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Author
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Topic: Help! Much-loved '68 LTD in desperate situation
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Luvmy68LTD
Journeyman Posts: 2
From: Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 05-28-2003 07:44 PM
  
I'm still reeling after being told that my love for the last 30 years will not be able to fly down the highway or any road for that matter. Its frame has severely deteriorated near the right side of the firewall and on the left side near the trunk. We were going to replace the main seal on the transmission as it was beginning to show its age. I'm told that I must abandon the body and the frame, but that I could transfer the drivetrain into something with a future. I can't bear to see this 'hardtop convertible' behind the mechanic's shop knowing that there are not any more rides together. When I had the 390 2bbl tested on a computer, number six cyclinder had the worst performance at 93%. The remaining cylinders tested at 96 to 99% efficiency at 132,000 original miles. I've changed the oil faithfully every 2000 miles with Castrol and changed the transmission fluid and filter every two years. So any suggestions as to the best/easiest candidates for a transplant? Help!!
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 254
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 05-28-2003 08:49 PM
Have you thought about finding a good frame?Is it actually a convertible or two (or four) door hdtp?
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Luvmy68LTD
Journeyman Posts: 2
From: Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 05-29-2003 11:15 AM
quote:
Originally posted by KULTULZ:
Have you thought about finding a good frame?Is it actually a convertible or two (or four) door hdtp?
It is a four-door hardtop without the center post between the doors. Yes, I raised that option with the mechanic. He indicated that it might be impossible to replace the frame since there are not any reproductions for FoMoCo perimeter frames yet. Most importantly, he said, that a 35-year-old frame would have the same inherent weakness that this one developed near the firewall that is not repairable. So he suggested locating a vehicle with a perimeter frame so that it could support the large block engine. I looked in Hemmings to see if the repro statement were still valid. I did not see any repro perimeter frames. I'm planning to attend a car show in Iowa City this weekend in effort to talk with guys who may have some ideas. In the meantime, I'm moving the ol' beauty back home so that I have more time to consider the next steps. It still has valid tags so that the local constabulary will not be able to haul it to a junkyard without my consent. Any thoughts?
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68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2045
From: Fort Madison, Iowa USA - United We Stand
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 05-30-2003 02:14 AM
Dang. I would think that anything could be fixed these days. Sounds like a cool ride. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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KULTULZ
Gearhead Posts: 254
From: Rockville, MD
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 05-30-2003 04:21 AM
Well no, I wasn't thinking of a repro...as none would be available anyways. I am talking about finding a good southern or southwestern car that would have a good frame under it.It is quite an undertaking (and expensive), but no more complicated than a frame-off restoration. It is the only way to save the car you love unless you come across another identical model and transfer your powertrain and whatever else you wanted to save off of it. Just a thought...
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 19611
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-05-2003 10:47 PM
Take it to a good race car shop and have them just weld it up.
It will better than new.
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MLariviere
Moderator Posts: 3277
From: Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 06-06-2003 09:17 PM
Yeah,get a second opinion. You guys would laugh if you saw the condition of some of the cars around here! I would look for the parts in the south,or a good southern car for you to make into one. Either way,this will be a big project,and be a lot of labor{and $}.
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