Buying 82' Merc

[josh93rodeo]

I'm thinking of buying this 82' Merc
http://www.reno4x4.com/forum/1982-me...is-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

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).

[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.

[Nathan in MI]

and if the VV carb is gonzo, we have a member who's actually rebuilt one ...

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