New Marauder - Bringing it back from the dead

[omaharacer]

This is my first Marauder, second modular engine. First being my 2006 Mustang GT.
2003 - 300A #3,466 w/ 77k miles
Picked it up at an insurance auction. It looks like the previous owners hit a deer, broke the hood which flew up and smashed the windshield and then bent over and dented the roof. There was still hair in the front end when I was taking all the broken parts out.
I have it torn apart right now waiting for parts to come in. I'll take donations for repairs. :D It has a salvaged title - but that shouldn't matter too much since I won't be selling it. Still runs great for the couple minutes I needed to move it on the car dolly and into the garage.
I've only seen one other Marauder in Omaha, and that was a few years ago. This one was last registered in Butte, Nebraska.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs562.ash2/148487_452172969260_506584260_ 5608354_3823928_n.jpghttp://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs947.snc4/74092_452771819260_506584260_5 617171_683304_n.jpghttp://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1156.snc4/149809_457355604260_506584260_ 5675637_1904407_n.jpg

[jstevens]

Wow, good luck. You must be mechanically inclined.

[TFB]

The PO must have hit that deer at high rate of speed... Actually a easy fix, just bolt on stuff except for the top repair...

Congrats on the new project...

[guspech750]

Wow. What a mess. Im glad to see a MM being rescued. Post pics as you go please. Would love to see the transformation.

[LANDY]

Not too bad of a fix . Enjoy

[ImpalaSlayer]

bad ass dude. thanks for saving it! how bad is the bumper? saveable?

[omaharacer]

Bumper paint is cracked basically everywhere - only two small "wounds" that need to be fixed - but still easily usable. I only took it off because it kept getting in the way.
I really want to replace the roof panel, but it is a lot of work to do it - I may end up pounding out what I can and just use filler for what is left.

[Joe Walsh]

Congrats...Good deal!

I'm glad that you saved it from the crusher.

Looking forward to seeing it back up and running with fresh front end parts.

Keep everyone updated with ongoing pictures of your 'restoration' project.

[SpartaPerformance]

Awesome! Can't let repairable wrecks of these cars go to waste. Please post progress pics and have fun with her when you're done!!

[TAKEDOWN]

It's nice to see a comeback, good luck with the repairs, may the God of Speed be on your side and keep us updated on your "It's aLivE" project!

[MOTOWN]

wow, your off to a great start!, good luck with your repairs.

[DOOM]

Git er done!!! :up:

[CooLManZilla]

Another Zombie
I dub thee Deerrauder
Good luck withthe resto
keep us updated

[RoyLPita]

Keep us posted on any progress. :up:

BTW, look in my gallery and you'll see what my MM looked like before I got it.

[LIGHTNIN1]

I wish you luck with the project. I am glad you are saving it . Keep us posted.

[omaharacer]

Got a bunch of parts in the mail today. - Fender liner, both headlights, side marker, header panel, radiator support, radiator, grill, a/c condenser, hood lifts.
Still waiting on - transmission cooler, hood, fender, bumper support "crash" plastic, foglights, radiator brackets, power steering reservoir, radiator fan, battery tray, top radiator cover plastic "sight shield", JLT intake, and rear spoiler to get in.
Still need to buy - front airbag sensor, windshield, under hood light, battery, and hood bump-stops, windshield wiper blades.
Probably a few things I'm missing from this list - but it covers most of it.

[babbage]

Wow, just curious what the tab is on spare parts so far? Good luck with rebuild.

[Egon Spengler]

Are you done yet?:D

Please take pics of the project as it happens. Am interested in seeing the re-birth!

[ImpalaSlayer]

your stuff went out WED night, you should have it monday id guess

[88LTDCV351]

myself I always agreed with the saying "restore 'em, don't crush 'em"

[omaharacer]

Rebuild cost right now is about $2k in parts. I'm a little over $6k overall w/ car and there isn't much more to buy. So maybe $7k total invested after everything is put back together and looking like new.

Primering radiator support:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1163.snc4/150579_460794014260_506584260_ 5718233_174321_n.jpg

Radiator support test-fit
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs928.snc4/74147_460794574260_506584260_5 718237_3537603_n.jpg

Front end - test fit:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs970.snc4/76331_460914229260_506584260_5 719850_1297667_n.jpg

I need more parts to really get going on this. Stupid fender slowing me down. :(

[jabird56]

GREAT to see you bring a MM back from the dead.

I use to live down by Offutt AFB, moved back to the "Right Coast" just over 2 years ago.

There use to be a Black MM roaming around over in the Millard area.

[omaharacer]

GREAT to see you bring a MM back from the dead.

I use to live down by Offutt AFB, moved back to the "Right Coast" just over 2 years ago.

There use to be a Black MM roaming around over in the Millard area.
It looks like that other person may have traded in their Marauder - http://www.archerperduesuzuki.com/used/Mercury/2003-Mercury-Marauder-401ba2170a0a0064007cc9c933ed41 63.htm

$12,961 w/ 77k miles

[CBT]

Way to go, man! :beer:

[guspech750]

Wow!! Thats soooo frign awesome. Cant wait to see more pics of the rebuild.

[omaharacer]

your stuff went out WED night, you should have it monday id guess
Got them today. Right on the money. Parts look great.

[omaharacer]

Fender and hood came in today. Only had time to mount part of the fender before heading off to work right now. Crash plastic is also installed. Should go a little faster... hopefully. :beer:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs607.ash2/155951_462957154260_506584260_ 5749720_7340591_n.jpg

[omaharacer]

Got a few more things done today. Fender actually mounted and aligned, splash shield installed, all accessories to mount to that area installed. Also got a new pair of fog lights.
Old vs. New.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1192.snc4/154417_463507114260_506584260_ 5756451_7233008_n.jpg

And a JLT Intake - :banana2:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs602.ash2/155450_463567754260_506584260_ 5757231_2649495_n.jpg

[a_d_a_m]

Nice work!

[DEFYANT]

Excellent rebirth thread!

[F8LBITEva]

awesome dude! good job.

[wickedmerc]

You're my hero bro! Your vision is inspiring. I saw that "before" picture and I couldn't imagine repairing that. Good luck!

[n00bkiller944]

I like it dude. Keep the pics coming!

[ImpalaSlayer]

nice! those old fogs were disgusting!

[MOTOWN]

lookin good bud!, keep the pics coming

[guspech750]

F-ing Awesome!!!!! More pics! More Pics!!!

[omaharacer]

Parts not being here is holding me up - no progress lately.

[dakslim]

Your'e doing a great job...midwesterners rock! I was born a few hours north of you in Sioux Falls.

[omaharacer]

Transmission/power steering cooler finally came in.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs617.ash2/156896_466157139260_506584260_ 5798681_4958437_n.jpg

Fan mounted
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs973.snc4/76639_466154009260_506584260_5 798653_364637_n.jpg

Test-fitting:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1141.snc4/148312_466154084260_506584260_ 5798654_6920100_n.jpg

Unfortunately I can't bolt anything down yet since I'm still waiting on the radiator mounts to get here. I also got a new oil pressure sending unit to replace the factory "ok, your getting some pressure" sensor.

[CBT]

Epic repair, you have my respect. Just a suggestion since you have shiny new parts, clean that motor now while you can get at it :beer:

[babbage]

Nice work. JLT looks nice and shiney.. Cap your oil fill on the head. you don't want dirt/sand/crap to get in there.

[SID210SA]

Epic repair, you have my respect. Just a suggestion since you have shiny new parts, clean that motor now while you can get at it :beer:

+1.....I would clean that engine while you have it all apart like that....much easier to get all the nooks and cranys.

[omaharacer]

Oil cap is still there, just the top half broken off. Nothing can get in it. Was trying to find a nice oil cap, but can only find ones w/ the new twist-lock style instead of a screw-in.

[CBT]

Oil cap is still there, just the top half broken off. Nothing can get in it. Was trying to find a nice oil cap, but can only find ones w/ the new twist-lock style instead of a screw-in.
I wouldn't doubt if someone here had one they are not using, if I did I'd donate it to your cause :beer:

[omaharacer]

I got tired of waiting for the radiator mounts to get here, so I started test-fitting w/ everything else. I also had to remove the mounts for the a/c condenser and lower it 1 inch, then re-attach the side mounts, otherwise it wouldn't clear the radiator support. Stupid aftermarket crap. The wiper motor was removed, area cleaned out - found the flap clogged with debris - no water damage to the wiper arm motor though. :cool:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1231.snc4/156371_467133149260_506584260_ 5810351_4111922_n.jpg

[MOTOWN]

i cant wait to see your resurrection complete!.....should look better than new

[rauder88]

It looks like that other person may have traded in their Marauder - http://www.archerperduesuzuki.com/used/Mercury/2003-Mercury-Marauder-401ba2170a0a0064007cc9c933ed41 63.htm

$12,961 w/ 77k miles

I bout that MM from them. Good luck with the project!

[omaharacer]

Was on a week vacation in Phoenix, so couldn't work on it. Thankfully parts got here while I was gone, so here are some updates:

Radiator mounts:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs953.snc4/74663_473182419260_506584260_5 903523_1394359_n.jpg
Upper radiator mounts - Driver side was FUBAR'd
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs618.ash2/157034_473182914260_506584260_ 5903530_7700575_n.jpg
Hammer and clamp fixed that:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1217.snc4/156985_473183334260_506584260_ 5903535_5397599_n.jpg
Finished attaching all the hoses, battery tray, coolant and power steering reservoirs, and the radiator finally being mounted.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs744.ash1/163652_473183924260_506584260_ 5903544_1896160_n.jpg

The new primered spoiler and grill/shield also were delivered while gone - Those may be the last pieces to go on since I need to get it painted. Bumper still needs work to fix a couple cracks in the lower grill and the whole thing will need to be sanded to get rid of all the cracked paint. Windshield and roof still need fixed too.

[CBT]

Epic repair, looks good so far :beer: Clean tha t:censor: engine, lol!
Do you plan to handle the paint, also?

[omaharacer]

I've never been good at painting, so that may end up going to someone local.

[MOTOWN]

your realy going to appreciate your time ,and effort once the beast is alive again!

[Blackened300a]

Can't believe I missed this thread. Great job on the repair! Looking forward to the finished result.

[CNGInterceptor]

Awesome rebuild thread!

[omaharacer]

Long, Long, Long time coming....
Progress photos:
Front/Rear windshields removed to fix the roof
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229173_10150180830614261_50658 4260_7083658_3940175_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225041_10150180831039261_50658 4260_7083659_2270650_n.jpg
Roof Removed:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228732_10150185803734261_50658 4260_7130024_6725296_n.jpg
Bumper cracks fixed - replaced cheap Taiwan hood w/ OEM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299159_10150282574569261_50658 4260_8008135_4941946_n.jpg
All painted, just about done:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298872_10150306309124261_50658 4260_8160339_532489150_n.jpg
Spoiler installed:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312281_10150308360939261_50658 4260_8170431_386299459_n.jpg

[dohc324ci]

Awesome job!

[omaharacer]

The ONLY problem i'm having now, is that the HVAC blower will not come on. I've already checked/replaced the blower control module w/ a new one from Ford to no improvement. The fan works if I run wires from the terminal directly to the battery. No problem codes on the EATC. At speed I can barely feel air coming through the vents - Each setting works fine for floor/defrost/etc. All fuses are good, swapped the larger black fuse/switches around. Nothing seems to get it to work. Anyone have ideas on it? I'm thinking POSSIBLY a loose connection on the pigtail to the blower control module. I checked continuity to ground on all but the power lead, which didn't read anything on the output of the pigtail. Need some suggestions to fix the HVAC blower, which is the only thing keeping me from using the Marauder as a permanent daily driver.

[Mr. Man]

Looks like a good job. Congratulations on all your hard work. Omaha to Hershey isn't to far how 'bout bringing it to MV9?;)

[justbob]

Edit. I see you already replaced the BCM. Car looks great man.

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk

[MOTOWN]

I see all of your hard work has paid off big time congrats!

[boatmangc]

Wow, looks great!
Kudos on saving one rather than parting it out.

[Ozark Marauder]

Resurrection, The act of rising from the dead or returning to life<wbr>............

Job well done.....Congratulations on all your hard work, enjoy your DD...:2thumbs:

[InfernoHeat2005]

Great job, its looks brand spanking new.

[Bigdogjim]

Nice project! Great work, looks like your plan came together well.

Search for a thread on painting the rear tail lights. It will add to the wow factor!

[DEFYANT]

Sweet rebuild, congrats!!

[DOOM]

IMPRESSIVE!!! :2thumbs:

[tbone]

I missed this thread. Awesome job on the car. :bows:Good luck on the blower.

[slickster]

You sir are worthy. Ahhhh the look of new head lights

[PonyUP]

I missed this thread as well, great ressurection, you have ended up with a real prized thanks to you hard work. Great job, it definitely looks brand new

[TAKEDOWN]

It's nice to see a comeback, good luck with the repairs, may the God of Speed be on your side and keep us updated on your "It's aLivE" project!

I see the God of Speed was on your side, your car looks aWeSoMe! Long live our MARAUDERs!!! :burnout:

[tbone]

May I ask what the materials/paint job set you back and how many hours it took you? Was it all worth the effort in the end vs buying one in nice shape?

[guspech750]

Your MM looks beautiful!! Thanks for posting all the pics of your progress!!


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[MMBLUE]

Great job! I was wondering what was the outcome on this one. Looks like a brand new second hand car.

[omaharacer]

May I ask what the materials/paint job set you back and how many hours it took you? Was it all worth the effort in the end vs buying one in nice shape?

I probably saved a couple grand over buying one from a dealership in the same condition this one is in now... however.... The time and labor involved (all mine thankfully) would have put it several grand over retail if someone else did the work. Not really a project I'd be willing to do again. It wouldn't have been nearly as bad if the roof wouldn't have been crushed in.

[omaharacer]

I got the HVAC fan working... finally. Several hours of troubleshooting led to the signal wire for the blower relay not getting any power through it. Traced the wire a few feet at a time across the front of the car until I found this.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297526_10150329909049261_50658 4260_8297349_863444208_n.jpg

This was very close to the center of impact from the deer. Must have hit it just right to rub against the metal frame and cut the really thin wire.
---Now I just have high speed, nothing low. Oh well, at least it is working again.

[drewb457]

did you check the blower motor resistor?

[Shaijack]

great job, congratulations on the re birth.

[omaharacer]

Quick note on fan - Yes it was the blower control module. When I was trying to troubleshoot the problem initially I replaced the factory module w/ a "new" one, which ended up being defective, replaced with another one and it works correctly now.

[Mike]

Holy crap........GREAT job of bringing it back from the dead. What a transformation :bows:

[ctrlraven]

I totally missed this thread.

Very awesome you brought the car back from the original pics!

[RoyLPita]

:congrats: on doing a great job. I'm glad to see another MM back to life and on the road.

[88LTDCV351]

Restore em, don't crush em I and Dennis Gage always says.

[Guittard22]

wow how did the Deer look after that hit....

[KrTu83]

I'm just seeing this, but great work, man. Absolutely beautiful!

[omaharacer]

Thought I should put up a picture w/ the other "daily driver". :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374031_10150378931249261_50658 4260_8560025_1419872778_n.jpg

[Roadwarrior]

I missed the thread from the beginning of the original posting, but from what it looked like before, great job on restoring your Marauder (should have a nickname "The Deer Slayer") & enjoy driving it omaharacer.

[babbage]

Thought I should put up a picture w/ the other "daily driver". :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374031_10150378931249261_50658 4260_8560025_1419872778_n.jpg

Fantastic job on the restore. Which one is faster? ;)

[71cyclone]

RESERECTION IS a GOOD THING. COMING BACK FROM THE GRAVE is AMAZING.
WHEN the Project is completed it will be FANTASTIC. KEEP US FOLLOWERS POSTED .!

[D-Town 4V]

Really nice job!! Wanna trade for a cobra lol?!

[TAKEDOWN]

I see the God of Speed was on your side... She looks g00d!

[71cyclone]

We cant wait to hear it RUMBBBLE !!! DITTO on GET ER DONE

[CBT]

Full of win, looks great! :beer:

[rayjay]

I just saw this tread also, fantastic rebuild job for someone who does not do this everyday for a living! I have seen vehicles that took out a deer square in the front and that is pretty much what it looks like or worse even. With the number of giant horned forest rats around here, driving my MM at night worries the heck out of me. I've already taken one out in 2008. Figure if it happens again the insurance co will tell me to go pound salt due to parts availability. :(