Betty - My 1987 Ford Crown Vic

[some_odd_girl]

Alright so this got started on another thread, asking about my profile pic... I own a 1987 Ford Crown Vic named Betty. She is in decent condition, but unfortunetly has some minor body damage from a bump and drive off as well as from my stupidity. :P She needs new suspension and possibly a fuel pump soon.... as well as a really good tune up.

Paddlenbike, if you paid twice what I did, it wouldn't be very much. :P I just wish I could do what I want to her... which includes a paint job and probably a new transmission, and maybe parts swap off the 302 Mustang to make her faster. She doesn't handle speed as well as she did when I first got her, boo. :( But she's been good to me, I've only put about $600 in repairs over the 3 years I've had her. *knocks on wood* And that includes oil changes (which I do myself usually). Need new tires tho...

[troyboy162]

man and to think the very next cars produced by ford were the tauruses. none of those are still on the road, yet the crown vics and LTD's roll on

[some_odd_girl]

You know it! :D

[paddlenbike]

Oh man, I'm pumped about this thread. I recommend the following edits to your post:
1. The text "minor body damage," should be replaced with "old car patina."
2. "She needs new suspension" should be replaced with "the suspension is well seasoned for its age."

The statement:

and maybe parts swap off the 302 Mustang to make her faster.
is not compatible with:

She needs new suspension
and

and possibly a fuel pump soon
and

and probably a new transmission
and

She doesn't handle speed as well as she did when I first got her
and

Need new tires tho...

Safety aside, you should remove the air filter and air filter assembly completely (chuck them as far as you can throw it) for more power and a healthy 4-barrel-like growl. Record said sounds for us at wide open throttle and post here. We will give you mad props yo. :)

[4x4mike]

She is in decent condition, but unfortunetly has some minor body damage from a bump and drive off as well as from my stupidity. She needs new suspension and possibly a fuel pump soon.... as well as a really good tune up.



She doesn't handle speed as well as she did when I first got her, boo.


:love:

[some_odd_girl]

Haha well I don't know as much as I'd like to know about the inner workings of vehicles so ya... :P But I'm not gonna do anything for a while, considering that, as I said, she is my only transport right now. If I ever have money, I may.

And the 'minor body damage' would be better fixed - cracked (and no longer bolted down) headlight/blinker housing as well as effed up trim on one rear fender... she got jealous when she saw one of her cousins today: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/a657888e.jpg

[some_odd_girl]

Oh and not to mention, swapping parts would come AFTER fixing all that other stuff to handle it. :wrenchin: :flipoff:

[paddlenbike]

ooooh, a wagon. I like the hood ornament--looks like an aiming device.

[some_odd_girl]

Yup. I have the same one, and I use it as such when parking along a curb. :P

[Crinale]

Paddlenbike, it actually IS compatible to do a HO302 conversion using Mustang 5.0 parts. its a cylinder head, intake and exhaust manifolds swap. Would be good for 50-100hp depending on supporting mods, as well as the ability to handle upwards of 500-700 hp :thumbup:

[slosurfer]

I think it goes without saying, but just in case, do not ever give Ken, Mike, or I the keys to this vehicle if you plan on keeping it. :D

[Crinale]

hahaha... im pretty sure we both know better Chris :-P

[4x4mike]

I think it goes without saying, but just in case, do not ever give Ken, Mike, or I the keys to this vehicle if you plan on keeping it. :D


Who let this guy :lol: in here?

[some_odd_girl]

lol I find it rather amusing that you all think my car is so awesome. :D

[4x4mike]

Love me some old iron

Starting the 78 ltd after a month (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zIhpUuxmM8#)


Would love me one of these

Station Wagon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wITyQ7heo9Y#)

A Country Squire Addiction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu5iT8TXzU8#)

Country squire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0JRatvSnu8#)

[some_odd_girl]

I like old cars and Betty is awesome but I'm more in love w/the 50s than the 80s lol

[paddlenbike]

I think it goes without saying, but just in case, do not ever give Ken, Mike, or I the keys to this vehicle if you plan on keeping it. :D


Who let this guy :lol: in here?


Dude, seriously. Chris, you're walking a fine line here--I propose we get a moderator in here and instantly ban him. Oh wait... :D

BTW, check this:
Country Squire Tribute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6FhdhkabU8#)

[some_odd_girl]

She passed smog today! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! haha. She didn't do as well at idle, but at high rpms (2591)... BOOM, BABY! :P

[4x4mike]

I used to own what CA called a "gross polluter" and I got a little sweaty every time I had to take it in.

[some_odd_girl]

Ha ya I was a little nervous just bc she's not running as well as she used to.

[slosurfer]

I don't think she was ran hard enough prior to her smog test. Next time, let me take for a spin right before her test. :)

[Crinale]

I don't think she was ran hard enough prior to her smog test. Next time, let me take for a spin right before her test. :)


i believe we already covered the fact that u wont be getting the keys ever ;)

[some_odd_girl]

Ya, no keys for you. Unless you're gonna bring her back better than she was. :flipoff:

[slosurfer]

Ya, no keys for you. Unless you're gonna bring her back better than she was. :flipoff:


what's your definition of "better"? :laugh:

[Crinale]

what's your definition of "better"? :laugh:

no new problems, and at least one previous problem fixed :asshat:

[some_odd_girl]

no new problems, and at least one previous problem fixed :asshat:


Ya, except # of problems that need to be fixed is equal to the square of the number of hours the keys are in said persons possession, divided by .5. ;) (so no longer than an hour or you're screwed haha)

[some_odd_girl]

Something is wrong :( Unpleasent noise from the front end when breaking. Boo!

[4x4mike]

Something is wrong :( Unpleasent noise from the front end when breaking. Boo!


Just use the e-brake to slow down.

[some_odd_girl]

Haha yeeeeah. :P I can still stop fine, it just makes a lot of noise...

[Seanz0rz]

since my rear drums are grossly ineffective at braking, i downshift alot of the time. that with the front brakes and i can actually stop pretty quickly!

[paddlenbike]

Haha yeeeeah. :P I can still stop fine, it just makes a lot of noise...


It's called "character."

[some_odd_girl]

I down shift going down grades... but this is completely new, so I think I ought to get it checked out. I just hope I can find someplace that will do a check/estimate for free/cheap... I've never had to have any repairs done down here so I don't know who's trustworthy. :(

[Obi..]

Careful dropping the trans like that, it's how I blew apart our trans on our '82 Bird. I forget where you're at, but IIRC if it's So-Cal or L.A.

Check the freeplay on the hubs and see how they spin asap, it could be a bearing gone bad, check the condition of the pads/rotors, or even a tie-rod end flopping around. I have some contacts out there to offer help. They'll give you the straight info and let you know whether or not it's worth investing something in. *Corey, local guy to us owns Fremont Wheel and Brake also can even do a swap to a different trans if you happen to want to try that route. He's pretty big in the Mustang racing scene, this one's sitting in there after a 4 speed swap waiting for someone with anywhere from $19k-$25k to speak up.

[some_odd_girl]

Im going over to Big Brand...

[slosurfer]

Haha yeeeeah. :P I can still stop fine, it just makes a lot of noise...


It's called "character."


It's a new feature, so that people know that a big piece of American steal is rolling through

[some_odd_girl]

I think its the rotors... they're feeling pretty groovy.

[Obi..]

I think its the rotors... they're feeling pretty groovy.


Like an alley-cat's living in your fenderwells?

[some_odd_girl]

Exactly! lol. I'm taking her in on Friday to Big Brand, and they'll probably also tell me I need to get my control arm fixed, and u-joints, and new tires, and tons of other stuff I already know about and don't care about lol. Just fix the brakes, please...

[some_odd_girl]

Goin' in to the shop today, and I am soooooooooooo glad - the noises are getting worse every time I drive. :/

[some_odd_girl]

And the diagnosis: I'd run metal to metal in the front. The rear drums are leaking. Recommended replacing the rear drums as well as the brakes and rotars but I really can't afford both right now. Just the front is costing me $450 and I'm gonna hope the back doesn't go anytime soon. I still need new tires. :(

[04 Rocko Taco]

$450 for new pads and rotors?? WOW is there a ever a reason I dont take my junk to the shop. lol.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Hey Bekah,
Brakes are easy, I would recommend learning how to do at least that with your car.....
I just looked it up on autozone.com, and I got front pads, rotors, rear drums, rear shoes, rear hardware kit, and a couple of miscellaneous things to do the job and I STILL got out of there for just a shade under $200. Better luck next time!!

[some_odd_girl]

Ya apparently I should've ordered parts online, even if I had someone else do the labor it still would've been cheaper. I really couldn't afford this right now either. Heh... oh well! Such is life...

[Obi..]

*Tools, supplies, trip into the local parts store to have the rotors and drums turned, all factor in.

Yes spend the $ on the tools and invest in time to learn..




















..or shortcut the whole process and do like my wife did and date someone who can. :D

[some_odd_girl]

*Tools, supplies, trip into the local parts store to have the rotors and drums turned, all factor in.

Yes spend the $ on the tools and invest in time to learn..


..or shortcut the whole process and do like my wife did and date someone who can. :D


Haha I wouldn't mind learning, but finding the time, the place, and the teacher.. I don't wanna screw stuff out by tinkering around. I suppose it cost more than it would've if I was better with that stuff but hey, at least I feel safe stopping now.

[Crinale]

..or shortcut the whole process and do like my wife did and date someone who can. :D


she's doin that :-P but i live 2 hours away, and in the middle of finals at school there is no way either of us can make the trip :-P

[some_odd_girl]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/9da27faf.jpg

Christmas time! :)

[4x4mike]

That's good looking.

[some_odd_girl]

:D The garland around the windshield all blew off tho. :P I wanna take some pictures when it's light out but I haven't had a chance yet. Oh, and there is a strand of mini lights across the back dash too.

[paddlenbike]

Lol, that's hawt.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3897475796_aa0d3d61a2.jpg

I like yours but love this one:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2883/4921/7207460005_large.jpg

I wonder if that last one has the optional bowling alley package.

[some_odd_girl]

I really really really want to pimp mine out just a little... rims, paint job... replace the vinyl... but that costs money and there's some other stuff that is more important, unfortunently.

[some_odd_girl]

I got new tires!!! :)

[04 Rocko Taco]

Congrats on the new tires! Thats tires and brakes taken care of, right?
Now you just need to do shocks/suspension, and keep working your way up.... I guess motor/trans repairs next? THEN you can worry about repaint and all of that. Just please, please, please, don't make this into a ghetto cruiser. lol. Unless you're into that sort of thing...

[some_odd_girl]

Haha no! No ghetto-ness! The color I would want is this really dark red with a little bit of metallic... almost black unless the light is on it. I also want to fix the sound system, and the dash board... the upholstery is still pretty good, but I'd want to do that eventually too. :P I was just saying last night to Kevin that if I end up holding on to this car until I've got a good job, then it will probably become really really hard to ever let it go... I'm kind of attached.

[Obi..]

Watch out for the dreaded headliner sag. Happens to all of them. FWIW what's in it, the 302 or the 351?

I used to drive this..
http://www.nicecarclassics.com/images/1980-Ford-Thunderbird.jpg

I loved the thing until my Mom decided to paint it this god awful Metallic Smurf Blue. It was so fun, pursuit packaged engine, etc..coolest car grandpa ever gave me. It could do over 120mph without a flinch, ;) not that I ever did that. ;) ;)

[some_odd_girl]

Read the tag under my prof pic lol

[Obi..]

Read the tag under my prof pic lol


D-oh..duuhhhuh.
Still plenty of power there IMHO. Only reason I went with the 351 kit later was I threw a rod on the 302 racing it and it was a cheap swap since I got it all out of an interceptor.

[paddlenbike]

http://www.nicecarclassics.com/images/1980-Ford-Thunderbird.jpg


wow, that is quite a mug.

I don't understand why it's so common for american cars to throw rods...it seems to happen all of the time. I've seen it several times just riding my bicycle home on slow-moving city streets.

[Obi..]

I don't understand why it's so common for american cars to throw rods...it seems to happen all of the time. I've seen it several times just riding my bicycle home on slow-moving city streets.


Bad clog in the oil galley starved the engine caused things to freeze up.[/-o/t]

[some_odd_girl]

So............ she randomly wouldn't start earlier today. >.< I'm gonna go when I get outta class and see if she'll start up this time. Ugh.

[paddlenbike]

Too bad it's EFI; I sort-of miss the sound of a pumping gas pedal...

[some_odd_girl]

Ya... started fine last night, but I should probably get it checked out soon so it doesn't happen again. Yesterday I was lucky enough to have some nice old guy pull up next to me and help me out... I carry jumper cables, but if no one is around to help me and it happens again I'll be SOL..

[04 Rocko Taco]

so it was the battery? Sounds like an easy fix... ;) Just remember a dead battery usually didn't die on its own, there is usually a drain somewhere, or a bad alternator. :)

[some_odd_girl]

Somehow I never saw that last post. Yeah, I think it was the battery, but I haven't had time to check it out, and I just had to get a jump again today. :( The thing that's confusing me is that there doesn't seem to be any sort of pattern to it. My alternator had better not be bad, it's only been in there a couple of years. I'm pretty sure it's not the starter or ignition coil because it still turns over (plus the ignition coil is only a few years old too). My best guess is I need to replace the battery, I thought I'd done it recently but the sticker says '07.

I can't think of anything that would be draining it either, but I know those can be a pain in the ass to find. Any suggestions? I'm planning to go over to Napa tomorrow and have them do their little test on her....

Oh, and on a happy note...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/1496680f.jpg

[4x4mike]

That sticker along with the pillar badge look stellar.

[some_odd_girl]

I'm wondering... it seems to me almost like the battery is not getting enough charge, I'm thinking because I don't take very many long trips. Would this be a problem with the battery or the alternator?



That sticker along with the pillar badge look stellar.


I know, right? :D

[some_odd_girl]

I'm getting 2300 back from the school... paint job, perhaps? :P

Or maybe I should buy my own rig :flipoff:

[04 Rocko Taco]

I would hold off on the paint job till you get the issues sorted out. I would have a parts store test the battery and the alternator. If both test fine, then I would start looking at the coil and starter. Check your grounds, especially from the battery to the body and/or frame. Also easy fixes to check - check the hot wire to the starter, and the connection at the starter. Also check the wire from your alternator back to the battery, and the connection at both ends. Post up anything you find out, and what the part store guy says.

[some_odd_girl]

Yeah, I was joking on the paint job. :P And I got a new battery today... changed it myself in the parking lot, then took the old one back in to get the core charge refunded. Yeah, I own wrenches... and I know how to use them. :D

[04 Rocko Taco]

atta girl!! Did you have the part store test the batt or the alt just to make sure? As I said, batteries (unless pretty old) rarely go bad by themselves.

[some_odd_girl]

Yeah they tested the alt too, said it was just the battery. It was a 2 year warranty Wal*Mart battery that lasted over 3 years... so idk.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Well good deal getting changed then. Hope the rest of the issues are this easy to take care of.

[some_odd_girl]

Bekah wheelin the Crown Vic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_83oDnNiE&feature=player_embedded#)

...oops...

[paddlenbike]

lol. I'd wheel it.

[4x4mike]

You need to boat side that sexy beast so next time you'd be able to ride it out.

[some_odd_girl]

Glamor shot! Hehe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/b2afbe44.jpg

[04 Rocko Taco]

Classy. I like it. :)

[Dice Man]

Is your Crown Vic 4WD?

[some_odd_girl]

No, but I like to pretend it is. ;)

[some_odd_girl]

http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/2012mustangboss/

The 302 rides again! Haha! I haven't read it yet though, because I can't see a thing right now... I'm at my parents and I forgot my glasses and already took my contacts out. :P

[some_odd_girl]

Ok, so... my front windows decided to stop working. Passangers is stuck down, drivers is stuck up (but the driver isn't! ;) ) I decided to check the fuses to see if there might be a problem there. So I looked in the owners manual, figured out which one it was, looked at the fuse panal annnnnnd... it's missing! Um, what?! So, I was wondering if that could be causing the problems I've had with them spontaneously deciding not to work, or if it's the window motors. I went to PepBoys (only autoparts store I know the location of here off the top of my head) and the idiot directed me to the 20 amp fuses even though I pointed specifically to the one I needed in the drivers manual. I know nothing about fuses so even though I wondered what the C.B. stood for I figured hey, parts guy knows what he's talking about! Got back to my car, tried to make it fit, then realized by comparing to other spots that had the C.B. that it was the wrong fuse and C.B. stands for circuit breaker, duh! And they didn't have a 20 amp C.B., only a 30. So ANYWAYS. I don't want to go running around town trying to find the correct fuse if it's not gonna fix the problem. Anyone know?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/425eaa8e.jpg?t=1313528253

[4x4mike]

Weird. Do you have a pic of the owners manual? The empty slot looks just like the other slots that have bladed fuses in them. Pepboys didn't have a 20 amp fuse? My 7-11 has them. A fuse is like a circuit breaker but probably shouldn't be compared as the same. Another weird thing is that fuses don't really fall out. They require a tug and sometimes needlenose pliers. Is the fuse on the floor somewhere? Do you recall seeing one recently? I'd double-triple check before I stuck a fuse in there. Hence the request for a manual pic.

[04 Rocko Taco]

x2 on pretty much everything Mike said... first off, go back and kick that pep boys guy square in the chin. You can get regular blade fuses at almost any gas station. But I would double check those locations. If those windows have EVER worked, there WAS a fuse there.

[Obi..]

Yyyeeeessssss! :ban: I get to tell someone they're wrong!! LOL <3 :flipoff: :angel:

Guys, it is indeed a circuit breaker! :tongueout:

[Obi..]

Here to save the day.. ;)
http://www.freewebs.com/uberawesome/Icon/Teh%20Awesome%20brigade.jpg

OK, back on topic, Bekah, just do like we do, goto the wrecker's/recycler's and whatever truck or car you pick parts from raid every one close to it for spare fuses and circuit breakers, then when you go to pay for the parts just throw the little pile on the counter too and watch the cashier roll their eyes and say "Just take those." :D

These should help, it is indeed a circuit breaker that goes there, not a fuse. In my experience here it's almost always the motors, or wiring at the connectors due to corroded terminals, but *try putting in a breaker anyhow since if things are bad it'll only kick off rather than blow like a fuse. it could also just be your window relay finally died, it is a Ford, and from 1987 after all. :hillbill:

Your's, missing the breaker @ #15 and *10amp fuse @ #7 (optional package, but your's may be tapped for a circuit).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/425eaa8e.jpg?t=1313528253

Pursuit Package with Circuit Breaker for floods and overhead lights.
http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=13677&d=1223599375

Reference diagram off of the '89 Mercury Cruiser, same panel was used through until the model was redesigned.http://www.superstitiongold.com/lincoln/pictures6/89%20Mercury%20Fuse%20Board.jpg

*Also, that circuit breaker may have been missing all along if someone got tired of an issue and rewired things prior to your owning it.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Yyyeeeessssss! :ban: I get to tell someone they're wrong!! LOL <3 :flipoff: :angel:

Guys, it is indeed a circuit breaker! :tongueout:

Technically not wrong. When I said fuse, I didn't say it WASN'T a circuit breaker, she had stated that she was missing the thing from the location stated in the manual for the windows. If those windows EVER worked then at some point there WAS a fuse or circuit breaker where the manual says there should be.

[Obi..]

Gimme my moment..
http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/images/whining%20jpg.JPG

[some_odd_girl]

Bahaha. You guys make me laugh. But anyhow... yeah, I'm afraid they just decided to die but the bad thing is the window that is stuck DOWN... what am I gonna do when rainy season comes?

[Obi..]

All good, there's nothing Chris or anyone else can do to ruin my week.
Especially after I just finished installing my R/I Led's (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=9773.msg98605#msg98605) and having fun. :D

As for the down window, have someone not afraid to wrench and play with electricity grab a cordless 12v Dewalt battery and run the wires to the positive and negative connector points and roll it on up, provided your motor's still good.

[04 Rocko Taco]

x2 on the downed window, you can run them straight from the cr battery as well, just need longer jump wires than to some sort of cordless battery. As long as the motor is good, you are bypassing all relays, switches, and fuses, and circuit breakers and everything else, just put power direct to the motor. If it goes the wrogn way, swap wires, it will go the other way. :)

[Crinale]

thats exactly what i did to get my rear window on my 4runner up and down :P

[some_odd_girl]

Oooh well if it's not the fuse (and I really doubt it is, because I have never TOUCHED them which means that thing has to have been missing for a while), I'll give that a try. I've just gotta figure out how to get the door panels off. Someone who's not afraid of wrenching? Please, you're lookin' at her. :D

[04 Rocko Taco]

Just for the fun of it, I would toss a CB back in where it should be and see if anything changes. :)

[some_odd_girl]

So, it randomly rolled up.... and now it's not working again haha. At least now I don't have a window that's stuck all the way down!

[Crinale]

stuck rolled up is much better than stuck open..

[Obi..]

stuck rolled up is much better than stuck open..


Provided the A/C still works. :)

[some_odd_girl]

AC does not work... but at least I have airplane windows!

[YotaFun]

Sounds like you have a faulty window switch, which sounds like a ford thing, had a f-150 in today at the shop that needed one, I had to like push the button sideways and then up to get it to go up

[Obi..]

Just slap some blingin 20's on it, sell it for like $6k and grab a Pickup or Runner? ;)

[04 Rocko Taco]

So, it randomly rolled up.... and now it's not working again haha. At least now I don't have a window that's stuck all the way down!


It randomly rolled up, like... all by itself?

[some_odd_girl]

Haha no, I was in the habit of trying the switch every time I got in the car...

[some_odd_girl]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/tiedyedolphin/6ed6433e.jpg


I was really sad I missed it... by a lot. It just suddenly hit me today that I needed to check because I knew I was almost to 150K... ah well. She's still goin' strong! :thumbup: :clap:

I think Betty may be the love of my life. :love: