New Marauder owner from central Arkansas

[68MercuryM250]

Just bought my first Marauder, an '04 Toredor Red / charcoal one owner with 81k miles down in Florida this week. Headed down Friday March 1st to pick her up. Haven't even driven her but she looks clean and I spent a considerable amount of time talking to the sales rep so I am 98% satisfied I am buying a good unadulterated car. Extensive conversations should prove such provided he was a man of integrity. We will be getting acquainted on my 1,000 mile journey home Saturday morning March 2. Gonna be a great road trip!! Been a die hard FoMoCo guy my whole life and I have owned a bazillion Ford products including a '90 Cougar XR7 with a 3.8 blown V6/ 5 speed in white. Currently building a Canadian 1968 Mercury M250 pickup for my two sons to drive daily. I have built many Ford Highboys and 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks, including one national show winner, an F-100 at the Pigeon Forge F-100 Supernationals in 2000. A 1964 Ford Thunderbolt clone and a Farmall BN tractor. I am a Ford/Mercury/Lincoln guy, I am a Ford guy. I have owned several Crown Vics including a few P71's but never ever a Marauder. I hope I won't be disappointed next week. Seems that just about the time Ford finds a great combo, (the Marauder), they decide to drop it from the line up. My name is Stu and you now know I have a problem with Ford products. I am eager to learn about this Marauder and plan to sit back and soak up the knowledge you all have to offer. Here is the only decent picture I have to share. Will set up a gallery when I get her home and get some shots loaded. I have many many questions. Been on the road all night at high school basketball playoff games - headed off to bed. Thanks for allowing me to introduce myself and my MM. I aim to hang on to her for quite a while as I transition into my pre-retirement nesting period of life. Laters!! Stu

[RubberCtyRauder]

Nice! congrats!..looks good and welcome!:beer:

[lji372]

.............:beer:........... ...
welcome aboard the mod train

[Pat]

Welcome Stu;

Members here will always be willing to help you with any technical problems you may encounter.

I live about 240 miles SW of you in Bossier City, La. Maybe we can meet halfway sometime in the future and go over the particuliars of your Marauder, if you want.

A member here, Swordfish, resides somewhat closer, above the Little Rock Area I believe. He's very knowledgeable about our Marauders.

It's been almost a universal experience that "unadulterated" Marauders lose their virginity soon after an MM.net member has "their way with them". To continue this train of thought, committing adultry with your Marauder is not a sin. In fact, after the first act, installing a tune, (from one of our vendors) it becomes easier and more enjoyable. And you will definitely respect it more afterwards.

I can envision your car (It will need a moniker) having 4:10 gears in the foreseeable future.

Drive carefully and obey the speed limit.

Regards,

Pat

[MOTOWN]

Welcome to the "MADNESS" bud! congrats on your MARAUDER

[68MercuryM250]

Welcome Stu;

I live about 240 miles SW of you in Bossier City, La. Maybe we can meet halfway sometime in the future and go over the particuliars of your Marauder, if you want.
A member here, Swordfish, resides somewhat closer, above the Little Rock Area I believe. He's very knowledgeable about our Marauders.
Drive carefully and obey the speed limit.

Regards,

Pat

Pat, and others who have welcomed....thank you! Give me a few weekends and we can definitley meet up somewhere in between, grab a bite to eat and talk MM's. I am all about some car talk. Cheaper and more enjoyable than paying a therapist!
Swordfish, please PM me or call my cell five oh 1 5 nine three to 7 ate four sometime if you get a chance. I have looked for your profile on here but learning how to surf around this site is new for me and my computer learning curve is rather slow - I have a feeling I have seen your Marauder running around in Searcy before - only seen three LIVE MMs in my life. One in Memphis, one in Little Rock and one in Searcy, AR. Living in very rural America tends to cause such sad things.
Pat, I originally had planned to preserve and protect this Marauder from any molestation and tag it a Survivor in 10 years but, who knows, I AM a go fast guy so you all may just talk me into modding the Mod motor. Give me a month driving and enjoying it and we (me myself and I) may just jump in head first. ;)
I am neck deep into two old truck restoratios at the present so any significant financial mods that happen soon will be based on needs not wants. I will need help with the following: ID of build date/codes/etc. I need to learn where this rascal sits in relation to others in a registered format. I have heard they were built in two separate facilities by FoMoCo? I want to know all about this history these rides share within the F/L/M world of cars. How were they assembled, how were the motors built. etc.... What truly mkes them special. Enough for now. I am a sponge so open the flood gates.

Stu

2004 Mercury Marauder
1968 Mecury M-250 truck
1976 Ford F-250 Highboy
1969 F-350 dually flatbed

[gohogs]

Swordfish can be located at
http://www.arkansasstreetmachines.com

Whole Sword family pretty near, but Mark, Sr. is a LEO in the Jacksonville area, iirc.

Maybe you can make one of the Streetmachine gatherings.

Welcome to MM.NET

[68MercuryM250]

Thanks GoHOGS! I will start getting involved with the crew down in Jacksonville, AR. Life for me is 100 mph right now with work and other things so bear with me as I gently ease into the Thursday night gatherings etc. Sounds and looks like a respectable group of Motorheads south of me. More my speed of car guys/gals.
I went searching for a used Crown Vic Sport BECAUSE my daughter totalled my wife's Fusion last Friday (not happy - had to increase my BP meds). Everyone is fine but life's lessons sometimes require us to regroup and go another direction. Always wanted an MM new but never had enough coins to purchase a new one.... Couldn't find a CV LX sport this week and decided I would pursue the MM route.
This will be my fair weather daily driver! Also, Still trying to figure out to create a "gallery" of my own to load pics of my new transporter - I used be kind of active with AR Rides but they are more focused on rice burners - not my taste or speed. Look forward to meeting up sometime at an event. Laters!

Stu

[DOOM]

:welcome: to the site!

Enjoy the ride! :burnout:

[slickster]

welcome:beer:

[68MercuryM250]

This isn't a Mercury Marauder web group talking about cars.....this is major group therapy - All of you people are sick after reading several threads and posts this morning and in need of conseling!! :) Since reading alot on the MM forum today, I am glad I have found other like minded warped individuals to share with. ;) I think I will fit in well for an old pushrod hotrodder with carbs and manual trannys. I have alot to learn about Computer guided rides, auto transmissions and fuel injection. You are making me feel welcome and comfortable! Thank you! BUT, I have even more questions after searching and reading.

One that cannot wait is:

Anything I need to be aprised of before I set out on my 1000 journey home with her?? The more I read ..... whew!
Premium fuel only?? Obviously...what else? The little things please....what should I be looking/listening for? First time ever in one - Maiden voyages are exciting BUT...... help!
sv

[guspech750]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/24/eru2udat.jpg

Awesome choice of color. By far the best choice!!

Looks like you found a winner!!







Sent from my iPhone 4S









DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[Baaad GN]

First thing is your mercury is red, not good they say, why I don't know. Also we have a major meet coming up in Louisville ky in april, check it out. Never to early to meet and learn. Just something to think about!

[guspech750]

we have a major meet coming up in louisville ky in april, check it out. Never to early to meet and learn. Just something to think about!

louisville!! Louisville!!

[68MercuryM250]

Gonna try to make L'ville. Will be heading back from WV around that time and I may divert from my standard path and show up for a bit. I may be more inclined to make Hotlanta for various reasons. I am all about it!

[DOOM]

Gonna try to make L'ville. Will be heading back from WV around that time and I may divert from my standard path and show up for a bit. I may be more inclined to make Hotlanta for various reasons. I am all about it!


Hope you can make it! You won't regret it! :beer:

[CBT]

This isn't a Mercury Marauder web group talking about cars.....this is major group therapy - All of you people are sick after reading several threads and posts this morning and in need of conseling!! :) Since reading alot on the MM forum today, I am glad I have found other like minded warped individuals to share with. ;) I think I will fit in well for an old pushrod hotrodder with carbs and manual trannys. I have alot to learn about Computer guided rides, auto transmissions and fuel injection. You are making me feel welcome and comfortable! Thank you! BUT, I have even more questions after searching and reading.

One that cannot wait is:

Anything I need to be aprised of before I set out on my 1000 journey home with her?? The more I read ..... whew!
Premium fuel only?? Obviously...what else? The little things please....what should I be looking/listening for? First time ever in one - Maiden voyages are exciting BUT...... help!
sv

We love you, too! :lovies:
Welcome aboard! :beer:

[68MercuryM250]

We love you, too! :lovies:
Welcome aboard! :beer:
Awwww....Sweet of you to say! ;) Thanks!
Break me in easy. Carbs/pushrods and 4 speeds are all I know. I need a crash course on computers and how to drive a performance automatic.
You all have pushed the limits on making these babies fast and wicked. Kudos!!

My wife has already decided this was a bad purchase for me. :P I have been impressed with what these 4200 pound cars are capable of.

I anxiously await my intitation. Gotta get my schedule cleared for the Louisville weekend so I can be hazed and taught a few things. Do we have a chance to race any????? Please!!

[Shaijack]

There is no treatment for our madness.
I have been to the Outlaw Run in G-burg a few times, won top 25 one time. 34 Ford, corvette goodies and House of Kolor candy Brandywine paint.
Welcome to the grind. Mode never stop.
I love pushrod engines.

[RubberCtyRauder]

It is advised not to due WOT runs with transmission in OD..so when you feel the urge to do some go pedal tromps, give the OD button a little click to turn off..OD button is on the console shifter. The OD bands in the trans can break during WOT.

Also, you should highly consider getting a tune for..meaning a programmable tune which is stored into an SCT handheld tuner and plugged inthe OBD port below dash. It will add a few ponies but more noticeable it will change the shift schedule into much better. The stock/factory tune shifts it into 4th so quick for fuel mileage that it ends up downshifting alot when you give it some throttle. so it feels like it is searching for a gear most of the time when city driving. It can be bought over the phone and sent to your house, then you plug it in and download it to the car. The tuner then also saves the factory tune in case you ever need to pass emissions or have a dealer perform a diagnostic test..then you can re-load your tune. There are two vendors here that provide this. Alternative Auto and Mo's Speed shop..I got a tune from Mo's and then later had their shop install a vortech supercharger I bought from a member. It will be the best $400 or so you spend. Countless members here will agree about getting a tune.

[guspech750]

A tune. Best bang for your buck. But then you will want more:burnout:


Sent from my iPhone 4S

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[Guittard22]

Welcome to the site :) Like the other members said before me this is a sickness . I told a well known member that before I had a Marauder I told him I think about a mm all the time than a few weeks later got a marauder and I have slept/dream/woke thinking about my new ride . It's a sickness that never stops it's like Peter Parker that becomes stuck with the black venom he must have that power .

Toredor Red I have never seen one in person so I can't say anything bad about the color . :)

[Gryphonzus]

Welcome! You have excellent taste in color choice. The DTR is my favorite. I only lack a Silver Birch to complete my collection. Like the others said get a tune and a dead pedal. Those are the only two things I have on my DTR. Enjoy your ride!

[CWright]

This place is very addictive. As much as I like my Marauder I have to say the friendships is what has kept me around! Congrats on the new ride and welcome to the site. :beer:

[L.Mark]

Welcome fellow DTR owner:beer:. I'm in the same boat as you with regards to engine mods ETC...Must come here to Louisville. My wife's best friend lives in Arkansas(can't member where though). We're planning a trip there in may, if it's within a stone's thrown be nice to meet up if to do nothing but shake hands and takes a couple of pics. :high5:

[68MercuryM250]

Greetings fellow "cult" members. I flew to Orlando, FL from Little Rock, AR to pick up my '04 DTR/Dack charcoal Marauder. The guy that was there to pick me up FROM the dealer to drive me TO the dealership at Merritt Island, FL had locked his keys in the rental. He said " I got so excited I finally found you I closed the door and locked my keys in there.....(it was running......in the arrivials pick-up only lane.... NO PARKING - 4 lanes one way ......during Friday rush hour at the peak of spring break/disney season.....) It was hillarious, hard to get upset with the guy. So, 2 Hours later than planned....I was Finally to the dealership....inspected, drove, fell in lust...came to my senses...reinsppected as if my life depended on it.....Lust turned to love. I bought her. A few minor issues to work around with this car. I don't believe anyone got hurt on the deal, he made some money and I am comfy with the sale. Some simple body cladding fixes, some mechanical upgrades are coming soon!! The car is a good buy I think. 81k miles one woner, never modded best I can tell. Pretty well untouched, exactly as I wanted......

However.....I am ready to start "Tuning and Power Adders MM101"class! I am so impressed with the quality of the car. Owned a few P71 Vics over the years so i know kinda what to feel for.... and Mechanically this sucker is tight and it is obvious it has not been thrashed too hard at all by it's first one owner caregiver. The elderly gentleman had popped a few things along the way with the front and rear bumper covers but overall very easy repais...some standard road rash but oviously this car was washed often and service was regular. I would have done a better job of caring for it had I bought it new - it is my way....but obviously it was not neglected over the last 9 years. Leather is almost perfect. Interior is strait up clean, the back seats may never have been sat in....back seat area looks new. Will drive a few years, freshen the paint and make her as nice as possible and thenfind another to love on.

Ford did their homework on this ride and discounted too large a community of Panter body Hotrodders way too soon!!! (preaching to the chior, I know....") I shall be Calling Mo's Mondyay morning....tune this week, remove resonators on exhaust, clean engine bay. K&N set up, Put on jack stands and hand wipe/ Clean bottom side, detail.
Change rear dif fluid, Mobil 1 5W20 change, new tranny fluid, filter, drain torque converter, replace fuild, detail engine bay.........save more money and start modding some more. Contagious isn't an appropriate word. I thouroughly enjoyed my 1028 mile ride home!!

Before I left, My two teenage boys(14 and 15 yrs. old) told me, "Dad if you come home with an old man's Mercury car like a Grad Marq or somethig we will disown you, we will not ride with you to school and let you drop us off......" (we are currently building a '68 M250 pickup truck together for the boys to drive, the 3 of us, great dad/sons project!!! ) Anyhow, They went on to say, "in fact dad, you better pick out someting cool" ....and then I heard the smart butt smart mouthed 14 year old boy child mutter under his breath something about permanent humiliation to all of his friends and that I (dad) had a burning need to get your (my) man card checked! I just laughed at him.....I had failed to tell them exactly what specific Mercury car I was bringing home ....I just told them I was buying some old guys 04 Mercury, low mileage well cared for...blah blah...a Marauder was not in their pipeline of thought... .....Once I arrived home and Upon thier inspection last night and their first Throttle"blip" down the road last night,...... They are fans too!! They have already asked if they can borrow it for their Jr/Sr. event next spring....hahahaha

Fellas, you have a lifer with me. I am already trying to figure out how to buy another stablemate Marauder in silver birch or blue........Time to move on to other forums. See you around, I am jumpin in....pics to come...

sv

[Panther dude]

Great story teller you are! I'm glad you had a good trip and look forward to reading about your progress. Marauder's rule!

[Pat]

Whoa big fella. The torque converter does not have a seperate drain plug. It's serviced by doing the flush and gush method when you change your tranny fluid.

Do you know if the trannys pan was ever dropped for a filter change? If not then you (or the service dept) will find a red and yellow "lollipop" in the pan. Its a plastic piece from the factory when they made the tranny which doesn't come with a dip stick new. So to seal the opening Ford put a plastic "lollipop" in the bottom of the dip stick tube so when they added the dip stick during car assemby the "lollipop" is pushed out and falls into the pan. Doesn't cause a problem but for a first timer you may have a heart attack.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/closeupoflollipop.jpg

[68MercuryM250]

Pat, Thanks for the heads up! I would have likely had to change undies if I had seen this without knowing. My old Vics had a drain plug in the torque converters....will flush and service accordingly.

sv

[CWright]

Greetings fellow "cult" members. I flew to Orlando, FL from Little Rock, AR to pick up my '04 DTR/Dack charcoal Marauder. The guy that was there to pick me up FROM the dealer to drive me TO the dealership at Merritt Island, FL had locked his keys in the rental. He said " I got so excited I finally found you I closed the door and locked my keys in there.....(it was running......in the arrivials pick-up only lane.... NO PARKING - 4 lanes one way ......during Friday rush hour at the peak of spring break/disney season.....) It was hillarious, hard to get upset with the guy. So, 2 Hours later than planned....I was Finally to the dealership....inspected, drove, fell in lust...came to my senses...reinsppected as if my life depended on it.....Lust turned to love. I bought her. A few minor issues to work around with this car. I don't believe anyone got hurt on the deal, he made some money and I am comfy with the sale. Some simple body cladding fixes, some mechanical upgrades are coming soon!! The car is a good buy I think. 81k miles one woner, never modded best I can tell. Pretty well untouched, exactly as I wanted......

However.....I am ready to start "Tuning and Power Adders MM101"class! I am so impressed with the quality of the car. Owned a few P71 Vics over the years so i know kinda what to feel for.... and Mechanically this sucker is tight and it is obvious it has not been thrashed too hard at all by it's first one owner caregiver. The elderly gentleman had popped a few things along the way with the front and rear bumper covers but overall very easy repais...some standard road rash but oviously this car was washed often and service was regular. I would have done a better job of caring for it had I bought it new - it is my way....but obviously it was not neglected over the last 9 years. Leather is almost perfect. Interior is strait up clean, the back seats may never have been sat in....back seat area looks new. Will drive a few years, freshen the paint and make her as nice as possible and thenfind another to love on.

Ford did their homework on this ride and discounted too large a community of Panter body Hotrodders way too soon!!! (preaching to the chior, I know....") I shall be Calling Mo's Mondyay morning....tune this week, remove resonators on exhaust, clean engine bay. K&N set up, Put on jack stands and hand wipe/ Clean bottom side, detail.
Change rear dif fluid, Mobil 1 5W20 change, new tranny fluid, filter, drain torque converter, replace fuild, detail engine bay.........save more money and start modding some more. Contagious isn't an appropriate word. I thouroughly enjoyed my 1028 mile ride home!!

Before I left, My two teenage boys(14 and 15 yrs. old) told me, "Dad if you come home with an old man's Mercury car like a Grad Marq or somethig we will disown you, we will not ride with you to school and let you drop us off......" (we are currently building a '68 M250 pickup truck together for the boys to drive, the 3 of us, great dad/sons project!!! ) Anyhow, They went on to say, "in fact dad, you better pick out someting cool" ....and then I heard the smart butt smart mouthed 14 year old boy child mutter under his breath something about permanent humiliation to all of his friends and that I (dad) had a burning need to get your (my) man card checked! I just laughed at him.....I had failed to tell them exactly what specific Mercury car I was bringing home ....I just told them I was buying some old guys 04 Mercury, low mileage well cared for...blah blah...a Marauder was not in their pipeline of thought... .....Once I arrived home and Upon thier inspection last night and their first Throttle"blip" down the road last night,...... They are fans too!! They have already asked if they can borrow it for their Jr/Sr. event next spring....hahahaha

Fellas, you have a lifer with me. I am already trying to figure out how to buy another stablemate Marauder in silver birch or blue........Time to move on to other forums. See you around, I am jumpin in....pics to come...

sv


I read all this with a :D! Especially with your kids reaction! :lol:

My kids are 9&7 and all they want to do is ride in mine. My wife is a different story! :rolleyes:

Enjoy the ride and let the MODS begin! :beer:

[jsignorelli]

My sister lives in Pocahontas Arkansas. Is that anywhere near you?

Jim

[68MercuryM250]

Pocahontis is about 2 hours away. Let me know when you visit your sisi and I will meet up with you! sv

[MMcactusflower]

You DEFINATELY made the right and proper color choice on your MM...from one DTR owner to another...welcome to our fun.

[68MercuryM250]

I think the dark charcoal / DTR combo is very classy and well done. I am impressed. Logged about 90 miles today....I kick myself for not taking the plunge sooner.

I had a Maroon metalic '64 Thunderbolt clone for many years.......always thought the maroon looks sporty. Goig to call the guy who bought it to bring it by so we can gets some pictures of the two together.

[68MercuryM250]

Rear cats off today....noticeable difference. ;)
Sad, the size of the stock exhaust.....Gonna have to make some serious changes to that very soon.....K&N cold box coming in mail....Still mulling over "The Tune" and not IF but which Tune.... On the train along for the ride and lovin it. Let the madness out!!

[CBT]

You and Pops would get along great, clicky clicky:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=65945&highlight=Thunderbolt



I think the dark charcoal / DTR combo is very classy and well done. I am impressed. Logged about 90 miles today....I kick myself for not taking the plunge sooner.

I had a Maroon metalic '64 Thunderbolt clone for many years.......always thought the maroon looks sporty. Goig to call the guy who bought it to bring it by so we can gets some pictures of the two together.

[rayjay]

Welcome brother DTR owner! I bought mine new, sight unseen on 02 July 04. Did not want another black car with the road I live on. Expect someone to argue with you that they only came in black and all were supercharged. :rolleyes: Can't fix stupid. I retired mine from DD in the upstate NY snowbelt almost 5 years ago. She now resides in SC where I can at least afford the gas to drive it. If you have experience with gear changing consider going 4.10s It really wakes up the car. If you really need MPG from her, leave it stock. Stock I could easily get 27 mpg. Now, 21 if I'm lucky and drive slow, which is hard to do. Walked away from some kind of Mustang on RT31 that was playing games with me a couple weeks ago while watching the fuel needle drop. :(
Enjoy the club and get to a meet. I've met plenty of great folks at Marauder events and have yet to meet someone I didn't like. After 34 years as a LEO thats a lot to say. Great community here. Consider MV in Atlanta this Fall. With moving 820 miles to our new home is making it iffy for us this year. Have to see what the finances say. Momma wants new appliances and some new furniture. Atlanta will be a blast!

[68MercuryM250]

[QUOTE=rayjay;1273661]Welcome brother DTR owner! I bought mine new, sight unseen on 02 July 04. Did not want another black car with the road I live on. Expect someone to argue with you that they only came in black and all were supercharged. :rolleyes: Can't fix stupid. I retired mine from DD in the upstate NY snowbelt almost 5 years ago.

Rayjay: They pay me to fix stupid at my job....associate dean of students at a 4 year university.....so it is nice to know I always have job security! ;)
I will have to drive mine as a DD for about 2 years then the serious mods like blower and 4.10s will come, along with a complete cosmetic freshening including paint and then will see fair weather duty only. The old girl is nice now and well kept, which I will maintain...however, I do dream of retirement and an easier life down the road for her at which time I will buy another Marauder to satisfy this daily void....Already planning a second MM!! Shhhh Do not tell the wifey please. I have never been more enamored with any vehicle ever. I just keep on kicking msyelf for not doing this sooner. These babies are awesome! Shooting for Atlanta this fall. Louiseville KY is out for now.... too much going on with life and work.

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site and your new ride.

[L.Mark]

Hey, how close to Bryant are you? Planning on heading up that way in May???

[68MercuryM250]

Hey, how close to Bryant are you? Planning on heading up that way in May???

Not too far maybe 75 miles. Let me know and I will run down for a meetup.

[L.Mark]

Sweet, we could meet half way and slipt the distance...:high5:

[68MercuryM250]

Sweet, we could meet half way and slipt the distance...:high5:

.....and miss out on twice the driving..... :(
Just let me know when you will be in range.

Had a 944 run away from me tail tucked tonight and I was sitting at a stop light..... Is this normal?

[L.Mark]

I'd say yes when your'e sittin behind the wheel of a 'Rauder. I'm the same on driving...any chance...put @ 6000+ on mine since the turkey day:)