John Brennan wrote:Well, that's why the other day when some guy posted about finding a very pristine '89 (think it was over on MerkSport) and wanting to know what mods to start making on it, I said wait a minute; if you found one fresh and unscathed as you say, please consider not modding it out-- consider the car's true value and rightful place in history.
Some of the really clean ones should be preserved.
I could'nt agree more John...It compelled me enough to actually sign in and respond...
We just got a car from a kid down south past Comiskey Park. and being a Chicago car, I could'nt believe how "ok" it actually was...I think the car has a total of 8" of rot-out in the pass rocker, and that's all....smashed drivers' fender, blown motor, thrashed inside...etc.,
What makes this one interesting, is it's a Stratos Silver '85, solid roof, 5 spd, man window, heat-seat delete car...A bare bones deal...Kinda reminds me of the early sixties Belvidere/Coronet platform. The 426 Max Wedge cars w/ the radio/heat/etc., delete cars...No frills, ALL thrills.
I'm FRANTICALLY searching all the goodie stashes for factory correct parts for this thing;
-Factory correct throttle body w/gooy sno-globe looking Ford emblem? check.
-Little foam jobby for the drivers fender-rear to complete the cowl seal? check.
-Plastic circular clip that holds the fuel lines apart back at the fuel filter? check.
....and am currently searching the McMasterCarr catalog for a "factory appearing" wire tie *with wings* for the Al. AC line as it passes over the bracket that hangs on the false firewall, middle-rear of the engine compartment. After the first VC gasket change, this thing is history..but I have a broken one to match...Wish me luck
!
This car will be the star attraction for Carlisle '08.
In the most recent Haggerty Insurance *replacement value* guides, the prices are slowly, steadily, rising. Would they cover, or total? Diff issue, but it's nice to get SOME appreciation, somewhere
To me, the model situation of comparision would be the mid-to-late 80's Dodge Omni GLH...Try finding even a JUNK one for under $1,500 bux. No dice.
Most importantly, it's peeps like this kid above me. If there's more and more young guys like him, that actually take the time to understand and appreciate the car, there's nowhere to go but up...
Keep getting the word out!
Jim