New Member and hopefully new SC owner looking for opinions.

Deadpoolpsg

Registered User
Howdy all,

I'm new here to the forums and was curious if you guys could give me some advice. I'm interested in purchasing a SC for a fun daily driver. Not looking to hot rod it, just something fun to cruise to work and back. Also the occasional road trip. I came across this posting on CL and thought it may fit the bill.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4523840140.html

I'm curious what you all think. I know it's pretty high mileage but for a 25 year old car maybe not so much. It looks super clean. I am a former Ford Specialist tech so I'm not too worried about looking for obvious red flags on a vehicle but I have no previous experience with the SC. I know head gaskets are a issue and I plan to ask and look for any evidence of problems related to that.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time.
 
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I did read the buyers guide and it was full of helpful information! The other link you provided did not work unfortunately.

I was planning on checking the motor mounts, but just out of curiosity, what do you see in the pics that makes you suspect them? Like I said I'm new to SC's so this is also a learning experience for me.

I figured I could probably talk the guy down a bit (hoping for close to $2000).

What makes you believe the steering wheel is different?

Thanks for your input! I greatly appreciate it.
 
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Sorry, pls. try http://www.albeedigital.com/supercoupe/articles/buyingtips.html

Of course it is hard to tell from a photo, but it appears the intercooler is sitting lower than normal, which may indicate the motor mounts have collapsed. Just something to check, especially on a high mile SC.

The SC steering wheel has a round SC badge in the center...looks like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/T-BIRD-SC-S...-HORN-PAD-BUTTON-CENTER-CAP-OEM-/321128840591

There are several cruise control buttons at 8 & 4 o'clock.

tn_interior.jpg
 
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Okay yeah, that steering wheel does indeed look different! Maybe it got changed at one point, not a big deal if everything works properly, but definitely a haggling point!

Thanks for the new link I'll be sure to read that article.

Also thank you for explaining about the Intercooler. I'll definitely check to make sure the motor mounts are in good shape or at least not on the verge of falling apart all together! :) Are they pretty easy to find? Changing motor mounts doesn't scare me off but not being able to find parts does.

I'm going to go check out the car tomorrow so I'll let you know what I find and if I'm a proud new owner!
 
You should know now that the engine compartment is tight. There are many things that are much more work than on other cars, from spark plug changes, to water and power steering pump repairs to the motor mounts.

If you're not familiar with the car, it can require a bit of sleuthing to check the motor mounts, but I think the best way is to study new ones first so you understand how they normally sit, then look from underneath to check for torn rubber pads. In some cases, the oil filter can sit on the crossmember, making it hard to remove. In others, a shake while idling or an engine that jumps around when you rev it can be indicators. I think that the usual to go is the driver's side, where it gives way, the oil leaks out and it sits down lower, letting the engine move around when torqued. I also think in some cases a bad motor mount can allow the engine to bang and trigger the knock sensor if bad enough. Others here may have additional hints on checking them.

If you can get the car on a rack and look underneath you can check several things, from rust to trans mount, u-joints, etc....the typical stuf when buying a well used car.
 
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Great tips. Helps to know what to look for on a unfamiliar engine/vehicle.

I know a lot about cramped engine compartments. Used to work for a Tour bus company a few years back doing fleet maintenance and repairs. Oh boy its amazing how they can jam a Detroit engine sideways into a compartment that looks no bigger than the engine bay of a Honda!

"Oh, you want to change that filter that's 12" across? Here pull it out of a opening that's 12 1/8" large. Hope you don't like your fingers!":)

Thanks again for all the info.
 
I worked 12 years heavy bus & truck - Journeyman ASE. I'll trade and luv working on any bus, any day...
 
Well bad news. On the way to sell my truck so I could raise the funds to possibly purchase the SC I got in a car wreck. Nothing serious, bent sheet metal, no injuries. But since I was driving the truck I was selling the sale was off, understandably. :(

So for right now my quest to find a SC is on hold. Hopefully not for too long. At least now I've got a idea on what to look for when I spot my next potential find.

Thanks KMT for all the info!
 
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