My 'new' 2003 Grand Marquis.

[Piece-it pete]

I looked at that. Two weird things though, they were a LOT smaller dia than the pins, and there's only one per side.

Pete

[87gtVIC]

You can use the old brake pad seated on the caliper then put the c clap over it...this way you squeeze both pistons at once.

[Piece-it pete]

Yeah I would ordinarily, but the pads were in good shape and I didn't want to damage them. I also saved the good front rotor and both back ones (they weren't bad). I even save the old hardware if undamaged. All boxed and tagged. Yikes, I'm more like my depression era dad everyday lol. Pretty soon I'll be eating apple cores so to not waste them

I did them 'cause I was getting a pulse and wanted it to die. Die! And I sure wasn't changing the rotors without new pads.

Ah shoot the AC doesn't work. Doesn't even kick on/ increase idle. Should I try charging it before going nuts?

Pete

[Piece-it pete]

Not a ton done since last inane post, had to change the fan resistor thingy, easy, and yesterday got new rear speaks in.

I put 6 x 8 Clif Designs in the front a while back. I almost bought another pair for the rear (which idiot at Ford decided not to use 6 x 9s??) but noticed they only went to 80 hz, so I picked up a pair of Infinity Kappas which I've liked in the past.

I dismantle the back seat/package shelf cover and lo and behold - a factory cutout for a sub!

Dang nab it that changes everything. If I would've known I would've dropped a little sub in there and gotten the Clifs (which have very very good SQ). I assume that's the same sub from a Lincoln? I wonder if I could bolt in an 8" from underneath. Anyone know?

Anywho I got the Infinities in clean the hell out of the removed parts and take it for a spin. I had to put the shelf cover on loose first 'cause the Kappas have a neat little button on the tweets, 'off' is 0 db, 'on' turns the tweet down 3 db, but once installed the shelf covers it up so I needed to give it a listen both ways. '0' won the day.

First impressions on an un-broken-in new speaker. There is definately more low end (although I won't judge it for a couple weeks). They do seem to be more sensitive than the Clifs, instead of the 1 notch to the front I had the fader set to, it's now better on 2. Highs are more prevalent than the Clifs too.

I'd feel better rating them if I had them at all 4 corners. I'm thinking at this point that once I pick up a factory Lincoln sub and see if it works I'll end up putting the Clifs in the back too, for a more sonicly matched sound.

But matching, volume or tweeter adjustment aside, they are WAY better than factory. Can't wait till the bass smooths out.

Did I mention, WTF was Ford thinking, putting 6 x 8s in the back??! Rocks in the head? Frontal lobotomy? Too much crack? Not enough?

Also got the AC o ring kit, orafice tube, and the quick disconnect tools. I'll have the AC done just in time for winter

Pete

[79lincolnlover]

Nice Panther but a few more pics will like more :camera: like.. Interiors,engine bay,trunk,undercar,front,rear, so far.

^What he said.

[Piece-it pete]

I've managed to lose my camera! Perhaps when my sis in law stops by...

Gonna start an interesting project. I'm having my speakerbuilding bud take a look at the details for the sub, maybe he'll come up with optimum speaker parameters for the size trunk.

Pete

[tjc78]

I've managed to lose my camera! Perhaps when my sis in law stops by...

Gonna start an interesting project. I'm having my speakerbuilding bud take a look at the details for the sub, maybe he'll come up with optimum speaker parameters for the size trunk.

Pete

With trunks as big as Panthers have, there is never a problem getting a box to perform well. I had a huge box with a 15 in my 89 MGM and it really rocked.

[Piece-it pete]

I should be more clear. I'm not going to install a separate box, I'm going to use the factory cutout hole on the rear deck.

One concern I can see, that the backs of the 6 x 8s aren't covered and perhaps the sub beating will interfere with them. I may try the cardboard covers off a box.

Pete

[tjc78]

I should be more clear. I'm not going to install a separate box, I'm going to use the factory cutout hole on the rear deck.

One concern I can see, that the backs of the 6 x 8s aren't covered and perhaps the sub beating will interfere with them. I may try the cardboard covers off a box.

Pete

I understand now. Sounds like a good idea. I would think you may need to reinforce that area a bit to keep the rattles down.

[Piece-it pete]

Haven't done much, new tires basically, but have driven it a ton more.

It is just plain fun to drive. Handles super well, good feeling take off/accelleration, nice note even with single exhaust, great brakes (I can see why everyone does the big brake conversion!), and now getting chilly I love the heated seats. I'm going to refit some into my 85 if I ever get caught up. Another thing, the volume control on the steering wheel. When I get back in the 85 after this one my thumb tries to press a nonexistant button.

Did have a park/tranny problem (another thread), just been careful with it for now. Changed the headlight bulbs with some nice aftermarket ones, a slight improvement but not really worth it.

One thing I've forgotten since selling my old 97, dropping noses on oncoming cars at night when they see me

Planning on doing a tuneup soon. When I change the plugs do I need to change the boots too?

Pete

[gadget73]

If they are damaged or sticking to the plugs, yes. Otherwise you're probably OK but it wouldn't hurt if you've got a few extra bucks.

[Piece-it pete]

Still done very little to her, just second base

But I got a chance to see her snow moves. With new but nothing special tires on the front and new Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grips on the rear this thing is a beast in the snow. Phooey on FWD, I'll be pulling them out this year. Or maybe just laughing as I drive by :p

Pete

[marquisman]

1. you have a dirty mind! but, i like it lol

2. dont stop, drive right past

[Piece-it pete]

I'm down with number 2 But only non UAW/CAW ones

The hood latch spring is getting really weak. I cleaned & lubed the living crap out of it but a bit of ice on the hood and it won't pop up. Found the hood latch assembly on ebay, a NOS Motorcraft, asking $15 got it for 11 delivered!, the seller is a super nice guy. He's still got another one, fyi... And I picked up some hood struts, SACHS SG404024 from Rock, USA made and lifetime warrentee.

Getting ready for the IRS parts buy. For this car I'm going with a Cloyes timing chain kit as the engine noise is slowly but certainly getting louder. I've already got the gasket set. I considered changing the water pump while I'm there but interestingly they seem easy to change on these engines, you don't have to remove them to do the chain, they are fairly expensive and the feds aren't being too generous this year (and my driveway needs attention!). I'll pull it off inspect it and change the gasket anyway.

Developing a slight constant wobble on the right front with a slight pull. My first thought, change the whole front end! My second thought is, it's only got 65k, you're an idiot. Too used to the 85 It's either a bearing, lower ball joint, or the strut? Perhaps a tie rod end. I did have to change the lower ball joints on my 97 early on. I'll have to take a hard look at it.

I'm hoping to do some interior work too, the drivers seat is getting a little hole, and the dash trim piece that says 'Grand Marquis' has a little wave in it, but that is pretty far down the priority list. I'm thinking if I've still got enough left I'll get coil packs.

Blah, blah, blah. Cars, they're reminding me of the Pretenders, it's a thin line between love and hate.

Pete

[GrumpMarky]

So your engine valve covers don't have the dots and x on them? If they did, the tensioner stuff was already done. I have some info on my website (see my sig) with pics of the markings. Nice car though!