02 Crown Vic LX Sport

[mikeroc283]

Had the radiator support changed this morning. He started at around 1030 and had it done by 330. Hood doesnt try to fly up at speeds over 45 now.

[tjc78]

That's a good thing!

[sly]

[Louis]

Nice looking car, plus its a Sport which could have collector appeal someday.

I had similar wheel lip rust on my '98....I cut out the rust and sealed up the wounds with a crystal clear brush-on sealant from Menard's....then painted a set of those ebay chrome wheel lip moldings Ebony Black (quite a process with the prep, scuffing and etching primer) and installed them, worked perfect. They are 2 inches wide, just enough to cover the sealed wounds. Put a very thin bead of silicone around the edges to prevent moisture from getting between the molding and fender. No worries about rust returning thru bondo and no need to re-paint the sides of the car.

[mikeroc283]

Im just going to replace the fenders in the coming weeks i hope. Need to find somewhere local that sells them so i can get them through my buddy's dealer account and save a little.

[Mainemantom]

Make sure you undercoat the new fenders before you install them

[mikeroc283]

Had a chance to go out and clean the interior and clean and condition the seats while it was nice out. Also got under the car and checked out the suspension. Need to change the idler arm which im doing tomorrow and the upper control arms which im having done while im at work next weekend. Still cant do the exhaust manifold and wont be able to until i get my tax return next year. Dont make enough to be able to have it done and i cant seem to find anyone to help pay for it till i can pay them back. Car is running great and will be better after i get the transmission replaced in the future but for now it can slip as it does when it stops shifting from 2nd to 3rd then ill replace it.

[mikeroc283]

Changed the idler arm today. Old one was frozen to the center link so we had to heat it up and pound it off then cut the center bushing off the center link. Couldnt get the castle nut down enough to get a cotter pin through completely but its on and fine. Bottom bump stops on the lower control arms are all dry rotted and the air compressor for the suspension is starting to get weak. Will be doing the compressor in a few weeks.

[mikeroc283]

Since the last update ive had the upper control arms changed out. Ive been looking into getting the exhaust fixed and it seems the dealer is cheapest and can get me in soonest. I just need a few days off to get it in and fixed. The steering wheel has some play in it which im also going to have fixed while its there. Car has been running good and is still waiting to get the transmission changed when i can find one.