Saved from the Demo Derby: 1990 Country Squire

[Tiggie]

Lots of stuff came up this week that kept me from making adequate progress.
Rocker panel moldings removed; no broken clips. Drivers side door panels removed. Front driver door woodgrain stripped. Rear drivers side door handle removed. Yup, woodgrain underneath. Going to leave the others on for a bit, as I want to pull some addition trim around the rear windows and give this thing a bath to get that black moss junk out of there.

Going to try to get eyes on a hood. This one has a depression on the front edge and I hate body filler in hoods.

[87gtVIC]

Rubber wheels are so damn handy. I have used them a number of times but never to the extant you are going to be but have found they lasted more than I would have thought.

[Tiggie]

Where the woodgrain was cracked and exposing the paint underneath to the elements, is that just dirt lines or is it actually deeply etched from that?

Not 100% sure yet. I think it's hardened glue and dirt. I have some glue remover to use yet: I'll update once I try some of that. If it is into the paint, it's not very deep.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Where the woodgrain was cracked and exposing the paint underneath to the elements, is that just dirt lines or is it actually deeply etched from that?

[Tiggie]

Pondering about making a weekly update to this thread. Don't hold me to it.

Rubber wheel arrived. Woodgrain removal progressing faster now. Notes for anyone that cares: if woodgrain is good, park the car in the sun and get a heat gun and it comes off easily. If the woodgrain is bad, get the rubber wheel. I think it is going to take three to do one side.

Took some more trim off. Have progressed a bit more since these pics but will save that for next weeks update.

[gadget73]

Ford's white paint was single stage. It also seems very prone to chips, not sure if that is related.

[Tiggie]

Definitely watching this for the end result.

If you're considering on coming back to the wood grain, what's the plans for dressing up the trim surrounds?

First thought was a tan paint. Second was the possibility of a vinyl wrap company to see what they can do with it. Other thoughts include a hand painted woodgrain effect similar to what they did on 30's cars interior trim. I've done some but would need to practice more. I'm concerned the different pieces might shade differently. A Facebook group member mentioned hydrographic film. Haven't looked into that at all but it is apparently an option.

I hope so. It's much easier to go steel side but the wood grain is something I really like.
When you get to that stage, I'd be interested in how you go about making it happen (vinyl wrap, supplier, etc.) in case I actually get to the same point someday.

I'm 80% planning on putting the woodgrain back. The other option would be a two tone, probably in burgundy to match the guts (on the original white). The trim staying for sure - likely polished aluminum if tutone. But that's all just an idea. I don't mind woodgrain. If I get it done and don't like the car, I can always sell it for a steelside car. The woodgrain certainly adds something unique.

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Definitely watching this for the end result.

If you're considering on coming back to the wood grain, what's the plans for dressing up the trim surrounds?

[VicCrownVic]

Bye bye woodgrain. You'll be back. I think.

I hope so. It's much easier to go steel side but the wood grain is something I really like.
When you get to that stage, I'd be interested in how you go about making it happen (vinyl wrap, supplier, etc.) in case I actually get to the same point someday.

[Tiggie]

You gonna go single stage or base clear?

Part of me wants to do base clear, as I feel it's a little more forgiving with runs and buffing if the need arises. Also keeps that shine forever. Part of me wants that single stage, 2-3 topcoats and done. My thoughts are less chance of error and dirt with less coats.

[87gtVIC]

Awesome. I am very excited to see your progress. As I mentioned previously I am currently in stages of painting parts on the Mercedes that has faded (previous body worked and painted areas) panels. Definitely something I can relate too.

You gonna go single stage or base clear?

[Tiggie]

Here it goes. Been putting this off a while.

Time to paint this thing.

Spent yesterday working the left rear quarter that someone jacked up, and then I messed up even more squeezing this into a parking spot by my F350 where it did not belong. Looks fair below but it was definitely not. A lot of metal stretching happened. But if I can get the oil canning to stop, I'm pretty happy with it now. Still going to need a lot of filler because I'm no magician with the hammer and dollie. Tiny bit of rust here also to deal with once the woodgrain is gone.




Bye bye woodgrain. You'll be back. I think. It's coming off with heat gun pretty well in places that the vinyl is still good. In the more weathered sections, it's a pain but I ordered a rubber wheel to assist.

[gadget73]

I had the other one, failed below minimum voltage. Happened on my old Mark VII every time I let off the gas too quickly. New (used) TPS fixed it.

[Tiggie]

Vacuum leak fixed. A/C working like a cold breeze, even uphill.

Still waiting on Amazon for that rear brake hose. I'm not a prime member...

CEL flashes at me occasionally depending on throttle position. Pulled the codes tonight. 11 on KOEO and KOER. Had a 53 stored in a memory "TPS circuit has intermittently failed above maximum 4.5 volts."

I installed a new Motorcraft TPS in July 2022. I'm guessing that's what is throwing the code. CEL is flashes randomly when off the throttle. Hard to believe that's when it's giving over 4.5 volts. Runs flawlessly. The TPS is under warranty a few more months, but it's RockAuto so I think I have to pay to send it back.

[friskyfrankie]

If the symptoms continue... the check valve may be leaking as well. Motorcraft YG337

Got like 4 of them for spares. I have seen older OEM ones go bad in a very short period of time so holding on to the ones I have since one never knows when they will become "extinct"! Same deal with my tripminders.