View Full Version : Found a CHEAP 85 LTD LX
silverfive0
11-26-2005, 08:14 PM
So last week I was in Claremore, OK looking at houses and drove past a white LTD sitting near the road and I swore it said $75.00 on the back window so I spin around to check it out. It DID say $75!! OK, so I get out to look at it and its a white over gray LX!! It has no motor/trans but an ok body. All the trim is still on it but the interior is basically trashed!! Drivers seat has foam showing and the carpets look worse than the muddy field its sitting in!! The windshield is broke (guy said a branch fell on it) and 2 of the power lock units are gone. The car has been sitting for quite a while by the knee-high weeds around it and the owner says he's ready to have the local yard haul it off for scrap!!! So, I'm debating on if its worth even the $75 knowing how rare it is, I say yes...but...while being in the process of moving, I say no, not right now its NOT. Plus, I'd have to store it at a friends house until I got moved down there to do anything with it. To top things off, about an hour later I'm in town now and see ANOTHER white LTD a street over so I go to check it out. This ones just a 3.8 V6 Broughm with light blue interior(which I'm NOT real fond of). I talked to the only guy in the shop its sitting in front of and he says an old couple brought it in last year, it wouldn't run right. Turned out to be the usual 3.8 head gasket leaking. They gave them an estimate on fixing it but said the shop could have it for the tow bill!!! The shop put 2 head gaskets on it and a new master cylinder, tuned it up and wants $800 for it. So now my whole point to this: should I buy either one?? The V6 car shows 77,000+ miles and its clean enough to be actual but I'm not sure if it is. Any suggestions? OR...is anyone interested in the parts car's location? I'll be in Ohio for at least another week so I can't act on either one right away. Let me know what ya think!! RAY
I feel you should grab the LX and toss a SEFI motor in it and do what you can with the interior. It's more rare than the V6 LTD. Plus... c'mon... it's only 75 bucks. I feel it's worth it even with the work it needs... but that's because it's an LX.
silverfive0
11-27-2005, 10:27 PM
I know its rare, and thats not really the main issue with me buying it right now (like I said, storing it a freinds house etc) but do we know exactly how many were made and between what years? I think I read somewhere it was 85 & 86, is that right or was it 84 & 85??
The one thing thats really bothering me about it is that I've got a complete 5.0/T5 with all wiring and all the little pieces (ie: clutch pedal, radiator, mounts ect) to actually put it together!!! Or worst case I could run it as a 5.0 AOD (also in stock ;) ) so it'd be an easy, ok....CHEAP car to build!!! Thats just what I need right now though...another project!!! :roll: Guess I should give it some more SERIOUS thought huh?? Thanks for the input too!! RAY
silverfive0
11-27-2005, 10:27 PM
I know its rare, and thats not really the main issue with me buying it right now (like I said, storing it a freinds house etc) but do we know exactly how many were made and between what years? I think I read somewhere it was 85 & 86, is that right or was it 84 & 85??
The one thing thats really bothering me about it is that I've got a complete 5.0/T5 with all wiring and all the little pieces (ie: clutch pedal, radiator, mounts ect) to actually put it together!!! Or worst case I could run it as a 5.0 AOD (also in stock ;) ) so it'd be an easy, ok....CHEAP car to build!!! Thats just what I need right now though...another project!!! :roll: Guess I should give it some more SERIOUS thought huh?? Thanks for the input too!! RAY
I know its rare, and thats not really the main issue with me buying it right now (like I said, storing it a freinds house etc) but do we know exactly how many were made and between what years? I think I read somewhere it was 85 & 86, is that right or was it 84 & 85??
The one thing thats really bothering me about it is that I've got a complete 5.0/T5 with all wiring and all the little pieces (ie: clutch pedal, radiator, mounts ect) to actually put it together!!! Or worst case I could run it as a 5.0 AOD (also in stock ;) ) so it'd be an easy, ok....CHEAP car to build!!! Thats just what I need right now though...another project!!! :roll: Guess I should give it some more SERIOUS thought huh?? Thanks for the input too!! RAY
Late 84 and 85. Around 3200+ LTD LX's were made.
Even with your situation... I'd still find a way to get it and store it. Droping a nice roller motor in there would be great.
But yeah... seriously think about it.
If it needs a center console then I have a decent console that I took out of a plane-jane V6 LTD. It's a lighter color grey than the LX's interior charcoal grey trim (so dye job will be needed) and will need a little JBWeld work. But it's nice but It doesn't have a console lid. Though, I'm sure we can talk about this if you decide to get the car.
Also I made thread dedicated to the LTD center console and it's related parts... http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21668
With a bit of phone surfing through NOS Ford parts shops I managed to find a NOS LTD LX console lid. The thread on this: http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22169
May you choose what is best for you.
Jasen
I know its rare, and thats not really the main issue with me buying it right now (like I said, storing it a freinds house etc) but do we know exactly how many were made and between what years? I think I read somewhere it was 85 & 86, is that right or was it 84 & 85??
The one thing thats really bothering me about it is that I've got a complete 5.0/T5 with all wiring and all the little pieces (ie: clutch pedal, radiator, mounts ect) to actually put it together!!! Or worst case I could run it as a 5.0 AOD (also in stock ;) ) so it'd be an easy, ok....CHEAP car to build!!! Thats just what I need right now though...another project!!! :roll: Guess I should give it some more SERIOUS thought huh?? Thanks for the input too!! RAY
Late 84 and 85. Around 3200+ LTD LX's were made.
Even with your situation... I'd still find a way to get it and store it. Droping a nice roller motor in there would be great.
But yeah... seriously think about it.
If it needs a center console then I have a decent console that I took out of a plane-jane V6 LTD. It's a lighter color grey than the LX's interior charcoal grey trim (so dye job will be needed) and will need a little JBWeld work. But it's nice but It doesn't have a console lid. Though, I'm sure we can talk about this if you decide to get the car.
Also I made thread dedicated to the LTD center console and it's related parts... http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=21668
With a bit of phone surfing through NOS Ford parts shops I managed to find a NOS LTD LX console lid. The thread on this: http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22169
May you choose what is best for you.
Jasen
If you buy the LTD LX to part out let us know ;-) actualy finding a truely rust free body would be nice, I'd be interested in at least all the interior door panels if they are not power windows.
zak
If you buy the LTD LX to part out let us know ;-) actualy finding a truely rust free body would be nice, I'd be interested in at least all the interior door panels if they are not power windows.
zak
silverfive0
11-28-2005, 09:34 PM
Id hate to part this car out...since it IS rust free!!! I know the door panels are in it, both pass sides are in the back seat because they took out both pass side door lock motors. I'll keep everyone posted as to my decision and if it's stil available when I get back. RAY
silverfive0
11-28-2005, 09:34 PM
Id hate to part this car out...since it IS rust free!!! I know the door panels are in it, both pass sides are in the back seat because they took out both pass side door lock motors. I'll keep everyone posted as to my decision and if it's stil available when I get back. RAY
lightning95sc
11-28-2005, 10:22 PM
I'd take the doors, without the interior panels, of course :) Chuck
If you brought the car back to Ohio, I'd buy the whole thing from you!!
lightning95sc
11-28-2005, 10:22 PM
I'd take the doors, without the interior panels, of course :) Chuck
If you brought the car back to Ohio, I'd buy the whole thing from you!!
LTDScott
11-28-2005, 10:43 PM
As much as I have a soft spot for these cars (duh), I'm not sure if it's worth picking up. 3260 were built from mid 84-85, and many interior and trim parts are exclusive to the LX only. So if you're buying the car for its rarity, you're going to have a lot of trouble finding original parts.
If you're buying it for a sleeper project, you'd be better off finding a complete clean LTD, even if it's not a V8, and modify it. At least you can concentrate on building the car instead of having to hunt down rare parts.
While the LX does have a lot of mechanical upgrades over a standard LTD (engine, suspension), these mechanical upgrades can easily be added to a standard LTD from a Mustang donor car, and end up being even better than the original LX.
If anything, I'd buy it for that price and snag all of the LX exclusive parts. Sell the shell to a junkyard (heck you may make a profit) and when you have the time, look for another LX or another LTD in decent shape to use for a project.
Probably not what you expected to hear from me, but I guess I'm a realist.
LTDScott
11-28-2005, 10:43 PM
As much as I have a soft spot for these cars (duh), I'm not sure if it's worth picking up. 3260 were built from mid 84-85, and many interior and trim parts are exclusive to the LX only. So if you're buying the car for its rarity, you're going to have a lot of trouble finding original parts.
If you're buying it for a sleeper project, you'd be better off finding a complete clean LTD, even if it's not a V8, and modify it. At least you can concentrate on building the car instead of having to hunt down rare parts.
While the LX does have a lot of mechanical upgrades over a standard LTD (engine, suspension), these mechanical upgrades can easily be added to a standard LTD from a Mustang donor car, and end up being even better than the original LX.
If anything, I'd buy it for that price and snag all of the LX exclusive parts. Sell the shell to a junkyard (heck you may make a profit) and when you have the time, look for another LX or another LTD in decent shape to use for a project.
Probably not what you expected to hear from me, but I guess I'm a realist.
As much as I have a soft spot for these cars (duh), I'm not sure if it's worth picking up. 3260 were built from mid 84-85, and many interior and trim parts are exclusive to the LX only. So if you're buying the car for its rarity, you're going to have a lot of trouble finding original parts.
If you're buying it for a sleeper project, you'd be better off finding a complete clean LTD, even if it's not a V8, and modify it. At least you can concentrate on building the car instead of having to hunt down rare parts.
While the LX does have a lot of mechanical upgrades over a standard LTD (engine, suspension), these mechanical upgrades can easily be added to a standard LTD from a Mustang donor car, and end up being even better than the original LX.
If anything, I'd buy it for that price and snag all of the LX exclusive parts. Sell the shell to a junkyard (heck you may make a profit) and when you have the time, look for another LX or another LTD in decent shape to use for a project.
Probably not what you expected to hear from me, but I guess I'm a realist.
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
As much as I have a soft spot for these cars (duh), I'm not sure if it's worth picking up. 3260 were built from mid 84-85, and many interior and trim parts are exclusive to the LX only. So if you're buying the car for its rarity, you're going to have a lot of trouble finding original parts.
If you're buying it for a sleeper project, you'd be better off finding a complete clean LTD, even if it's not a V8, and modify it. At least you can concentrate on building the car instead of having to hunt down rare parts.
While the LX does have a lot of mechanical upgrades over a standard LTD (engine, suspension), these mechanical upgrades can easily be added to a standard LTD from a Mustang donor car, and end up being even better than the original LX.
If anything, I'd buy it for that price and snag all of the LX exclusive parts. Sell the shell to a junkyard (heck you may make a profit) and when you have the time, look for another LX or another LTD in decent shape to use for a project.
Probably not what you expected to hear from me, but I guess I'm a realist.
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
LTDScott
11-29-2005, 09:11 AM
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
Heh, I know. But there becomes a certain point where it's not worth buying a rare car just for its rarity, especially if it's a basket case (hard to tell if this is the case or not). If we were talking about an original Hemi Cuda that's worth $500K restored, that's a different matter.
I think the most run-down car LX I would buy to fix up would be the black one in LA that keeps popping up on eBay.
LTDScott
11-29-2005, 09:11 AM
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
Heh, I know. But there becomes a certain point where it's not worth buying a rare car just for its rarity, especially if it's a basket case (hard to tell if this is the case or not). If we were talking about an original Hemi Cuda that's worth $500K restored, that's a different matter.
I think the most run-down car LX I would buy to fix up would be the black one in LA that keeps popping up on eBay.
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
I think the most run-down car LX I would buy to fix up would be the black one in LA that keeps popping up on eBay.
Oh... I would SOOOO like to have that LX! But I don't have a place like DeanT so it's currently not possible... else I would have bought it.
I'd say before we make any more assumptions as to it's condition of the 75 Buck LTD LX we need to see pictures.
8O
Who are you and why are you using Scotts account?
I think the most run-down car LX I would buy to fix up would be the black one in LA that keeps popping up on eBay.
Oh... I would SOOOO like to have that LX! But I don't have a place like DeanT so it's currently not possible... else I would have bought it.
I'd say before we make any more assumptions as to it's condition of the 75 Buck LTD LX we need to see pictures.
silverfive0
11-29-2005, 11:39 PM
Sorry guys, I didn't have my camera with me when I looked at it (it was in my truck). Overall, the body is solid with just a few scrapes and small bumps. The deck lid has a dent on the top/back edge like something fell against it (?) and the windshield is cracked.....other than those 2 main things, its just an old faded paint 80's car. The worst part of it really IS the interior. The missing mechanical items were never a concern as like stated before, I have nearly EVERYTHING in stock to make it driveable!! The LX emblem is on the trunk, but that was the only one I saw.
As far as bringing it to Ohio, that would defeat the purpose of it being a $75 car since I'd have to charge for gas $$..and with a 460 powered 1-ton Dually, that about kills it as being a worth-while "parts car" for nearly anyone!! LOL
I am still thinking about it, but I am leaning towards the V6 car I found the same day just as a gas mileage beater so I can park both my Capri and my T-Bird until I get re-established in CLaremore/Tulsa area and actually have a steady job!!
Who knows, tomorrow I'l probably change my mind again!!! LOL
Later, RAY
silverfive0
11-29-2005, 11:39 PM
Sorry guys, I didn't have my camera with me when I looked at it (it was in my truck). Overall, the body is solid with just a few scrapes and small bumps. The deck lid has a dent on the top/back edge like something fell against it (?) and the windshield is cracked.....other than those 2 main things, its just an old faded paint 80's car. The worst part of it really IS the interior. The missing mechanical items were never a concern as like stated before, I have nearly EVERYTHING in stock to make it driveable!! The LX emblem is on the trunk, but that was the only one I saw.
As far as bringing it to Ohio, that would defeat the purpose of it being a $75 car since I'd have to charge for gas $$..and with a 460 powered 1-ton Dually, that about kills it as being a worth-while "parts car" for nearly anyone!! LOL
I am still thinking about it, but I am leaning towards the V6 car I found the same day just as a gas mileage beater so I can park both my Capri and my T-Bird until I get re-established in CLaremore/Tulsa area and actually have a steady job!!
Who knows, tomorrow I'l probably change my mind again!!! LOL
Later, RAY
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