Another AU Mistery

[MisterAU]

Well it's a while now since the Alpha car came home and I've been slowly putting it back together to original standard. I have one job left to do (replace complete exhaust system) before she goes to the Sydney AFD at end of next month for her first "showing" on the east coast.

The list of jobs ended up quite extensive really for what was supposedly a "pristine" car. None the less I have really enjoyed putting it back to factory-original state. Luckily I had everything on hand in my own spare parts bin to do the jobs. Only three of the parts I required are available from Ford anyhow as I checked for them all - only the parts that are on stock AUs.

So here's what has been done ...

Mobil 1 decal missing off engine cover

Engine cover paint damage from improperly fitted bonnet insulator

Engine decal missing off bonnet

Fuel decal missing off bonnet

Datadot decal missing N/S/R window

Overspray on O/S lower driving light

O/S driving light mount loose/broken & N/S one loose

O/S/F inner guard plastic cover broken

N/S guard extender damaged; broken at rivet

Valve caps missing - all five

Leather pouch for locking wheel nut socket missing

Carpet mat retainers missing driver's side

N/S A-pillar cover scratched/marked

Steering wheel marked

Driver's door blue leather trim marked

Passenger seat adjuster N/W - retainer clip missing

Backlights partially N/W on stereo head unit

C/C unit display intermittent

Boot cargo net missing

Jack missing

Spare wheel flat

Rear bar lower insert not fitted

[TICK4D-TAS]

Wow Jeff. What a list!
How is it mechanically? I had to do front wheel bearings and clutch bearing on mine. And I suspect the konis are weeping a little due to sitting around.

[MisterAU]

Mechanically pretty good overall.

One minor issue - it had incorrect spark plugs and was both down on power and used heaps of fuel on the drive home. One would have to ask, "At under 30,000km why were the original plugs removed?" I'd hazard a guess they went into another vehicle.

The tyres are pretty hard from too many years of sitting still. Was a "slippery" drive home LOL. I'm pleased though that it does have the full set of OE Dunlop SP9000s. Anyhow the OE wheels won't do duty on the car except for the AFDs.

The konis had basically seized up and didn't start working until I was through SA and into VIC. So far though there is no indication of imminent wheel bearing failure - I must admit to being very hesitant about driving the car home - took my toolbag and heaps of spares with me - suitcase weight 0.2kg over the limit! LOL. I also joined NRMA roadservice for the first time in my life just as an insurance policy in case I had to part company with it halfway home. As it happened I had a very uneventful (although pretty uncomfortable for the first two days with seized shocks) drive home and the serpentine belt and hoses I took all came home still in my bag.

The gearbox is the quietest TR3650 I have ever experienced - an absolute joy to drive compared to every other manual I have owned or driven.

I actually started detailing the car interior today because I am going away on holidays in 10 days and will only be home for a week before the Sydney AFD. So I figured I'd get a start on it. Found a couple more items that I wasn't happy with. The console lid had a small blemish like something had been spilt on it. Very minor, but once I knew it was there I was on the hunt - found a spare one in the shed that is in perfect condition so it is now fitted. Also one of the rear seat side bolsters had a very small cut across it as if something had been dragged across it when being loaded/unloaded from the rear seat. So found another one of those as well - much happier Jeff now!

[4Vman]

To you T3 guys, what am i missing???

Ultra low K's, Black, Manual??

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...D-152618/?Cr=1

[MisterAU]

Dunno what you're missing ... maybe a T3??? That one has been for sale for about 2 years and my son has looked it over. Definitely worth the asking price but needs a little paint/body work to bring it up to scratch. It's problem seems to be that it's in Townsville. There's a better car for sale in Melbourne if you're in the market ... #122 ...

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2083455/?Cr=5

[4Vman]

Dunno what you're missing ... maybe a T3??? That one has been for sale for about 2 years and my son has looked it over. Definitely worth the asking price but needs a little paint/body work to bring it up to scratch. It's problem seems to be that it's in Townsville. There's a better car for sale in Melbourne if you're in the market ... #122 ...

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...-2083455/?Cr=5

Cool, the price seems good, you'd probably drive that away for 18 or 19.. I guess i was wondering if the price was right as i keep hearing they're worth far more than that.

[MisterAU]

What they're worth is always open to conjecture. I believe they are worth more than the current market seems to indicate. I value them against "what else you can buy for the same money" that will provide the same experience. If you look at any single car in isolation; then what it is worth is the amount the buyer will pay and what the seller will accept.

One sold last week for an amount we're led to believe was $10,500. Personally I don't believe that, as I enquired after the same car and was given a pretty royal run-around by the supposed seller. Turned out it wasn't his car anyhow. The week prior another sold for over $30k and this we know was genuine. Yet others have sat around for seemingly ages at low 20s. Go figure!

One thing is for sure - at the current prices they are a bargain in anyone's language.

[HSE2]

Great read Jeff

[Lindo]

Well it's a while now since the Alpha car came home and I've been slowly putting it back together to original standard. I have one job left to do (replace complete exhaust system) before she goes to the Sydney AFD at end of next month for her first "showing" on the east coast.

The list of jobs ended up quite extensive really for what was supposedly a "pristine" car. None the less I have really enjoyed putting it back to factory-original state. Luckily I had everything on hand in my own spare parts bin to do the jobs. Only three of the parts I required are available from Ford anyhow as I checked for them all - only the parts that are on stock AUs.

Wow, I think I'll have to got and check all those things on mine now! ha ha. Well done.

I've just had some mechanical work done on the TS including

Remove gearbox assembly and send off for resealing (small leak).
Fit new clutch assembly and spigot bearing, machine flywheel
Pull engine and fit new timing chain and renew all associated gaskets
Machine timing cover whilst off
Renew water pump, drive belt and associated pulleys and bearings
Remove sump assembly, fit new main bearings, front and rear main oil seals, gaskets and seals
New engine oil and filter
Fit new radiator assembly, new radiator and heater hoses
Fit new rear upper and lower rose joint bushes, rear wheel bearing and drive shaft.
Wheel alignment

Bonnet respray and paint correction on rest is next in the pipeline.