What Have You Done To Your Other Vehicle Lately?

[Kodachrome Wolf 472]

Supposedly broke the sun gear in the '87 a few weeks ago. Backing into the driveway and got slightly hung up on the lip near the curbside. Gave it some gas and there was a clunk and a new neutral position was made where Reverse was. Oops.

Sun gear failure results in no reverse, 2nd, or 4th (OD). Essentially it has become a lousy 2-speed automatic since you can keep it in the 'D' position and accelerate in 1st, then cruise in 3rd. Definitely not ideal by any means, and I did not road test it long like that, but just long enough to confirm I wasn't getting any action out of 2nd and 4th.

 

Anyway, decided to make the worst of a bad situation and ordered a higher stall torque converter for it better suited to the HO power band. Factory AOD stall is like 1600 RPM, so I went with a 2500 RPM replacement, which should get the RPMs up closer to where the engine starts making power. Nick is also coming down Sunday and has very kindly offered to trailer the car to his place so it can go to Johnson's, the place that has done several of the AODs he has (including this one several years ago).

[TaurusKev 1088]

Ouch! Poor thing. That is cool Nick is going to help trailer it and get it up and running again! 

[Kodachrome Wolf 472]

On 12/5/2020 at 4:35 AM, TaurusKev said:

Ouch! Poor thing. That is cool Nick is going to help trailer it and get it up and running again! 

He came by and picked it up this afternoon. He was visiting the Pull-A-Part here snatching a K-Code (3.55 locking) axle from under a '88 Country Squire, so everything worked out very well.

For the time being, it's currently back where it started in Blythewood.

[TaurusKev 1088]

That is awesome! Nice when everything works. I am sure it'll be happy to be back with all the other panthers around there. 

[zenriddles 147]

While it is apart, have them throw in a TransGo shift kit too.

[Jeff 383]

Since the truck market is red hot right now and I really wanted to save some $$$ monthly, I took the opportunity and traded in my truck for a 2020 Fusion Ecoboost in Iconic Silver.   I got the final number today on paper and it cost me 936.00 to drive my ram for one year and 8k miles.  Pretty good, I thought.  I never really used it as a truck so I decided I really didn’t need it as badly as I thought when I first purchased it.  This fusion has co-pilot 360, big radio with nav, and other various stuff that makes it feel like a very well appointed car.  Much more options than my 2014 Fusion had.  It does not have leather, but the cloth seating looks nice with white stitching.  Best part is, I now have a payment that is sub $500 month.  I haven’t had that for years.   I also recently started working at my local Ford dealer, Glen Sain Ford here in Paragould in the service department.  I’ve never loved my job more.  I don’t know why I hadn’t taken the step before now, but I do not miss selling car parts.  These aren’t the best pictures, but it was dark by the time I left work.  Proud to be back in a Ford.  I’ve missed the creature comforts.

 

Jeff

Edited December 13, 2020 by Jeff
Added info

[Jeff 383]

Well, my ram drove off with its new owner yesterday.  They told me it would go quick and it did.  I hope he treats it well and it treats him well!  I’ll miss it, but my pocketbook thanks me for saving some $$$ right now.  My fusion now has 180 miles on it and has been great.  I’ve had it a full 7 days now.  It drives how I remember my 2014 driving.  I really dig the auto dim headlights.  I seem to use that the most around here.  I bet most people think that auto dim headlights are a new feature, but it was actually pioneered and introduced by GM in around 1954.  It was called Cadillacs’ “Autronic Eye”.  
 

Jeff

[Jeff 383]

I ordered an OEM spoiler for the fusion and it’s currently at the paint shop.  I’ll be getting that installed soon.  Also, just today I ordered the full chrome honeycomb grille for a titanium fusion and also the chrome trim for the lower front bumper that sits just below where the fog lamps go.  I am still undecided on trying to install fog lamps on this car or not.  I will make that decision before I remove the front bumper to put the new grille in as that will be the time to change the harness out for a fog lamp version.   I may go ahead and put the harness in as the fog lamps can be added at anytime without having to remove the front bumper.  I never can just drive one.

Jeff

[Kodachrome Wolf 472]

While ShelbyRacer may not like it, I opted to return back to traditional halogen headlights on my '97. I managed to put together a set of Ford OE headlight and turn signal lens assemblies.

I added WeatherTech LampGaurds to them to try and hold off chips and yellowing for a while. I just need to get a replacement set of corner lens assemblies, as those are the only ones I haven't replaced with NOS OE stuff. The ones I have presently are from a '92-'94 LS Marquis, but I may go back to the proper '95-'97 style ones. I installed a relay harness for the low beams only, since I've re-installed my Canadian DRL module, which runs the high beams at 50% power, and that wouldn't play nice with a relay. Beam pattern and throw is excellent for a halogen lamp, and I can see quite well. It's a bit different compared to having the projector swapped equipment, but a familiar feeling.

 

It's not doing too bad for having almost 225K now. Tires are getting down to almost 4/32nd, and I've found a whitewall replacement (as it should be) in the size I've been using; 225/70R15. I prefer the 'fleet' size tire compared to the traditional retail 215/70R15 tire, but I really do miss having a whitewall. Depending on how much faster they wear, probably come spring or summer they'll be getting replaced.

Edited January 2 by Kodachrome Wolf

[TaurusKev 1088]

Wow it looks great too for its age. 

[Jeff 383]

I decided to do a few upgrades to my Fusion.  I upgraded the wheels to 18” TSW wheels with the factory size 235/45/18 Goodyear Eagle Touring tires.  Then, I removed the front bumper cover and added the titanium grille, led fog lamps, and the chrome lower trim.  I was able to figure out that my car was factory wired for fog lamps.  Only thing is the instrument cluster indicator is not enabled, but otherwise they work fine.  All I had to do was switch the master switch to a switch with fogs and purchase the appropriate bumper harness.  I also took the time to install a dual horn set from a 2016 Fusion.  I hated the single tone horn.  It sounded so cheap.  The horns cost 35.00 new, so I’m not sure why Ford is doing this with almost all of their lineup.   It’s a complaint I’m seeing from many people.   Now, all that’s left is the spoiler which is still at the paint shop.  So far, it’s been a great car....I just wanted to make it look a little better.
 

Jeff

 

Edited February 28 by Jeff
Added

[durasel 32]

Great upgrades to your new Fusion! !👍

[Jeff 383]

On 2/5/2021 at 5:27 PM, durasel said:

Great upgrades to your new Fusion! !👍

Thank you sir!  It really does set the car off some vs stock.  I like having a car that is uniquely mine.  We’ve been getting winter weather lately so unfortunately I’ve been driving it on the salty roads.  We rarely get weather that requires salt.  Last time was over 7 years ago.  I’ll have to clean it up really well after all this moves out.

Jeff

[Jeff 383]

I decided to upgrade my interior to leather.  I normally have only owned cars with leather and I got such a good deal on this car with rebates that I just figured I’d update the seats.  Normally I would choose something factory-like, but I’ve seen some of the new Rolls Royce cars with outrageous interiors and decided to try that on for size on my Fusion.  I chose orange leather for the main body with a black perforated insert to tie it all back into the rest of the interior.  I may have to have the door panel inserts done in orange too, just to make it cohesive, but I’ll decide that once the seats are in place.  I ordered these from a reputable company out of Oklahoma City called leatherseats.com and they fully replace the upholstery that’s already there. They seem to have an excellent reputation.  Most of you are probably wincing right now, but for your viewing pleasure I present to you, the inspiration.  I never would’ve thought it would look so good.  Hoping it translates well into my fusion.

 

Jeff

[machausta 155]

Going to get this car out of the garage and drive it this spring (hopefully in time for the rod run in nearby Pigeon Forge). It needs a battery and I have to pull the carb and intake manifold as its been sitting for 10 years or so. Last person to drive it was my dad ~2008 and I started it the year he passed away (2010). I miss the sound of that 283, but not as much as I miss the person it reminds me of.

[Jeff 383]

This week, I added a Steeda front strut tower brace and the Steeda 1” rear solid sway bar to my Fusion.  It definitely feels like it handles much better at speed than it did.  Slowly, but surely it’s coming along.  My leather interior kit will be here in three weeks.  I picked the final colors after I was sent samples.  Tangerine body with black perforated inserts.  I think it’ll be 🔥.

 

Jeff

Edited March 17 by Jeff
.

[Jeff 383]

Well,  I’ve received my tangerine and black interior kit.  Here’s to hoping it looks good!  It’ll probably be about two weeks before I can have them installed as we sub out our interiors.  Also, tomorrow I’ll have a steeda intake kit coming to install.  Today, my poor Fusion was hit with hail(up to slightly over quarter size).  I have found two dents, but I’m sure there’s more.  I’ll be lucky if I don’t find more.  Really do not want to have to file an insurance claim.  

[Jeff 383]

I decided to do a little upgrade tonight on the Fusion.  All the new Fords are coming with the iPad style screens.  So, I had to go aftermarket to get one, but it uses the Ford APIM and AC circuit board so it retains all the factory options plus adds many many more like surfing the web/watching videos and is made to install and look like a factory piece.  It was a little pricey, but it’s way better than the sync 3 system I had.  I paid a little extra for a 3 year warranty so if it breaks or I break it, they will repair/replace it for 3 years.  It responds quickly and the audio is just as crisp as it was with the OEM unit.  Lots I’ll have to get used to and learn how to use, but overall I really think it pulled this car into the modern age.  

Edited April 20 by Jeff
Added info

[Jeff 383]

So, a lot has changed in a week or so.  I wound up letting my Fusion go, even though, I had literally just customized it and made it something unique and very nice.  I needed something larger and an elderly couple traded in a like new 2019 Flex SEL a few weeks back.  They bought it new from our dealership and it had always been serviced by us.  26k miles, pretty hard loaded, one minor accident(coca cola truck grazed the passenger fender).  I saw the damage before it was repaired.  Put a new fender on it and it looks as new again.  Otherwise, was a pristine example and in the right colors.  I hated to see my Fusion go, but really glad to be in this Flex.  Have some new tires ordered to go on it that will be here next week.  Has the typical feathering that this platform seems to have.  Just part of it from the research I’ve done.  Plus, at 26k they are well over half worn at this point.  Anyways,  here it is.  Pretty much as pristine an example as you’ll probably find.

Jeff

Edited May 1 by Jeff

[Jeff 383]

I serviced the 6f50 trans on my Flex last weekend.  This weekend I swapped it to the new Motorcraft Yellow coolant from the Orange Dexcool.  Ford says this yellow coolant dramatically increases water pump longevity in the 3.5/3.7 engines.  Only time will tell, but for $30 and a few hours of time I feel like it was worth it.  Currently at 27654 miles.  I don’t regret my purchase at all.  Now I know why the folks who have them, keep them.

Jeff

[Kodachrome Wolf 472]

Buddy of mine got a '99 Crown Victoria a few weeks ago. Of course, it was in desperate need of attention. Showed some signs of sitting, signs of neglect, and signs of age. Great combo!

It was not safe to make it to Washington County from where we got it in Richmond County (~90 mile trip), so instead it managed ~30 miles back to my place.

 

Tires and shocks were ultimately trash (amongst so much else). I told my buddy to drive my car while I drove the '99. At about 25 MPH, it wanted to show me it had no desire to keep traction on a damp on-ramp.

Wiper motor was also fairly shot, only would work on high and had no park function. I stole the wiper blades from the '87 as the wiper blades on the car were so fubar, it wasn't even funny. Shame I didn't consider to just clean the windshield as all the dirt and trash just hopelessly smeared all over the windshield. A little lack of foresight on my end.

Beside the blown shocks, the whole front end felt like crap. Incredibly loose. Apparently the car lost the driver's lower ball joint at some point and had clear signs of being driven like that for a moment as the control arm and brake dust shield had serious scarring. That said, someone also got the broken ball joint out, and had no idea how to put the replacement in.

Probably shoulda trailered it in this state, but it made it. I'd also argue someone drove it like that for a while too, since that joint was seriously worn out.

So on the '98+ Panthers, the EVAP assembly is attached to the trunk floor. Someone managed to drive over something which ripped the EVAP assembly from the mount points, and then they decided to jam and ziptie the assembly between the bumper cover and the support assembly. It looked pretty neat once I pulled it free.

 

Anyway, this car got a very nice rehabilitation session. The front end got plenty of attention:

 

It also got a few visual changes:

Black trunk panel:

Cleaned the interior:

Received a black grille and a set of spare center caps I had:

Took plenty of elbow grease, but it came out pretty damn good. There's not a lot of civilian base model Crown Victorias still rolling around, or many early Whales for that matter anyway ('98-'02 type). This one seems to still have life left in it, so hopefully it'll be around for a while.

That said, the comprehensive list of service included:

• Wiper Motor
• Wiper Blades
• Replacement Wiper Arm
• Hood Supports
• Inner and Outer Tie Rods
• Pitman Arm
• Idler Arm
• Upper and Lower Ball Joints
• KYB Gas-A-Just Police Shocks
• Box Type Sway Bar End Links
• 1995 CVPI Front Sway Bar
• TYC Headlights
• Serious Coolant Flush (Refilled with Conventional Green)
• Wiper Washer Fluid
• NTK O2 Sensor for Bank 2 Downstream
• 8 NGK Platinum Spark Plugs
• New Coil Boots
• Air Filter
• Fuel Filter
• Transmission Filter
• Dorman Transmission Pan with Drain Plug
• Fresh Mercon V
• Rotella T6 5W-40 with Motorcraft Oil Filter
• Black Trunk Panel with Chrome Accent
• Dealer Sticker Delete
• Standalone Temperature Gauge (feed is bad to the instrument cluster)
• 140 MPH CVPI Instrument Cluster
• Early Aero Belly Pan
• Fresh Battery
• New Lug Nuts
• Ford Center Caps
• Replacement Trunk Gasket
• Replacement EVAP assembly (old one was horribly smashed)
• Bumper Tuck
• Brake Pads and Turned Rotors
• Brake Fluid Flush
• ARA3 CVPI PCM
• 70MM YC2U-BC Van Throttle Body
• New Serpentine Belt
• New Idler and Tensioner Pulleys

Left my place tracking straight with no check engine light or any other warning lights. I'll see it this week though for some more ATF draining and refill. The 4R70W isn't a fan of old Mercon V and tends to shudder when attempting torque converter lock-up, and this one has that issue. Cycle enough fresh fluid through it and it'll clear up, and that's the plan.

 

Edited May 24 by Kodachrome Wolf

[Angrod 280]

Haven't been on here in forever. How's everyone been? Still driving my '14 Fiesta, now just shy of 91,000 miles. The little 1.0L Ecoboost still pulls strong and gets 40 mpg with ease. Recently replaced the blend door actuator for the fresh air/cabin air control. The internal contacts on the old one failed which meant that the computer had no idea what position the door was in and would run a default reset every time I started the car. Pop pop pop pop pop...... yeah it was very annoying.

I've also found youtube to be a bad influence as it has gotten me into collecting vintage air conditioners. I've been making trips up to 3 and a half hours away to get some rare units, with the furthest I've gone being Winchester, VA. My house is currently cooled with two that I found on facebook marketplace, one from 1969 that I picked up from Fairmont, WV and another from 1973 over in Canton, OH. I guess these things appeal to me in the same way old cars appeal to others.

Edited July 4 by Angrod

[Thub 673]

The F150 had a blend door motor failure earlier this summer when we were on vacation in South Dakota, finally got around to replacing the motor/actuator. Also dropped the big bucks and upgraded to Sync 3 when I had it all apart.

You can see the actuator tucked in there on top of the duct work, its a pain to remove that rear bolt holding it down. And this is the easy one of the 2 actuators to replace...

Sync 3 is like a space ship compared to the old Sync 2. So much faster and actually responds when you tell it to do something...including just turning the radio on or off which Sync 2 would struggle with.

[Brian_05_SEL 1417]

I realized I haven’t posted here for a while, and didn’t update last September when I got this vehicle. 

The 2015 Mustang has been updated in several ways, including a Borla catback exhaust installed this month. 
 

 

 

Edited July 13 by Brian_05_SEL

[Kodachrome Wolf 472]

In July, Nick helped me swap the tailgate out on the '87. Huge PITA job there getting everything lined up and working. Much of the electrical equipment from the damaged gate had to be swapped into this one since it had sat for so long.

Once I got it home, I tried to address a weepy transmission pan that had appeared after I got the car back from the shop a few months ago. Fitted a new pan, gasket, and filter... and it had the gall to puke it out the bell housing while I was re-filling it.

Holds fluid running, pukes it out when shut off. Considering what I'm going to check out, since I'm not going to drop even more money into this slush box. I've already made up my mind to start collecting the required bits for a manual swap on this car since this component seems to want to be the weak point. It'll get learnt for being troublesome. 😒

 

The '97 also finally got some love as it comes up on 230K. I crossed into my tenth year of ownership at the end of May. I've logged ~120K of my own driving on the car since 2011. Not bad all things considered, however the front end was needing some attention again since I'd put ~80 or 90K on it since the last rebuild and I'm not one to go easily over bumps.

I opted to get loaded upper and lower control arms with ball joints installed. The front end is still settling as the bushings are getting broken in, so it's sitting a touch higher than I'm used to seeing it at.

 

I also finally had a nice day to properly clean the exterior, so it got the annual polish and wax job