Repair or sell

[Pat]

A confluence of maintenance issues has resulted in a perfect storm for a cost benefit analysis for Silverback.

Cars blue book worth @ 103,000 miles = $8,725.00

Repair issues:
Head tick, loss of 40 Lbs of compression = $2,500.00
(valve job -both heads)
Drive train shutter at throttle up and throttle down = $1,300.00
Brake system reline + 2 rotors = $800.00
New tires and wheel align = $800.00
Roof repair (rust bubbling) = $1,100.
Worn/torn seats Front/Rear = unknown
Total repair cost $6,500.00 (estimated)

Intrensic worth of car = $2,000.00

Fun factor = relative
S/C impact (works good) = limited buyer pool
Immediate repairs engine/tranny/brakes = $4,600.00
defered repairs = Tires/alignment/roof/seats = $1,900.00

Results: Repair or Sell??????????

[Rockettman]

If you can't (or don't want to) do any of the work yourself...time to sell for something newer.
Sorry, but that's my opinion.
Don't get me wrong - I love my MM; but when my toy gets to costing me a fortune - it'll have to go.

Besides...you, being down in the States; someone down there will probably happily buy it from you, and have the means of doing all the needed repairs possibly in their shops for cheap.

[guspech750]

Stll adds up to being a lot cheaper than a new car payment.


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[Vortex]

I would have said fix it til I read about the rust. Might be time for a new car Pat. You can always hang on the MM and fix it over time.

[slickster]

I think dr will buy it. But if you ever part it out I'm first on list

[RoyLPita]

Shop around. Depending on what is really needed, you can get some of this done cheaper than originally estimated.

If not, dibs on the driver door keypad.

[ta3mo3]

i'll buy the S\C

PM me

[Bluerauder]

Results: Repair or Sell??????????

Pat, I think you already know the answer to this question and have come to a conclusion.

Your estimated repair costs are ~75% of the cars street value in good condition. You may not be able to garner that much in its current condition.

Immediate repairs on engine, tranny and brake exceed ~ 50% of Silverback's value.

If I were in a similar position, I'd be looking for a new ride. :( The engine and transmission issues would be my major concern.

You are looking at lots of costs with few benefits. As I recall, you have been having a string of problems with your car over the past 2 or more years .... shades of more things to come. Might be time to let "him" go. That's my honest opinion.

Hate to see you lose a car that has meant so much to you .... but in cost-benefit land, those are "sunk costs" and don't factor into the decision.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd keep it. As stated it's paid for and the cost of repairs is cheap compared to a new car payment.

If you get rid of it what will you do with your showboard?

Isn't one of your son's a mechanic?? So you feed and beer him, throw him a few bills and all the labor is covered... will cut your costs in half at least.

Look at all the former Marauder owners that got rid of their cars, most want it back.....

[Odinson]

Here is a different perspective. Assuming you are a big car buff like me, think about what it would cost to get something even close size and power wise.

2012 Mustang GT Boss 302- loss in size, cop magnet, older need GT500 +20k (new)
2012 challenger SRT- dodge(y), cop magnet, earlier model less power
2012 charger SRT - See above but less of a cop magnet
2012 Taurus SHO - V6, loss of power, not that upgradeable, smaller
2012 Mercedes S550, CL550 - Import, 100k+, expensive parts
Any Chevy - Ha ha ha

Marauder is all she wrote. Only hope for 17ft frame cars is electric engines. Unless you want trade for another MM or start rolling the clock back model year wise.

[Odinson]

BTW I too have the roof bubbling. Seems the rest of the paint job is OK. So probably just get that repaired.

[MrBluGruv]

This is pretty much the exact reason I traded mine for the Camaro I have now, the monthly car repair bills were exceeding the cost of the car payment on the Camaro, and I'm paying it off in two years!

Every time I miss my Marauder, I just remember what an absolute pain in the ass it was to maintain at the mileage I had, maybe I was unlucky but it was what it was. I didn't feel confident in it, I didn't feel proud of it (because the paint was **** and it was making all kinds of jalopy noises), it just wasn't worth keeping at this point in my life.

[J-MAN]

Anyone else having paint issues with SB? I can't recall any other complaints. How did you maintain the paint?

[TAKEDOWN]

[QUOTE=guspech750;1105007]Stll adds up to being a lot cheaper than a new car payment.


^^^ I agree, and as passionate as you are I'm sure you'll miss your MARAUDER! ^^^

[vkirkend]

Pat, with the S/C'r it would be worth more that the bluebook. And for me the "fun" factor would still make me keep it. You could still buy a used car 2 - 3 years old for a daily driver add a warranty for it and keep "Silverback" for fun days.....

[SID210SA]

Almost 4K in engine repair costs alone....why not just get a new(er) engine.....thats is still a lot of green, but all that work you have put into Silverback, I cant see you selling.

[PonyUP]

Part it out, keep the charger, use proceeds towards another Marauder, reinstall Supercharger. That's the route I would go :D

[Bigdogjim]

I do not understand why anyone would want to part-out a running car?

Whle marauder's do not command big bucks on the market it is the last of the body on frame rear wheel drive high preformance cars:)

The engine repairs to a S/C car with 103K are not out line.

As for brakes, tires, alinement you will face that with a "new" car at some point.

The marauder still has life left in it IMHO.

[PonyUP]

I suggested parting it out because the repair cost almost matches the value of the car, it's 6500 that you will never get back from the car, but you would be able to make a serious dent on the purchase of a lower mileage Marauder for what they ate going for yoday

[LIGHTNIN1]

I've been through that with other vehicles. You get all that done and you will have other things go wrong and still be spending money. But if you love the car it may be worth it to you.On a side note, things have changed for me lately and I am thinking about selling my Black with 29K miles.

[bolsen]

I have the throttle up throttle down drive train shutter as well. What is it exactly?

[fastblackmerc]

I have the throttle up throttle down drive train shutter as well. What is it exactly?

Could be rear end, rear axle bearings, u-joints....

[sailsmen]

What could you buy for $6,500?

If you like the car and it brings you pleasure keep it. If it has become a PITA get rid of it.

[bolsen]

Could be rear end, rear axle bearings, u-joints....
It sounds and feels like it's coming from right underneath me. It's almost as if the drive shaft is having trouble when it starts rotating and then stoping abruptly when I throttle off.

Sorry to hijack your thread OP, but it sounds like you might already know what the problem I am having is. Unless you're just estimating the cost of repair and have no idea what it is.

[fastblackmerc]

It sounds and feels like it's coming from right underneath me. It's almost as if the drive shaft is having trouble when it starts rotating and then stoping abruptly when I throttle off.

Sorry to hijack your thread OP, but it sounds like you might already know what the problem I am having is. Unless you're just estimating the cost of repair and have no idea what it is.

Get under the car and try to move the driveshaft up-n-down, side-to-side. There should be NO play in the u-jonts.

[Bradley G]

I'd be shopping for a Cobra shortblock used low Miles.
That takes care of both engine issues.
transmission? no symptoms reported?
Tires can be had for half of the 800.
Body work can be farmed out for cheap too.
Keep it Pat, three thousand $$ gets you rolling safely, if you get some help on your end!
Come on Marauders' can I get an Amen?
Where is the Marauder spirit?

[bolsen]

I'd be shopping for a Cobra shortblock used low Miles.
That takes care of both engine issues.
transmission? no symptoms reported?
Tires can be had for half of the 800.
Body work can be farmed out for cheap too.
Keep it Pat, three thousand $$ gets you rolling safely, if you get some help on your end!
Come on Marauders' can I get an Amen?
Where is the Marauder spirit?
I'm with you 100%!!! The day my Rauder needs to come off the road for serious issues is the first day I start to rebuild the entire car into the hotraud that Ford SHOULD'VE produced!!!!

[Pat]

What a great bunch of guys you are. No wonder Marauderville and Louisville are a big part of my life.

You alone can imagine the agony I'm going through.

My wonderful wife, who bought me the Marauder in the first place said, " Patrick, I'll buy you another". What a great decision marring Patricia.

Mr. Well's, an older gentleman who lives a couple of blocks from me, sold his pristine, 41K mile, black, early 03 last week. He called me but, alas, we were at Marauderville.

The dealer got it and immediately appropriated it for himself. They were drooling all over it.

To answer your questions, the rust is prolly seepage from the moon roof. The drive train stutter is unknown. I don't need a block the problem is in the drivers side head, several possibilities, seat to block separation, sticky cam follower, etc.

I just tried "miracle in a bottle", but no help.

Changed oil this morning and looks clean, no shiny stuff.

There are additional factors that I didn't think of at the time of my post. 1. I'm due a windfall sometime before next summer that will cover the cost of repair, Patrica concurs. Also, I can put the car in drivable storage cancel some of the insurance (collision, medical, comprehensive, etc) for a savings of $56.00 per month.I won't be driving the car except once a week, up and down my street, to keep things from freezing.

Seeing another Marauder driving past me will just break my heart.

so, friends, I've made my decision, I'm going to KEEP Silverback, put it in drivable storage until the finances become available, and, hopefully, see you in Michigan after repairs.

I'm so damned happy right now.

Regards to all of you,

Pat

[PonyUP]

What a great bunch of guys you are. No wonder Marauderville and Louisville are a big part of my life.

You alone can imagine the agony I'm going through.

My wonderful wife, who bought me the Marauder in the first place said, " Patrick, I'll buy you another". What a great decision marring Patricia.

Mr. Well's, an older gentleman who lives a couple of blocks from me, sold his pristine, 41K mile, black, early 03 last week. He called me but, alas, we were at Marauderville.

The dealer got it and immediately appropriated it for himself. They were drooling all over it.

To answer your questions, the rust is prolly seepage from the moon roof. The drive train stutter is unknown. I don't need a block the problem is in the drivers side head, several possibilities, seat to block separation, sticky cam follower, etc.

I just tried "miracle in a bottle", but no help.

Changed oil this morning and looks clean, no shiny stuff.

There are additional factors that I didn't think of at the time of my post. 1. I'm due a windfall sometime before next summer that will cover the cost of repair, Patrica concurs. Also, I can put the car in drivable storage cancel some of the insurance (collision, medical, comprehensive, etc) for a savings of $56.00 per month.I won't be driving the car except once a week, up and down my street, to keep things from freezing.

Seeing another Marauder driving past me will just break my heart.

so, friends, I've made my decision, I'm going to KEEP Silverback, put it in drivable storage until the finances become available, and, hopefully, see you in Michigan after repairs.

I'm so damned happy right now.

Regards to all of you,

Pat

Good News Pat, glad you are keeping her. At the end of the day it's the decision you feel most confident that will bring you the most happiness and you sound very satisfied with your decision. Good luck

[Blackened300a]

so, friends, I've made my decision, I'm going to KEEP Silverback, put it in drivable storage until the finances become available, and, hopefully, see you in Michigan after repairs.

I'm so damned happy right now.

Regards to all of you,

Pat

Glad you decided to keep it!

[bolsen]

It would've been a HUGE mistake to sell. I think we all go through what you're going through - to-sell or-to-keep and fix? KEEP AND FIX!!!

[Bigdogjim]

Seeing another Marauder driving past me will just break my heart.

so, friends, I've made my decision, I'm going to KEEP Silverback, put it in drivable storage until the finances become available, and, hopefully, see you in Michigan after repairs.

I'm so damned happy right now.

Regards to all of you,

Pat

Yhis is great news:banana2::banana2:

Best of luck with the repairs keep us in the loop:burnout:

[guspech750]

I'm so glad you are going to keep it. People talk about well you start fixing one thing and fix another. But when all is said and done. The Marauder will be and feel and drive like new. It's a worth while car to fix up. It's not a so so Honda or a Taraus. IT'S A MARAUDER!!

I'm happy for ya. And as long as your happy. That's what matters.


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[fastblackmerc]

Good decision Pat!

[CBT]

I'm so glad you are going to keep it. People talk about well you start fixing one thing and fix another. But when all is said and done. The Marauder will be and feel and drive like new. It's a worth while car to fix up. It's not a so so Honda or a Taraus. IT'S A MARAUDER!!

I'm happy for ya. And as long as your happy. That's what matters.


---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!
I have to agree with Joe on this one, keep/save/fix/enjoy!

[SC Cheesehead]

You da man, Pat, smart move! :up:

[71cyclone]

One Option is to hit your bank or credit union for a loan . lincoln aviator, mach 1 and marauder used engines can be located . a decent upolstrey shop can do the seats . Brake parts ,no problem . or keep it behind the shed and pic up another one /there are 83 marauders for sale across the country. " Happy Trails" COUSIN

[SID210SA]

You can still make it to Centerville in the other Merc cant you? Hope to see you there.

[vkirkend]

What a great bunch of guys you are. No wonder Marauderville and Louisville are a big part of my life.

You alone can imagine the agony I'm going through.

My wonderful wife, who bought me the Marauder in the first place said, " Patrick, I'll buy you another". What a great decision marring Patricia.

Mr. Well's, an older gentleman who lives a couple of blocks from me, sold his pristine, 41K mile, black, early 03 last week. He called me but, alas, we were at Marauderville.

The dealer got it and immediately appropriated it for himself. They were drooling all over it.

To answer your questions, the rust is prolly seepage from the moon roof. The drive train stutter is unknown. I don't need a block the problem is in the drivers side head, several possibilities, seat to block separation, sticky cam follower, etc.

I just tried "miracle in a bottle", but no help.

Changed oil this morning and looks clean, no shiny stuff.

There are additional factors that I didn't think of at the time of my post. 1. I'm due a windfall sometime before next summer that will cover the cost of repair, Patrica concurs. Also, I can put the car in drivable storage cancel some of the insurance (collision, medical, comprehensive, etc) for a savings of $56.00 per month.I won't be driving the car except once a week, up and down my street, to keep things from freezing.

Seeing another Marauder driving past me will just break my heart.

so, friends, I've made my decision, I'm going to KEEP Silverback, put it in drivable storage until the finances become available, and, hopefully, see you in Michigan after repairs.

I'm so damned happy right now.

Regards to all of you,

Pat

YEAH!!!!!!:banana:

[Vortex]

Pat, Hopefully you and Patricia can still make it to Centerville in your other car this weekend!

[GreekGod]

comprehensive


Best to keep the comprehensive on it

[Guittard22]

S/c for sale ? And I buy trans

[na svt]

Here is a different perspective. Assuming you are a big car buff like me, think about what it would cost to get something even close size and power wise.

2012 Mustang GT Boss 302- loss in size, cop magnet, older need GT500 +20k (new)
2012 challenger SRT- dodge(y), cop magnet, earlier model less power
2012 charger SRT - See above but less of a cop magnet
2012 Taurus SHO - V6, loss of power, not that upgradeable, smaller
2012 Mercedes S550, CL550 - Import, 100k+, expensive parts
Any Chevy - Ha ha ha


The Boss 302 is in a totally different class
The new Taurus is a 12 second car with only a tune, whoops up on Marauders.
Mercedes, really? No comparison.

Everyone of those cars will run circles around a Marauder. There are no new, "big" cars like Maraduers, but there are plenty with more power and and many more that are quicker.

[Pat]

No really positive news to report. I've been getting some pointers from Zack and Musclemerc. I did a rudimentary single gage leak down test but my technique leaves some questions. Research showed me what I need to do for a proper leak down test. I'll be doing this as soon as I can.

Read more on lash adjusters and more testing/inspection/parts replacment may be in my future. I'll be troubleshooting and familiarizing myself with valve train components and operations for the next couple of months while I work down the MV9 debt.

Did find that the oil viscosity for our cars was determined in large part by the design of the lash adjusters. 5W20 and 5W30 is the preferred oil, Mobile 1 is the brand to use for high rev operations.

Cheers,

[Pat]

Really missing driving Silverback. Looks like March 2012 will be the time frame the car goes into the shop.

Expecting to replace the drivers side head assembly.

I'm pricing "reman" head assembly from Ford or aftermarket.

I also have contacted a shop to remove and replace the head on the car.

[guspech750]

No really positive news to report. I've been getting some pointers from Zack and Musclemerc. I did a rudimentary single gage leak down test but my technique leaves some questions. Research showed me what I need to do for a proper leak down test. I'll be doing this as soon as I can.

Read more on lash adjusters and more testing/inspection/parts replacment may be in my future. I'll be troubleshooting and familiarizing myself with valve train components and operations for the next couple of months while I work down the MV9 debt.

Did find that the oil viscosity for our cars was determined in large part by the design of the lash adjusters. 5W20 and 5W30 is the preferred oil, Mobile 1 is the brand to use for high rev operations.

Cheers,




---
- Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[Pat]

Just an update on Silverback. Since the time the Tic started in Oct '011, the car has been sitting in the driveway with an occasional trip around the block to keep the fluids going.

Zack contacted me and we made arrangements to meet at Louisville and he would do the engine repair. We did and he did and the car is about to be tested very soon.

The tear down only revealed worn out valve seals. The ticking had stopped on it's own a few weeks before, although I still didn't drive it. My previous report of high idle was verified and a torn vacuum line was discovered, by Zack, behind the boost Gage.

The heads were treated to a valve job and new seats installed in #8 as a precaution.

A few odds and ends to do. But since the valve covers were off I asked Zack to have them powder coated.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn306/Marauder-Z/Marauder%20Repairs/100_3399.jpg


Prior to Louisville, I had the brakes done and new tires and rear differential serviced. Only the paint for the roof and bumpers, (aka valence's) remain to be addressed.

If all goes well I should be driving home in mid may.

Thanks for all your encouragement and to Zack for taking an interest and making this happen.

[MOTOWN]

Love those powdered covers, looks like its coming right along

[guspech750]

So glad your MM is almost ready and everything turned out to be in better shape than previously thought.

Love the covers!!!


Sent from my iPhone
Eaton Swap + 4.10's = Wreeeeeeeeeedom!!

[SC Cheesehead]

Good stuff, Pat!

When you gonna be up in Chicago? I'm headed up there for a business trip May 15th - 17th, maybe g-t-g?

[Pat]

Rex;

Patricia and I will meet Zack and Becky at Bodyman's GTG near St. Louis, Mo. He will drive the car and wring it out, Becky will lead in her new SUV, err.... did I get that right?

Anyway, thanks for asking.

Pat

[Paul]

Cool. Glad to hear the good news!

[SC Cheesehead]

Rex;

Patricia and I will meet Zack and Becky at Bodyman's GTG near St. Louis, Mo. He will drive the car and wring it out, Becky will lead in her new SUV, err.... did I get that right?

Anyway, thanks for asking.

Pat

Gotcha!

Well, we'll just have to find us another time, then.

[BODYMAN]

So Glad it all worked out for you Pat! Zack is a great guy always willing to help a fellow MM owner... Lookin foward to seeing ya when Zack drives it down:D

[TAKEDOWN]

I'm glad she'll be up and running soon, she's lookin' good there Pat!

[RubberCtyRauder]

Awesome, Pat! Good to hear the Silverback is doing well and you'll have it back soon!