So, I did a thing. '85 Marquis LTS

[87gtVIC]

Love the fleet.

[Chuck W]

Yeah, I don't think tint is going to be a thing on this car. At least not any time soon.

[Bryan Knebworth]

Yeah, I don't think tint is going to be a thing on this car. At least not any time soon.

You want everybody to see who's driving that sweet-a## LTS! Yeah we get it On an aside, love how those seats turned-out, bravo!

[OX1]

Well, aside from a couple small details, it's time to start putting miles on this thing.

Took it for a short drive today to put more gas in it. As I was getting ready to leave, the new floor mats showed up.




Just the basic ACC ones, the same color as the carpet. The passenger side one doesn't fit the best, but it may settle down a bit.

I am going install a water temp gauge, just so I can keep an eye on things. Not used to driving a car w/o gauges. It felt a little hot after the drive, but the engine light didn't come on, so it was probably OK. Just would rather be safe than sorry.

I was going to mess with the camber adjustment, but after the car has settled a bit, it seems to be OK for now.

Gotta install some wiper blades and give it another good cleaning, but the plan is to get it on the road.

Those mats are so close in color to the carpet, my first thought was "well, are you going to show us the mats". LOL!!

[Chuck W]

Those mats are so close in color to the carpet, my first thought was "well, are you going to show us the mats". LOL!!

Yeah. Same manf, same color. They disappear nicely.

[Chuck W]

Completed the trip to the BMV yesterday and got the title and registration all set.

Today was the drive across town to work and back. It's a little under 15 miles, one way, of mixed surface roads and interstate.

Car ran great, but noticed a couple more things that need attention.

- I think the fan clutch is weak. Car does fine when moving, but starts to get warm in idling and crawling in traffic. I may throw an electric fan on it, instead of futzing with a new clutch. (Part of the reason for the alt upgrade anyway)

- Power steering needs to be flushed. Fluid is nasty (and who knows how old) and steering is a little stiff.

-Throttle cable seems a bit stiff. Especially right off idle. It doesn't stick, but requires some good modulation of pedal pressure.

-Going to recheck the alignment. Just to see if it's changed a bit since I set it this past weekend. Just want to double-check the toe. Car drove nice and straight though.

-Brakes are still soft. Stop the car when you get into them, but more spongy than I would like. Especially if someone else is going to be driving the car.

Car drove with no rattles or clunks. Had it up to 65-70 mph for a short bit on the freeway on the way home.

Now I just need to find time to give it a bath.

[massacre]

That is great news, glad to hear it!

[Chuck W]

Well, I replaced the fan clutch, and it seemed to help a bit, but I think the radiator might be suspect.


It'll run at about 220* if it sits idling along in slow traffic. It's got a 180* stat in it, which should be plenty.

We also took the car out tonight to the weekly cruise-in not far from us. Finally a picture that isn't in the driveway.



No one saw it for anything other than an old "LTD", however. *shrug*

[OX1]

No one saw it for anything other than an old "LTD", however. *shrug*

Yeah, even with a blown stroker motor, my dad always had 3-5% of the interest vs his
car show buddy's 69 mustang (which is a really nicely built fastback).

But overall, fox bodies are starting to gain more interest at the shows.
Usually get at least one guy for every show or two that goes crazy over it
and really knows how much work was done

[massacre]

Car looks great nice job!

[mcb82gt]

Really nice looking, great work as always Chuck!

[Chuck W]

Thanks. The pics make it look WAAAAY nicer than it is. (It IS however actually washed in that last picture)