Progress Thread 1990 Lx 5.0 Dark Titanium "one Last Ride"

Looks like my health situation has turned. Unfortunately I'll be looking to move this car on.

Thanks, it just too much to do and I can barely drive it (clutch is way too stiff). I'm carrying on so I can get it together to sell.

Here's some of shots of the interior. The colors look off in the photos from the back view but they're actually ok in person. Or maybe I'm really color blind! I've painted everything and have all but a few pieces to install on the driver side: roof trim, door panel, and fix the broken dash cover bracket so I can button up the column. Oddly enough, the two longer screws that are just below center of the black window housings weren't there. In fact there were no holes there. I guess they got lazy on the production line on some cars? My 89 had them as well as my 93.

I installed new door lock actuators as well. They're finally working. Mirror switch isn't working so one is on the way.

I was able to take the car out around town and fill up the car. No problems or issues other than I realize I can't drive it easily and despite a new FRPP cable that was already in it. Looking in there it appears that is has a CF pressure plate at the least. The firewall adjuster is all the way in (short as possible) and there's very little thread to spare at the bellhousing. It's also pretty wet in there so I see a rear main, flywheel, TOB, pilot bearing and clutch kit in my future.

Once this is put together completely, what's a fair value of this car? It seems ragged out ones are sitting for high prices $5k+ and what appears to be nice ones fetch $10+.

There's not a lot of middle ground on these despite how many were made. Guessing they either got pampered or abused explains why.

Thanks quiet one! That sounds like you did well on the Calypso. I paid that for the car I have which I'm guessing despite all the positives, you did very well! My hope is to pull the clutch apart and see what I can find. I'm really leaning this combo from Summit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cmb-13-0047 as it has the CF DF clutch I've had before and was the easiest clutch I ever had for a mustang. I only pulled it out as it wasn't holding the power of the S trim I had with HCI car.

To make the car be something I can use, I need to have the clutch be somewhat doable. In all honesty I was really looking for an AOD with a stock long block that I could do a shift kit and 2800 stall converter with bolt on that I had on my old LX. Was reliable and fun yet docile to drive daily for a few years.

I'm assuming I should but the kit, a Pilot bearing, TOB, rear main and a clutch fork in the case that this one is bent. It really seems unusual to me that there's little thread and the firewall adjuster is all the way closed. I've never had that problem before. Seeing there's a CF pressure plate, I'm doubting it was new by the way the pedal feels. I'm also doubting the flywheel was turned or replaced but have no way of knowing until I pull it. Friend did the clutch around 5-6 years ago but doesn't really remember what they did/put in.

Last night was installing the dash cluster after fixing both tabs and redoing the seat back backs. Just an FYI on the carpet stuff: When you buy the Acme set, it works and looks nice. For the bottom of the front seats (the area that you don't see unless some of it when the seat is reclined forward to enter in the back, and the section of the back of the back seats (where the latch mechanism is), they have a very dark grey section. I was ok with that. Once I ordered the ACC carpet, headliner, and the hatch carpet, ACC includes seat back sections for the rear seats. I ended up doing them again since they are a perfect match to all the other carpet. Nothing like doing something twice, but I think it was worth it and took under an hour for both sides.

So, seat backs are in other than attaching the bottom 6 screws (3 on each far end). The middle pivot stud bracket is cinched down already with the two nuts. With the interior practically done, I'll be all set for inspection tomorrow. I have not done the 92/93 dome light so hope to tackle that at a later time if not tonight.

I used the 90 dash cluster with the 87-89 steering column covers. I went over the upper and rubber lowers and like the way this is looking. A friend had the covers but I may pick up a new set at some point as these are somewhat rough in condition. The mirror switch should be coming today to button up the console. I used to loathe and tease those that got the Plug 'N Chug devices, but I did get the arm rest one as there's no good place to put a drink. Back in the 90's I used to smoke and drink Wawa 1/2 gallon tea cartons. Over time of wedging it in the E-brake and passenger seat I actually messed up my brake handle. Hopefully I'll not regret this holder.

Here's the progress as of last night:

Interior is now complete other than the 92/93 dome light. I got to take it out to wring outa few gears. It smokes the narrow Kumho's in 1st, 2nd and granny shift to third chirps them. Seems pretty strong for sitting so long.

The seat cushions from TMI are nice but way too thick. I feel like I'm rolling out of the seat! But they feel nice and supportive otherwise. Power steering and TOB are whining like an old whore I once knew but it drives like stock with no hiccups and no drama. Wish me luck on the 45 mile round trip for inspection. It really shouldn't need anything as I've gone over it and I'm a (non practicing) Pa safety inspection mechanic.

Gratuitous pics: