New to me 1997 XLT

[chrmar]

So here's some initial photos of the 97 XLT that I'm picking up hopefully this weekend. This truck was used as a delivery truck and it ran between two stores that are about a 1.5 hr drive apart. All it needs is a head gasket on the left bank, but I'm going to replace them both (might as well while I have it apart). Its been undercoated every year and looks to be well taken care of. The third row isn't in the truck right now, but it does have one.















I also have the opportunity to pick these up with the truck on the cheap:


Never been worn!

 

[dgray69]

you going to charge them for this advertisment??? lmao, looks like its in good shape, have fun with the build

 

[Bart Man]

Lots of luck look great just needs alittle TLC , That the fun of it all!!

 

[chrmar]

Oh trust me, the stickers are the first things to come off. Then I'll give it a good cleaning on the inside and then hopefully start the teardown for the head gaskets.

 

[chrmar]

Alrighty, finally got this baby home and in the garage. Couldn't get it started so we ended up flat-towing it.

Good news: factory 6-disc CD changer under the front seat

Bad news: where the PO started to peel the graphics off the doors he took the clearcoat with them... so now I'm going to have to have at least the rear doors re-cleared...

 

[00XLT]

Welcome aboard. Looks like you got a good base line to start from. Keep us informed

 

[dgray69]

Did you end up with the tires and rims to? i know you had wanted them/

 

[chrmar]

Buddy (who is actually my dad's boss) knows I want them, so I get them whenever I have the extra cash for them. I'm not too worried about getting them until spring/summer, though. The stockers are good for now.

After several attempts to start the truck, it seems like the starter is seized. So, off it comes for investigation...

 

[chrmar]

An update on the situation with this truck...

It seems the engine is seized. Any attempts to start it or turn it over by hand have failed. I've tracked down an engine in a Crown Vic for $400 and I'm waiting to hear back from another junkyard that has one from an F-150, but they're not sure if it is any good. They're trying to contact the guy that sold them the truck to find out.

On the upside, I've taken all the graphics off, except for one on the hatch that gives this truck its nickname...






I had taken the bug deflector off to clean it as there was a bunch of leaves in there, and it looks like its never been off... the paint on the front of the hood is bubbling.


I call it "The Grape"

Its not really visible in the picture but all the graphics that were on the hatch managed to fade the paint in such a way that even with them off, its still visible. Not sure how to get rid of that...

 

[chrmar]

Finally had to take the Grape outside so my brother could work on his van. First time its been in the daylight since I took the graphics off... it looks pretty good!



Size... it does matter...

This is my other car, a '90 Mazda MX-6.

 

[walnuts4x4]

size matters? hmmmm never thought about that...lol good luck with the expy maybe lift it then can be the "Smashing Grape"?

 

[Lane24]

That's the shit with business graphics on paint. Even when you take them off, they are still there. I wish businesses would just put graphics on the windows instead. Mine used to be a Case International Harvester Tractor sales truck, so in the right light you can still see CASE written on the rear door. I've covered up the fade on the back with some other decals so it's not as noticeable, but damn, yours had a lot of decals on it.

 

[chrmar]

I'm hoping that by polishing and buffing the fading of the graphics will come out. If not, then, well, I'm not sure what I'll do!

Also, vinyl wraps would be preferable to actual decals, IMO. Well, barring the graphics only being on the windows of course!

 

[Shonk]

You should get a graphic that says "The Green Machine"

 

[grantikal]

so no engine in it yet?
the body is in good shape and the interior also looks good.

 

[jacks3am]

what happened to this!!!