Faults:
After sitting for two years in dirt and mud, the rocker panels were rusted out.
The rims had warped from having sat for so long.
Brakes, pads, rotors and lines were rusted out.
Battery had died.
And the car was filthy.
General Comments:
Well this car was given to my girlfriend from her aunt as a graduation present, so she could have a vehicle for us when we moved in together. When I saw the car for the first time, I was disappointed at its condition and the poor maintenance done on it, but was excited for the project.
I hauled over a battery, started the car to check for anything seized or broken, but to my surprise, it fired right up withing two seconds like it just ran a day ago, and on two year old stale gas?? I filled up the tires, and surprising again I was able to shift it in gear and drove it around the property with no problems other than the brakes.
We had the car towed over to a friend of my girfriend's family who owned a shop to take care of the work it needed. It only took about $800 of body work and brakes, and 6 months of patience (well I didn't have $800 at the time). But for a free car, I wasn't complaining.
Since then the car has ran like a top and still does today, even before the mods, just general maintenance is required. Now as of a month ago, it's equipped with a new performance exhaust, Pioneer stereo, new tires and a rebuilt top end I did for more performance and an extra 30hp, and it's still getting 35 miles to the gallon, including a bunch more modifications.
Thanks Ford, for this once in a lifetime success with one of your older cars :D.
12th Feb 2010, 17:56
A V6 that gets 35mpg? It must run on magic!