new (to me) 97 Mark VIII LSC

[Bangster]

Has some issues, looks wise and mechanically, but good enough to drive. 112k when I got it, 119k miles now. My current daily driver but once I get my 89 Cougar back on the road I will spend some time fixing things.

I drove 140 miles to buy it, seller said he had the title. He didn't have the title, it wasn't his car, and there was a lien. I left a couple hundred bucks and it took over a month to get it all straight. It replaces my 1997 Cougar that got wrecked.

What I have done:
transmission was not healthy at all. It wouldn't always shift out of second or Drive, it would not engage if you let off the throttle. But doing the JMod, replacing the accumulator pistons, and the boost valve and another one in the VB and it is fine now. Relaced TFT but still get a TFT error.
one headlight went out, replaced with aftermarket 9006 35w 6000k HID kit
rebuilt brake calipers and all hardware
seafoamed it, don't think previous owner ran premium ever I don't think the IMRCs work correctly as it is equal to my 97 Cougar in most situations, and just seems to have a hesitation
removed front license plate bracket
attempted to fix seat motors (still not 100%)

Still needs:
drivers exterior handle is broken
neon inop
message center warning about air suspension (has coils now)
blend door
front suspension replaced
oil filter adapter leaking
radio only plays out of one side for FM, but is fine for CD and AM (head scratcher)
dash top cover missing mounts so it rattles

I have lots of MN12 parts, some FN10 stuff as well. I didn't put the Mustang PBR setup off the 97 Cougar, and I am still working on either new wheels and hub swap or drilling the 13 inch cobra setup for the front and I have relocation brackets for Cobra rotors in the rear.

 

[Bangster]

I joined up 3/2005 when I was originally looking for a Mark VIII. The local ones had too many issues or they wanted too much money for them.

I went to Phoenix with 7k in my pocket, looked at some sad sad examples, and ended up with a 97 Cougar instead, to go with my 89 Cougar. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but in the end was really happy with it, and it is what I wanted in a Mark VIII, pearl exterior and gray interior.

 

[driller]

Welcome!

 

[Bangster]

When it came home:

after a little cleaning up and putting on the bullitts:

getting some new brakes:

Lady pulled in front of me when I was doing 45. Totaled my 97 Cougar. Insurance gave me 4200 bucks for it. Paid 2400 for the Mark VIII, 170 for the Cougar, so I have 1800 bucks to sink into both of them, or use the Cougar for parts.

89 Cougar wearing the 10 spoke chrome wheels from the Mark VIII:

 

[driller]

Nice pics!

 

[redn8]

Welcome! Love the car.

 

[steve]

welcome, i kind of like the wheels how you first had them but at least the 10 spokes are put on correctly :thumbsup:

 

[billcu]

Welcome!

Beautiful Mark VIII. Sorry about the Cougar.

 

[tixer]

Welcome! Glad you finally got your Mark VIII!

 

[Lvnmarks]

I say fix the Merc, don't see to many of them on the road anymore and I'm sure you have some memories in her. I still regret selling my rusty 93 F150 but I'm a hoarder. A little time on frame rack and some body parts she will good to go! Awesome Mark! Cleans up nice!!

 

[SCTBIRD1173]

Welcome and nice LSC :thumbsup: Do me a favor and polish those headlights up!

I agree with Eric in that you should probably look into fixing the Cougar, not many Cougars around anymore...

 

[Bangster]

okay!

before:

after:

drivers side done, passenger side not touched:

before (OEM passenger, aftermarket 35w 6000k 9006 bulb drivers side):

Need to get to work on aiming them heh:
after (both polished, 35w 6000k 9006 bulbs):

high and low beam:

2000 Grand Marquis with Silverstar Ultra 9007, polished headlights:

before:

after:

before:

after:

 

[M Darrah]

Based on those first few pics, I was gonna ask if you lived on Mars, but I see you're from Tuscon. Same thing. Welcome!