Hello everybody, my name is converted1 (group says "Hi, converted1), and I used to be a GM guy. It all started in high school because all my friends were doing it, you know, badmouthing Fords and whatnot. I was even up to THREE GMs at one point. Then came the bad times, the failure of my business, bankruptcy, and no job. The road to recovery came when my dad gave me his 83 CV Ltd that had been sitting up in his yard for over seven years. He said all I had to do was get a new battery, tires, and gas. I thought, yeah right, it's a Ford. Lo' and behold, it roared to life and has not stopped since. I feel alive again. Even though the interior is ruined because the rear windows don't roll up anymore than an inch from the top, the trans has a had time shifting out of first, and the doors no longer line up all the way when closed, the car is a tank. That was a year ago, and I have had so much newfound success in the Ltd, that I purchased an 02 GM LS for the wife. Life was great again, until...
A few weeks ago some jerk kid tried to steal the Ltd. He broke the ignition tumbler, ripped open the steering column, but didn't know completely what he was doing because after all that damage, he couldn't get it started. Well, he then takes my change out of the cup holder (every bit of $.73 in nickles and pennies), my Bic Jel-Roller pens, and pops the hood to steal my battery. Taking into consideration the damage to the steering wheel, column, and ignition switch, I though the car was a lost cause. Once again, Dad said to get another battery, insert the key, and it would drive....
Worked like a charm! so that has lead me here. I now can "do things to the car", as my wife put it, without the fuss from her.
Now, I guess I should first repair the steering column. I would like to know if this is something I SHOULD do myself, or leave it to a professional. My skill level and experience so far has been in minor repairs and basic upkeep. I have a modest tool collection. What should I do first? I am in the process of reading all the stickys and stuff, just wanting an experienced opinion as to what in what order should be done.
By the way, how to I determine what engine and trans and what not from the VIN? I have been checking with local junkyards and parts stores and look like a doofus because I don't know. Where can I get a Shop Manual, like Chilton's? I live in Central Alabama and the only ones in the stores around here are for imorts, trucks, and GMs. Not one for an 83 Ltd.
A few weeks ago some jerk kid tried to steal the Ltd. He broke the ignition tumbler, ripped open the steering column, but didn't know completely what he was doing because after all that damage, he couldn't get it started. Well, he then takes my change out of the cup holder (every bit of $.73 in nickles and pennies), my Bic Jel-Roller pens, and pops the hood to steal my battery. Taking into consideration the damage to the steering wheel, column, and ignition switch, I though the car was a lost cause. Once again, Dad said to get another battery, insert the key, and it would drive....
Worked like a charm! so that has lead me here. I now can "do things to the car", as my wife put it, without the fuss from her.
Now, I guess I should first repair the steering column. I would like to know if this is something I SHOULD do myself, or leave it to a professional. My skill level and experience so far has been in minor repairs and basic upkeep. I have a modest tool collection. What should I do first? I am in the process of reading all the stickys and stuff, just wanting an experienced opinion as to what in what order should be done.
By the way, how to I determine what engine and trans and what not from the VIN? I have been checking with local junkyards and parts stores and look like a doofus because I don't know. Where can I get a Shop Manual, like Chilton's? I live in Central Alabama and the only ones in the stores around here are for imorts, trucks, and GMs. Not one for an 83 Ltd.
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