1986 grand Marquis project car
Posted by ProgrammerDry8186@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 28 comments
This is my baby, my future cruising and show car, an original 1986 grand Marquis LS edition, fitted with all power stuff from that era and some other premium options like the analog clock and walkman radio tape player, it's an icon of luxury and reliability as once it's solenoid is fixed, the car will finally stay running under its own power
kikanzuip@reddit
Absolute classic. Love how you’re keeping all the original luxury features intact, those analog touches and walkman radio really scream ’80s elegance. Can’t wait to see it cruising.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Do you want some more pics?, because I have tons of them I could send to you
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
I'll just send ya more pics
WindowX1986@reddit
Invest in a set of factory service manuals that will cover EVERTHING. I have an `88 Town Car and love it.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
While I don't have a service manual, I have an owners manual and maintenance schedule and service record log that I found in the glovebox
WindowX1986@reddit
The factory service manuals come as a set and are hands down the absolute best source of info for these old cars. If you are serious about really fixing this car up right and are going to spend a bit of money they should be your first investment.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
I am serious about fixing up even though service records I found show that a lot of things on this car were replaced between 02 and 04, actually I'll send you the list of things replaced but I'm about to buy a solenoid for the car on Saturday to put in it so it can start but then I'll probably get the service manual afterwards
blahyawnblah@reddit
That bumper jack won't save you if the hydraulic jack gives out
pacmanlives@reddit
I does look like he has a jack stand next to the red jack. But year those bumper jacks are hella dangerous
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
I do
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Even if it's a heavy duty model bumper jack?, because that's what mine is
cnb3825@reddit
They are called widow makers for a reason.
aquatone61@reddit
The jacking what I’d be concerned about…… I don’t know if I’d trust the bumper to frame connection.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Tbh this is an old photo, I was out there last weekend again and forgot to take a photo
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
But we had a jack stand right in front of the bumper jack underneath the frame
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Last time I was out there
melie776@reddit
What could possibly go wrong?
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
I know, the bumper jack is unsafe but this an old pic, I'ma be out there again this weekend, will get more than one jack stand under the car
TheNewJasonBourne@reddit
Man those HVAC controls remind me of the family truckster my parents had when I was a kid. First was a brown and tan panel crown Vic station wagon. Then they got a newer white one. Land yachts they were.
It once stalled while I was reasonably driving down a steep hill. So I lost the power steering and power brakes. That day was a ‘spare pair of undies’ day.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Land yachts are goated cars and also I have a question, how rare is it to find a mint condition 86 grand Marquis that has been sitting out in the open for awhile
Reddituse654@reddit
“Mint” is in the eye of the beholder. To find an actual mint showroom one would be rare. Yours? Solid-ish but far from mint. You got a long way to go. Godspeed
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
I just call mine mint because the body only has surface rust, even though I know it isn't mint but hey, at least it isn't rusted out
Lower_Put4270@reddit
Genuinely blows my mind that America was cranking out archaic stuff like this in 1986. Looks at least 10 years older vs cars from normal countries.
THE_GR8_MIKE@reddit
Comparing a 1990 Lexus LS400 to, say, a 1990 Cadillac is absolutely wild. They're not even from the same planet.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
That's why I call it, "the representation of the 80's car" the 80's gave way to some beautiful luxury cars, especially the grand Marquis but I believe this thing ran up until 04 because I found multiple parts records that stopped at 04, they also did some modifications like bypassing the old gas lines with new ones and it also has tons of replaced parts like a whole new distributor system, wires and spark plugs that are still good
jokerzwild00@reddit
Yeah the Grand Marq was on the panther platform and it ran into the 00s. It was a gussied up Crown Vic. Lincoln Town Car as well, but the Lincoln was supposedly a tier higher in luxury. Mercury sat in the middle. The later ones look much different than yours though, they're a lot more rounded and have a totally different interior. They look almost just like the old cop car Crown Vics, cause they're badge cousins.
That's a 5.0 you've got under the hood, and lots and lots and LOTS of aftermarket is available. Same/very similar engine to the Fox body Mustang of that era. Not much power by today's standards but you can go as far with it was you want to.
ProgrammerDry8186@reddit (OP)
Hey man, good thing that since it's a 302 small block I can put higher performance parts that you would put on a mustangs small block on it, but hey at least, it's a luxury car even if it's in the middle, I'm just surprised all of it's electronics work including all of it's power stuff
Plenty-Industries@reddit
Oh man those are the kinda seats I want on a cruiser.
Something so plush that you just sink into.