Restoring my Marauder...

[svtmerc]

Figured most of you haven't seen their interiors this torn apart so I'd share what mine looks like before the rest goes back together.

https://www.facebook.com/100075355339938/videos/475527694199733/

[justbob]

Sorry man, I don’t do the book. But I do recall mine stripped to bare metal and a rather large hole cut in the floor so I can envision yours. [emoji6]


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[SilverPhoenix]

I don't do FB either, but I do plan on replacing my carpet very soon...I have the carpet, but don't want to try and take on the project alone.

How long did it take to remove seats/console/door trim/etc? Couple hours? Half day? All day?

[svtmerc]

I've been working in stages, so it was a couple days, plus I have been doing a bunch of wiring as well. But I'd say a few hours to gut enough to do the carpet. Make sure you have a T-30 torx bit to disconnect the 2 seat belt bolts.
I'd say the most time consuming part is removing the seats, but even that's not that bad.

[svtmerc]

5223852239

Heres a pic of it gutted and the wiring done, and the start of reassembly.

Also, if you all have a better suggestion for hosting pics and vids that will work well for posting here, please share your suggestions .

[justbob]

Tapatalk app. One click and done. You chose not to utilize the wiring trays down the sides? I had all my powers on one side and speakers on the other with plenty of room still. Plus you only have to remove the sides and rear seat. I guess this way you can give her a good vacuuming!


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[SilverPhoenix]

I've been working in stages, so it was a couple days, plus I have been doing a bunch of wiring as well. But I'd say a few hours to gut enough to do the carpet. Make sure you have a T-30 torx bit to disconnect the 2 seat belt bolts.
I'd say the most time consuming part is removing the seats, but even that's not that bad.

I've had the center console out and the side trim pieces out before for car stereo purposes, just never have removed everything at once before. I have the power wire from battery running up the passenger side and into trunk, RCA cable from head unit to amp in trunk running up the middle, and all other wires needed from front of car to back of car running up the drivers side.

[svtmerc]

I have the wire channel on the passenger side running the power for the amp and the power for the power distribution block. I put all this wiring in the middle in order to save the drivers side channel for RCA's when I di get the amp and new speakers all around.

[svtmerc]

Todays progress:

Carpet and back seat sound deadening in.

LED's installed in gauge cluster and reinstalled.

"Real" Autometer conversion completed.

Center console base installed.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/6ef1718d7d79354caa96961c216526 29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/f2deb98a28a6e5e9fff0d38ee4610c 2e.jpg

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[justbob]

[emoji1303] Good for you checking the lamps. When I did mine I didn’t realize LEDS weren’t reversible… Oops, at least I learned something that day. Try to learn something everyday or else life gets dull. [emoji16]

Now go clean your garage. Shame on you! [emoji12]

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[svtmerc]

Yeah, you can see the shifter handle preemptively connected just to make sure the OD light operated too...
As for the mess of the garage, thats my Pops mess.... although it was even worse a few months ago. I just keep slowly throwing out useless junk when he's not looking.

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[svtmerc]

Modified CHMSL to use factory bulbs and one strobing LED. Nobody will not know that I am stopping now!http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/61d60d0ace5f5/received_276195494411521.mp4ht tps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/fd300f7e7cd148601a79adf5e4302c 8c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/81b5cfa3a623de32ff6ddcd726c1fc bf.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Before and after of the oft neglected HVAC vents.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220106/7a472e2c15b0423e0dda92a85975f5 db.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Done for the day...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/4b71ec40868ebd7aee64cc9ca3c89d ce.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/5e36ee44d94ecdb00aec261763f2bc 27.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/40ad38c9a486db20320e4fc469d09c 7b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/11c992cb52981ebdcc40128ffaa71a 9f.jpg

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[justbob]

Super jealous seeing you in a short sleeve shirt leisurely working outside!

Currently -1 here in the western burbs of Chicago. I’ve got a detached garage with zero insulation and just drywall on the walls but I do have a commercial size hanging forced air heater and have had it up to 87* with 18”s of snow outside back when I had to bypass the thermostat once. Oops, no wonder why I was sweating profusely. [emoji16]

Still, it’s a matter of suiting up, going out to start the heater, going back in for 30 minutes, and going back out. First world problems.. I should be thankful to myself for working enough to have what I have but the mood just isn’t there on these cold days. I would more thankful to myself if I worked harder and bought a second home in Florida!!


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[musclemerc]

What mfg did you use for the replacement carpet?
How close is the match to OEM?
Mine is beginning to show its age.

[svtmerc]

Currently -1 here in the western burbs of Chicago. I’ve got a detached garage with zero insulation and just drywall on the walls

I used to live in northern Michigan, but with an attached garage, so I do know what thats like. I would take the summers up there over the ones here any day though.

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[svtmerc]

What mfg did you use for the replacement carpet?
How close is the match to OEM?
Mine is beginning to show its age.Thats 100k mileage original carpet. I took it out, vacuumed it and soaked, soaped, and scrubbed it several times, than lastly used the Bissell little green machine to suck up the excess moisture, finally let it air dry atop several jack stands for a couple days. I swear that the prevoius owners spilled at least 2 pots of coffee in there, judging by the color of the water I sucked out. Also about $7-8 in loose change since they broke the coin holder but kept putting change in it.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/3522eb77438d3636d130e780ca7bf3 17.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Heres a couple "before" pics from when I got her. It has been sitting since 2018 before I got it from the previous owners brother.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/157e1378331099c82245a257f5e5fb 0c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/069accbbc7a07005ecf8aa0296d9c0 85.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/73086a46aea3c137afd880000da620 b3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220107/7b5aac0fafc864b231ba0de7f56957 ee.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Big score at the yard today!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220108/9e7fb630b81f8c9a7a62e608053a9d 56.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220108/eb26775c9cea07785a97dfdce6554b 9c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220108/83437bc57ea1eb0ca11ad381129f45 1d.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Had to do rear control arms on a buddys tahoe after church, but did get the package tray in. You can see the Pioneer 6x9s and the material modded to let the sub breathe into the cabin better. Oh and the ftont seats and rest of the interrior trim on Saturday. Guess some ugly guy wanted a pic of himself in the front seat...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/007a167ca395b8929cb0d93877d974 d9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/2508fc57172051eef5f5336910f1a0 76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/6cd2898d552fd16e466813eded25d4 86.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/5268607409e33a6e71bb8e4ba756d9 ee.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Last armrest repair is done.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/d3eb31097f50ace71fea7459b96202 29.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/acf0a5134a692ebd2ff3c18274d6a5 a2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/e4d6f5a51298a3cdc1c2fce5586867 d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/3f5e7fd2a4dfe59bf48b89dfd43c2e a9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/66853a95fd33841e8a59cb05155efe 61.jpg

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[svtmerc]

For those whom have restored any interrior pieces, what is recommended to restore the OEM color?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/101635b2556c1449e488e9b44a462a 53.jpg

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[svtmerc]

Complete.... enough for now!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/3591150be328ba8132ea26d88a236c f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/d496b2a05d4ae20b156adf4c43c4e7 b7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/785b1498b6201a4af15a3ee3cecbf7 e5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/4c08c88c02533ab1b89265ead64a0b 6e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/55b4eaec3a0e623963e0f9e9f76709 8e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/b44860df2a45f7ad88e68f1d14e459 9e.jpg

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[svtmerc]

And made it in time for her first cruise-inhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/e056c7673b45839d8f2f0c4db776db 0d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/7b9add46139ec08d203ace59330c05 ba.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/48d80d31f6ad9cc17a6ca0067c2d62 44.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/3de82d71d3854493e1186727396a0a 3d.jpg

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[justbob]

Did you just recently replace the front coils?


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[svtmerc]

Did you just recently replace the front coils?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProNope, those are original OEM's. I don't know why the front sits that high either.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220111/0979f8adb45a564b06beb40acea22f 3e.jpg

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[Mr. Man]

You could raise the rear a bit and that would help balance the stance a little.

[SilverPhoenix]

In regards to your question about the interior pieces, I vaguely remember seeing on this site many years ago something about using a certain type of modeler's or arts & crafts paint to give the interior plastic bits a 'new from the factory' look; biggest issue was finding the right shade of charcoal/gray...

[BAD MERC]

Damn it's been awhile since I've attended a car show. Of course mine was only driven 12 miles last year and I am about to start getting out more. That wheel gap on yours looks suspiciously high. Even at stock height it looks rather large. I cut a coil 15 years ago and here's my stance. Seems proper if ya ask me. We'll get together at a car show soon.
https://i.imgur.com/LsruilZ.jpg

[svtmerc]

definitely would like to drop that front down... I can't believe that it would be that high after 20 years and not sag down.

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[justbob]

Yeah I’ve never seen one sit that high even with the engine out. That’s no doubt a ford sticker but with them changing part numbers on every part every week it seems and even dealerships seeming to have no clue about Marauders I’d have to think those are way too high of a spring rate or wrong year part? Are you the original owner?

I did notice your rear is lowered to around where mine sat. I remember when I cut a full coil off my front springs I lowered my rear way too far I noticed the front start to raise a tad. I raised it back up to about where yours is at and the front settled to just kissing the tire tread after a couple of days of driving. But yours seems just way off the charts high even for new springs?


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[SilverPhoenix]

What size are the tires in the front? What kind of shocks?

[svtmerc]

Yeah I’ve never seen one sit that high even with the engine out. That’s no doubt a ford sticker but with them changing part numbers on every part every week it seems and even dealerships seeming to have no clue about Marauders I’d have to think those are way too high of a spring rate or wrong year part? Are you the original owner?

I did notice your rear is lowered to around where mine sat. I remember when I cut a full coil off my front springs I lowered my rear way too far I noticed the front start to raise a tad. I raised it back up to about where yours is at and the front settled to just kissing the tire tread after a couple of days of driving. But yours seems just way off the charts high even for new springs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProAccording to rockauto reverse lookup, putting that part number in comes up with the marauder. As far as I can tell nothing was ever replaced in the prevoius 100k other than oil and brakes.


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[svtmerc]

What size are the tires in the front? What kind of shocks?stock size... 235/50 18, shocks are all original as well

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[Ambitious1]

According to rockauto reverse lookup, putting that part number in comes up with the marauder. As far as I can tell nothing was ever replaced in the prevoius 100k other than oil and brakes.


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I may be mistaken but I believe 3W73-5310-BA corresponds with the OEM Crown Victoria Police Interceptor heavy-duty front coil springs, which were the tallest coil springs Ford made for the Panther platform. I believe the OEM Marauder part number is: 3W1Z-5310-AA, which is now obsolete, which were the shortest coil springs Ford made, hence the "rake". Many aftermarket companies and even dealers are installing the CV and GMQ front coil springs since the newest part lists don't make the differentiation. This means we have to either cut 1.5" inches off the coil springs or go with a product like ADTR's Ridetech front coilovers to get the OEM height again.

[Ambitious1]

For those whom have restored any interrior pieces, what is recommended to restore the OEM color?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220110/101635b2556c1449e488e9b44a462a 53.jpg

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There have been a few owners that have had success with SEM Graphite 15303

These threads may help you:

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?63405-Interior-Paint-Discontinued-(/page2

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?70200-Interior-Paint-Trim-Fix

https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?98078-INTERIOR-PAINT

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ezIcqvD8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

[SilverPhoenix]

CHECK OUT THE BIG BRAIN ON Ambitious1! You a smart mother******!

[svtmerc]

Thanks for the info!

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[svtmerc]

Good thing I picked up those used Town Car bags....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220112/f5cd7df77232d59e12a0aa95415d9d 72.jpg

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[daniel.drives]

Heads up, you can get new Arnott bags. I've been running them in mine including heavy track use since March with no issues. Having new rubber that doesn't have 19 years of set in it's shape is great peace of mind. A2220 is what I have, it's "Limo spec" with an aluminum base instead of the plastic one. Ride quality remains soft and cushiony. You should also post a picture of where your sensor attaches to the watts link, someone could have moved that in the past to give you that squat.

[JVD]

I also recommend the Arnott limo bags with the aluminum base. Just don't pair them with super stiff shocks and polyurethane bushings on your suspension or you will feel start to feel every bump in the road.

[svtmerc]

Finally Legal!!!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220218/cbf7d828a8fd8d8bff1c32ac2bf673 5d.jpg

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[BAD MERC]

Although most stuff is obsolete, I work at Sam Galloway Ford retail parts. Let me know if you need anything to help get her back to 100%.

[svtmerc]

I will be in touch Kenny

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[svtmerc]

So.... Finally driving... and I notice shes rough running in all conditions. Feels like I'm taking off in 2nd gear from a stop(powerwise). It is drinking gas like crazy too... No MIL nor any codes thrown nor misfires detected. I am thinking MAF.... Any input???

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[blazen71]

Unplug the MAF and see if it runs better. If it does then it could be the MAF.

[svtmerc]

Decided to check if there was a vacuum leak, nothing found. Hooked scanner back up just in case and found a code for misfire on cylinder 8 that had not yet tripped the light. Swapped another coil I had laying around, cleared the code and test drove..... results:

Coil was indeed bad.
Running good now! [emoji3]

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