Restore or not help needed

tww

Registered User
Dear All:

I have a 89 Cougar XR7 automatic with about 70000 miles on it.
It has been sitting in Kansas City in open storage for the past 4 months
with bad brakes (intermittent, I think it is the ABS module).
I am trying to estimate the cost of restoring this car.
I know many of you have done these things before, so I am asking here.

I was ready to have it shipped back home but now I am not sure.

It has a water leak somewhere and I am betting it
is around the moonroof or front window (maybe both). The last time
I was in the car it had a musty smell. It got wet inside over Christmas and
we put a tarp on it. It has been buttoned up for four months with no
ventilation besides what air (or water) leaks in and out, with
possible mold (although I didn't see any).

Here is what it needs for sure:

Brakes fixed (fix the ABS, no conversion).

Carpet, headliner, and sun visors redone.

Rear package shelf carpet is warped up from heat (or maybe water).

The seal around the rear window has shrunk down with a gap on the
outside.

Water leaks fixed.

Possible mold removal.

The front leather seats are torn up and maybe the foam is wet or moldy.

The back leather seats are in good condition (just by looking at them).
They might be wet or moldy inside.

The transmission and engine are original with the original head gaskets.

It has one big door ding but no hail damage.

New paint job (I would want a nice one so I could take it to car shows).

I am not a mechanic or any good with fixing cars, so I have to have
everything done.

What do you think it would cost to fix this car (total)?
Also, what is it worth (approximately, as it sits right now).

Is anyone in the KC area interested in it?

Thank you,

Tom W.
 
I live in KCK and I would be interested in it.

I know a re manufactured abs unit is around 600 to 700 dollars form scp.
 
They are sweet cars and with 70,000 may be worth the time and effort. If you like the hobby go for it. Be a nice project
 
If you are not a mechanic I would say SELL this car. It takes quite a bit to get these cars up in shape and keep them there. It would be a project that is going to take a couple of thousand to get up and running. Good luck with it.
 
Just as a followup to my own post, the car needs a new paint job (I wasn't clear before). It is a good older car, but needs some work.

Thanks,

Tom W.
 
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