Buying 82' Merc

[josh93rodeo]

I'm thinking of buying this 82' Merc
http://www.reno4x4.com/forum/1982-merc-grand-marquis-t14306.html

Was just wondering if this looks like a fair price? What are some common problems to look out for when I go take a look at it?


Looks like a pretty laid back forum :2up:

Thanks!

[marquisman]

for 600 bux? id buy it in a second!

[josh93rodeo]

for 600 bux? id buy it in a second!

That's what I'm thinking.

[Grandmarchris]

Ooooh and its two tone too..Get it.

[88MercWagon]

hell yea man, the early cars are getting pretty rare and that one looks to be in pretty good shape. Watch for frame rot, but other than that, just look over what you would on any used car. these cars tend to be pretty reliable when taken care of, and this one appears to have been fairly well kept.

[Tiggie]

Rust in bumpers (and inner structure) and rust in the trunk lid lip is very common, even on non-rusty cars. Rust also gets in the floor pan seams on non-rusty cars. Check the frame for rust. Most common spots are up under the A/C stuff under the hood and in the back near the lower control arms.

Make sure the tranny shifts fine, there is a small bushing up on the carburetor that attaches a rod going down to the transmission to the carb linkage. Make sure the rod is attached to the carb. Fluid should be nice and red and not smell burnt.

The Variable Venturi carb causes most people difficulty because very few people know how to tune it, and by the time it is 25 years old it usually needs attention.

Working Power Locks/Windows are good. Not nessesarily hard to fix, but not always cheap (depending on what is wrong).

Make sure the electronics haven't been butchered. If it has automatic climate control, pray that it works correctly.

Not sure of the year range, but some cars got a plastic timing gear which can break up and clog the oil pickup. Look in the valve cover and make sure it's clean, black gunk is bad.

[Tiggie]

Ooo also check for water leaks. The carpet being wet would be a very good indicator. Also, the heater should not produce a sweet smell when you turn it on, if it does you have heater core issues (not easy to replace).

Paint/Vinyl Top look a little aged. My car was actually leaking water in around the crown moulding before I converted to slicktop.

Here's a pic of the bushing I was talking about, it's kind of orange/brown on my car and it's installed backwards (tell Ford, they did it that way). They are usually white (aged to off white) or black. Or it could have been replaced with a brass one (a good thing).
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/313323/fullsize/dsc00354.jpg

[gabegt90]

nice for 600 although i do perfer sefi

[Grand Marquis GT]

Cool car for 600!

[MrMarquis]

Damn that's a purdy one...

[josh93rodeo]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll let you know how things check out.

[1987cp]

Factory-carbed Panthers FTW! Guy was originally asking that for my rust-heap '79. If it's in OK shape, or even if you think you can live with it, I'd do it!!

I'm not for sure which carb would be on there. If it looks like a regular carburetor, it's a 2100-series, which is good. If it has little curved doors for inlets, it's a VV - and if the VV carb is gonzo, we have a member who's actually rebuilt one ... :) Or if you can get a 2100/2150 cheap, it's a bolt-on. Or save up for a four-barrel. :D

[Nathan in MI]

and if the VV carb is gonzo, we have a member who's actually rebuilt one ... http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/../forum/images/smiles/smile.gif

lol

You guys make it sound like rocket science; it's seriously NOT THAT HARD!

[murphmobile2]

Definately worth $600, get it, get it!!

[1987cp]

lol

You guys make it sound like rocket science; it's seriously NOT THAT HARD!

Well, considering what happened when I rebuilt a 2100 .... :p

[86VickyLX]

I'd get it! Looks great. I love twotones!

[Sign of the Cat]

i would buy that site unseen if only is wernt so far away

[josh93rodeo]

I talked to the guy a little more about it today. He said that all the power acc. work perfectly and the HVAC too :2up:. He said that the car has no rust at all, body nor frame. And the tranny shifts perfectly. The dark blue paint is a little faded, but oh well. Said the only problem is the flasher relay needs to be replaced.

[marquisman]

then what you waitin for? get it get it get it

[RideIt]

sweet......

[josh93rodeo]

then what you waitin for? get it get it get it

Got to wait for the paycheck.
The guy isn't in a hurry to sell it, he said that I'm the only one that has even asked about it. Now the real challenge is getting the wife to approve (she thinks it's a piece of shit). :uh:

What would you guys do with it as far as mods go? I never seem to leave shit stock for long, I love tinkering with cars. It seems a little big to try to make it fast, although I would like to hop it up a little. I'm not really interested in bling or any of that crap.

I've only owned 4x4's til now, so this will be a change. I got a few grand into my Rodeo and I'm getting sick of driving my trail truck 60 miles to work and back everyday.

Does anyone here have something similar to this? I've searched around a little and haven't really found anyone that has a 82'.

[88Vic]

Tiggie has an 82 LTD Vic so he can tell you all about them if you ask or he see's this.

[Grand Marquis GT]

The flasher is like a 6 dollar part, if that's even the problem.

[p71towny]

I have an 82 and drive her everyday. I think, I think they run on neglect, cause it seems the more I take care of my shit, the more it expects.

[1987cp]

Got to wait for the paycheck.
The guy isn't in a hurry to sell it, he said that I'm the only one that has even asked about it. Now the real challenge is getting the wife to approve (she thinks it's a piece of shit). :uh:

What would you guys do with it as far as mods go? I never seem to leave shit stock for long, I love tinkering with cars. It seems a little big to try to make it fast, although I would like to hop it up a little. I'm not really interested in bling or any of that crap.

I've only owned 4x4's til now, so this will be a change. I got a few grand into my Rodeo and I'm getting sick of driving my trail truck 60 miles to work and back everyday.

Does anyone here have something similar to this? I've searched around a little and haven't really found anyone that has a 82'.


My approach is to start with a four-barrel and dual exhaust, and go from there. Stock 5.0 Mustang headers are cheap and bolt on with just a little work. Later on you can swap the cam and heads, and maybe add a smaller (higher stall) torque converter. Deeper gears are always a good mod too, regardless of your power level (as long as you don't install something insane like 5.14's with a bone-stock engine), and with the popularity of Fox Mustangs, 8.8" gearsets can be had very easily.

There are a few year-to-year differences, but anyone with a '79-'82 car will have similar modding experiences, as it wasn't until '83 that the 302 cars got CFI. Carbs FTW!!! :2up:

[p71towny]

Yeah, but 82 has the queer ass 7.5 rear end :(

[1987cp]

7.5 in a Panther??? I demand photographic evidence!!!

:twop:

[p71towny]

MMMkay, I'll see if I have the tag in the garage, but I swear to you it is 7.5. Hold on.

[p71towny]

Ok sorry, its 8.5

[1987cp]

aaah. Yeah, we 8.5 guys can swap in an 8.8 carrier without mods.

What's your axle ratio, anyway?

[p71towny]

3:08 Posi

The tag reads

FZ * B 1H26
3L08 8.5 V109C

Im suprised I found it in the garage, and it was cold but ya demanded pics.

[1987cp]

Funny, I assumed the 8.5 was just used for super-tall axle ratios like my 2.26.

[p71towny]

Nope, thats why I don't plan on messing with it. I just wanna swap a newer 8.8 with disc and 3:55 posi out of a donor car instead of messing with that whining pile.

[86VickyLX]

Got to wait for the paycheck.
The guy isn't in a hurry to sell it, he said that I'm the only one that has even asked about it. Now the real challenge is getting the wife to approve (she thinks it's a piece of shit). :uh:

What would you guys do with it as far as mods go? I never seem to leave shit stock for long, I love tinkering with cars. It seems a little big to try to make it fast, although I would like to hop it up a little. I'm not really interested in bling or any of that crap.

I've only owned 4x4's til now, so this will be a change. I got a few grand into my Rodeo and I'm getting sick of driving my trail truck 60 miles to work and back everyday.

Does anyone here have something similar to this? I've searched around a little and haven't really found anyone that has a 82'.

Get paid yet?

[josh93rodeo]

Get paid yet?

Not yet man :(
It's still waiting for me though.

So, the 82' model would have a 8.5, not a 8.8?

[86VickyLX]

Not yet man :(
It's still waiting for me though.

So, the 82' model would have a 8.5, not a 8.8?

That's what they said above. You would most likely have the 8.5. The 8.8 is from the Mustang. I think.

[1987cp]

That's what they said above. You would most likely have the 8.5. The 8.8 is from the Mustang. I think.

'82 Mustangs all got the 7.5" rear, no?

But yeah, the 8.5" can be upgraded to an 8.8" by just changing the carrier - axles and everything should be the same.


Linky to more authoritative info courtesy of '81-wagon-racing member SLYDAWG: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showpost.php?p=306868&postcount=17

[Lincolnmania]

the mustang v8 cars didnt get the 8.8 till 1985 iirc.......the 4 cyl cars continued with the 7.5

[josh93rodeo]

Thanks for the link and the info guys!

[josh93rodeo]

I was looking at the pic of the engine a little closer and was wondering WTF are those little tubes going into the top of the aircleaner lid? Never seen that before.
Forgive me for being such a noob.

I love this forum so far!! I've been searching and reading tons of stuff. Most of the other forums I frequent are G-rated and people will start :bawling: if you say anything you wouldn't say in church. Last time I checked if you're old enough to be turning wrenches, I'd hope your balls would have droped by then :screwy:.

[86VickyLX]

What's Church? :p

[88Vic]

:nonono:

[86VickyLX]

:lol:

[josh93rodeo]

Looking around on Cardomain, all the cars with CFI have those little tubes going into the top of the aircleaner lid. Would this be VV or CFI??

Also, I noticed I can't post anywhere but the noobie forum?? What's the deal with that?

[86VickyLX]

They're trying something new I think. They are trying to clean up the forums. There have been a lot of people joining up, adding one post or even none at all and not posting anymore.

[1987cp]

Looking around on Cardomain, all the cars with CFI have those little tubes going into the top of the aircleaner lid. Would this be VV or CFI???

Trying to remember .... my 2150-equipped '79 had those tubes when I got it .... I think that's the thermostat for monitoring intake air temperature and deciding when to close the heat-stove valve that's supposed to prevent carb icing. My experience is that that stuff isn't 100% necessary - I've had zero icing problems on either car after installing Edelbrock carbs with aftermarket open-element air cleaners.

[josh93rodeo]

Thanks 1987cp.

So how long am I grounded to the nood forum:baby:??

[86VickyLX]

I forget I think it's a week or so.

[Jason_GMQ91]

My Lincoln's 351W still with original 2150 carb since new from the factory.

[josh93rodeo]

My Lincoln's 351W still with original 2150 carb since new from the factory.

:huh:

[1987cp]

He from British Columbia .. he only speaka ze French ....



j/k :D

[nitroracer]

You'll know as soon as you pop that air cleaner lid if its fuel injected or not, the two injectors will be right there. An 82' should be carbed but cfi wasn't a huge step up in most people's eyes.

It looks like a good buy. Polish up the paint and she'll be looking good.

[1987cp]

You'll know as soon as you pop that air cleaner lid if its fuel injected or not, the two injectors will be right there. An 82' should be carbed but cfi wasn't a huge step up in most people's eyes.


+1 - some consider it a step back

[josh93rodeo]

Thanks for all the info guys.
I can't wait to pick this thing up! Luckly the guy is being cool about it and is holding onto it for me.
I'll be sure to post some better pics when I get it.

[86VickyLX]

good

[josh93rodeo]

Picking it up Sunday morning:2up:

[86VickyLX]

Very nice and I see you are free from just being able to post only in the n00b forum. :D :2up:

[Chuck Norris]

He from British Columbia .. he only speaka ze French....

Actually, he talks (or types) in a differnt speech pattern than us, not because he is Canadian, but because he is deaf. English is written differently for the deaf, based on their unique "speech" pattern instead of ours. Word order is differnt, some words aren't used at all, etc. We've talked about it some over the time we've been posting here. His posts read a little strange to the rest of us, but he's a great guy.

[gabegt90]

I can't wait to see the pics of the car when you get it.It should be a good daily driver.
How is Lake Tahoe these days?