image problem

[JPGUY]

Hello all, I am new here. While I do not have a Marauder (don't hold it against me, I want one but are hard to find in my neck of the woods) so last month I purchased a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis LS (Arizona Beige) with 80,000 miles on it from the original owner. It has mostly been taken care of, some door dings and minor scratches here and there.

My goal is to get more power from the engine, upgrade the suspension/brakes and give it lesser of an old man look. I will have a lot of questions for the well experienced folks on this board, but for starters I would like to start with appearance items.

1. Reflectors: I do not like the reflector panels between the tail lights and reverse lights on the MGMs. I like the body paint color matched solid panels on the MM or Crown Vics. Were can I get these for my MGM? If I have to have them painted to match that is fine, I just need to ditch the reflectors.

2. Dash Trim: I also do not like the very cheesy, fake wood, plastic stripe that goes around the middle of the dash (and says "Grand Marquis" on it) and on each door panel. Are there other factory ones I can purchase that the MM or Crown Vics used? Options?

3. Wheels: It has the factory 16 inch wheels. While they aren't horrible, I would like something a bit sportier looking in the 17-18 inch size, such as a 5-spoke design maybe. Thoughts and opinions? Pics?

[RubberCtyRauder]

putting marauder parts on a non marauder doesn't go over well here. those parts you seek are all discontinued and no longer avail. new.

crown vic panels fit, but then you also need the taillights to match and there will be a gap under your plate. and bumper cover.

not trying to run you off, but crownvic.net has all the answers you seek. thats all they do is mod there crown vics with marquis parts etc.

a tune from Mo's speed shop will keep you California legal and add some get up and go. a gear swap will be beneficial. you sould just wrap te fake wood trim.

[Spectragod]

I have dash trim, door panels, rear body panel, bumpers, seats, I see nothing wrong with another MM clone.

[MyBlackBeasts]

You can have your current trim pieces hydro-dipped to any pattern you want instead of buying new/replacement parts for the look you want.

There are MANY Marauders for sale around the country in all price levels.

Thousands of replacement rims to choose from, get what you like.

Otherwise, buy whatever used parts you want to make it what you want.

[mm svt]

Do what you want but without the twin cams your just putting lipstick on a pig. You modness on the beige Gm are only going to cost as much as an actual marauder that needs love. Just my two pennies

[massacre]

The old man look will save you money on speeding tickets. True story.

As far as HP, it's a 281 cubic inch 2v in a 5000lb full sized sedan. You can bump it up a little bit but you're going to spend beaucoup bucks to make serious power.

I would concentrate less on the MM clone idea and just build a cool Marquis.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I don't care if he wants to use Marauder parts if he finds them. There was a time here that members would throw a hissy fit to those buying hard to get Marauder specific parts to put on a non Marauder car. Making a car your own is what it is all about..You're never going to please everyone.

[Svashtar]

The old man look will save you money on speeding tickets. True story.

As far as HP, it's a 281 cubic inch 2v in a 5000lb full sized sedan. You can bump it up a little bit but you're going to spend beaucoup bucks to make serious power.

I would concentrate less on the MM clone idea and just build a cool Marquis.

Agree. I would focus first on the trim and paint to get the more sporty look you want, then talk to Marty later about a tune for it. Even with the 2 valve you could wake it up a bit. A modest gear upgrade and a tune would be a good bang for the buck, and make it more fun to drive.

Do check with the Crown Vic guys though who might have better ideas that fit your platform.


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[RF Overlord]

CVPI rear fascia will fit the GMQ and get rid of the giant red reflecto-billboard and the ugly chrome strip. You'll need to do a small modification to the trunk lock mechanism, but it's really easy. On a 2004, you won't need to change the taillights as the chrome strip doesn't go that far.

http://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/u...Number=2814245

[ByronRACE]

Just to be clear; a chip/calibration/reflash will NOT keep you California legal unless you have a CARB EO# for it, and considering that process is arduous and expensive, most chip makers DO NOT have carb EO#'s for low production number vehicles like the Marauder. The smog shop not discovering it and/or knowing about it doesn't make it legal. I have known people to leak information they should not at a smog station and create problems for themselves. Don't do that. It's likely not legal.

[MMBLUE]

Can you say Trolling ?

Can't believe the same people fall into this trap all the time and answer these questions and have the purist argument about these cars. Fauxrauder

Classics:
What oil should I use ?
How often do you change your oil ?
X pipe on stock mufflers?

And others. Whats your favorites ?

[mm svt]

My fav was the fender bender question and the car had been crushed or it was Robert Carradine ride to kill his family

[mm svt]

Or what's my car worth


Clean low miles small amount of ***** on the drivers seat

[Svashtar]

Just to be clear; a chip/calibration/reflash will NOT keep you California legal unless you have a CARB EO# for it, and considering that process is arduous and expensive, most chip makers DO NOT have carb EO#'s for low production number vehicles like the Marauder. The smog shop not discovering it and/or knowing about it doesn't make it legal. I have known people to leak information they should not at a smog station and create problems for themselves. Don't do that. It's likely not legal.

Easily solved. Takes 15 minutes every two years at smog time to reinstall the stock air cleaner / air tube and reflash the tune. I drive it for a couple days till all the codes clear, then take it in for smog. 15 minutes after getting home the PHP box/Metco tube CAK and tune is back on. Time before last I left the stock tune in place to save gas, and because of not being happy with the DR tune, which was a mistake.

I hate CA bureaucracy and their stupid CARB money generator. This gives me some kind of performance and of course no problem passing the smog checks.


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[BAD MERC]

I am crawling around the floor throwing up.