Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => User Rides => Topic started by: Tbird232ci on July 31, 2008, 05:27:21 PM

Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on July 31, 2008, 05:27:21 PM
I just picked up this 88 LX Monday. As far as I know, it's fully loaded. I can't think of an option it doesn't have as of yet. I haven't dug too far into it.

The car is bone stock, and was kinda sorta a single owner. Husband and wife bought the car, daily drove it until last year, which from then it sat until they gave it to their grandson. He never drove it, trailer'd it home, and then sold it to me.

Anyways, don't mind the picture quality, I can't figure this camera out for overcast.

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7310202.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7310203.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7310205.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7310211.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7310212.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7280197.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7280198.jpg)

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n184/Tbird232ci/P7280199.jpg)

All of the photos are exactly how I bought it. I haven't washed it, cleaned it out, tuned it up, or anything.

Also, there is less rust on this car than any of my others.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: grutinator on July 31, 2008, 05:41:20 PM
sweet! thats things clean looking man! you'll probably be getting a call from me tomorow, i gotta come see that thing. congrats.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Beau on July 31, 2008, 06:18:31 PM
That's really nice...is the interior blue or gray? (hard to tell in the pics)

Good score on it!
Title: New daily driver
Post by: V8Demon on July 31, 2008, 06:23:23 PM
Nice grab!


Quote
I can't figure this camera out for overcast.


If it has a landscape setting, try that with a little exra EV.

BTW, if you decide you wanna do a console swap, I'll take that armrest ;)
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 1WLD BRD on July 31, 2008, 07:08:11 PM
NICE score bro.....  I likey

bet you will make it home from CJ with it this year... :shakeass:
Title: New daily driver
Post by: dominator on July 31, 2008, 08:02:32 PM
Lookin good.
I do see a few options missing though off the top,leather,factory alarm,floor console(not sure on that one as it may have only been sport)factory aluminum wheels,moonroof(unable to see)?
Title: New daily driver
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on July 31, 2008, 09:56:14 PM
sweet bird looks like the egr spacer gasket is shot though!
Title: New daily driver
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 31, 2008, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: dominator;230077
Lookin good.
I do see a few options missing though off the top,leather,factory alarm,floor console(not sure on that one as it may have only been sport)factory aluminum wheels,moonroof(unable to see)?


AFIK, no fact alarm after '86, the LX didn't have a leather or floor shifter option...
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on July 31, 2008, 10:43:40 PM
The car does have a moonroof.

Also, I'm not sure if the LX got aluminum wheels either. I can tell you all about Turbo Coupe options, but not LX options.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: rancheronut on July 31, 2008, 11:48:11 PM
look good ,nothing a good bath can't take care of but  please ditch the 14incher and hub caps:toilet: !
Title: New daily driver
Post by: kingcars on July 31, 2008, 11:52:49 PM
Nice score.  Needs HO conversion!  :D
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Ifixyawata on August 01, 2008, 12:14:04 AM
Mega-Score!  I hate you.  Send this car to me.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 01, 2008, 09:01:32 AM
trade ya for my TC...... :D
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 50tbrd88 on August 01, 2008, 10:52:30 AM
Nice one man.  Guess that proves there are still some nice ones out there.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 01, 2008, 01:14:52 PM
Wow dude.  LOVE the seats.  Great score.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 01, 2008, 02:53:31 PM
No mods or conversions. It's staying dead stock.

I've modded too many cars, killed the reliability of others, and have one project that doesn't move, and one I'm driving.

I do have the dilemma, I have to get one of my cars out of the driveway and stored somewhere. My father is trying to tell me to sell my TC for 500 bucks, when that is less than half of what I paid for exhaust alone!

Must be nice to try to throw someone elses money away.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: kingcars on August 01, 2008, 10:47:17 PM
HO conversion isn't throwing away money...I did mine for like $500, and it runs way better and is just as reliable (if not more so) than the SO.  And I get much better gas mileage.

Oh....you were referring to the thing with your dad.  Nvm.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: dominator on August 02, 2008, 07:39:21 AM
My bad, i did not know they killed the factory alarm in 87.
No leather(not that it's a great option)in v6 or v8 models,hmmm learn something new every day.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on August 02, 2008, 09:54:06 AM
It's surely a nice car, I'm bettin' in a couple of months you'll be doing a HO conversion...

Wonder if grandpa is pissed cause g-son sold it???
Title: New daily driver
Post by: HAVI on August 02, 2008, 10:24:45 AM
Well, there's the sunroof headliner and rear package tray in grey that I need.  I hope you don't mind me stealing them....Nice steal yerself though, Looks great!
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 02, 2008, 12:03:17 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;230248
It's surely a nice car, I'm bettin' in a couple of months you'll be doing a HO conversion...

Wonder if grandpa is pissed cause g-son sold it???


Nah, the HO conversion would be nice, but it still wouldn't be enough for me. I had a mustang with an HO, I've driven 5-speed Mustangs, modded 5-speed stangs, 4.6L stangs, and they don't impress me.

I know if I were to mod this, it would sit for months like my red car, so it's staying stock.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: kingcars on August 02, 2008, 12:48:48 PM
Hmmm that's strange...my Tbird easily kicks you back in the seat, and feels quite a bit faster than just a mid 14 car.  If this is your DD, you'd probably enjoy the extra gas mileage and power.  As for 5.0L stangs, I know plenty that can barely run a 14.9 stock, and 2V 4.6s aren't known for their stock speed.  :p
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 02, 2008, 03:09:52 PM
Compared to my Turbo Coupe, a HO is a downgrade in power and fuel economy. The reason I bought this car is because it's in great shape, to where I don't fear driving it everywhere, and it's far more reliable than my Turbo Coupe in its current form. This car, once I fix its little issues, I can hop in it, turn the A/C on, crank up the premium sound, and just go anywhere without fear of breaking down or being left stranded.

In the meantime, the Turbo Coupe is getting an engine built, and everything that needs fixing will be taken care of since I'll have less stress on getting it done.

For building a 5.0, or going fast, I have my red car. All of this 5.0 talk is almost making me want to put something else in it now-a-days.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: kingcars on August 02, 2008, 03:14:34 PM
Oh I know, I'm just givin ya a hard time.  Although, in complete honesty, I don't see how an HO is less reliable; basically what you describe as hopping in, turning on the radio, and not worrying about getting stranded is exactly how I feel in my Tbird.  My car has never once left me stranded, and it's seen many many weeks of over 350 miles, it drove 130 miles to the closest 1/4, took 3 passes, and drove home without a hiccup.  Also, if the HO is a downgrade in power and fuel economy, then the SO must be like getting neutered!  I've gained a lot in both aspects by going HO.  But if all you want is a care free DD, that's cool too.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 02, 2008, 03:27:33 PM
I'm not referring to the HO as unreliable, I'm referring to my current car as unreliable.

The difference between the HO and SO is the amount of work. I've got two project cars already. I don't need a third.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: kingcars on August 02, 2008, 03:30:48 PM
That's true!  Although 1WLDBRD did it in like 2 days...crazy bastid!  I couldn't do it that fast.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Kitz Kat on August 02, 2008, 04:00:24 PM
I want to know how your gettin 8 mpg on yor dash? its sittin still should be 0?
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 02, 2008, 04:33:02 PM
Average is 8mpg. Instant is 0. The car been driven up and down the street once a week for a month before I got it, which is why the mileage is so low.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 88TurboCoupeman01 on August 02, 2008, 07:24:08 PM
Loose the hubcaps a get a set of Turbo Coupe and also get the TC hood, front bumper and foglights and wiring and turn it into a 5.0 Turbo Coupe Klone. Thats would be Phat dude Git -R-Done Cowboy LX.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 86elan on August 02, 2008, 07:53:45 PM
wow
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 02, 2008, 08:51:45 PM
Quote from: 88TurboCoupeman01;230312
Loose the hubcaps a get a set of Turbo Coupe and also get the TC hood, front bumper and foglights and wiring and turn it into a 5.0 Turbo Coupe Klone. Thats would be Phat dude Git -R-Done Cowboy LX.


No.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: CougarCoupe88 on August 02, 2008, 10:25:19 PM
nice daily. I feel the pain on driving projects thats why I bought the truck. now thats somewhat of a project. . I do need to as this one thing. new Ac lines ? and is it R12 or 134?
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 02, 2008, 10:41:18 PM
Quote from: kingcars;230284
That's true!  Although 1WLDBRD did it in like 2 days...crazy bastid!  I couldn't do it that fast.


LOL, thanks!...  :D :hick: :rollin:

when the car in question is your daily driver, and you are to lazy to walk to the end of your driveway to get the mail....  you tend to get your car up and running ASAP...  (that is a complete exageration but still....  I HATE walking more then I have to:D )
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Chuck W on August 02, 2008, 10:58:50 PM
Man that is a cushy looking ride.

Not sure if I could drive a "stock" Fox personally.  Even if the drivetrain was left alone, I'd have to do something about the suspension/brakes.  But that's just me though, I can't leave well enough alone. :p

I understand about not wanting your driver to be a project though.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: jpc647 on August 02, 2008, 11:09:37 PM
nice. I wish I could find a decent one. Instead I have to try and swap the 232 for the 5.0l motor. I don't think its going to be fun...
Title: New daily driver
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 04, 2008, 07:16:18 PM
Quote from: dominator;230077
Lookin good.
I do see a few options missing though off the top,leather,factory alarm,floor console(not sure on that one as it may have only been sport)factory aluminum wheels,moonroof(unable to see)?


Quote from: TurboCoupe50;230092
AFIK, no fact alarm after '86, the LX didn't have a leather or floor shifter option...


Factory alarm was gone after 86.

87-88 LX cars could be ordered with leather. My 88 LX is a factory leather car.

In 87 you could order a LX with a console, or a console and floor shift (which also included TC style sport seats) but NOT in 88. You could actually get a raven interior in an 87 LX (I have seen one and it has the correct door tag code)

Looks like you've picked up a nice daily. Just tune it up and you're ready to go :D
Title: New daily driver
Post by: rancheronut on August 04, 2008, 07:59:05 PM
just because it a daily driver don't mean you have to stay with those fugle hubcaps and 14 wheels.:disappoin . if so i got lots to sell to you!!!!!!!!
 all my daily driver have the best tires i can get. not the most money either. of course i  put on a 205/65/15. as there the easyist to find and most time the best price  of the 15.
14 are not at all easy to find any more. we have manufacters that are stop making 14 all the time and as for the rest of the bird just give it a good bath and let it ride.
sears CSA
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 04, 2008, 10:56:41 PM
14's are staying, sorry.

I actually have two sets of snowflakes sitting behind my shed, my buddy has something like 4 sets of 10 holes, and I could have a free set of 14" phone dial wheels. I don't want them. Car looks fine on the 14" chrome hubcaps. Need a small amount of chrome to set off the rest of the chrome on the car.

Lou, do you have pictures of the leather LX interior handy? I've never seen it first hand. I do know you could get the console and floor shifter in 87, as long as it was a 5.0 if I remember correctly. I wasn't very sure about 88 though.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 05, 2008, 12:22:38 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;230648
Lou, do you have pictures of the leather LX interior handy? I've never seen it first hand. I do know you could get the console and floor shifter in 87, as long as it was a 5.0 if I remember correctly. I wasn't very sure about 88 though.


Yep I do have pics. This is from a show I was at last Aug (it's my car btw ;) ) The seats are a combo of perforated and non perforated leather. You couldn't get a console in a LX in 88, I just added it to mine.

(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/volo%20auto%20museum%20aug%204%202007/tbird%20show%20volo%20auto%20museum%20aug%204%202007/my88int.jpg?t=1217952986)

In 87 AFAIK you could get a center console with either the V6 or V8 LX (as I have seen both with a center console) but you could only get the floor shifter with the V8 in the LX. The odd thing is that I've seen quite a few base 87 T-birds with a V6, almost no options, but they have a center console. The more loaded up base V6 cars seem to always have consoletts.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Slinky on August 05, 2008, 12:59:49 PM
Looks great. How much did you give for it?
Title: New daily driver
Post by: GREYSHADOW on August 05, 2008, 01:00:44 PM
Nice!!!
Title: New daily driver
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 07, 2008, 06:39:59 PM
Just wondering but does it have power recline? I've yet to see an 87-88 T-bird LX that doesn't have power recline.
Title: New daily driver
Post by: 5.0 tbird on August 07, 2008, 11:10:35 PM
Nice! But those wire hubcaps would be gone in 10 minutes if it were mine. Mainly because I already have a set of turbine hubcaps. :hick:
Title: New daily driver
Post by: Tbird232ci on August 08, 2008, 03:39:20 PM
I paid 1000 bucks for the car. I went to look at the car friday, he had 1500 on the windshield, went and looked at it with the owner there sunday, and he had 1000 on the windshield. I was happy with that.

Yeah, the car has power recline. The driver side panel is busted, as is the switch, but it still works properly.