Limo Prep Package 05B31

[Bradley G]

Would you do this safety upgrade to your Marauder?
This adds safety straps to the fuel tank straps and axle shields.
Enhancement, In the case of a rear end collision.
This is the same thing Ford is offering on Police Interceptor vehicles.

I am inclined to go ahead with the mod.

Would you do it to your Marauder?
Has anyone done this, to a Panther?

[DEFYANT]

Save your money.

By the time our cars were built, the safety precautions were already implemented.

[KillJoy]

Any more details....to either of the above posts????

If it has any safety benifit, and a relatively low cost...I would be interested...

KillJoy

[Bradley G]

This upgrade applies to 1995- 2006 Town cars and some PI's, the Marauders do not have them.
Save your money.

By the time our cars were built, the safety precautions were already implemented.

[RoyLPita]

I might do it. I'll have a to find one in the salvage yards and take 'em off.

I actually have a kit for the 98-2002 setup if anyone here is interested.

[SergntMac]

Would you do this safety upgrade to your Marauder?
This adds safety straps to the fuel tank straps and axle shields.
Enhancement, In the case of a rear end collision.
This is the same thing Ford is offering on Police Interceptor vehicles.

I am inclined to go ahead with the mod.
What do you members think?
Would you do it to your Marauder? Nope. And I am not inclined to pursue this mod, it's junk.

I'm not a commercial vehicle operator where the "public safety" at large depends on my business decisions. No one "pays" to ride in my Marauder. I am not for hire.

This mod is more intended to deflect liability away from a commecial vehicle operator than it affords in real time protection. In a law suit, it's assurance, proof that I took preventive measures to protect my passengers in advance. It is not preventive of any fire, any loss, or, suffering and injury that follows such a serious collision.

[Joe Walsh]

Nope. And I am not inclined to pursue this mod, it's junk.

I'm not a commercial vehicle operator where the "public safety" at large depends on my business decisions. No one "pays" to ride in my Marauder. I am not for hire.

This mod is more intended to deflect liability away from a commecial vehicle operator than it affords in real time protection. In a law suit, it's assurance, proof that I took preventive measures to protect my passengers in advance. It is not preventive of any fire, any loss, or, suffering and injury that follows such a serious collision.

So it is basically an: "ILPLA" mod...


"Increase in Liability Protection & Lawsuit Avoidance"

:o

BTW: Anyone have a picture/schematic of the parts?

[sfsv]

I would recommend this mod to everyone. As a matter of fact they just towed in a FHP MM (silver) into the Broward County FHP site last week that was rearended, but it did not catch fire. I personally had mines done over a year ago to my CVsport. In this day of people talking on cel phones and not paying attention, we are more than ever likely to get rearended. I personally double tap my brake pedal to get the attention of drivers behind me when I am getting ready to stop. I will post the part number that fits the MM later on today.
The MM did not have mod done at the factory and the FHP MM were done dealer installed.

[Bradley G]

Again, My inclination, is to do it.
for the constructive reasons listed above.
sfsv hit it on the head for me, If a drunk driver or someone not paying attention ie. falls asleep at the wheel, I want all the protection I can get, from being injured.
Let's face it, Ford paid good money, to research and develop this kit for occupants saftey.
It's the least I can do, to take them up on thier offering.
Please draw your own conclusions, I will try to get some pics, so you can see for yourself.

75 mph crash testing to a stationary Panther? :eek:
I read the Impala and Charger will not provide adaquet (sorry I just woke up)
protection at this level.
Makes me feel fortunate, my family drives Panthers.

[LILALLEYKATT]

I remember the Pinto/ Bobcat recall as I was a L/M line tech.. If you would have told me that 30 years in the future the sheet of plastic between the gas tank and the differential would have not been factory installed I would not beleave you...How long this mod has taken to become scripsure amazes me....Just ask some CV burn victums...

[SergntMac]

If a drunk driver or someone not paying attention ie. falls asleep at the wheel, I want all the protection I can get, from being injured. Let's face it, Ford paid good money, to research and develop this kit for occupants saftey. It's the least I can do, to take them up on thier offering. Please draw your own conclusions, I will try to get some pics, so you can see for yourself.

75 mph crash testing to a stationary Panther? :eek:
I read the Impala and Charger will not provide adaquet (sorry I just woke up)
protection at this level. Makes me feel fortunate, my family drives Panthers.Good points my friend, but driving on any highway involves taking some risks and if those risks are too high for any one person, I say stop driving. Moreover, FMC is not a benevolent participant in public safety here.

The kit is worthy of the money, I am sure. But, what it represents in additional safety is the snake oil. Any collision so severe to rupture the fuel tank, is a devasting collision to begin with. FMC was forced to create it by a public crying for additional assurance that it won't happen to them, and public and commercial services had a gun at Ford's head to comply out of better business practice, rather than genuine safety.

Trust me, I am not being cavalier about this. From the first fuel tank ever built for an automobile, it's an issue to continue improving, yes. However, there's a limit to what can be assured against, and this mod crosses into that field. In the end (excuse my pun), you get as much assurance from injury or death as you will from painting your Marauder flourescent lime green.

IMHO...Carry on gents.

[MM2004]

The Panther platform is different that the flammable Pinto years ago.

Keep in mind, when the Pinto was smacked in the rear with enough force, the quarter panels folded over the doors, trapping the occupants from easy exit.

This, on top of the rear-end bolts piercing the gas tank and spilling fuel on top of sparks, was indeed a hazard.

When I see pics of a rear-ended Panther as the one attached below, I am not worrying about how safe the MM is.

I can only hope it doesn't happen to me.

Mike.

[Bradley G]

Agreed the Pinto/Bobcat platform is not as safe as the Panther.
My understanding, on the Pinto was the fuel fillerneck sheared off sending sparks into the direction of the fuel tank.
At low fuel level, this was the worst circumstances.

[Bradley G]

I'm not at all concerned how Ford was threatened by outside sources, to add additional protection to this platform.
I'm not going to stop driving, due to risk, I am going to best prepare my vehicle, in the event of catastrophe.
The post makes no sence? First you say "Worthy" then "Snake oil"
Sorry sir, It can not be both.
As far as Painting My Marauder Flourescent lime green,
You first!
Those bumper stripes you installed, will stand out nicely!


Good points my friend, but driving on any highway involves taking some risks and if those risks are too high for any one person, I say stop driving. Moreover, FMC is not a benevolent participant in public safety here.

The kit is worthy of the money, I am sure. But, what it represents in additional safety is the snake oil. Any collision so severe to rupture the fuel tank, is a devasting collision to begin with. FMC was forced to create it by a public crying for additional assurance that it won't happen to them, and public and commercial services had a gun at Ford's head to comply out of better business practice, rather than genuine safety.

Trust me, I am not being cavalier about this. From the first fuel tank ever built for an automobile, it's an issue to continue improving, yes. However, there's a limit to what can be assured against, and this mod crosses into that field. In the end (excuse my pun), you get as much assurance from injury or death as you will from painting your Marauder flourescent lime green.

IMHO...Carry on gents.

[Shora]

Is this (3W7Z-9B007-AA) the part number? I believe that RoyalPITA mentioned it in another thread. If anyone does a self install please post details on this site.

[Bradley G]

I will post the details/results.
Is this (3W7Z-9B007-AA) the part number? I believe that RoyalPITA mentioned it in another thread. If anyone does a self install please post details on this site.

[sfsv]

As promised here is the part number for the fuel tank and axle shield for the MM. 3W7Z-9B007-AA
Your local Ford/Lincoln Mercury dealer should charge you 1.0 hr labor to install the kit, Ford warranty actually pays them less to install on a CVPI.

[RCSignals]

I remember the Pinto/ Bobcat recall as I was a L/M line tech.. If you would have told me that 30 years in the future the sheet of plastic between the gas tank and the differential would have not been factory installed I would not beleave you...How long this mod has taken to become scripsure amazes me....Just ask some CV burn victums...

,,,,,,,and they are easy to find, because there are so few of them. A tragedy when it happens, but it can happen in any vehicle, and most other vehicles at much lower seed impact than it can happen in a Panther platform vehicle.


Check out some State and county vehicle yards for rear ended CVs. There are many more with the rear pushed into the rear seat, and NO FIRE, than you'd think. Because it isn't a problem! You never hear about those, or the people who get out relatively uninjured, because it isn't newsworthy, and lawyers and insurance companies can't make money from them.

What you install on your car is up to you, but this isn't doom and gloom here. If anyone is that worried about their CV or MM etc, sell it. Sell it now, and buy a Honda.
(Check out how often Honda's catch fire after city speed limit crashes, you may be surprised and wonder why no one mentioned anything)

[ctrlraven]

This is one mod I think I will def. be doing. The way I came into getting my MM was because a drunk driver rearended me on the highway going atleast 100mph while I was going about 62 and totaled my car, put me out for 2 months and 11 months later I still hurt every day.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/th_16.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/16.jpg)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/th_11.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/11.jpg)

[SergntMac]

I'm not at all concerned how Ford was threatened by outside sources, to add additional protection to this platform.
I'm not going to stop driving, due to risk, I am going to best prepare my vehicle, in the event of catastrophe.
The post makes no sence? First you say "Worthy" then "Snake oil"
Sorry sir, It can not be both.
As far as Painting My Marauder Flourescent lime green,
You first!
Those bumper stripes you installed, will stand out nicely!My post makes perfect sense, Bradley, you are not paying attention.

There is a difference between discussing the quality of parts, and the emotional comfort folks are encouraged to buy them for. The mod is an assembly of good parts, and the comfort they deliver is the snake oil.

There are hardened metal parts inside the tank that make up the fuel pump, and there is 12v electricity flowing into the tank to operate the pump as well. What about the internals acting as secondary missles and puncturing the tank from the inside out? What about the spark of a shorted wire?

Thus, the truth is, get hit hard enough, and the fuel tank may rupture anyway, and as we all should know, fumes are more dangerous than fuel. Therefore, the mod offers no actual additional protection from fire/explosion.

Install your reassurance and relax behind the wheel, you have done a good job in protecting your family. I'm sorry, but I don't subscribe to the "if it's good enough for a limo, it's great for me" school of reasoning, expecially on this mod. If the truly concerned owner were truly concerned, install a fuel cell/Halon based system, like the big boys in professional racing have, and dress everyone in fire suits.

Yep, my ruby red reflective 3M pinstriping is a whole lot more proactive in saftey and collision prevention than a fuel tank blankie, thank you. Being seen at night while poking my nose or tail out of a dark driveway makes more sense to me, think about prevention from that point of view?

[RR|Suki]

This is one mod I think I will def. be doing. The way I came into getting my MM was because a drunk driver rearended me on the highway going atleast 100mph while I was going about 62 and totaled my car, put me out for 2 months and 11 months later I still hurt every day.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/th_16.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/16.jpg)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/th_11.jpg (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/11.jpg)

umm just so you know this mod won't help what happened to you... unless your car cauht on fire, and it's not visible in the pics. This mod is supposed to prevent fire, and injury from moving parts to rear passengers it seems. I'm sorry but the marauder seems to be built in such a way as to allow the back end to crumple up and take the hit... I'm not sure what this extra stuff would do... I don't think there is a case of one catching fire, and I sure hope people aren't trying to make the back stronger... I'd rather the force be absorbed and displaed rather than transmited to me... color me confused :confused:

[SergntMac]

BTW, ten of the dozen law suits against FMC on this topic have been discharged by the court. 3 seperate NHTSB investigations concluded in favor of Fprd as well. The blankie and kit was forced upon Ford in order to restablish it's market in public service and commercial vehicle sales. What a bunch of brain-washing...IMHO.

[Breadfan]

I have a solution. Mac - do not buy one, as you do not want one.

Everyone who wants one - go buy one.

Done.

[SergntMac]

I have a solution. Mac - do not buy one, as you do not want one.

Everyone who wants one - go buy one.

Done.You're absolutely right my friend, hit the nail on the head, you did. Let's all stop talking about it.

Let's all stop talking about anything...Everything.

Great solution...

[Loco1234]

Someone pass the popcorn......:beer:

[Power Surge]

I have this on my Interceptor. It's a "U" shaped rubber block that shares the bottom portion of the rear end cover (to stop the tank from hitting the bolts) and big plastic shields that go over each end of the rear end housing where the suspension mounts stick out. The gas tank on these cars sits vertically between the trunk and the rear end. In a big rear end hit, the tank would get crushed into the rear end, and the fix parts are to eliminate the chance of spark.

I can't say if you should do it or not, but I definitely feel safer in the fact that my car has it.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

A few years back in a trade industry magazine there was an article on the government findings concerning the CVPI gas tanks.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/ /><o:p></o:p></FONT></P><P><FONT color=black>The government found that there was no design flaw concerning the Panther vehicles and that the source of the </o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Apparently in a high speed rear end collision some of the police gear being stored in the trunk was what was actually puncturing the gas tanks.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
From what I recall it was a long study and what led the investigators to this conclusion was that Fire Department CV's did not have their gas tank rupture, civilian CV's weren't having their tanks rupture, FBI and unmarked commander CV's weren't having their tanks rupture either.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I'm not sure of the specifics but I want to say it was the Police Unions that started to threaten that they would instruct their members to refuse to drive a CV unless something was done which leads us to this "fix".<o:p></o:p>

If you feel that your MM is so unsafe that you need this "fix" I would suggest that you look into fuel cells instead. I myself am confident that my MM is at the top of the list of the safest vehicles out there.

[Breadfan]

You're absolutely right my friend, hit the nail on the head, you did. Let's all stop talking about it.

Let's all stop talking about anything...Everything.

Great solution...

Let's be real, I'm not suggesting that, and that should be clear.

This particular subject has been brought up so many times and so many pages and made no headway. It all reverts back to the Panther platform rear-collision safety and the products from Ford that [may] help prevent it. This isn't the first kit of this brought up here - you know that.

My point is this - these types of devices have been discussed in great detail. It's to the point that we're not making much more headway into new undiscussed factual info, but starting to point fingers and make hits at each other.

The facts exist, so do the opinions, I'm just saying if people aren't going to reach a unanimous decision about this products (or others like it) then perhaps there's a time when you make your own choice and buy it or don't buy it.

Use the search, this isn't the first time this has been brought up and it always goes in the same direction.

There are people in this thread who have both made valid points - don't let me take that away from anyone. But thoe valid points are on different sides of the field, and aren't going to come together. So in that case when do we reach opinion equlibrium and decide it's time to makes one's choices based on the facts presented and the differing viewpoints to choose from?

Don't take my previous post as much more than a bit of sarcasm, but you know some of the discussions in this thread were starting to go downhill. I just decided to add a slip-and-slide. WOOOOOOOO! :D:beer:

[RCSignals]

If anyone is really worried about this, don't waste money on this kit, buy a Bladder lined tank. (same idea as used in race cars, except it would be a stock tank lined)
The company that does this is in Bend, Oregon.

[Bradley G]

I don't feel the Panther is unsafe.
I'm not going to take the tank out, to put a liner in it.
I don't care how many times it was discussed.
I don't care if you get your undies in a bunch over it.
Butter, with that corn??:P

[sfsv]

Ford makes a cost effective mod that makes our cars safer, and people debate on doing it. Some of them have even caught fire, these were older than four years old, pre-mod. I have seen alot of LEO CVPI that have been rear ended, by careless drivers. I believe in doing everything possible in making my vehicles safer, including taking advance driver training and autocrossing to improve my driving skills. Did you know that driving with your headlights decreases your chances of an accident by 22%. Currently, I am working on a rear fog light to increase my car visibilty to other drivers in adverse conditions. If you don't know what a rear fog light is, it is those bright red (5-10 times brighter than a brake light) that you see on some Euro cars (MB, Volvos, Jags, and Saabs). The use of a rear fog light greatly reduces the chance getting rear ended in the rain or fog. I would let you folks know how it comes out.

[GreekGod]

I was told there are Kevlar trunk liners that are added to police Crown Vics.

[GreekGod]

No fire this time!

[jgc61sr2002]

Rear fog lights a good investment.

My son has them on his Land Rover.

[LILALLEYKATT]

I was on the autobahn on ramp and the fog was so thick that I was literally hesitant to proceed. I really needed to be 100 miles away in a short amount of time so i wouldnt be AWOL. Then a Benz came by me and I tucked in behind him. Thank god for the single rear fog lite or I would not be able to see him if he got over 20-30 ft ahead of me. He averaged 140-150 k.p.h. and comrad schooled me real quick....

[SergntMac]

Did you know that driving with your headlights decreases your chances of an accident by 22%. Currently, I am working on a rear fog light to increase my car visibilty to other drivers in adverse conditions. If you don't know what a rear fog light is, it is those bright red (5-10 times brighter than a brake light) that you see on some Euro cars (MB, Volvos, Jags, and Saabs). The use of a rear fog light greatly reduces the chance getting rear ended in the rain or fog. I would let you folks know how it comes out.Yes, I know this, it's why I drive with my lights on full time.

BTW, this would have been a great thread all by it's self. Ssorry you didn't take that path.

[SergntMac]

Don't take my previous post as much more than a bit of sarcasm, but you know some of the discussions in this thread were starting to go downhill. I just decided to add a slip-and-slide. WOOOOOOOO! :D:beer:Indeed. Consider this.

The opening post is brief, but there are four questions presented to us, one of them asked twice. Clearly, this is an invitation to post an opinion/point of view on the topic, and I toss my hat into the ring. If I musunderstood this, everyone here earns my apology.

Now come opposing opinions and points of view in variety, but I am the one who's get the lip first. Just my opinion. Why is that? Why am I the one who should buy it or not, and we're "done"? In effect, you told me to shut up, but you tell no one else. Why me?

Policemen carry batons, peacekeepers carry an olive branch. The difference in the stick, is where it's held. We know how a policeman hold his baton, but did you know that the peacekeeper holds his stick in the center, with ends extended to the opponents?

It's of no importance to me, no big deal now. We're good, my friend. But, the next time you want to be a peacekeeper, don't act like a policeman. It confuses me.

[magindat]

Ford makes a cost effective mod that makes our cars safer, and people debate on doing it. Some of them have even caught fire, these were older than four years old, pre-mod. I have seen alot of LEO CVPI that have been rear ended, by careless drivers. I believe in doing everything possible in making my vehicles safer, including taking advance driver training and autocrossing to improve my driving skills. Did you know that driving with your headlights decreases your chances of an accident by 22%. Currently, I am working on a rear fog light to increase my car visibilty to other drivers in adverse conditions. If you don't know what a rear fog light is, it is those bright red (5-10 times brighter than a brake light) that you see on some Euro cars (MB, Volvos, Jags, and Saabs). The use of a rear fog light greatly reduces the chance getting rear ended in the rain or fog. I would let you folks know how it comes out.

The bottom portion of our rear light housings are not used. They are cast in the same molds as CVPI and GM which use the lower portion for turn signals. There are flat knockouts that can be drilled. Harnesses available at any APS for 1157 or 3157. Harness/socket with both filaments wired hot when fog lights are on should do the trick. For overkill, do 2 sockets (one in each knockout).
If it were me, I'd also vent the housing with one hole up high and one hole down low, cuz such a setup will run HOT.

I been thinking about doing something with the unused part of the taillights and yours is a great idea.

[Bradley G]

Well, the Kit went on today.
The only part I did not have done, was the Heavy duty rivets, that require drilling three small holes, that go into the trunk.
Also not installed; two small foam squares,
that go on the tray containing the fuel evap. component.
Sorry for the "No pics" but when I was asked , "Do you want us to put it on?"
I was obliged to say, "Sure!":P
And of course I did not think to bring the camera.
The Kit is so basic, If you know which end of the screwdriver
to hold, your good to go.
Took a rookie tech, no more than ten minutes.
May take another ten or fifteen minutes, to complete the two things not installed.

On the way home, I came across a traffic accident, 3 squads 2 fire trucks, wreckage apparently just removed, the strong odor of gasoline was in the air.
Took this as a sign, this is not a worthless mod.
I agree with Magindat & Mac, please post a thread with "rear foglamp" as a topic.
PM me, if you want a copy of the Instructions, or more info.

[Shora]

Opps ment to be a PM.

My wrong.

[natd767]

http://352.one85.com/upgrade.htm

[jim geary]

Just out of curiosity might our insurance premium decrease with this add on?

[vegasmarauder]

I installed these kits (and had them installed by dealers) on all the MM's (3) and CV's (4) we own and owned ever since the kits were offered. If you do if yourself, it's pretty simple if you are handy with hand tools. If the dealer does it, it's not that expensive.

I look at it as a cheap insurance payment. $120.00 for the chance not to get burned in that 1 in a million rear end collision by some idiot doing 80+ MPH (and out here they are out there).

What has sold me on the safety of this car is that a CVPI was involved in a head-on collision when hit by a Pontiac GTO doing 112 MPH just prior to impact. The combined speed of the vehicles at time of impact was estimated to me no less than 85 MPH and as high as 110 MPH. The occupant of GTO was killed instantly. The CV occupant, while critically injured, will make a full recovery. I know this because he is a friend of mine.

The A-pillar was bent straight. Tho toe board was bent upwards, and the engine and trans had slid down under the floor. The front wheels were even with the fronts of the doors. After all that the right side doors still opened easily. After I saw that, I will keep my MM for a long time...

[Bradley G]

That is the approach I took as well.^^Thanks for the photos in this thread.

[MarauderMark]

I can't belive this is the 1st time i saw this thread.I like this too.