3rd Apr 2016, 23:50
Wasn't really referring to a Country Squire in particular, but yes there are many people who will take a station wagon and make a pretty cool sleeper out of it.
4th Apr 2016, 01:04
Retro? I have a factory 6 CD changer unit in my 2010 Ford. Since when is that old?
4th Apr 2016, 09:03
I meant storing the factory 8 track safely put away in your house. When you unload the car to someone, you can hand it to the new owner. Reversible upgrades mean that any car can be returned to stock condition. It wasn't about being super easy. The drivability and safety is improved. New aftermarket rims and tires are easy to change. I cannot stand drum brakes and no power steering. It can be returned to stock for a purist. In fact in a low value collectible car, removing them and keeping them makes economic sense for do it yourself owners. I took off an aftermarket intake, brake caliper covers and Lloyds mats off a car I just sold. They will go on my next used car vs losing the money selling with the car. I doubt someone will pull a 8 track out of this reviewed car and drive around with a hole in the dash. If you don't feel comfortable, there are installers that sell and can quickly put a nice one in. It makes a world of difference.
If a mid 70s single exhaust LTD has such a wonderful exhaust note, I am not seeing it. I would rather listen to clear music and take a nice spring cruise.
4th Apr 2016, 12:03
By your logic, the availability of a cassette player as a factory option in the 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis means that is not "old" either; good luck with that argument.
4th Apr 2016, 22:04
Never said that my classic was a mid-'70s LTD. These cars' V8s ranged from 351-460 CID, and if you put a custom exhaust system on them, I'm sure they will sound nice. This goes for any Ford that these engines were used in.
4th Apr 2016, 23:33
Based on all the time dedicated to this vintage radio conversation, I am very glad mine is stored safely in my house with a security system. Instead of just leaving it on the shelf in my detached garage. All I know is it will never be reinstalled during my car ownership. The next owner can knock themselves out listening to tapes. It's pretty worthless to me, but the next owner can be loving it.
5th Apr 2016, 07:46
The topic of this review is a 1976 large LTD, plain and simple. The quiet single exhaust note on this car will never be more pleasurable to listen to than an upgraded sound system. And a factory 6 CD in dash changer is not retro. We have an aftermarket one in a late model Range Rover with a remote and iPod. GM has had 12 CD factory systems. Of course there will always be newer technology out.
At any rate, keeping on topic, this is a 76 LTD with an 8 track. If you are driving a new Ford Shelby with 500 HP, turn the radio off in your Ford. This isn't one, so maybe having a song switching in mid track with an 8 track is music to your ears. I once had a new quad 8 track dual recorder in my home audio system with all separates, class A amp, tuner, turntable etc. And a reel to reel that played many hours. That's also definitely retro. And had 8 track tape players on a quick slide mount under my dash in a few cars. You wired the power to the slide mount. Maxi Mini 8 was what I had in early 70s. We have come a long way since.
6th Apr 2016, 18:50
My 2013 GM with 14000 miles is obsolete over having a CD changer. I knew it wasn't retro. Maybe Motor Vehicle with let me antique it. And get Haggerty low cost, low mile driven collector car insurance.
13th Apr 2016, 10:30
Obsolete can mean other components as well in a late model car. Technology can advance even model year to model year. Lately for me it's navigation. I like brand new and older classic cars. In many respects my 1970 is more of a joy to own. No emission issues, sensor lights, TPMs etc to be hassled with on a nice sunny cruise. And no more inspections for life.
I have done many hidden upgrades to make it stop better, handle better, and I've put in a high end sound system. Looking in the interior, it still blends in nicely with the original look. Open the trunk however and you see the majority of the upgraded audio. I once had a Mercedes convertible where I upgraded the sound system. Pulled the dash and upgraded the speakers with an entirely stock look. No aftermarket grilles. I know this is a Ford review. An option I might live with is leave it alone. Just listen to the radio. If you might show the car, it is interesting to see this still in the car with a tape inserted. If it's just a driver, maybe put in a more modern system that isn't super expensive. Even upgrading speakers in old cars is a world of difference. The sun, heat and cold wears the speakers out.
Good luck.
17th Apr 2016, 03:52
These cars were not particularly efficient, but they were vastly reliable - especially compared to the contemporary competition.
Good stuff!!!
18th Apr 2016, 22:54
Good comment. Now try telling it to others who try to claim that all of the cars from the '70s era were bad.
19th Apr 2016, 14:00
I just recharged my A/C in my 70. Changed the fluids and a battery in the past 6 years. And it's out 7 months a year. It's had modern ignition and other upgrades for very minimal concerns. I might lose a bit not having T3 headlamps etc at shows, but the added safety etc is worth it.
3rd Apr 2016, 20:30
With the exception of radial tires, none of the upgrades you mention are "reversible"; at least, not easily.
And why would someone go to all the trouble of removing a factory stereo just so that it can be "safely stored"? It's not like anyone is going to try to steal it, plus do you really want to drive around with a big gaping hole in your dash? No thanks.