Marauder Clone

[GTPETE]

Guys - does anyone have any insight on what it would take to convert a Grand Marquis to a Marauder visually? I have an opportunity to buy a really clean GM but I would like it to look like the Marauder. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

PETE

[cer0413]

Guys - does anyone have any insight on what it would take to convert a Grand Marquis to a Marauder visually? I have an opportunity to buy a really clean GM but I would like it to look like the Marauder. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

PETE
You're new, and I get that. I was once new just like you so hopefully you take criticism better than me but....I hope you have tough skin because your question won't sit well with members here but why not just buy a really clean Marauder? Look in the Marauder For Sale thread. Good luck man lol

[GTPETE]

Thanks for replying. Yes I would love to find a Marauder in decent shape and price - however this Black GM is virtually going to fall into my lap so I just wanted to know if a conversion is easy enough or no.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Interior and exterior parts are scarce and mostly high dollar.better off saving the money to look like one and get one

[crownvic05]

Ebay sells after front end marauder piece. Please dont but oem stuff as its hard to find and real marauder owners can use.

[Ambitious1]

I had two Crown Vic LX's before I found my Marauder. And it took three years of looking for a clean example. You will be alot happier waiting until you find a real Marauder or selling the GM and buying a Marauder now.

After you spend all of the time and money buying Marauder parts, like the front and back bumpers, wheels, tips, etc.; converting the GM, you will find you could have put that time and money into buying a real Marauder. The worst part in making the GM looking like a Marauder is: You still won't have the DOHC engine...

[Marauderjack]

Interior and exterior parts are scarce and mostly high dollar.better off saving the money to look like one and get one

^^^This is VERY TRUE!!^^^

Better to keep looking for a Marauder than waste a LOT of money on parts that WILL NOT make your GM worth any more!!:shake:

[GTPETE]

All great responses. I think ya'll might be right in waiting to find a clean example. Just based on this, I may pass on the GM or if I do get it, not modify. Many thanks to all of you.

[2mercs]

When we had our grandmakeys we did a cv rear bumper and pi trunk panel. Had plans to cover the chrome belt strip and an aftermarket marauder front bumper. Also ran a set of unrefinishable mm headlights and turn signals. Mustang bullitt wheels and blacked out the rungs on the grill. Made the car different without using any rare marauder parts. That being said you can make a "normal" panther look unique and cool. Please don't try to clone a marauder. Get the marquis daily it add you own touches and save up for a marauder.

[GTPETE]

When we had our grandmakeys we did a cv rear bumper and pi trunk panel. Had plans to cover the chrome belt strip and an aftermarket marauder front bumper. Also ran a set of unrefinishable mm headlights and turn signals. Mustang bullitt wheels and blacked out the rungs on the grill. Made the car different without using any rare marauder parts. That being said you can make a "normal" panther look unique and cool. Please don't try to clone a marauder. Get the marquis daily it add you own touches and save up for a marauder.

Definitely agreed. I think I will prob go that same route. :beer:

[2mercs]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/530692268fab387603c4d91ae407cb 3b.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/53a66ba1e04e29ec2f0bc4892bd7ff 7d.jpg here's some examples.

[BlackBeauty_bb]

All great responses. I think ya'll might be right in waiting to find a clean example. Just based on this, I may pass on the GM or if I do get it, not modify. Many thanks to all of you.

I had those same plans until I came across my Marauder. Coming from someone who was in your position once. Its worth the wait.

[Bad_S55]

You're in the same position I was two years ago, but I'm the one that went ahead and modded the crap out of my Marquis. If I were you, I'd leave all the body stuff alone. Yeah, paint the grill, use repro Marauder headlights, stuff like that, but don't try and swap bumpers and trim. Basically turns the car into a poser. With wheels, pipes, and murdered out-ness in the right places, they can be made to look really cool.

[BUCKWHEAT]

Thanks for replying. Yes I would love to find a Marauder in decent shape and price - however this Black GM is virtually going to fall into my lap so I just wanted to know if a conversion is easy enough or no.

Any chance you can clean up and sell the GM that is falling into your hands? Would that give you a bigger war-chest to go buy a real MM?

[larryo340]

I wanted a Marauder for a long time, and knew one day I'd get one...if money is the issue take the Grand Marquis and make it stand out from the other Grandpa-quis out there. On mine I added Marauder tips and spoiler, but different wheels and body mods...see below :)

[Merc-O-matic]

Forget the Marauder.... a "BLACK" Grand Marquis is as rare as hen's teeth.
Enjoy your Grand Marquis the way it is!

Gotta Love It!:bandit:

[Spectragod]

I have some OE bumpers, and a Marauder interior, dash trim, door panels, seats etc., but the parts are not cheap.

[chief455]

Any chance you can clean up and sell the GM that is falling into your hands? Would that give you a bigger war-chest to go buy a real MM?


Forget the Marauder.... a "BLACK" Grand Marquis is as rare as hen's teeth.
Enjoy your Grand Marquis the way it is!

Gotta Love It!:bandit:
these are the 2 most sensible options. flip it to get closer to a Marauder, or drive and enjoy.

[cer0413]

All great responses. I think ya'll might be right in waiting to find a clean example. Just based on this, I may pass on the GM or if I do get it, not modify. Many thanks to all of you.
Buy the Gm for a daily

[Bad_S55]

I have some OE bumpers, and a Marauder interior, dash trim, door panels, seats etc., but the parts are not cheap.

You already ruined me, don't do it to someone else :help:

[Spectragod]

You already ruined me, don't do it to someone else :help:


You were already ruined by "you know who", I just facilitated some parts and wiring to make it all happen. :D

[justbob]

You don't want to be that guy at the light when a real Marauder just happens to pull up beside you. I know I wouldn't.




Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk

[Logizyme]

500 front bumper
500 rear bumper (+500 if you want it to say Marauder)
200 headlights
100 corners
200 rear fascia
100 fogs
100 side trim
200 spoiler
1000 wheels
600 tires
1000 paint all of the above

So for 5k you could turn a GM into a Marauder on the outside, that is assuming your talking about an 03-04 otherwise you may need to add some $$ to correct the fenders/header panel

And we have not even touched the interior - all of which will have to be purchased second hand - and all of which you will have to fight with current Marauder owners hoarding or replacing older/broken parts on theirs. So full interior conversion? Another 5k seems about right if you want decent parts and it'll still take you a year to acquire it all. And again that's assuming your GM is a 03-04 - otherwise you've got more modification and wiring costs on your hands.

Might as well do the powertrain now:
Good used 4v $3000
Rebuild 8.8 with 3.55 and LSD $1000
Driveshaft, booster, other misc swap parts $500
Tuner or Marauder PCM/Harness $500

So there you go. $15000 you can have your own Marauder clone.

[daddyusmaximus]

I love the subtle styling cues of the Marauder. If I had a Vic or a GM, I wouldn't hesitate to put some Marauder upgrades on it. However, if you're going for the whole clone look, Logizyme just laid it out how expensive it can get. I bought a real Marauder (clean, strong running, no rust or dents) back in Dec for $6800. I love the hell out of it.

Of course, I had to go throw an expensive sound system in it right away, and add the spoiler. Now I want a better handling suspension, better brakes, projectors........

[Joe Walsh]

The Marauder 'clone' might have made sense when Marauders were relatively new...and pretty expensive.
Now, 13 years later, you can find complete decent Marauders for cheap money.
Buy the GM for a nice daily driver until the right Marauder comes along.


BTW: I'm proud of how this thread has remained so civil.... a few years ago your post would have been shredded and flamed by irate Marauder purists.

[redmercy04]

You don't want to be that guy at the light when a real Marauder just happens to pull up beside you. I know I wouldn't.




Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk
[emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23] had this happen recently. The guy kept trying to race me. i just laugh & rolled up the windows

[Blackened300a]

BTW: I'm proud of how this thread has remained so civil.... a few years ago your post would have been shredded and flamed by irate Marauder purists.

Remember those days? The thought of someone with a GM or a CV even posting here would cause some negitivity. I still get annoyed seeing a GM or a CV running around with a full marauder interior or OEM bumpers, but I have a private hoard of parts at my disposal or I'll buy another car for parts if needed since the prices are low.

Save your money and buy the real deal. Nobody respects a clone and at the end of the day it's really only a $10-$15K car you are spending money to look like. It's not like it's a Yenko Camaro or something really rare.

[Catfish]

Agree with Mr. Walsh, save your $$ for a real Marauder. If you want your GM to look more like a muscle car and not Granny's grocery getter then just replace the wheels. There are several styles of Mustang wheels that look good on panther cars.

[Bluerauder]

Agree with Mr. Walsh.


Ha, Ha, Ha ... Mr. Walsh !! Looks like Joe will be sitting with the :geezer: at the next Lodge meeting. Free Geritol for new members. :lol:

[vkirkend]

Guys - does anyone have any insight on what it would take to convert a Grand Marquis to a Marauder visually? I have an opportunity to buy a really clean GM but I would like it to look like the Marauder. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

PETE

Buy the Grand Marquis, enjoy it and start saving up money to buy a Marauder when you find one you like. Then sell the Grand Marquis and spend the money to personalize your Marauder.

[BAD MERC]

~~~~Aggression intensifies~~~~ Buy the real thing. No sense blowing money for a wolf costume when you can become a wolf with some hard work. The price of admission doesn't have a side door. Bought my '95 SHO in 1997 and dealt with clones ruining the reputation at stop lights. 8 years of it on the SHO forums and 11 years with my Marauder. Please not another Fauxrauder.

[Serge]

What year is the Marquis? 2006-2011 already look sharp as it is, especially in black. You can throw a set of wheels on it and black it out and have a Marquis that stands out from the rest without having a Marauder clone.

Marauder parts aren't cheap, especially if you buy them online. Unless you can find a trashed car for parts or find one locally at a junkyard, what you are wanting to do won't be cheap.

[tbone]

I traded in my GM for my Marauder 11/07. One of the happiest days of my life. Wait and get the real thing when the right one comes along.

[crownvic97]

I have a 2008 Grand Marquis and I tried to make it unique and be happy with it and I never was. Bought a Marauder in December and boy am I happy now.

[GTPETE]

I wanted a Marauder for a long time, and knew one day I'd get one...if money is the issue take the Grand Marquis and make it stand out from the other Grandpa-quis out there. On mine I added Marauder tips and spoiler, but different wheels and body mods...see below :)

See now that's what I'm talking about - different - just not Marauder! Beautiful work.

[GTPETE]

The Marauder 'clone' might have made sense when Marauders were relatively new...and pretty expensive.
Now, 13 years later, you can find complete decent Marauders for cheap money.
Buy the GM for a nice daily driver until the right Marauder comes along.


BTW: I'm proud of how this thread has remained so civil.... a few years ago your post would have been shredded and flamed by irate Marauder purists.

Yes! I appreciate the civility as it was a question that's been clanking around in my head. Prob go w nice GM daily and some tasteful upgrades and thats it until I can find real Marauder..... btw pops had a '64 Marauder fast back hence the interest!!

[High_voltage]

What's yalls take if u have a totaled out marauder and do a complete swap

[stevengerard]

What's yalls take if u have a totaled out marauder and do a complete swap

This is one that gets folks going crazy with the older cars. I for one do not see the big deal. 442s have been cloned for a long time and though its not my bag o tea it doesn't bother me as much as it does others. But when someone totals a 442 and then takes a body from a Cutlass people go crazy. Yet, what's the difference with replacing a shell, when engines, fenders, deck lids, frames etc. all get swapped. Never understood that.

I'd agree with comments so far, not worth the money, keep the GM a cool GM and wait for a MM. I feel the same way about a Cutlass, go ahead throw the aftermarket Outside Air Induction hood on, make it look cool, but keep the 442 emblems off, its a Cutlass not a 442.

[stevengerard]

Bought my '95 SHO in 1997 and dealt with clones ruining the reputation at stop lights. 8 years of it on the SHO forums and 11 years with my Marauder. Please not another Fauxrauder.

Funny, I've owned 2 SHO's and never remember seeing a clone, heck I hardly saw the real thing. Interesting, seems like even a bigger waste of money, those were all about the engine.

[Mr. Man]

This is one that gets folks going crazy with the older cars. I for one do not see the big deal. 442s have been cloned for a long time and though its not my bag o tea it doesn't bother me as much as it does others. But when someone totals a 442 and then takes a body from a Cutlass people go crazy. Yet, what's the difference with replacing a shell, when engines, fenders, deck lids, frames etc. all get swapped. Never understood that.

I'd agree with comments so far, not worth the money, keep the GM a cool GM and wait for a MM. I feel the same way about a Cutlass, go ahead throw the aftermarket Outside Air Induction hood on, make it look cool, but keep the 442 emblems off, its a Cutlass not a 442.
Biggest issue with clones is when it's time to sell many owners neglect to mention it's a clone. It's a bit easier now to find information on what constitutes a clone vs. the real thing but there are still plenty of unscrupulous sellers out there.

[MOTOWN]

Biggest issue with clones is when it's time to sell many owners neglect to mention it's a clone. It's a bit easier now to find information on what constitutes a clone vs. the real thing but there are still plenty of unscrupulous sellers out there.

The vin number will reveal what you are buying , if you don't bother to verify the vin oh well.

[FordNut]

The only useful place for a repo Marauder rear bumper would be a clone. The shape is nice, looks just like the MM, but the repo doesn't have the lettering.

[chief455]

Biggest issue with clones is when it's time to sell many owners neglect to mention it's a clone. It's a bit easier now to find information on what constitutes a clone vs. the real thing but there are still plenty of unscrupulous sellers out there.


The vin number will reveal what you are buying , if you don't bother to verify the vin oh well.
I think Mr. Man was generalizing - as in older cars may not be recognized as a clone by the VIN.
I hope all the clones, tribute cars, wannabes and fakes go to the highest uneducated bidder at Barret Jackson.
Bought, not built - and bought wrong! :eek:

[Bluerauder]

The vin number will reveal what you are buying , if you don't bother to verify the vin oh well.

In this case, the VIN might not be of any help. All 2003 MMs carried an "M75" code which identified it as a Grand Marquis. The Marauder didn't get its very own "M79" VIN until the 2004 model.

For the 2003 MM, only the "V" engine code identified it as having the 4.6L DOHC 302 HP engine. The buyer would have to know a 4.6L SOHC from a 4.6L DOHC assuming they know how to unlatch the hood.

I still get letters from Ford about my "Grand Marquis" and the Ford Service computer says the same thing.

[MOTOWN]

In this case, the VIN might not be of any help. All 2003 MMs carried an "M75" code which identified it as a Grand Marquis. The Marauder didn't get its very own "M79" VIN until the 2004 model.

For the 2003 MM, only the "V" engine code identified it as having the 4.6L DOHC 302 HP engine. The buyer would have to know a 4.6L SOHC from a 4.6L DOHC assuming they know how to unlatch the hood.

I still get letters from Ford about my "Grand Marquis" and the Ford Service computer says the same thing.

Good catch on the 03s , i just nod my head, and say its a GM with shiny wheels!

[Mancillas1982]

Don't waste your money on a fake mm. Save your money get you the real deal. No one ever wants to hear." It's a clone mm". I mean no one ever. So yeah. That's all I have to say about that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[stevengerard]

Biggest issue with clones is when it's time to sell many owners neglect to mention it's a clone. It's a bit easier now to find information on what constitutes a clone vs. the real thing but there are still plenty of unscrupulous sellers out there.

Yes, big issue and I agree with that, forgot how many people try to pass them off as real. And many older cars do not give enough info in the VIN to determine what they really are or aren't.

[Mr. Man]

Yes, big issue and I agree with that, forgot how many people try to pass them off as real. And many older cars do not give enough info in the VIN to determine what they really are or aren't.
What made me mention this issue in the first place is all the Chevy SS's out there. Almost every 60's Chevy at a car show is an SS. Hard to believe not one SS was ever in an accident or rusted away. :rolleyes:

[Bluerauder]

What made me mention this issue in the first place is all the Chevy SS's out there. Almost every 60's Chevy at a car show is an SS. Hard to believe not one SS was ever in an accident or rusted away. :rolleyes:

You may be right. There are a lot of SS Chevy's on the market. Many are just clones using the SS interior and exterior badging without the other "upgrades"..

The "SS" Super Sport package was first introduced on the 1961 Chevy Impala as a $53.80 kit that included interior and exterior trim and badging, chassis reinforcement, upgraded springs/shocks, brakes, wheel covers, and thin-line white wall tires. Performance engines were also offered.

In 1961, Chevy made 491,000 Impalas. Of these, only 453 were true "SS" models. Some 311 came with the 348 cid engine and another 142 with the legendary 409 cid engine. Pretty damn rare in 1961.

SS models were also introduced for the Nova (1963), Chevelle (1964), and Camaro (1967). Since then, other models have briefly carried the SS identification.

However, this is not a problem on all of those 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1958 Chevies that you see at car shows since they all pre-date the 1961 intro of the Chevy Super Sport.

As I recall, rust was never much of an issue with Chevies in the 1950s and 1960s because of the use of the "Body by Fisher". We owned several Chevies in that timeframe without any rust issues at all.

Fords were notorious "rust buckets" in that timeframe and many started to show rusted rocker panels and rear quarter panels within the first two years of ownership. Floorboards would rust out completely in 3-4 years. I think this is why you see many more GM cars from that era in general car shows. The "classic" Fords that remain are generally the ones that make it to Carlisle All Fords and similar shows.

[crownvic97]

Marauder clones are really not an issue, most people don't take the time and money to swap the most important difference, the engine.

[Joe Walsh]

Agree with Mr. Walsh, save your $$ for a real Marauder. If you want your GM to look more like a muscle car and not Granny's grocery getter then just replace the wheels. There are several styles of Mustang wheels that look good on panther cars.


Ha, Ha, Ha ... Mr. Walsh !! Looks like Joe will be sitting with the :geezer: at the next Lodge meeting.
Free Geritol for new members. :lol:

LOL.....The last time I was called 'Mr. Walsh' was by the LEO who pulled me over!
No Geritol Charlie.....I vote for DEPENDS!




Marauder clones are really not an issue, most people don't take the time and money to swap the most important difference, the engine.

Kinda like the Mustang guys who put all the 2003/2004 SVT Cobra exterior parts on, but forget the Eaton blower part of the clone.

and my all time favorite:
The guys who build a Shelby 427 Cobra replica and put a Chevy small block under the hood!....:puke:

[JustRight]

I'll sell you mine now that I've fixed every frigging little thing wrong with it. I've found a 1967 GT Fairlane I'm lusting after.

[jay87lx]

Forget the Marauder.... a "BLACK" Grand Marquis is as rare as hen's teeth.
Are they really? There is a blk/blk '07 with sub 70K local to me that I have been eyeing

[1Marauder]

Are they really? There is a blk/blk '07 with sub 70K local to me that I have been eyeing

How much? I am looking for one for my son!

[Lowndex]

Guys - does anyone have any insight on what it would take to convert a Grand Marquis to a Marauder visually? I have an opportunity to buy a really clean GM but I would like it to look like the Marauder. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

PETE

Sick him, Zach! :censor:

[Bad_S55]

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss216/bad_S55/20160604_142914_zpsc2lyin2g.jp g (http://s577.photobucket.com/user/bad_S55/media/20160604_142914_zpsc2lyin2g.jp g.html)

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss216/bad_S55/20160604_142843_zpsuk1uaiud.jp g (http://s577.photobucket.com/user/bad_S55/media/20160604_142843_zpsuk1uaiud.jp g.html)

No, it'll never be Marauder cool, but I think it's turned out pretty radical so far. Just keep it simple. Darken some of the chrome, get some nice wheels, and enjoy.

[crownvic97]

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss216/bad_S55/20160604_142914_zpsc2lyin2g.jp g (http://s577.photobucket.com/user/bad_S55/media/20160604_142914_zpsc2lyin2g.jp g.html)

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss216/bad_S55/20160604_142843_zpsuk1uaiud.jp g (http://s577.photobucket.com/user/bad_S55/media/20160604_142843_zpsuk1uaiud.jp g.html)

No, it'll never be Marauder cool, but I think it's turned out pretty radical so far. Just keep it simple. Darken some of the chrome, get some nice wheels, and enjoy.

I dig it! Love the GT500s!

[JustRight]

I've always liked the CV Sport. Thought about special ordering a black MGM once, so either one would be fine.

[daddyusmaximus]

The GT500s look nice, but so does the chrome trim. Can't help being a bit old school.

[jay87lx]

How much? I am looking for one for my son!
keep looking in CA, this one, upon closer inspection had the drivers side repainted and was starting to peel, pass side all scratched and looked underneath and all rusted