuild (original injectors)
Sensors: O2, IAT, Coolant temp, others…
What works:
Radio- works ok… currently no RF speaker (attempting to fix PW motor), display light is out, but all functions still work.
AC: last charged 6+ yrs ago… functions, but cycles on/off due to low pressure (can’t find a place willing to put in ½ pd of R12 without draining the whole system and making me pay for a leak test…)
Auto climate control: get the flashing light because it won’t control the recirculation door- temp control, dash/floor/defrost, fan control work fine
Full digital dash: all works. Appears dim in bright daylight conditions, but I think that’s normal (been that way for 20 yrs that I remember.)
Power seats: work great
Power mirrors: work great
What doesn’t work:
Power windows: RT Side has stripped gear, LT side has a dead spot (works occasionally- not reliable)
Power locks- completely non functional
Rear window defroster: broke!
Paint is old, faded, ugly with surface rust on top… rust on underbody aft of fuel tank (rest of underbody appears good). Body is straight except 2 small dings (both happened in my garage--- dropped a box on top of the LT fender… bicycle? slid into door--- both are small and highlighted in picture 3)
Interior is bad… heat degraded all all the plastics and the sun faded / destroyed the cloth. Currently has seat covers on the front… back seats need help
Engine runs, but doesn’t seem as strong as it was 20 years ago (really- with 153K miles who would have thought!) This is a stock 5.0L TBI engine. Rear main leaks. Transmission shifts goods, also leaks small amount (front seal?) driveshaft/ rearend have no problems.
Wish I could keep it, but just not enough time or space. I hope somebody can find a way to keep this one out of the bone-yards! Post or PM with questions.
Thanks to all that helped / advised in the last year I’ve worked on it. Who knows- I may get another some day, but for now I’ve got to let go.
Price: not sure! I'm hoping I could get $800-$1000 with the straight body, but I know the condition of the interior and the oil leak take away... of course price is negotiable with someone willing to keep this one on the road (I'm an old sentimental fool--- don't want to see this one go the the crusher)
A few more pics...
The last pic show the steering wheel with the T-Bird emblem I found in a salvage yard more than 10 yrs ago... I always thought that would be the final piece I would put on the car when the restoration was done... Guess somebody else will get the priveledge!