1976 LTD, can i fix it?

[bad_boy_benny]

hi , i own a 1976 ford LTD 5.8L v8. it has been sitting outside for about 5 years for various reasons. I don't know a whole lot about these cars and i'm wondering if i can realistically fix it up and get it happenning or if ishould just sell it for whatever little ammount its worth, or sell it in pieces......so anyway the car isn't in great condition with rust in several places on the body and bits and pieces in the engine (i'll put up some pics of the engine soon). but it does go lol. its hard to describe everything thats wrong with it here now but i'll get some pics up. i'm wondering if its a waste of time and money, how easy it is to find parts for these cars, what might be wrecked after a 5 year down time etc.......any suggestions? http://www.fordforums.com.au/images/icons/icon7.gif
Smile

[Polyal]

ah pics might help...it depends ow bad the rust is and how much cash you want to put into it.

[EBII Fairmont]

Originally Posted by Polyal

ah pics might help...it depends ow bad the rust is and how much cash you want to put into it.

Time also would play a factor wouldn't it? It seems like a huge job restoring a car.

[LUXO_8]

if the rust is too bad, it might be a better option to get a cleaner shell (yes i realise they arent easy to find....) and put all the good bits from your car into it.

you just have to ask yourself weather it would be cheaper and easier to fix your shell or get another shell and repair that...

we need pics though.....

[HOON69]

76 nice model
if your gunna sell it sell it as parts you'll get more for it

[outback_ute]

Depends where the rust is, and how much. Best to check that with a couple of panel beaters (ones who don't just replace body panels for insurance). Re all the mechanicals, I would be checking them all (open up), to see what had happened over that time. Definitely rebuild brakes, of course change all oils and coolant at a minimum.

[jonbays]

As everyone has said the mechanicals in the LTD are all nice and standard and easy to fix with plenty of parts available its the body that would be troble if its too rusty.

With a sound body it would be a nice build up.

[bad_boy_benny]

ok, thanks for the advice. i think i'll head to a panel beater and figure out what my options are regarding the rust. if thats not too bad then i'll restore it. i'm aware that with my limited budget time will be a factor.
i wasn't sure if parts would be easy to get for a car this old. where do you find parts for 76 LTD's, from a wrecker or from somewhere else?

[Blue Oval Mopar Man]

I have an old 77 fairlane parts car dude , if you need anything , just ask and ill see what its like on the one I have . If the part is good , as long as you pay the freight , you can have it !

[LTDHO]

Yeah fix it. These things look great when finished. They already have all the good bits, so you will not need to upgrade just restore.

[bad_boy_benny]

Originally Posted by Blue Oval Mopar Man

I have an old 77 fairlane parts car dude , if you need anything , just ask and ill see what its like on the one I have . If the part is good , as long as you pay the freight , you can have it !

Thanks for that mate, i think you'll be hearing from me soon..................thats counting on the fact that everything goes well at the panel beaters and they don't tell me the shell is useless!!!
i will have some pics of the car soon.