Get her back or let her go?

[LilCop2002]

Folks,

I've been out of the MM.Net loop for a while now because I traded my Christine in for an Expedition so I could pull my ATVs on a trailer. Since the day I traded her in, I've been bitching about missing her. Just 2 weeks ago, I told the wife that I wanted the car back and all of a sudden, I get a certified letter stating that the car had been ordered towed by LEOs in South Carolina and that she had been considered abandoned by the State of SC. I called the tow shop and they stated that I am still considered the legal owner and that for the cost of storage fees, they would let me have her back free and clear. This is where I need your help...

See the attached pictures and help me make a determination on what to do. Keep in mind that the trip to get her is 390 miles one way and the storage fees are $3000...

Before I let her go...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/DSC00075.jpg






Pictures I received today...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine1.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine2.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine3.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine4.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine5.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine6.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine7.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine8.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine9.jpg

[LilCop2002]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine10.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine11.jpg

[RacerX]

Wow! Worst case scenario is you part it out and make a hell of a lot more than 3k on it!!! Best scenario, frame is ok and you can fix her up and let her live!

I just looked at those pics again. Dude, is the rear end f'd??? The left rear tire looks pushed in and the right pushed out!!! :eek:

[Bluerauder]

See how much they think will cost to fix it .... if it is within your budget ... Do It. If you can fix some of it ... so much the better.

If you let it go without at least a little effort, you will kick yourself for years. At least get an estimate on the damage to put your mind at ease on whatever decision you make.

[LilCop2002]

Wow! Worst case scenario is you part it out and make a hell of a lot more than 3k on it!!! Best scenario, frame is ok and you can fix her up and let her live!



That's the same thing that SID210SA mentioned. I'm definitely going to call the shop back in the AM and have them give me an estimate. I'd love to sell my GTP and get Christine back, but I don't know if I could stomach parting her.

BTW, I have the title in hand and an extra PATS key for her...

[FordNut]

Go get it! It's fixable, but worth well over 3k if you just part it out.

[kariamack]

I would go get it and fix it or part it out .. i would buy the whole car if the price is rite ..but if you part it out i would like the empty shell of the car for a good price

[RacerX]

As far as parting her out. I would rather have a loved one live on in others by parts being used in others... That thought of Christine living on may help... As well as the... DIBS ON THE FLOORMATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[LilCop2002]

See how much they think will cost to fix it .... if it is within your budget ... Do It. If you can fix some of it ... so much the better.

If you let it go without at least a little effort, you will kick yourself for years. At least get an estimate on the damage to put your mind at ease on whatever decision you make.


I'm not dumb around a car, so as long as the car isn't completely FUBAR'd and in need of major body and mechanical experience/knowledge, I should be able to do most of the labor in my garage... especially if I can get the parts on MM.Net.


BTW, I've got the go ahead from the wife to make it a long term project...

[LilCop2002]

I would go get it and fix it or part it out .. i would buy the whole car if the price is rite ..but if you part it out i would like the empty shell of the car for a good price

I'll keep you posted...


As far as parting her out. I would rather have a loved one live on in others by parts being used in others... That thought of Christine living on may help... As well as the... DIBS ON THE FLOORMATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

The thought of her living on in others helped me get rid of the additional parts lying around prior to today, but SID210SA already called dibs on the floormats. :P



Go get it! It's fixable, but worth well over 3k if you just part it out.

Know anyone in Knoxville that would be able to do that kind of work/have those kinds of parts for cheap? I have a house in East Knoxville.

[FordNut]

Know anyone in Knoxville that would be able to do that kind of work/have those kinds of parts for cheap? I have a house in East Knoxville.

I have an excellent body guy but he's expensive. I have a pair of doors I'll make you a good deal on. Looks like you'll need a fender and hood, ought to be able to find those in a junkyard. It would be nice to find black ones. Hopefully the suspension is ok, looks like it took a glancing blow, like a sideswipe instead of a direct impact. Got a key?

[LilCop2002]

I have an excellent body guy but he's expensive. I have a pair of doors I'll make you a good deal on. Looks like you'll need a fender and hood, ought to be able to find those in a junkyard. It would be nice to find black ones. Hopefully the suspension is ok, looks like it took a glancing blow, like a sideswipe instead of a direct impact. Got a key?


I can't do the expensive body guy as the wife would kill me. :argue:

I would, however, like to know more of what you think the parts I would need including the doors would cost me. PM me please?

BTW, I do have a valid PATS key in my garage. It is still in the Viper alarm/remote start kit.

Julian

[Mr. Man]

I'm not dumb around a car, so as long as the car isn't completely FUBAR'd and in need of major body and mechanical experience/knowledge, I should be able to do most of the labor in my garage... especially if I can get the parts on MM.Net.


BTW, I've got the go ahead from the wife to make it a long term project...
It seems to me you already answered your question with this statement.:)

[TFB]

If you think you want it, try to make a deal on storage fees... Never know may get something off, especially if they figure they won't get their fees when it's auctioned...

[LilCop2002]

It seems to me you already answered your question with this statement.:)



I think I answered it, but I still need to know if I am getting in over my head.

As you guys are looking at the pics, throw some ideas out as far as what we think I am going to need. Your eyes are better than mine...

[FordNut]

I can't do the expensive body guy as the wife would kill me. :argue:

I would, however, like to know more of what you think the parts I would need including the doors would cost me. PM me please?

BTW, I do have a valid PATS key in my garage. It is still in the Viper alarm/remote start kit.

Julian

Having the PATS key is great news.

If you can do the bolt-on work yourself, install the doors, find a black fender & hood from a junkyard or internet (shipping charges kill you though), install the fender & hood, make necessary mechanical repairs, and drive it. When you get around to it, pull the bumper cover and have it painted, it's easy to remove & reinstall. Looks like a side marker light is broken.

[LilCop2002]

Having the PATS key is great news.

If you can do the bolt-on work yourself, install the doors, find a black fender & hood from a junkyard or internet (shipping charges kill you though), install the fender & hood, make necessary mechanical repairs, and drive it. When you get around to it, pull the bumper cover and have it painted, it's easy to remove & reinstall. Looks like a side marker light is broken.


Yup! I can do all of the work on my own with the exception of swapping glass, side curtain air bag (if needed), and any frame work. Everything else is just finding the parts I need to get her going and having time to install them. She doesn't need to be pretty tomorrow.

[RacerX]

I just looked at those pics again. Dude, is the rear end f'd??? The left rear tire looks pushed in and the right pushed out!!! :eek:
I know I'm quoting my earlier post, but, I edited it and some may not have seen it. The wheels do not look right in the rear. You would still make out parting her, but, someone else needs to chime in about the rear end. It just doesn't look right...

[Mr. Man]

I think I answered it, but I still need to know if I am getting in over my head.

As you guys are looking at the pics, throw some ideas out as far as what we think I am going to need. Your eyes are better than mine...

You said your handy with tools. From what I can see most of the repairs are bolt off bolt on. I'm sure replacing the rear side glass will be a PITA but if you don't need the car for a DD who cares if it takes a while. If you run into trouble there are a lot of members in the Florida/Alabama area who seem to get together a lot and I'm sure they might be willing to give you a hand. Might need to feed them and have plenty of beer on hand.

[FordNut]

Doors still have glass in them. Side impact airbag is part of the seat, doesn't look like it is deployed. Glancing blow probably didn't hurt the frame, possible front suspension damage but the wheel looks pretty straight so maybe that's ok too.

It shouldn't be terribly difficult to find a black hood & fender from a '03 and up CV/GM. I actually have a hood but didn't plan to get rid of it.

[LilCop2002]

I know I'm quoting my earlier post, but, I edited it and some may not have seen it. The wheels do not look right in the rear. You would still make out parting her, but, someone else needs to chime in about the rear end. It just doesn't look right...

That's part of the reason I wanted to post the pictures. I caught that this afternoon as did SID210SA. I'm just trying to get a list going with MM.Net's eyes so I can make an informed decision when I get my quote back...


You said your handy with tools. From what I can see most of the repairs are bolt off bolt on. I'm sure replacing the rear side glass will be a PITA but if you don't need the car for a DD who cares if it takes a while. If you run into trouble there are a lot of members in the Florida/Alabama area who seem to get together a lot and I'm sure they might be willing to give you a hand. Might need to feed them and have plenty of beer on hand.

I've got my Expedition and the wife's car to drive DD if I don't get rid of the GTP before Christine is done.

Come to think of it, it may be cheaper for me to get the body shop to fix it than to feed/drink some of these folks. I've seen what the Alamo Area Crew are capable of! :D

[RacerX]

I have a hood with measles (needs a PJ). Free if you pay shipping! Brian!!! Did you look at the rear wheels?

[guspech750]

Id be most concerned about that rear axle. That thing looks really pushed over. I hope you fix it and save it from the scrap pile. Good luck.

[SID210SA]

You know what I think already....you just have to convince yourself....I think it would be a fun project if you do it....and I will even take a week vacation to come help you out!! All I need are coordinates.

[FordNut]

If the rear end is pushed over, it's most likely the watts link.

[LilCop2002]

Damn! It sounds like I can get most of my items from the folks in this thread at a decent price! After I call them in the AM, I will definitely let you all know what the status is on all this.

Mike, I am moving this weekend and I'd have a fully furnished bedroom and kitchen for you.

[F8LBITEva]

offer them $2k and go get it!!!

[SID210SA]

If the rear end is pushed over, it's most likely the watts link.


Thats what I am thinking....

[Motorhead350]

Nice avatar TFB, watched that movie again last night.

Back on topic. Why would you ever wanna part with your Marauder? Even after an accident? Get it back!!! Now!!!

[FordNut]

If you're still the owner of record, you can file for a lost title. The beauty of that is it won't have a salvage title.

[LilCop2002]

As of now, I'm thinking I need the following parts. Please post up if you see or think something else...

Hood
Bumper Cover
Fender
Light assembly
Front wheel
Front suspension parts (Control arms)
Doors (one with glass)
Watts linkage


Also, what is the cable in front of the front wheel?

[SID210SA]

I have and extra ziptube and air box that I will let you have if yours is damaged from the suspension travel. It prolly isnt but I have it if you need it....oh wait a minute...you had a aftermarket filter on there didnt you?

[SID210SA]

I think that tube is from the air suspension.

[LilCop2002]

Hmmmm. Let's see.

[SID210SA]

Dont think you are gonna need a bumper cover.....but I cant really tell...hoping for the best....

[LilCop2002]

I have and extra ziptube and air box that I will let you have if yours is damaged from the suspension travel. It prolly isnt but I have it if you need it....oh wait a minute...you had a aftermarket filter on there didnt you?


You are correct, Sir. You snagged me a deal on a JLT and installed it for me last time I was in SA. If it is crashed up, I think I still have the factory one in my garage.

[LOWBUCKMM]

As it looks to me the hardest part is the rear end issue. Besides that the front "expensive" bumper looks to be just a pant job. And you get a 2nd chance to keep the car you wish you never traded in. Man do I wish I had that chance with my 04 ranger I had. Go get it and fix it up keep it alive.

[J D]

As of now, I'm thinking I need the following parts. Please post up if you see or think something else...

Hood
Bumper Cover
Fender
Light assembly
Front wheel
Front suspension parts (Control arms)
Doors (one with glass)
Watts linkage


Also, what is the cable in front of the front wheel?

Forgot about the radio . . . yeah looks like someone stole the radio.

On the upside, you might want to consider the Ford Escape radio with cd changer in the dash.

[LilCop2002]

Forgot about the radio . . . yeah looks like someone stole the radio.

On the upside, you might want to consider the Ford Escape radio with cd changer in the dash.


Good catch! I was so caught up in the not so obvious that I forgot the obvious!

Hood
Bumper Cover
Fender
Light assembly
Front wheel
Front suspension parts (Control arms)
Doors (one with glass)
Watts linkage
Radio (Hell, I still have her HU faceplate adaptor, the HU, and her Exile Amplifier in the garage...)

[MOTOWN]

get it ,and fix it!, if your not happy after sell it and make a lot more than 3k!

[Mr. Man]

Watt's link is easy to replace and you might consider the rear control arms while your at it. Get in touch with Tommy at Sparta Performance he'll set you up.

[CBT]

Buy, fix, keep.

[RacerX]

If anyone is in my area and driving down to your area, I have a free Marauder hood. ONLY thing it needs is paint.

[Blackened300a]

Everything looks pretty much intact. You may need 2 new sway bars so good chance to upgrade. The shifted rear I agree would be a collapsed watts link and probably bent the control arms as well. You may also have to replace a brake line and maybe a air bag if it shifted over far enough. Other then that I think you'll be good to go without breaking the bank.

Go for it!

[Drewstang]

Do it man. If you don't someone else will....

[88LTDCV351]

"restore em, don't crush em"

[Kodimar]

Yeah, one way or another bring it back to life.

[btvollmuth]

I'm not dumb around a car, so as long as the car isn't completely FUBAR'd and in need of major body and mechanical experience/knowledge, I should be able to do most of the labor in my garage... especially if I can get the parts on MM.Net.


BTW, I've got the go ahead from the wife to make it a long term project...

Then bring it back... It'll sit there for however long it'll take, but it'll be there, like new, when you're done. You're only 27, you still have a lifetime left to enjoy this car, so take the opportunity while you have it.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I would fix her if I can. I wish I could have had that chance with a coulple of cars I had, like my Mark VIII and my Cougar XR7.

[illwood]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine11.jpg

By the way, holy cracked forged aluminum wheel batman. :eek:

[LilCop2002]

The body shop estimate isn't completed yet, but the owner said he'd let it go for $1500 and call the $3500 towing and storage fee good to go...

[SID210SA]

By the way, holy cracked forged aluminum wheel batman. :eek:

I dont see a crack....but in another pic the leading edge of the rim is fubar. looks like it got grinded down...

[Bluerauder]

I dont see a crack....but in another pic the leading edge of the rim is fubar. looks like it got grinded down...

Looks to me that one of the spokes has been completely snapped unless that's just a bad reflection.

[RoyLPita]

Fix it. I have the watts links. You can get the moldings and have the other parts (except the hood) sanded and repainted. The back corner window includes the run. Changing that over shouldn't take much. I believe the lower control arm is broken at the mount. I have steel ones that need new ball joints available.

[Spectragod]

Fix the front door, I have a glass for the rear IIRC, you can have it, check dealer price on that, as there is no aftermarket, they are 1k+, some suspension, a fender and hood.

I'll give you 3k for it.:D



http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine10.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/Christine11.jpg

[LOWBUCKMM]

If you get it and want to save some money ill give you my stock control arms for the price of shipping. Just let me know.

[LilCop2002]

If you get it and want to save some money ill give you my stock control arms for the price of shipping. Just let me know.
I would definitely want to do that!



Fix the front door, I have a glass for the rear IIRC, you can have it, check dealer price on that, as there is no aftermarket, they are 1k+, some suspension, a fender and hood.

I'll give you 3k for it.:D
Sorry, bubba, if I get her back, which it is looking like I will, I'm not gonna sell her. :P


What kind of prices am I looking at for the parts? Shipping would be to Wetumpka, AL, 36092

Hood
Bumper Cover
Fender
Light assembly
Front wheel
Front suspension parts (Control arms)
Doors (one with glass)
Watts linkage
Radio (Hell, I still have her HU faceplate adaptor, the HU, and her Exile Amplifier in the garage...)

[Drewstang]

Just buy the parts as you can. Don't worry about the large price upfront. Get the car home, assess the damage, and go from there.

[4drcbra]

Offer them half and see if they take it

[ShadyLurker]

Good luck with it if you do get her back. If the rear control arms are the same as the ones i took off my Grand Marquis you're welcome to have them just cover shipping.

[Spectragod]

I would definitely want to do that!



Sorry, bubba, if I get her back, which it is looking like I will, I'm not gonna sell her. :P


What kind of prices am I looking at for the parts? Shipping would be to Wetumpka, AL, 36092

Hood
Bumper Cover
Fender
Light assembly
Front wheel
Front suspension parts (Control arms)
Doors (one with glass)
Watts linkage
Radio (Hell, I still have her HU faceplate adaptor, the HU, and her Exile Amplifier in the garage...)

Uhh, I was kidding, YOU should buy it back and keep it though. I'll look and see if I have that rear side window, if I still have one, I'll gladly shoot it your way, any glass shop or yourself should be able to change it out and save yourself buying a $500 door.

[N40GL]

Forgot about the radio . . . yeah looks like someone stole the radio.

On the upside, you might want to consider the Ford Escape radio with cd changer in the dash.

I was cleaning out the garage and found my stock MM radio (from a 300B) which you can have for the cost of shipping. Or, if you make it to Louisville I can just hand it to you.

[illwood]

I dont see a crack....but in another pic the leading edge of the rim is fubar. looks like it got grinded down...


Looks to me that one of the spokes has been completely snapped unless that's just a bad reflection.

Actually, I looked at the pictures again and it isn't snapped. If you look carefully and compare it to the reflection on the fender, you can make out that it is the reflection of the photographer.

It is in the perfect place to look like a spoke snapped off at the lug nut region.

[martyo]

How could you still be considered the legal owner?

And, I have a very good hood I will sell you.

The hood has been faster than any Marauder hood on the planet and, of course, it is black.

[LilCop2002]

Folks,


The preliminary estimate came through. I'm not sure how this will look on screen as it was cut and pasted from a .pdf file, but here goes...




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO. OP. DESCRIPTION QTY EXT. PRICE LABOR PAINT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 FRONT BUMPER
2* Rpr Bumper cover 2.0 2.8
3 Add for Clear Coat 1.1
4 R&I R&I bumper cover 1.9
5 FRONT LAMPS
6** Repl A/M LT Signal lamp assy 1 64.00 Incl.
Marauder
7 HOOD
8** Repl A/M CAPA Hood 1 324.00 1.5 3.0
1
02/18/2011 at 04:54 PM Job Number:
12114
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE
2003 MERC MARAUDER 8-4.6L-FI 4D SED Int:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO. OP. DESCRIPTION QTY EXT. PRICE LABOR PAINT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Add for Clear Coat 1.2
10 Add for Underside(Complete) 1.5
11 FENDER
12** Repl A/M CAPA LT Fender 1 187.00 2.6 2.8
13 Overlap Major Adj. Panel -0.4
14 Add for Clear Coat 0.5
15 Add for Edging 0.5
16 Repl LT Fender liner 1 98.45 Incl.
17 Repl LT Body side mldg "GS" painted 1 68.83 0.3 0.4
18 Overlap Minor Panel -0.2
19 Add for Clear Coat 0.1
20 FRONT DOOR
21* Repl LKQ LT door assy +25% 1 562.50 1.9 3.2
22 Overlap Major Adj. Panel -0.4
23 Add for Clear Coat 0.6
24 LT Add for power units 0.4
25 LT Clean, lube & adjust lock 0.2
link & reg.
26~ Transfer useable parts to 2.0
replacement door
27 REAR DOOR
28* Rpr LT Outer panel 4.0 2.2
29 Overlap Major Adj. Panel -0.4
30* Add for Clear Coat 0.4
31 R&I LT Belt w'strip 0.3
32 R&I LT Handle, outside primed 0.6
33 R&I LT R&I trim panel 0.4
34* Repl LKQ LT Run channel 1 93.75 0.6
w/stationary glass assy Ford
+25%
35 FRONT SUSPENSION
36 Repl LT Lower cntrl arm 1 370.88 m 1.2 M
37 WHEELS
38** Repl RECOND LT/Front Wheel, alloy 1 258.00 m 0.3 M
5 spoke, 18x8
39# Repl LEFT FRT TIRE 1 150.00
40# TWO WHEEL ALIGNMENT 1 54.95 X
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotals ==> 2232.36 20.2 18.9
Parts 2177.41
Body Labor 18.7 hrs @ $ 42.00/hr 785.40
Paint Labor 18.9 hrs @ $ 42.00/hr 793.80
Mechanical Labor 1.5 hrs @ $ 65.00/hr 97.50
Paint Supplies 18.9 hrs @ $ 26.00/hr 491.40
Sublet/Misc. 54.95
2
02/18/2011 at 04:54 PM Job Number:
12114
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE
2003 MERC MARAUDER 8-4.6L-FI 4D SED Int:
----------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL $ 4400.46
Sales Tax $ 2177.41 @ 7.0000% 152.42
----------------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL $ 4552.88

[Blackened300a]

I see nothing in there about the rear suspension. Maybe you can collect some good used parts from the collective and save a few grand off that price.

[LilCop2002]

I see nothing in there about the rear suspension. Maybe you can collect some good used parts from the collective and save a few grand off that price.


I didn't notice anything about the rear either so I called and spoke to the service writer. He stated that there was nothing wrong with the rearend. The issue that we were looking at is how low the front end is and it "appears" to have a rear end issue which is not the case. He actually stated that it is a very easy fix for anyone to do. I was pleasantly surprised.

[BODYMAN]

I see nothing in there about the rear suspension. Maybe you can collect some good used parts from the collective and save a few grand off that price.

Just a cntrl arm? The lft frt susp needs everything likely a frt crossmember to.Also you need to have them look closely at the frame were all susp crossmember mounts sometimes hard to fix frame damage. Frt end is pushed in a little to.

[SID210SA]

Get her home and git er done!!

Nothing in my estimate will help except for the turn signal assembly....and you came out cheaper on that one...

[Marauderman]

How could you still be considered the legal owner?

..

Thanks Marty for that comment^^^^^, cause I was thinking the same thing after reading pages here......If you traded it in , Phoof! No longer yours is what I understand--that's what I think you said in post #1.....and yet in another you said you have the title I believe---its confusing to me----but everyone agrees you can fix it though----:confused::confused::confused:

[LilCop2002]

Car was traded in and paid off. After receiving letter from tow yard, I had an attorney friend make phone calls and all necessary documents and signatures were acquired to make it good to go.

Sorry for the random facts, but didn't want all the pressing personal issues behind scenes in the forefront. I just needed the advice on worthiness of hassle.

Sorry for the confusion and making you think I wasn't on the up and up.

[cpe6]

I would go get her; It shouldnt be that much as long as theres no frame damage.

[Vostok]

Out of curiosity how was the dealer you traded it into able to dodge all liability for this?

[FordNut]

Sometimes a dealer will take a car on trade, then never bother to transfer the title. They can do a re-assignment of the title when they re-sell it. If the new buyer never finishes the title transfer process, the title never gets officially put into the dealer's name or the new owner. Sometimes people do this kind of stuff to avoid paying taxes multiple times, since the tax has to be paid every time the car is re-titled. If the new owner was on a driveout/dealer's temporary tag or simply put an illegal tag on the car and never bothered to title the car then they abandon the car, the only way authorities have to track ownership is to look for the most recent legal owner. Once the owner of record applies for a lost title and has a new one issued, the old title is killed off so even if the buyer were to decide to transfer the title now it wouldn't go through because the title he has is no longer valid.

[Vostok]

Sometimes a dealer will take a car on trade, then never bother to transfer the title. They can do a re-assignment of the title when they re-sell it. If the new buyer never finishes the title transfer process, the title never gets officially put into the dealer's name or the new owner. Sometimes people do this kind of stuff to avoid paying taxes multiple times, since the tax has to be paid every time the car is re-titled. If the new owner was on a driveout/dealer's temporary tag or simply put an illegal tag on the car and never bothered to title the car then they abandon the car, the only way authorities have to track ownership is to look for the most recent legal owner. Once the owner of record applies for a lost title and has a new one issued, the old title is killed off so even if the buyer were to decide to transfer the title now it wouldn't go through because the title he has is no longer valid.

Understood.

There should be a law against this kind of stuff to protect the consumer. This could happen to anyone on a trade-in and thats kind of scary.

[FordNut]

There IS a law against it. It is actually a form of tax evasion.

[ckadiddle]

The Kia dealer here in Orlando is still showing my 2004 black/black in inventory if you are seriously missing your old MM.

My gut instinct is to shy away from a vehicle that hit something after I traded it in but still seem to be the owner of. Makes my spider sense tingle.

[SGT_MERC]

In a month I will have upper and lower control arms and watts link bars I can send you for the shipping. I can try to help.

[LilCop2002]

I should have listened to some of you folks in this thread. I got her home and after unloading it from the trailer into the garage, I'm not sure I have the drive to do the necessary work in order to fix her now. Something about seeing my baby in this condition has me sad to even touch her...

[fastblackmerc]

I should have listened to some of you folks in this thread. I got her home and after unloading it from the trailer into the garage, I'm not sure I have the drive to do the necessary work in order to fix her now. Something about seeing my baby in this condition has me sad to even touch her...

OK, so start parting it out.

I'll take the EATC & LCM.

[yjmud]

don't get downed to far
most body parts for it should be cheap

[ckadiddle]

I should have listened to some of you folks in this thread. I got her home and after unloading it from the trailer into the garage, I'm not sure I have the drive to do the necessary work in order to fix her now. Something about seeing my baby in this condition has me sad to even touch her...

We all understand how you feel. :bigcry:

[LilCop2002]

Finally got the car up on jack stands and the wheel off. The below pictures show the initial mechanical carnage...

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0142.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0143.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0144.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0145.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0146.jpg

[rayjay]

What kinda mutt does this to a MM and then just abandons it??? :mad2:

[RacerX]

:eek: How are the floormats? :D

[FordNut]

Nothing unmanageable there...

A few unforeseen items but no show-stoppers.

Junkyard time: UCA, LCA, tie rod end, sway bar, spring/shock, inner fender liner. If you were to luck out on a parts car, the whole crossmember could be swapped as a unit.

[LilCop2002]

Nothing unmanageable there...

A few unforeseen items but no show-stoppers.

Junkyard time: UCA, LCA, tie rod end, sway bar, spring/shock, inner fender liner. If you were to luck out on a parts car, the whole crossmember could be swapped as a unit.


Yup the damage wasn't quite as bad as I thought. I knew it was going to need some of these, but still not too bad.

BTW, why did I think that all these parts needed to come off a Marauder. They're interchangable with the MGM and CV, right?

[FordNut]

Most of them are. I believe the front shocks/springs are MM specific, and possibly the sway bar (go ahead and get an aftermarket sway bar).

[RoyLPita]

Most of them are. I believe the front shocks/springs are MM specific, and possibly the sway bar (go ahead and get an aftermarket sway bar).

If you get a complete crossmember, swap out the MM springs.

[LilCop2002]

I got some more work done to her and the pictures below show the look for this morning's work.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0177.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0178.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0179.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/IMAG0180.jpg


If you could identify any additional issues, (wiring needing replaced, specific parts I may have missed, and etc) please let me know.

BTW, does the brake booster look broken and crooked?

J

[Drewstang]

Yeah, it looks like the booster is up and to the pass side of the car.

[LilCop2002]

That's what I thought as well but I needed an extra set of eyes to be sure.

I also think the items attached to the driver's fender are shot as well but I'm not sure of their names.

[Drewstang]

The one with the two cables is the cruise control controller. The box forward from it I believe is a fuse box or air ride controller. The problem I forsee is getting the main harness forward of the firewall. Most yards will not mess with wiring unless you know someone or pull it yourself. You might want to inspect it and see how bad it really is.

[ShadyLurker]

I've got the front sway bar off my Grand Marquis, if they're the same you're welcome to it.

[FordNut]

The one with the two cables is the cruise control controller. The box forward from it I believe is a fuse box or air ride controller. The problem I forsee is getting the main harness forward of the firewall. Most yards will not mess with wiring unless you know someone or pull it yourself. You might want to inspect it and see how bad it really is.

Correct on the cruise controller, the box right in front of it is just a vacuum cannister. The harness might not be too bad, first thing I would do is remove the fender so there is better access to work on it. Then lay out the cables and see if the wires are intact. If so, just re-wrap the harness. If there are cut wires, then splice properly with solder and heat shrink before re-wrapping. You can get the proper harnes wrapping tape (stretchy, with no adhesive) from Eastwood. The harness goes all thru the car, the front section doesn't disconnect at the firewall as you would expect.

The master cylinder/booster is bent upward and toward the passenger side, take it off and see if the firewall is also bent. If so, the firewall shouldn't be too hard to straighten.

[RacerX]

If there are cut wires, then splice properly with solder and heat shrink before re-wrapping.
+1 Use heatshrink that has the sealant that melts inside to waterproof it.

[LilCop2002]

Notes are being taken as I go through this thread. Thanks for all the good input and keep it coming...

[DEFYANT]

This sucks. But if you're going to to restore any car, why not yours? You have good support behind you.

Someone above suggested a parts donor. I'll second that. I just hope the other "owner" doesnt show up when your done saying he wants his car back.

[LilCop2002]

I'm working on the fender as I get time, but finding all the bolts is a pain in the ass that I forgot about. Thankfully, I'm going to let the body shop install, align, and paint the parts.

One day I will get the hood and fender off...

[LilCop2002]

Rear control arms (upper and lower) and watts link installed as of this writing. It looks like the rear end is back to where it needs to be.

The right watts link was crushed. I wonder if I had aftermarket WLs if the damage would have been worse...

See pics:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/WattsLink1.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/WattsLink2.jpg

[SID210SA]

Glad you got the rear straight.....and the rest seems to be coming along just fine!!

[SGT_MERC]

Rear control arms (upper and lower) and watts link installed as of this writing. It looks like the rear end is back to where it needs to be.

The right watts link was crushed. I wonder if I had aftermarket WLs if the damage would have been worse...

See pics:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/WattsLink1.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s115/lilcop2002/WattsLink2.jpg
Does this mean you no longer need my upper and lower control arms?