Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => User Rides => Topic started by: sarjxxx on June 16, 2010, 10:20:29 PM

Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 16, 2010, 10:20:29 PM
So, I just handed over 500 bucks today, and drove home this:
96 Thunderbird 3.8L V6.
186,310.

Seems to be in pretty good shape, inside and out. With one exception: It's had a cicada whining sound coming from the steering pump. I figured it was just out of fluid. Got it home, checked it, it was EMPTY! Filled er up, and its just fine.

I'm so happy that now I have something to drive around (with AIR CONDITIONING [its been upper 90's here all month] and Power Windows/Locks) and now I can park the Cougar and work on it the right way when something needs to be done!

...Did I mention it came with a free EVTM?!?!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 16, 2010, 10:23:44 PM
I have a 95 T-bird with a 3.8 and 85,000 miles as a DD. It's a nice car but slow as hell;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 16, 2010, 10:27:05 PM
Well, I barely got to drive this thing, but it seems to me so far, that I have definitely driven slower cars. I like it. Probably because its the nicest car I've ever owned....:hick:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 16, 2010, 10:32:56 PM
I'm also comparing it to a car that's a little lighter and has a GT40 5.0;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 16, 2010, 10:36:08 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;325717
I'm also comparing it to a car that's a little lighter and has a GT40 5.0;)

ehh... well, ya know

the cougs got a 3.8 too, so not much to compare to:D:burnout:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: hypostang on June 16, 2010, 10:47:28 PM
Nice score !!! congrats
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 16, 2010, 10:54:39 PM
Thx!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on June 16, 2010, 11:03:14 PM
Nice lookin' Birdie... Better keep an eye on the P/S, fluid doesn't evaporate, no doubt has a leak someplace...

I had a '95 LX with the 4.6, way to lame for me...
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Watchdevil on June 17, 2010, 12:32:42 AM
Great car!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 1 BADBIRD on June 17, 2010, 05:23:28 AM
Nice score , that is really cheap and the car looks great !!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: birdman7 on June 17, 2010, 06:12:36 AM
drive it like ya stole it:burnout: because ya did! great deal:D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: tbirdsps on June 17, 2010, 01:47:28 PM
I noticed that some of you saying the 3.8 is slow.  My 92 runs quite well and quick.  Of course I don't have a 4.6 to compare it to.  I'm wondering what rear gear the 3.8 folks have.  Mine is a 3.27:1 and it will smoke the tire...typically the right rear.:grinno:

Mine I think has a .020 overbore.  Rebuilt with 20k miles.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 17, 2010, 01:52:48 PM
The only way my 95 is spinning the tires is if I'm standing on the brakes trying to do a burnout:hick: It has a 3.08 open rear.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on June 17, 2010, 04:59:19 PM
Quote from: birdman7;325775
drive it like ya stole it:burnout: because ya did! great deal:D


Great advice, Steve already posted he's had five tickets...

What's this $hit about driving one like you stole it anyway??? If I was driving a stolen car, last thing I'd want to do is draw attention to myself... Must be why most of the idiots get caught and go to jail...
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 17, 2010, 09:48:31 PM
:rollin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on June 18, 2010, 04:45:11 AM
Great score on the MN-12. Looks almost as clean as my 42nd Anniversary T-bird. Gas milage is GREAT with mine, I've been averaging 21 mpg in my daily routine. Beats my silverado by 9 mpg, or so.

Quote from: TurboCoupe50;325825
Great advice, Steve already posted he's had five tickets...

What's this $hit about driving one like you stole it anyway??? If I was driving a stolen car, last thing I'd want to do is draw attention to myself... Must be why most of the idiots get caught and go to jail...


I prefer, "drive it like a rental," myself :burnout:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 20, 2010, 01:23:40 AM
...just joined the TCCoA Forums...:disappoin
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on June 20, 2010, 09:50:08 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;325989
...just joined the TCCoA Forums...:disappoin


Looking at all of the drama going on, I'd stick with here, SCCOA, and V6Power.net

Speaking of comparing a stock Fox 232 vs a MN-12 232, I'd say the Fox is hella slow. So slow it got my old "Project Thundercat" mentioned in Hot Rod Magazine in 2001 (my goodness, has it really been that long ago????). And I quote, "it didn't matter whether you were driving a 20-second clapped out Cougar or a 9-second nitrous snorting blown Mustang."

19.055 @ 69.01 mph in the 1/4 mile was the fastest time I could muster out of the cat that whole weekend. Doing the math, that made for 98hp at the rear wheels.

I seriously doubt I'm going to race the 'underbird, anytime soon. It's too much like the '94 Continental I had, 0-60 in pimp ...well the way I've been driving it, anyway.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 22, 2010, 05:34:16 PM
Well, the bird is finally tagged and registered, and insured! Now I can drive it without being terrified of the po-po!

Unfortuantely, I had to pull the tag off the cougar cause its over $400 for a new plate!!!!!!!!!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on June 22, 2010, 07:49:43 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326224
I had to pull the tag off the cougar cause its over $400 for a new plate!!!!!!!!!


How? Back taxes? shiznit, my 'bird was only 30-somethin to get its tags
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 22, 2010, 09:34:30 PM
Florida man, Florida. They have to make up the lack of state income tax somehow...

Course thats including vehicle tax, title transfer, registration, and a new plate.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: tbirdsps on June 24, 2010, 09:49:16 AM
There's a 97 Tbird, V8 out on the street in front of my house looking rather sad with a right lower ball joint failure.  Hummm.  Maybe I should offer $500.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 88 Blackbird 5.0 on June 24, 2010, 10:51:51 PM
Nice score Steve!  :)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: RunninWild on June 26, 2010, 12:08:49 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326248
Florida man, Florida. They have to make up the lack of state income tax somehow...

Course thats including vehicle tax, title transfer, registration, and a new plate.


Yeah it's ridiculous here...it was 400 to get my explorer on the road.

Congrats on the deal!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on July 07, 2010, 09:27:07 PM
Well, I just couldn't help myself. I went to the JY to replace my broken center console cover the other day, and when I got there, they didn't have mine. What they did have, however, was one with...

...wait for it...

CUPHOLDERS!!!!!!

and holy  what a ripoff that one yard is. I went there to get the same thing first, and the guy wanted $35!!! Just for the cover!!! I went to my other yard-the one I trust,and visit regularly- and they asked $5. Sold!

I also replaced one of my broken taillights and shined up the headlights cause they were all nasty and yellow like all of ours.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on July 08, 2010, 03:11:14 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;327642
Well, I just couldn't help myself. I went to the JY to replace my broken center console cover the other day, and when I got there, they didn't have mine. What they did have, however, was one with...

...wait for it...

CUPHOLDERS!!!!!!


Needless to say I have cup holders in my 'bird, but they're entirely over-rated. Keep the twig and berries cool in the summer with a 44oz fountain drink. Keep 'em warm in the winter with a big ass coffee.

I was at one of the drive-thrus in town, with my pic up truck (sans cup holders) and the cute girl at the window said, "do you need a cup holder?" Referring the the tray thing. I said, "nope, I've got two right here," referring to the ankle biters.

The back seat of the 'bird doesn't have cup holders. We were on a shopping trip in the 'bird & the boys were in the back seat w/their drinks and hot dogs from Pilot. The older boy said, "where am I going to put my drink?" The little one said, "duh, twig and berries."

I've come to the conclusion I'm a bad influence.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: ShowBoy on July 08, 2010, 07:40:59 PM
I am NEVER around to find the good deals ---- like this one ---- but, being the super duper nice guy that I am, I'll let you make a PROFIT and offer you $501 for it (if it passes my inspection that is).

Seriously, that's a sweet deal.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on July 08, 2010, 10:30:49 PM
Quote from: ShowBoy;327714
I am NEVER around to find the good deals ---- like this one ---- but, being the super duper nice guy that I am, I'll let you make a PROFIT and offer you $501 for it (if it passes my inspection that is).

Seriously, that's a sweet deal.
:rollin:
Believe me man, I know...
(actually, I paid $700 for it)...I borrowed money to buy it so I am paying back "interest", but I wouldn't sell it for the world. That is the nicest car I've ever owned, that's why I'm so excited about it!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 11, 2010, 08:27:36 PM
Well I gave the interior a thorough cleaning, shine, and vacuum for the first time since I got the car, and the guy before me didn't clean it to well either.

I still need to take the seats out and clean around them properly, but this is still nice for now.

I need to give the outside a nice bath too at some point soon. Prolly this weekend.

Obligatory picsz:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: hypostang on August 11, 2010, 08:28:35 PM
Looks good dude :D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 11, 2010, 08:32:30 PM
Thx!

The next thing I have to do to get this car in proper working order, and then I will be done, for the most part, is fix the PW regulators. Niether one rolls down properly. Looking at about $70 to fix them both myself. Not too bad.

I'm also thinking of throwing a set of 95 Cobra R wheels on there...or some other nice 5 spoke star rims like those... Whatchall think?
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: hypostang on August 11, 2010, 08:34:55 PM
Before you buy a set of wheels make sure they have the correct bolt pattern....the MN12 uses a different pattern than the SN95


but I am all for an upgrade :D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on August 11, 2010, 09:18:04 PM
You sure it's the regulators and not the little plastic bearings inside the window motor? Sometimes if only 1 of the 3 bearings inside gets broken, the window will still go up and down, but will have a lot of play.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 11, 2010, 10:15:05 PM
Idk, I haven't opened it up and looked, but I'm prolly just gonna go ahead and rebuild anyway. Save me some hassle down the road no doubt.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 12, 2010, 10:19:21 AM
Quote from: hypostang;331535
Before you buy a set of wheels make sure they have the correct bolt pattern....the MN12 uses a different pattern than the SN95


Yup. Here's a source for them, although they are out of stock, right now - http://thecustomwheelshop.com/index.php/cPath/1?osCsid=mgtagnumk0n6eiv7cq6rlpf4s0
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 12, 2010, 10:31:52 AM
Oh yeah, i like the silver saleens the best, but after looking at close to $1200 for rims and tires.....  ii just dont know about all that!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: tbirdsps on August 12, 2010, 10:55:16 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;331586
Oh yeah, i like the silver saleens the best, but after looking at close to $1200 for rims and tires.....  ii just dont know about all that!


I just looked in Tire Rack yesterday for some 17's with tires and with shipping it came to $1102.  I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet on my 92 MN-12 but the factory 15" alloys are pretty ugly IMO.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Slinky on August 12, 2010, 11:20:51 AM
Some Mustang Bullet rims would look awesome on that car.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 12, 2010, 11:29:18 AM
Quote from: Slinky;331590
Some Mustang Bullet rims would look awesome on that car.


http://thecustomwheelshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/1/products_id/28 ;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Cougar8775 on August 12, 2010, 11:51:08 AM
on sccoa they have a site that sells the newer ford wheeles but in the bolt pattern of the mn12. Im unsure of where to find it. i did have it saved a while ago but now can't find it. I can look for that link later if you would like.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 12, 2010, 04:25:06 PM
(http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q237/carling666/cougarxr7modded.jpg)

This is what 1 WLD BRD's cougar looks like with them. The bird wouldn't be much different. It looks good, just not my style.  I just haven't ever really like the look of bullits.

I actually would like to get a set of stock 7 spoke cougar wheels and slap them on and put a bird cap in the center.

...or, even better, I want to get a set of stock Towncar turbines and put bird caps in em :evilgrin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 24, 2010, 07:03:17 PM
So, fiiiinnnnaaaallllyyyyy, here is a pic of the engine after a quick purple power bath!:D:D:D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Old_Paint on August 24, 2010, 07:44:48 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;327642
I also replaced one of my broken taillights and shined up the headlights cause they were all nasty and yellow like all of ours.

This is EXACTLY what I like best about my 4 eye Foxes.  NO YELLOW PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 24, 2010, 07:46:25 PM
lol, thats ok, cause no more yellow lights for me nope nuh uh :D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 24, 2010, 09:53:04 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;333296
lol, thats ok, cause no more yellow lights for me nope nuh uh :D


You know you're missing two cylinders, right?
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 24, 2010, 09:58:32 PM
1,...2,...3,...4,...5,...6,....

....nope... they're all there:D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 24, 2010, 10:00:34 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;333320
1,...2,...3,...4,...5,...6,....

....nope... they're all there:D


COU[SIZE="1"]7 & 8?[/SIZE]GH :punchballs:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 24, 2010, 11:31:26 PM
what??? that would be too many!!!

WTF would I do with 8 cylinders????

:rollin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 24, 2010, 11:41:47 PM
Oh yeah, had fun the other day!

the hose that runs from the heater outlet back to the intake decided to blow up and steam clean my entire engine compartment. So....

I went to AZ to get a replacement. They didn't have it b/c its the "new" kind of coolant hose, that has solide pipe in it, and they don't have any of that. So, we found a piece of molded hose that was identical to the pipe piece. I took it and a foot of 3/4 hose home, cut and spliced and rigged up a new hose.

In the process, I had to unbolt the pipe from the side of the block, that was a RPITA. After accomplishing all that, I also changed the oil.

Fired it up, and the thing started misfiring, badly. Couldn't figure out what it was, it sounded like a spark plug wire arcing though. Waited till it was dark enough to see it, and still couldn't. Kept trying to figure it out, when finally, I just barely happened to catch a spark waaaaaay down back at the the tip of the #3 spark plug.

So, I went and changed all the wires, and fired it up again. Same thing. WTF?????

Looked back in the same spot, and it was still arcing. I got down as close as possible to get a better look, and realized it was actually the spark plug arcing!?!?!?! So, I pulled the plug. Well, turns out these plugs, on this 189,000 mile car, are the ORIGINAL MOTORCRAFT PLUGS. They are all WASTED. THAT explains why my gas mileage and power are so shiznitty. Course by that time AZ was closed and I had to beg them to let me make one last minute purchase at 9:20 something....

All in all I wound up spending 6 hours and $100 just to get my  car running right again. Gaaah. But, after I got all plugs changed out that night, now she runs like a champ. Now I'm going to do a full maintenance/tune up overhaul and change out everything else that is probably still OE. Like the fuel filter, coil pack, etc... yaaaayyyyy......

Gonna run some seafoam through it too, I'm sure she could use it
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 27, 2010, 01:58:32 AM
I just rolled 87,000 on my 95. When I bought it 3 years ago it had 69,000 and I changed the plugs, wires, and cap. All Motorcraft stuff was used to replace it and it has run like a champ.

I'd like to replace the 95 (V6 is sloooooow) but I'm having trouble finding a V8 MN-12 with less miles than my 95 has:hick:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 27, 2010, 04:50:46 PM
Mines really not that slow. Its no race car, but compared to some 4 bangers and that POS 3.0 Taurtoise I had way back when, I'm real happy with it.

I still get the occasional tire squeal ;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 28, 2010, 12:54:42 PM
Steve, does your '96 have turquoise feet on the grille emblem?
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 28, 2010, 04:18:24 PM
Sure do
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 28, 2010, 05:39:59 PM
Ah, cup holders, the '96 didn't come with cup holders (from the factory)!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 28, 2010, 09:57:44 PM
No, but 97's did :evilgrin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on August 28, 2010, 10:58:35 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;333958
No, but 97's did :evilgrin:


See, I can still look at the Fox Cougars and tell you what year it is. Fox Thunderbirds, I haven't a clue. MN-12 Thunderbirds, I'm getting fairly good, considering they were well into the two-year cycle.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on August 29, 2010, 09:07:13 AM
foxes are easy too bc of the taillights
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: cougarcragar on August 29, 2010, 10:51:57 AM
Lately I've been considering selling my Cobras and going back to the 7-spoke XR7 wheels I have in the garage. They look good in the photo, but they are in pretty bad shape; the chrome is actually delaminating from the wheel. I would let them go for cheap for this reason. Let me know if you're interested.

(http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19822&stc=1&d=1244315941)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on September 20, 2010, 03:39:27 PM
Power window motor gear rebuild complete!!!!

Now both windows roll up and down with no problem!!:D:D:D:D



Oh, and for all you haters on the 3.8, I found out my car can do burnouts the other day. I'm gonna take it back out this saturday, and post a video of what it can do. You might be surprised.

And, as reluctant as I have been to put any money into this car, I found out the late model mustang heads/intake swap is real easy, and cheap, so I'm gonna do that. And throw some exhaust on it.  Course, only after the cougar gets the same treatment. :evilgrin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: ProTouring442 on September 20, 2010, 06:05:20 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;333958
No, but 97's did :evilgrin:


Yes they did, and you can swap them. There is a heater duct in the console that runs to the rear seat area. You will need to trim this duct and cover the trimmed area with some sort of duct tape. Other than that, it's an easy upgrade.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on September 20, 2010, 06:08:08 PM
Quote from: ProTouring442;336168
Yes they did, and you can swap them. There is a heater duct in the console that runs to the rear seat area. You will need to trim this duct and cover the trimmed area with some sort of duct tape. Other than that, it's an easy upgrade.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill


Exactly what I did.

I wasn't expecting that duct though! Was kinda sad that I had to cut it...
Funny thing is I probably would have never know there were vents back there if I hadn't opened that up:rollin:

There's also the issue of your lighter/12V port... I bought a new one from A/Z and drilled a big hole into the armrest compartment. I also took the ashtray light and put it in the same comapartment. I don't know why ford would put a light in the ashtray and not there to begin with anyway.....,,:wtf:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on September 25, 2010, 05:17:20 PM
Well, I finally found a car at the JY that I could pull a trunk lock out of. It actually had the key sitting in the lock. So, I broke down and pulled it and the glove box lock out of the car and swapped em in and now I can unlock my trunk with a key instead of pressing the  button every time!!!! (when I boght the car, the owner did not have a key for the trunk. Luckily the popper button was on unlocked mode)

I also pulled a niiice shiny leather wrapped wheel out of the same car. Sweet. Believe it or not, I actually got it more for the grip than the look. It has a much tighter grip than the stock wheel, more like the fox wheels. It also matches my leather shifter now too. I got a nice black/grey theme going on with all non-fabric parts of the car. I'm really liking it.

......Now if I could just figure out how to get the  sunroof out of that car:rollin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on September 26, 2010, 05:16:24 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;336683
now I can unlock my trunk with a key instead of pressing the  button every time!!!! (when I boght the car, the owner did not have a key for the trunk.


You do know the key is the same for the ignition, doors, trunk, and glove box,  right? It's not like the Fox Cougarbirds that had a different key for the same things as ours.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on September 26, 2010, 06:13:00 PM
Uhh, Scott, why don't you go try and stick your door/ignition key in your trunk and see what happens. If you can get it to fit in there you're a better man than I.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on September 26, 2010, 06:16:06 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;336824
Uhh, Scott, why don't you go try and stick your door/ignition key in your trunk and see what happens. If you can get it to fit in there you're a better man than I.


So, you'd like me to post a video :rollin:

I could never be a better man than any of my MN-12 driving brothers, though
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on September 26, 2010, 06:24:08 PM
If yours fit each other then its a 97 thing. Cause my trunk/glovebox/switch are reverse of my ignition/door. The blades are offset the reverese of each other. Pictar:
(http://i53.tinypic.com/96w3m0.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on September 26, 2010, 06:26:31 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;336829
If yours fit each other then its a 97 thing


Well I'll be ed.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on October 08, 2010, 07:40:07 PM
Well I did [thread=29668]this[/thread] today. I'm proud.

(http://i53.tinypic.com/28hkaj7.jpg)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2zp5ij8.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on October 08, 2010, 07:45:07 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;338600

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2zp5ij8.jpg)


Where's your spoiler? :punchballs:




Looking good, though, sir. :headbang:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: hypostang on October 08, 2010, 07:48:17 PM
Not bad sir , not bad at all :D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on October 08, 2010, 07:57:03 PM
Thx guys:D

Quote from: Scott D;338603
Where's your spoiler?

hah don't worry I've got my eye on one... Might be getting it next week!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on October 08, 2010, 08:39:47 PM
Your car would look sick if you smoked the taillights - emblem looks great!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on October 08, 2010, 09:52:38 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;338606

hah don't worry I've got my eye on one... Might be getting it next week!


Factory or other?
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Watchdevil on October 09, 2010, 03:29:07 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;336829
If yours fit each other then its a 97 thing. Cause my trunk/glovebox/switch are reverse of my ignition/door. The blades are offset the reverese of each other. Pictar:
(http://i53.tinypic.com/96w3m0.jpg)

 
My 89 was that way too...
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on October 09, 2010, 09:35:39 AM
Quote from: Scott D;338632
Factory or other?


factory.

The SC guy I know is a parts hound and hes got a couple from both mn12 body styles
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on October 09, 2010, 10:11:42 AM
Quote from: Watchdevil;338669
My 89 was that way too...

As was my '86, so it must be a '97 thing.

Steve, I reckon it's a good thing it's factory. I've not seen very many aftermarket wings that look good on our cars :(

The Xenon spoiler is one of the good ones ...
(http://www.supercoupeperformance.com/images/thumbBuilder.ashx?maxSize=500&imgPath=images/items/412/412363223750.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on October 09, 2010, 10:47:22 AM
yeah i really like that one cause its got the brake light in it
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: vinnietbird on October 10, 2010, 09:48:06 AM
I think I have a couple of factory spoilers for those cars in the garage .I have a stack of spoilers I've gathered for whatever reason.LOL.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on November 02, 2010, 11:23:35 AM
Well I washed it for the first time since I got it, and boy does she shine! I didn't know those wheels could gloss like that!
(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-19180446.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-19180436.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-19180414.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-19180403.jpg)

And here are my two babies together::D:D:D

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-19180847.jpg)

And two more:

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-24171749.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-10-24171800.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: hypostang on November 02, 2010, 12:01:16 PM
lookin good
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on November 02, 2010, 01:09:12 PM
Thanks!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on November 02, 2010, 07:41:51 PM
You need to look at your wheels, again. You got them half-straightened out, now if you'll just put the wheels from the driver's side onto the passenger's side and vice versa, you'll be cooking with gas ;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on November 02, 2010, 08:54:52 PM
Actually mine are right, yours are on backwards. Look it up.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: jrad235 on November 02, 2010, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;340265
Actually mine are right, yours are on backwards. Look it up.


Oh snap! Jeez Sarjxxx, way to jump on the guy!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on November 03, 2010, 01:09:21 AM
Oh, not at all. I'm just saying...:dunno:
 I actually saw a picture of his a couple weeks ago and meant to tell him, but he got to me first;)

I like them much better this way... When its rolling it looks to me like they're trying to claw up air and asphalt and throw it behind me where it should be:burnout:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on November 04, 2010, 05:30:25 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;340341
Oh, not at all. I'm just saying...:dunno:
 I actually saw a picture of his a couple weeks ago and meant to tell him, but he got to me first;)


I love ya dude, and like giving a fellow bird owner some ribbing here and there, so there's no need/want/desire for me to start a g match on an internet forum, or anywhere else for that matter.

But ....

take off the center cap of the wheel & they are marked. The wheels on the driver's side of my car are marked "LH <-" under the center cap. The wheels on the passenger's side are marked "-> RH" under the center caps. I'll snap some pics for reference.

I'm just glad you have the wheels on each side matched up :tg: :)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on November 13, 2010, 07:06:24 PM
well I've had some play in my steering wheel for ever since I first go tthe car....

Decided to check out why that was.

Turns out, there is a bolt that goes into the two shafts of the steering column of course. Well, it was, um, how do you say, GONE.

So, pulled one from the JY, tightned the shafts back up, put the bolt back in, steering's tight as a knot!:D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 01, 2010, 10:16:07 PM
So, after all the exhaust that I ripped of the cat, I figured I could recycle some of it so, yes, I cut off the ler off the bird and stuck the glasspack on.

Not too bad really. Just a little ricey at low rpm but no fart can. Trust me, no fart can. I hate fart can.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 03, 2010, 07:36:12 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;343979
So, after all the exhaust that I ripped of the cat, I figured I could recycle some of it so, yes, I cut off the ler off the bird and stuck the glasspack on.

Not too bad really. Just a little ricey at low rpm but no fart can. Trust me, no fart can. I hate fart can.

 
I had a Thrush glasspack on my '86 Cougar (3.8L) & it never sounded like a fart can. Everybody that heard it, even at idle, thought it was an 8 & wouldn't believe me when I said it was only a 6 :dunno:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 03, 2010, 08:10:49 PM
Yeah, thats exactly whats on mine, 18" thrush glasspack.

Thats just my point about it.. No fart can sound. Everybody says that glasspacks on 3.8 mustangs sound like shiznitbox ricers but I really think it sounds good. No ricey sound at all, ecept for at low rpm idle it sounds a little airy, but not bad.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 16, 2010, 09:48:56 PM
random pic:

(http://i56.tinypic.com/sy3w60.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 17, 2010, 11:00:38 PM
What's up with the lights? Clears, or just really clean?
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 17, 2010, 11:03:51 PM
Quote from: Scott D;346116
What's up with the lights! just really clean!

:headbang:

(actually they're starting to look like  again I need to sand em down again and clear coat them for protection)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 28, 2010, 09:56:22 PM
......hmmmm, yeah......

...so, the mysterious popping/thumping sounds coming from my front end actually had in fact nothing at all to do with ball joints.

Actually, its due entirely to...




....wait for it....


...a broken DS motor mount.:rolleyes:

Which, explains why I only heard it when I put enough power to the car to get it to lift up, therefore torquing the motor enough to lift it, and why I couldn't hear it if I lifted the car manually.:hick:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 29, 2010, 04:20:33 PM
My DS mount broke at 87,000 miles. It's because of the massive power of the 3.8, not the fact that it's a py mount design or anything ;).
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 29, 2010, 04:22:49 PM
thats what I keep trying to explain to people. I mean, that would certainly explain why they ALL always inevitably break....
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 29, 2010, 05:31:19 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347534
thats what I keep trying to explain to people. I mean, that would certainly explain why they ALL always inevitably break....

1 gallon of American fury, hoss!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 29, 2010, 05:31:40 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347534
thats what I keep trying to explain to people. I mean, that would certainly explain why they ALL always inevitably break....

 
1 gallon of American fury, hoss!
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 29, 2010, 05:37:20 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347534
thats what I keep trying to explain to people. I mean, that would certainly explain why they ALL always inevitably break....


LOL i can't imagine why they don't believe you :rollin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 29, 2010, 05:44:08 PM
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;347549
LOL i can't imagine why they don't believe you :rollin:

145 mean and grizzly hp combined with 215 bone-crushing lb-ft torque, it's bound to happen ....just sayin'
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 29, 2010, 06:18:31 PM
lololololololol
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 29, 2010, 07:34:33 PM
My 3.8 is so strong it will spin it's tires all day long....................on ice.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 29, 2010, 08:56:41 PM
lol.. i have a py little RC car that'll beat your 3.8 on the ice :p
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 29, 2010, 10:51:35 PM
Quote from: Scott D;347551
145 mean and grizzly hp combined with 215 bone-crushing lb-ft torque, it's bound to happen ....just sayin'

 
well in a couple months she'll be gettin a few extra ponies. via +0.4L bolt on kit.;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 30, 2010, 05:06:56 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347638
well in a couple months she'll be gettin a few extra ponies. via +0.4L bolt on kit.;)

Are you going with a whole new engine, or just stroking it?

Oh, and PM sent
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 30, 2010, 01:45:27 PM
he said bolt ON.. lol
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 05:53:15 PM
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;347706
he said bolt ON.. lol
I dont get it lol
 
Quote from: Scott D;347667
Are you going with a whole new engine, or just stroking it?

Oh, and PM sent

Yes I have seen that info. And your answer is complete engine. I'm going to pull a 98+ engine and slap a windstar intake on it. I've got a friend who is a mn12 guru and he also builds engines for a living so he's going to be rebuilding it and porting/polishing/add-ons/etc... for me before it goes in and and then I am going to take the car over to his house and we will be doing the swap out.

This of course won't be happening until after I get the trans in the cougar and get it running since I will of course be needing something to drive while the bird's down. To do the swap right will take at least a weekend. There's a lot of stuff involved.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Bruce M on December 30, 2010, 06:09:40 PM
So, do you have two builds going on? Is the cougar going to be the toy? A engine swap is a big project for a DD and a 4.2L swap is a little more then a bolt on. Im not knocking on your idea, I think its cool. If my Cougar was'nt priceless to me, I'd have a different project.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 30, 2010, 06:10:08 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347728

This of course won't be happening until after I get the trans in the cougar and get it running

 
Oh, okay, I thought I was going to have to be worried about you beating my 'underbird sometime soon :punchballs::rollin:

Just ribbing you, dude
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 06:17:43 PM
Quote from: Bruce M;347729
So, do you have two builds going on? Is the cougar going to be the toy? A engine swap is a big project for a DD and a 4.2L swap is a little more then a bolt on. Im not knocking on your idea, I think its cool. If my Cougar was'nt priceless to me, I'd have a different project.

Oh yeah the cougar is definitely going to be the toy. Its driving me nuts that it doesn't run right now but I just can't afford the extra dough for the tranny right now. Click the link in my sig to go to my project thread for it to see what's in store for the cougar.

As for this car yeah and engine swap is a big deal for a dd as I found out when I replaced the engine in the cougar back when it was pulling dd duty. But, after that, it really isn't going to be getting much work. There will be some new exhaust when the engine goes in of course, and I'm thinking going with big brakes and some "fan blade" rims. Then of course there are the regular maintenence items that need tending to...(ball-joints, u-joints, cv-joints(thanks to IRS), radiator, etc) but not much else major will really going into it.

My goal for this car is just to have a nice, clean, presentable and fun car to drive around every day. Whereas the cougar will be the cooler, faster, louder, grungier, awesomer:hick: car to drive around when I really wanna let loose and surprise some people when I'm out.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 30, 2010, 06:32:07 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347638
via +0.4L bolt on kit.;)

you said it lol
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 07:10:35 PM
oh nm I thought you were making fun of what I said or something:rolleyes:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 30, 2010, 07:23:45 PM
no lol i was pointing out that you said bolt on.. a new motor or a stroker assembly isn't a bolt on.. unless someone knows something i don't LOL
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 07:36:23 PM
oh.... yeah... kind of an inside joke lol

scott always talking about the two cylinder bolt on he would like to do....:hick:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on December 30, 2010, 08:11:34 PM
lol that seems to be an inside joke for a lot of people
Title: Look what came in the mail today!
Post by: sarjxxx on December 31, 2010, 01:52:35 PM
I love vanity plates:D

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-12-31134116.jpg)

(http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n567/sarjxxx/2010-12-31134125.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 31, 2010, 02:11:11 PM
That front plate bracket looks so out of place. I thought I'd pimp one, sooner or later, but nah, I don't care for the look of it, now.

I dig the license plate, though :headbang:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 31, 2010, 02:14:14 PM
Thats the bracket that's made to fit our years. I think it looks fine.... Its a heck of a good mounting bracket though. Four screws hold the bracket to the bumper and four more hold the plate to the bracket.

I was gonna get the plate that has the same bird as whats on the grille but I liked this one more cause it was red like my car plus it has a cool vintage throwback. And, if you look in the bottom corner there, it is officially licensed by Ford:D
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 31, 2010, 02:58:14 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347842
Thats the bracket that's made to fit our years. I think it looks fine....

 
I dig the clean look on the front, though :birdsmily:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 31, 2010, 03:04:21 PM
ahh. I just love plates though. I couldn't help it;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 31, 2010, 03:33:54 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347854
ahh. I just love plates though. I couldn't help it;)

you're gonna need that 4.2L, now ...I bet that bracket affects the drag co-efficient enough that we'd have run the same times, now I've just a hair on you, sir :headbang:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on December 31, 2010, 03:37:11 PM
hah hah. Well, really I think the 190,000 miles of unmaintained engine might have already led to you beating me.:punchballs:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on December 31, 2010, 04:52:26 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347858
hah hah. Well, really I think the 190,000 miles of unmaintained engine might have already led to you beating me.:punchballs:

:rollin:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on February 21, 2011, 10:50:21 PM
So I've got now 2 broken motor mounts. This is one vibrating car. I am not looking forward to changing them.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: RunninWild on February 23, 2011, 10:56:23 AM
ew.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on February 23, 2011, 04:18:38 PM
Thanks:p
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Scott D on February 23, 2011, 04:49:14 PM
I'm gonna pay somebody to change my motor mounts :)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on February 23, 2011, 06:53:57 PM
heh more power to you brother. I don't want anybody but me fooling around in my engine compartment.;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: Bruce M on February 24, 2011, 08:34:24 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;353740
heh more power to you brother. I don't want anybody but me fooling around in my engine compartment.;)

 
X2
Im to the point that I dont trust anyone to touch my car. I payed someone to replace my heatcore and when I got it back the steering column was lose, the stereo was upside down and didn't work, my speakers were not screwed in, and there were leftover screws in my ashtray. And to make matters worse the heatercore didn't last a month. I replaced it by myself in about three hours. The only time anyone will touch my car is if I need exhaust work or when I get it painted.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on February 26, 2011, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: Bruce M;353793
X2
Im to the point that I dont trust anyone to touch my car. I payed someone to replace my heatcore and when I got it back the steering column was lose, the stereo was upside down and didn't work, my speakers were not screwed in, and there were leftover screws in my ashtray. And to make matters worse the heatercore didn't last a month. I replaced it by myself in about three hours. The only time anyone will touch my car is if I need exhaust work or when I get it painted.

wow that sucks... I feel you about exhaust and paint. I feel exactly the same way, mostly on account of the fact that I do not have the correct equipment or skills to do it correctly. Oh yeah, that and alignments/tires.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on April 16, 2011, 06:40:09 PM
Having never owned a car less than 100,000 miles, or more than 200,000 miles, this was kinda cool...
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on April 16, 2011, 09:10:04 PM
I remember when my Mark turned 300,000..... I was so proud lol, of course, right afterward, on the same trip, it brokedown and was out of comission for a week while I tracked down a coolant leak...lol
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on April 16, 2011, 10:51:21 PM
The one you're driving now??
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on April 17, 2011, 07:07:07 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;358223
The one you're driving now??

Yes sir. I can't say whether it is the original motor or not, though I have reason to believe it still is. The tranny has been replaced though. It leaks/burns a little oil, the air ride is still fully functional as well as the Teves braking system (other than a leaking caliper) and still feels solid as an ox drivetrain-wise. Of course, I took it off DD duty when I got the Escort, but have been driving it around a lot lately.

Sorry for the huge pic.... but this was like back in Dec. sometime.....has almost 306,xxx now

(http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo90/20thanniver-ls/IMG_20101207_164438.jpg)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on April 17, 2011, 10:53:01 PM
How many were on it when you got it? For me, as cool as it was to turn all 6 numbers over, I truthfully only put 13,000 on it to get it there...

oh, ya know you might wanna think about changing your username lol now that the 20th's gone...;)
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on April 18, 2011, 07:30:49 PM
Eh, I wish I was the one to put the whole 300,000 on it, but when I got it it had 289,000, and within 2 months I had it past 300. Still proud of it though, I was so scared when I bought it with the high mileage and all, but it has proved to be a  reliable car, the original owner took real good care of it, until late 2009, then the previous owner bought it and really lacked on the maintenance and wear and tear shiznit, like the air suspension and brakes, but that's all fixed now, I'm going for 400,000....we will see how that goes.




Quote from: sarjxxx;358296
oh, ya know you might wanna think about changing your username lol now that the 20th's gone...;)

I know, I have thought about that, but 20th's are my real love lol, I will own another someday.
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: sarjxxx on June 02, 2011, 10:54:04 PM
Well the car is gone. Sold her to the JY for $400 bucks this evening. It was a time of both joy and sorrow. I was sad to see it go but the poor thing needed to be put out of its misery.

I've patched the radiator 4 times, it finds a new place to leak every time, now its leaking steadily from the water pump too. The thing was losing 1 gal/hr of water. It was leaking oil from whereabouts unknown, leaking tranny fluid, leaking rear diff fluid, and eating a quart of oil a month. The ball joints were shot, wheel bearings gone out of it, brakes were all but metal to metal, and the motor mounts were both broken. Not to mention the odd semi constant extreme engine vibrations I've been getting for a couple months now.....

I sent it off to one of the yards I frequent, and I know he won't crush it so at least I can keep and eye on it :(


Tomorrow I'll be posting up the pics of the replacement.:cool:
Title: My daily driver Thunderbird: the "Red Bird"
Post by: flylear45 on June 03, 2011, 07:41:24 AM
Did you save the license plate?:evilgrin:

Wonder what you got to replace it?