The Box History to End all Box Histories

[1987cp]

I never thought to check my '81 owners manual to see what it lists as possible options. I assume mine would be whatever was normally provided with American vehicles ... now I just have to find it again!

[andymac0035]

This just re-affirms what I was sure I read in the owner's manual of my 81' when I had it. Which was listings for the C4, FMX, and AOD. Although as I recall.....the only tranny listed for the 351 was the AOD. My 81' had the 255 with an AOD and the 8.5" rear. I always thought it was odd that the smallest engine was matched up with the larger rear and the only tranny rated for the 351....but since I wanted a 351 swapped in....that was a good thing!

[Tiggie]

it prolly has a C4 tranny like my '81. i never seen a box panther with an FMX.

This just re-affirms what I was sure I read in the owner's manual of my 81' when I had it. Which was listings for the C4, FMX, and AOD. Although as I recall.....the only tranny listed for the 351 was the AOD. My 81' had the 255 with an AOD and the 8.5" rear. I always thought it was odd that the smallest engine was matched up with the larger rear and the only tranny rated for the 351....but since I wanted a 351 swapped in....that was a good thing!

So it seems there was a tranny other than the AOD in 1981, at least behind the 302. I have an '81 Owners Manual floating around somewhere but I can't seem to find it. Someone with a '81 shop manual might be able to advise us on whether it's an FMX or C4 (or both).

What year car was this? I haven't seen a tripminder with the silver square around it, but i cant tell if that is the tripminder itself or the trim.

That's my old '82. It was part of the trim, not the actual tripminder. '82 actually had a unique tripminder that worked with the fuel flow sensor for the carburetor.

[Jason_GMQ91]

'82 actually had a unique tripminder that worked with the fuel flow sensor for the carburetor.

My uncle's 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 2dr with 351W and his car does have tripminder.

[81ltd]

Does your '81 have a FMX tranny? Or is it an AOD? I went back and researched a little. It specifically says the AOD was standard with the 255, but it doesn't mention the 302 or 351. Could be that those were available with other transmissions like the FMX... Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

ya i'm nearly positive it's a c4 - i'll be digging the car out and moving it to a shop to replace the body mounts this weekend so i'll have a better look

[Tiggie]

My uncle's 1986 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 2dr with 351W and his car does have tripminder.

I forget about your Canadian cars! Sounds like a nice Merc.

ya i'm nearly positive it's a c4 - i'll be digging the car out and moving it to a shop to replace the body mounts this weekend so i'll have a better look

Sweet, take a look if you get a chance.

[FatNasty]

That's my old '82. It was part of the trim, not the actual tripminder. '82 actually had a unique tripminder that worked with the fuel flow sensor for the carburetor.

Hmm, wasn't sure if tripminders looked the same on pre 83 cars, thought they might have those bigger buttons like the digital clocks did. I've yet to find a carbed car with a tripminder at the junkyard here. I always wanted one of the carb fuel flow sensors when i had my 82 wagon.

[81ltd]

this 1981 ltd does indeed come with a c4

[marquisman]

my '81 shop manual shows 3 trans options...
V- XP(C3)
W- XP(C4)
T- automatic overdrive(AOD)

the manual also shows the bativia FWD trans but, that dont apply here lol

[MrMarquis]

What's the difference between an 88-90 grille and a 91 grille for a Vic and Marquis?

[Tiggie]

What's the difference between an 88-90 grille and a 91 grille for a Vic and Marquis?

Dunno about either - someone told me. I think it might have been mrltd but don't hold me (or him) to it. It was discussed on in a thread somewhere - like the For Sale forum or something off the wall. Someone said there were slight differences in the actual pattern in the grille. About two years ago... It might be all falsehood! I'll check out a '91 next time I see one.

I will change the info about the C4 tranny in '81 ASAP. Which might be a week or so.

[andymac0035]

Dunno about either - someone told me. I think it might have been mrltd but don't hold me (or him) to it. It was discussed on in a thread somewhere - like the For Sale forum or something off the wall. Someone said there were slight differences in the actual pattern in the grille. About two years ago... It might be all falsehood! I'll check out a '91 next time I see one.

My 91' CV.....

[marquisman]

i got 2 merc grilles. one is off my 88 and another is from the 91 i had. only difference i can see is, one has the smaller slots painted, and the other is all chrome, so IDK.

[marquisman]

i just found somethin on my 85 colony park today(for some reason never noticed it) that might apply here. on the drivers door below the VIN sticker is an oval aluminum tag with 5 digits(2 over 3) riveted(with 2 rivets) to the door. the top 2 digits are 85. im guessing for the year and 691. i tried digging up info on this but, cant find any. is the tag for special order cars or somethin?

[1990LTD]

What are the two other buttons on the skinny panel left of the rear defrost? I have wiring harnesses back there but they're not plugged into anything.





also power locks weren't standard on all models but that's nitpicky stuff