Thinking of buying an 89 Country Squire

[knucklehead0202]

Dang I may have to hop on the next reasonably-priced wagon I see out here. At least it'll be rust-free and I can fix any other crap wrong with it...

[Master Shake]

I don't think I mentioned this before, but the guy who's selling the 89 CS runs some sort of a 'tv/film car rental' business, where he lends cars to companies that want to shoot them in a movie/commercial/tv shows etc.

So I did some digging around and found some shots of the sexy wagon in action.



These are from 2015/2014, if the upload date is to be believed.

[Tiggie]

I need to get into that business.

My only concern with that use of the car is that it could have sat idling for extended periods. If it was hot, it could potentially overheat unnoticed if the fan cloth is crapped out like most of these cars. My '82 did not like traffic. The '88 is fine but it has a new fan clutch.

[Master Shake]

Did they ever come to an agreement as to what the shift points are suppossed to be on the boxes?

[sly]

with 2.73/3.08 rear... about 45mph into OD. with 3.55 - about 40 into OD.

Guestimates based on the above:
3.27 I would peg around 42-43. 3.73 maybe 38. 4.10 probably 35.

[Master Shake]

Thanks

[MattDoscher]

with 2.73/3.08 rear... about 45mph into OD.

I think that's based on normal/light throttle application. I have a 2.73 rear on my '91 Grand Marquis and based on throttle load it will shift into OD at 40 (light/normal load) and shift into OD at 55 (heavy load freeway onramp). This is just my experiences. It's all based on throttle load.

Matt

[sly]

Right... based on just creeping up on it. Stock settings are about 5mph lower than what I posted, but that leads to worn clutches and trans death in around 80-100K miles. bump it up a little to make things last longer.

[Master Shake]

Found another potential wagon. A 1984 CS with a carb'd 351, claiming clean body and mint interior. What are the pros and cons here, guys?

[Tiggie]

Well for starters it's a 351. That means bad gas mileage, but more power (not much). It's carb'd not SEFI or even CFI. My '82 could get anywhere between 3and 22mpg with that carb, and it was a 302. The variable Venturi carb is very moody. And FYI that combo was not available in the US in 84, so the car must have been from Canada.

As a daily driver, I'd choose the other one. For a collectors item, the '84 may be better.

[Master Shake]

I just went to look at it. Damn. Its not beige its freaking gold with flakes. Looks original judging by the door jams and engine bay. Not sure whats going on with the tail gate but its woody underneath the white. Also 92k miles and drives nicely. Originally a florid car and like the guy said no rust and MINT interior. Similar price range as the other one. I think I'd be a fool not to get it.

But like the other one, no 3rd row seating, lame.

Will post pictures once I'm back home.

[Master Shake]

Pics.

[DerekTheGreat]

See, patience is a good thing. No rust is a great selling point too. I dig the gold paint on that & how it contrasts with the woodgrain.

[Tiggie]

If price range is the same, the 84 is a better ride from the pics. Consider a 4-bbl swap, or at least a motorcraft 2150 to replace the variable Venturi stuff. Maybe you are lucky and it has already been done for you.

Just curious - is the speedo in mph or km/hr?

[dmccaig]

Dear Panthers,

I tore out the third row of seats ten years ago. The trunk is handy for carrying illegal fireworks, tire chains and whole car sun blockers. Unless you were a fruit picker jefe, I can't think when you'd ever use those seats.

Donald