New kid on the block 1990 SC

[DougD]

Hi gang,

Hope there's room for one more around here. I've been lurking for a few days and I like it here.

Just bought a 1990 SC 5-speed. I afraid the motor pretty tired, but the body is laser stragiht, the interior decent and salvagable, and the trans and diff seem OK. It'll be a fun. I've been looking for an interesting project...now it looks I found one !

A little background. I've had a wide variety of project cars over the years--about 30 in all. A slew of old muscle cars, a couple Mustangs, Cougars, a couple MGs, and so forth. My latest infatuation .....until now, that is...has been Jags. I'm down to just one of those now, a black XJR, and this new T-Bird will look good sitting next to it in the garage.

Anyhow, its good to be here and I look forward to getting to know the group.

Cheers
Doug

[pablon2]

Welcome. There's lots to be learned on the site.

[SuperCharged91]

Welcome got any pics of the Bird?

[DougD]

Welcome got any pics of the Bird?

Not quite yet....I'll take delivery of the car tomorrow.

Actually, I'm having it hauled up to me from about 60 miles away. It runs and drives but it is developing an engine knock so I really don't want to drive it...I might be able to salvage the bottom end if I don't hammer it death.

The previous owner just had the head gaskets replaced but I suspect they waited too long and ran it with water in the oil, washiing out the bearings.

Thanks for the welcome
DD

['90 SC]

Hey another Washingtonian! Welcome. If your looking for any parts for your car, I've got one that I'm parting out. You can find it in the parts for sale section. The car is located up in Snohomish. :)

[DougD]

Hey another Washingtonian! Welcome. If your looking for any parts for your car, I've got one that I'm parting out. You can find it in the parts for sale section. The car is located up in Snohomish. :)


Don't be surprised if I give you a holler.:)

The car is arriving tonight, a day ahead of schedule. I'm a little excited....a bit silly for a 50 y/o, I know, but I guess I still have some kid left in me. Can't wait to dig in [rubbing hands together]

Cheers
Doug

[PaxtonShelby]

Is the car home yet? Let's see those photos!! :)

[DougD]

Ok, well, here ya go. Its not much to look at now....but gimme a few months :)

Cheers
Doug dwyer

[mywhite89]

Hey, congrats on the new purchase, looks like its got some potential. What color interior does it have? I always liked the titanium colored SC's. Good luck with the engine rebuild.

Chris

[fturner]

Ok, well, here ya go. Its not much to look at now....but gimme a few months :)

Cheers
Doug dwyer

We all had to start somewhere. Look at my member pics and that was the ole girl when I first got her. My avatar is the way she is now... and way loads faster :D.

Good luck and don't be scared to ask questions ;).

[DougD]

Thanks for the welcomes, guys.

And don't worry.....as soon as I really get goin' on this project I'll have questions-a-plenty ! I have already learned tons and tons just from browsing the archives.

I appreciate the replies so far. If any of you find yourself knee-deep in an old Jag, just give a shout.... I'll be glad to return the favor. I've been workin' on those for years now.

Cheers
Doug Dwyer

[DougD]

A little update on the chance anyone might be interested....

I've done some pokin' around just to really see what I bought and what I have to work with. If there's gonna be something really bad its nice to know early on :)

I pulled back the ground effects on the rocker panels and was happy to find the underlying sheet metal totally dry, clean, and rot-free. That was one of my big worries. The rest of the underbody is the same. Except for a couple door dings the body is almost perfect. In fact, of few hours of polishing the paint would make it more-than-decent enough for a daily driver....but I'll only be happy with fresh paint. You know how that goes....

I've tried all the luxury gizmos, including the touch pad keyless entry, and everything works except the JBL stereo and the power mirrors...each of which works in only two directions.

The right inner tie rod is junk, having obvious free play. The ball joints seem good, as do all the suspension bushings except the lower inners on all control arms, which are clearly distorted with the arms fitting kappa-kai. All this probably explains the loose steering and pull to the right i felt for the 5 miles or so that I actually drove it.

It looks like the PO installed new pads and rotors very recently as there is virtually no sign of wear.

The leather is shot but the rest of the interior will come back to life with nothing more than a good cleaning. The dash pad has one 2" split, covered by a piece of electrical tape.

The trans and diff are quiet, but the 3-4 shift gives a crunch every time.

Well, anyhow, its actually a little bit better than I expected. I was really expecting just a clean, rust free body and not much else. I think it was basically a well kept car that, at least for most of its life, had repairs tended to as they came along. I think the last year or two was probably just nursing it along with minimal care, though.

I have my work cut out for me and I plan extenisve refurbishment throughout, but it won't take all that much to simply make the car roadworthy again. IOW, nothin' that a big wad of hundred dollar bills and a bunch of weekends won't take care of. :D

When that's done I can start some upgrades and fun stuff. :D

Cheers, and thanks for listening
Doug Dwyer

[Young-SC-Owner]

thats great! just keep us posted as to what your gona do and there are many here tht give all helping out, PS where are you located?