I am currently looking to buy a 1990 triple black mustang gt convertible. It is a 5 speed with 87k. From the pictures it looks to be in great shape. Just needs a new top. How much will labor be on replacing just the fabric? However, It has been sitting for a few years. The guy said it did start right up and wasnt leaking. What else should I be looking for/expect to replace after a car has sat like this. It has been in a garage it's whole life. He is asking $4500 obo. Should I go for it? Thanks.
Basically look for things that can dry rot from sitting . Hoses , seals , vacuum lines . Also things that can rust . Check the radiator fluid , make sure the heater core doesnt leak . Have you heard it run ? I bought one a couple of months ago that had been sitting for a year , still working on getting it running right , mine was only 1600 though . If you have the money and time to fix it , then the only thing that is stopping you is paying the price to buy it . I would try to negotiate a lower price , but thats just me . Also che the top frame for cracks (usually at the center , right above the doors ) .
id get a carfax report. from there its basics i supose. how many owners? how old they were when driving it! LOL....... TEST DRIVE!
and welcome
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35th Anni. Laser Red 3.8 coupe
Present- Repainted, Xenon scoops, graphics.Gt cut offs with H-pipe, 35th Edition Gt wheels AND a Chevy Blazer for winter Future- a tuner. Code named (Maintence mod)
$4500 sound a little high for needing a top and sitting for years! Under 4,000 would be a little more like it. You will want to replace the rear axle bearings and have the spindle arms re greased, immediately. Start and check for leaks, then drain and refill all fluids.
He means ALL of them...dont forget things like the rear end, as I know people that have forgotten.
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1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
FMS Ceramic Shorties, pacesetter off road h, force mufflers, 3 row radiator, smog eliminator pulley, underdrive pullies, Yukon 3.55 gears, posi diff... Waiting in garage: rebuilt block, Crane 1.7 rr, bare GT40 cast heads, Summit billit distributor, 9mm plug wires, MSD blaster coil, GT40 upper and lower intake, E303 cam 70% of drivers say "oh Sh** when they hit ice, the other 30% are from Michigan and say "Hold my beer and watch this sh**!"
she looks pretty, also another thing to check, when mustang sits for a given length of time specially if the the harmonic balancer is stock, the rust forms between the pulley and damper part where the bushing is in the middle the rust builds up in there and pushes the damper off ,you can see it while its idling, and when its not it will appear that the damper around the pulley is not completely flush, its a cheap fix but somthing to look at, also, get the CARFAX report it will take the guess work out of it for you, then ask how often was the maintance was performed, oil change, coolant flush, if the owner says "i dont know", then its possible its been neglected but, dosent mean its still not a good car, check all under the hood, your common sense will prevail, even buyer will little car knowledge can spot things that arent kosher, but from the pic it looks to be okay
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1993 LX 5.0 stock long block, 1.7 crane roller rockers, cobra valve springs, explorer intake upgrade, 65mm throttle body, 80mm maf ,Moroso CAI,Shorty BBK headers,BBK Adj fuel reg, BBK underdrive pulleys, electric fan, B303 cam, off-road Hpipe, 40series flowmasters, 3:73 gears, Alum drive shaft, King Cobra clutch, Pro 5.0 shifter, BBK gripp LCA,190lph fuelpump,Moates Burn2 Chip Programmer, with EEC-IV bank reader
Well check the oil, and the trans fluid to see if it is okay to drive 2 hours.... test drive it make sure the brakes work, and that there are no problems... take it out on the highway... get it nice and warm and keep an eye on the engine temp...
As long as everything is normal, and you dont notice any major problems (Engine Temp especially) it should be ok for a drive 2 hours...
BUT: be sure to do a good test drive...
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1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
FMS Ceramic Shorties, pacesetter off road h, force mufflers, 3 row radiator, smog eliminator pulley, underdrive pullies, Yukon 3.55 gears, posi diff... Waiting in garage: rebuilt block, Crane 1.7 rr, bare GT40 cast heads, Summit billit distributor, 9mm plug wires, MSD blaster coil, GT40 upper and lower intake, E303 cam 70% of drivers say "oh Sh** when they hit ice, the other 30% are from Michigan and say "Hold my beer and watch this sh**!"
When I got mine it also sat for a really long time, however it was started up every once in a while. For me I had to drive it for 45 mins on the freeway and it overheated and kept on dying at stops because the ignition switch came apart and the cooling system was overlooked.
Make sure that the coolant is topped off. It is cheap insurance to bring a quart or a gallon of all fluids when you pick it up. You might need to top some off and it is best to have them just in case. Personally, i would also bring a battery jumper. You never know what might happen or what kind of condition the engine is in, so be prepared.
I know i wasn't prepared and neither was the car for the trip home. I have learned that always have your grandpa's old car towed home. Lol.
Wish you the best of luck. Buying a new car is always fun.
Thanks everyone for your advice! I bought the car today for $4000- ill pick it up next saturday. Its in great shape- ran very well. Anyone have a suggestion for the best product to help with scratches and shine her up?
Depends on if the scratches are down to the metal, or just top coat...
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1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
FMS Ceramic Shorties, pacesetter off road h, force mufflers, 3 row radiator, smog eliminator pulley, underdrive pullies, Yukon 3.55 gears, posi diff... Waiting in garage: rebuilt block, Crane 1.7 rr, bare GT40 cast heads, Summit billit distributor, 9mm plug wires, MSD blaster coil, GT40 upper and lower intake, E303 cam 70% of drivers say "oh Sh** when they hit ice, the other 30% are from Michigan and say "Hold my beer and watch this sh**!"
A good wax may be able to buff out those scratches, or they make a compound that does it, and it is sold at parts stores...
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1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
FMS Ceramic Shorties, pacesetter off road h, force mufflers, 3 row radiator, smog eliminator pulley, underdrive pullies, Yukon 3.55 gears, posi diff... Waiting in garage: rebuilt block, Crane 1.7 rr, bare GT40 cast heads, Summit billit distributor, 9mm plug wires, MSD blaster coil, GT40 upper and lower intake, E303 cam 70% of drivers say "oh Sh** when they hit ice, the other 30% are from Michigan and say "Hold my beer and watch this sh**!"
Buying sitting stang- what to look for? 
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