My 1st Wagon (YAY for EBAY)

Nice buy! I don't know if it's the angle or what, but that thing looks LOOOOOOONNNGGG.

And I'll agree with what Waygun said... If you treat them right, those small block fords should last a long time. Keep us posted.

 

The wagon looks great! I saw this on eBay last week. We had the 400 in our 77 LTD wagon when I was a kid, awesome motor, you shouldn't need to swap it out. If you do need to swap, 4.6 Interceptor from a Crown Victoria, best Ford motor out there.

 

That's a really nice looking wagon. As someone else mentioned, if it has the vinyl top that's a pretty rare option on a wagon so make sure to keep it. Some don't care for EBay but they have some really cool wagons some times. I bought my Buick off of EBay.

Cheers,
Ken Deboy

 

I bought my second Fairmont off ebay. Imported it from North Dakota.
There's a thread here with the story.

 

Loved the comment on the other thread about this car about Steve McGarratt . It was my thought when I saw it - "I've seen that car on a TV show"

Looks like you got yourself a very trick car to play with. You and your puppy should be cruising in no time.

Congrats.

 

Congrats, Mocka! You should be arrested for grand theft auto! That's a great buy even if it has a few problems.
Change the COLOR?!?? Forgive me, but..........are you NUTS?? That's a rare color combo and looks super! But...it IS your car so it's your choice. I like that car, saw it on eBay and thought it would go for more money. Looks like oil fumes have deposited a film in the engine bay. I would clean that all up in there and determine what's up. Check all fluids, change the oil and test drive it like you stole it to see if anything shows up. Get it on a rack and check it all over for rust or other problems. I would redo that front seat because the rest looks good. Nice buy, Mocka...and one helluva nice first car.

 

I think the car grew on me as is... I do love the color combo. I don't know what color I would change it to if I did change it! but I will be doing the interior over. I have not made up my mind on weather I am DIYing it and warming up the sewing machine or paying for it but it shall remain red!
I was thinking about salvaging the vinyl or leather from the junk yard... but Red is a hard color to come by (I think). So I am looking at fabric shops & coupon book & hoping for the best (I am cheeeeeeeeap)
Now for the oil fume clean up... whats best to clean that up with? I know I sound infantile with that question but give me a break its my 1st car lol

 

Its HOME! I got to take a look on the rust situation... and I must say.... NOT BAD. elbow grease & weekend and I can knock it all out. I will post pics soon of Nero's home coming

 

Glad to hear of the lack of rust, Mocka. Any other problems should be surmountable. I think you have a nice wagon and got a great deal. I like the color combo. As for the engine clean up there are a few avenues. The wand at the local car wash or you can spray it down with Simple Green or something like it and then spray it down. Use a little caution around the dizzy and wire connections. Might take a couple of times and you may want to use rags or compressed air to get all the grease, etc off. There are a few threads here on engine and engine bay cleaning where some of the guys have given their ideas and results. I think that is one of the first things I would do since it looks like there is an oil film under the hood. I would want to know why it's there. Then change fluids and clean up the rest of the car in & out. Polish it up real well and get any rust off that you can. Then....drive it like you stole it and document any problems, noises, etc. I think that car will look super when detailed!

 

I'd say its a pretty good car if it can make it all the way to Jersey!

Other than some left over stuff at an auto upholstery supply house you can find some cheap durable material at some of those large sewing/fabric stores. Especially if you hit a sale. $50 can sometimes do a whole car. A little soap and water and a few coats of Armor All can really bring the old vinyl/plastic back to life too. If you get rid of the doors panels, radio, etc you may want to sell them on eBay. I'm sure there is somebody out there that would like them and it would get you some extra cash to proceed with your future plans.

I agree the red and black is a nice look. I have the Ford version of your wagon and its a fairly rare combo. Only 89 black 1978 LTD wagons were made. Not sure how many with red interiors but couldn't have been that many and I'm sure not many are left. I just kept it simple and its actually quite an eye catcher.

And don't forget to keep a box of tissues handy. It always brings a tear to my eye when I have to pay the fuel bill!

 

SWEET!!!

I'd leave as much of it alone as possible. Only "fix" what needs fixin'.
That's a head turner.

 

Nero...LOVE IT

 

Nice ride!!!! congrats!!!!

 

It Made it to Jersey... but the dealer did some wonky stuff with the battery. so I have to get the parts to fix that.
On a lighter note... I found the "Y" when I cleaned out the car. LOL

 

Nero's Home Coming!

So as promised Her is Nero on delivery day!