Terrh

iTrader: (7)

so I'm looking at an FD near me with some frontend damage, I'm obviously expecting that it will need work so I'm not worried about that. The frame does not appear to be bent behind the front wheels.

Anyways, the questions I have are more general related and not in terms of the damage which I can just pay someone to fix.

What's the best reasonably inexpensive upgrade rad for FD's, and where can I find them?
Same with intercooler.


The car has been sitting (inside in a garage) and hasn't been run (except once apparently) in 2 years. Anything to watch out for on these cars once they've sat for a while?

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

well, I'm goign to look at it (and possibly buy if it's decent) right now, so wish me luck everyone.

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

wow, so many replies

so I bought my trusty compression tester since I have no idea what else to look for on the car, I noticed the sunroof doesn't shut all the way and oh yeah, no compression on the front rotor!

Glad I brought that along with me anyways.

I bought the car anyways, looks like its time to build another halfbridge.

r1dreamer

iTrader: (4)

if theres no compression in the front rotor, that prob due to it sitting for so long. try pouring some ATF into the lower intake manifold so it lubricates the seals adn you gain compression. let it sit for a couple of hours then turn it over. if hte car starts drive it around even if only one rotor is going. after a couple of min of driving the front rotor (if still good) should start up.

if the sunroof doesnt close fully then there just might be some frame damage. if might be minor but id have a good reputable body shop check it out. hows the alignment on it?

look for a rad used on this forum, or just type koyo rad into google and you;ll find the cheapest price. same with the intercooler.

with a car sitting for so long, id check hte suspension and the tires make sure everything is ok. lack of use is not good for a car.


good luck

Terrh

iTrader: (7)

thanks R1dreamer!

I've heard of the ATF trick but had no luck with it reviving engines in the past I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try with this one, but I think the engine will have to come out either way to fix the car properly so who knows.

I believe the sunroof problem was before the crash but I'm not sure. Everything from the front wheels backwards appears to be untouched. The doors /hatch open and close nicely.

The doors don't close as nice as FC doors though! so maybe there is some damage. I've read online though that FD doors so easy to close though, i don't konw.

The car is going to a /very/ reuptable shop to have the frame straightening done, I don't think that anything is bent aside from the rad support and very front of the rails though. I have a new front clip that I can have welded in at the factory welds though if that is required - I think this car can be fixed to be "perfect" - the damage is very light compared to what I've seen some people fix.

JConn2299

This is my own personal take, but why bother with this car? Why not find one that's in good shape and which doesn't have these problems and questions?

Frame straightening? That may work OK on a Lincoln, but on an FD?!

First of all, there's the matter of time and money. You're looking at a lot of expensive work on this car. My guess is, when you're done you'll have been able to buy a decent car for less money than you're going to spend in total.

Then there's the matter of the FD's construction. It's very light, strong, and precise. In a crash, the impact energy radiates out through the structure. It may affect more than you can eyeball. Frame straightening pulls the metal back into shape, but it's been weakened by the deformation and reformation. The FD chassis is so precise that minute changes in it can be felt and can affect handling. From your description this car has suffered more than a minor fender bender.

Many has been the buyer who sees a bargain going in and a money pit coming out.

JConn2299

Ooops, too late. Ah well, best of luck.