Looking at my first Marauder, but plenty of issues to deal with...

[sflrainmaker01]

Hey,
I am new to the forums. I am in the process of trying to buy my first Marauder. But, the one I went to see, although in my budget (was trying to buy a P71 Crown Vic), I stumbled across this Marauder for sale. The bad is long, it seems that it has hit everything but the lottery body wise. Some less than perfect repairs. The engine seems strong. The car HAULS!!!! Shifting from first to second in drive always left 5 or 6 feet of rubber. It has Kooks long tubes, rear cat delete, aftermarket muffler (cant tell which, not flowmaster though). I am guessing it must have had a gear change at some point to 4.10 or something to pull like that.

Some of the other problems maybe you all can help me with is the air suspension lite is on and the car sits low in rear and the compressor doesn't turn on. Do most of you all do a spring swap?

Console gauges power up but don't seem to read correctly. Any common issues with these?

Brake lite came on under hard acceleration and braking and immediately went off. Any ideas on that? I noticed that the brake fluid wasn't quite full.

I did let the engine run for at least 45 minutes (at idle mostly). I was hoping if there were any head gasket issues, they would have shown up idling that long.

Can you all offer any suggestions or other things I should consider?

[gdsqdcr]

If the brake fluid is low, that is likely the cause of the brake light. It also means, the brakes could be getting closer to needing to be released.

Air suspension, spring swap it.

Gauges in console --- dummy gauge. They do not fluctuate, replace with, can't brand name .... Old age getting to me!

Miles? Color? Overall condition? Pictures?

[Ms. Denmark]

Auto Meter ;) http://www.autometer.com/

[lji372]

If the price is right anything can be born again :)


:welcome: to the madness!!!!

[RubberCtyRauder]

Not to rain down on the possibility of a resurrected Marauder, but you mentioned shoddy repairs to body..marauder specific bumper covers are obsolete..especially rear ones..front ones can still be had via aftermarket to some extent for $5 -$600 then paint..rear ones are gone..Ford has zero and due to the wording of marauder embossed in them means no aftermarket. Interior stuff is obsolete for Marauder specific..door panels, seat covers, dash trim, however alot of that stuff pops up for sale by members from time to time. There is a wealth of info here thru the members and forums so if it can be resurrected, you will have plenty of support here. and yes, the console gauges are not active.. more or less a fancy dash light. Most people here would say to keep the air springs, but several members have converted to coil springs and are happy.

[sflrainmaker01]

Thanks for the swift replies and info!! I have been a member of Corral.net with my black on black 86 GT convertible Mustang for along time. These forums are awesome!

The Marauder is Black. So, the shoddy repairs show up vividly especially when you are close up. Its, at a stretch, a 10 foot car. Upon close inspection, it looks like it got hammered square in the rear. But, I could not detect any frame damage, but the bumper cover and decklid were replaced with Gran Marquis stuff. Now, on either side of the back window, the paint (maybe bondo :shake:) is cracking/flaking. The door gaps, etc seem in line. Of course, the front bumper cover has been replaced too. And, not with a Marauder one. So, no driving lites! :mad2: Under the bumper cover, the condenser is kinda banged up even though the AC blows cold THROUGH THE DEFROSTER VENTS. The guys DOG put a couple of tears in the rear seat. Not horrible, though. To drive a Marauder, I will deal with that! :burnout:

[Blk04MM]

Thanks for the swift replies and info!! I have been a member of Corral.net with my black on black 86 GT convertible Mustang for along time. These forums are awesome!

The Marauder is Black. So, the shoddy repairs show up vividly especially when you are close up. Its, at a stretch, a 10 foot car. Upon close inspection, it looks like it got hammered square in the rear. But, I could not detect any frame damage, but the bumper cover and decklid were replaced with Gran Marquis stuff. Now, on either side of the back window, the paint (maybe bondo :shake:) is cracking/flaking. The door gaps, etc seem in line. Of course, the front bumper cover has been replaced too. And, not with a Marauder one. So, no driving lites! :mad2: Under the bumper cover, the condenser is kinda banged up even though the AC blows cold THROUGH THE DEFROSTER VENTS. The guys DOG put a couple of tears in the rear seat. Not horrible, though. To drive a Marauder, I will deal with that! :burnout:


Sound like you have a serious project to deal with. That's a lot of work you have to do to get it back together. If its not for a steal of a price I wouldn't touch it. You can find better. Plenty are for sale and in better shape. But if you want the task then go for it.

[sflrainmaker01]

Sound like you have a serious project to deal with. That's a lot of work you have to do to get it back together. If its not for a steal of a price I wouldn't touch it. You can find better. Plenty are for sale and in better shape. But if you want the task then go for it.

It is a steal of a price. But, seems like the only REAL immediate issue is the rear suspension. I would most likely switch over to coils like I did on my Town Car. As nice as the Town Car rides, I couldn't tell much of a difference between the air suspension and the coils, unless I have a heavy load.

How important is keeping the air ride on these cars? The rest of the issues seem addressable thru this forum and probably the local MM clubs in Florida.

Most likely, if I do this car, the cosmetics will have to wait until I can find the front and rear bumper covers and have it done right. By then, I should have most of the bugs worked out.

I forgot to mention that the car has less than 80k miles on it. But, I would guess those weren't easy.:rolleyes:

[fastblackmerc]

Hey,
I am new to the forums. I am in the process of trying to buy my first Marauder. But, the one I went to see, although in my budget (was trying to buy a P71 Crown Vic), I stumbled across this Marauder for sale. The bad is long, it seems that it has hit everything but the lottery body wise. Some less than perfect repairs. The engine seems strong. The car HAULS!!!! Shifting from first to second in drive always left 5 or 6 feet of rubber. It has Kooks long tubes, rear cat delete, aftermarket muffler (cant tell which, not flowmaster though). I am guessing it must have had a gear change at some point to 4.10 or something to pull like that.

Some of the other problems maybe you all can help me with is the air suspension lite is on and the car sits low in rear and the compressor doesn't turn on. Do most of you all do a spring swap?

Console gauges power up but don't seem to read correctly. Any common issues with these?

Brake lite came on under hard acceleration and braking and immediately went off. Any ideas on that? I noticed that the brake fluid wasn't quite full.

I did let the engine run for at least 45 minutes (at idle mostly). I was hoping if there were any head gasket issues, they would have shown up idling that long.

Can you all offer any suggestions or other things I should consider?


Air ride problem could be as simple as the sensor is disconnected.

Might still have the factory gauges installed. Here are the part numbers for the replacement gauges that actually work:

Replacement Gauges – Autometer (2 1/16)
Oil Pressure – 4327
Voltmeter – 4391

Fill the brake fluid and check the pads.

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks for the swift replies and info!! I have been a member of Corral.net with my black on black 86 GT convertible Mustang for along time. These forums are awesome!

The Marauder is Black. So, the shoddy repairs show up vividly especially when you are close up. Its, at a stretch, a 10 foot car. Upon close inspection, it looks like it got hammered square in the rear. But, I could not detect any frame damage, but the bumper cover and decklid were replaced with Gran Marquis stuff. Now, on either side of the back window, the paint (maybe bondo :shake:) is cracking/flaking. The door gaps, etc seem in line. Of course, the front bumper cover has been replaced too. And, not with a Marauder one. So, no driving lites! :mad2: Under the bumper cover, the condenser is kinda banged up even though the AC blows cold THROUGH THE DEFROSTER VENTS. The guys DOG put a couple of tears in the rear seat. Not horrible, though. To drive a Marauder, I will deal with that! :burnout:
I can fix the problem with the A/C.

[RF Overlord]

Air ride problem could be as simple as the sensor is disconnected.^^^ This ^^^

If the car was hit in the back, the linkage could have popped off. Happened to me when the sensor went bad and got bound up. Linkage pops off, air bags vent all the way down, then no signal to the compressor to pump them back up.

[Blk04MM]

It is a steal of a price. But, seems like the only REAL immediate issue is the rear suspension. I would most likely switch over to coils like I did on my Town Car. As nice as the Town Car rides, I couldn't tell much of a difference between the air suspension and the coils, unless I have a heavy load.

How important is keeping the air ride on these cars? The rest of the issues seem addressable thru this forum and probably the local MM clubs in Florida.

Most likely, if I do this car, the cosmetics will have to wait until I can find the front and rear bumper covers and have it done right. By then, I should have most of the bugs worked out.

I forgot to mention that the car has less than 80k miles on it. But, I would guess those weren't easy.:rolleyes:


I've seen the car. Not worth it. For the price I've seen some up and running and in waaaaaaaay better shape. PM me ill give you the details on a few

[RR|Suki]

I've seen the car. Not worth it. For the price I've seen some up and running and in waaaaaaaay better shape. PM me ill give you the details on a few

Now I'm curious, how much are they asking for it without even having Marauder bumpers?

[Blk04MM]

Now I'm curious, how much are they asking for it without even having Marauder bumpers?

Way too damn much.

[slickster]

Just so you know you can get a very decent mm with around 100k for around 8500 if you look hard.

[88LTDCV351]

Restore em don't crush em, I and Dennis Gage always says. Hope it finds a good home someday. EATC repair for the A/C can be done yourself via the info on this site. Or fastblackmerc can do it for you.

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Find a couple MMs that are similar to this one that do not have any body/mechanical issues. Make a list of things you'll need to fix/repair on the one you're looking at and how much it will cost. Add in the cost of a paint job. Subtract these costs from what a similar MM in good condition is selling for. Take another 20% off; this is what I would offer the seller.

Breakdown example:

Similar MM in good condition: $11K
Costs to repair/fix one you're looking at and paint: $5K
Total after subtracting repairs/paint from MM in good condition: $6K
Take 20% off total: $1200
Offer seller $4800

The biggest obstacle in buying the one you're looking at is getting a rear bumper.

Like others have said, there are more than a handful of MMs out there in good condition for the same price (or less) as buying this one and fixing it up. If restoring cars is your thing, though, good luck and it will be great if another MM is rescued!

JM2C....

[rocky]

Way too damn much.

It may run good now but if body is in poor shape and its got lots of go fast stuff on it...well...MOLESTED!

Take advice from these guys they know their stuff...and its not the only MM left

Good luck and welcome aboard!

[sflrainmaker01]

Restore em don't crush em, I and Dennis Gage always says. Hope it finds a good home someday. EATC repair for the A/C can be done yourself via the info on this site. Or fastblackmerc can do it for you.

Well that is what I am thinking. Buy it cheap (hopefully) and fix her up as I go. But the body is pretty beat. Runs like a bat otta.... tho....:banana2:

[RR|Suki]

Well that is what I am thinking. Buy it cheap (hopefully) and fix her up as I go. But the body is pretty beat. Runs like a bat otta.... tho....:banana2:

You could get better advice if we knew what kinda prices we're talking about here. If they are asking say $3500 for a car with a rough body, and a lack of Marauder specific parts opinions and advise would change vs say 8000.

Me personally, I wouldn't pay much more than going similar year/condition Crown Vic price for a Marauder will missing Marauder specific parts...

[SC Cheesehead]

You could get better advice if we knew what kinda prices we're talking about here. If they are asking say $3500 for a car with a rough body, and a lack of Marauder specific parts opinions and advise would change vs say 8000.

Me personally, I wouldn't pay much more than going similar year/condition Crown Vic price for a Marauder will missing Marauder specific parts...

^^^^^ Spot on...

[Blk04MM]

Car needs suspension, full paint job & body work all over, Has front and rear MGM Bumpers looks as if it was in a sandwhich collision and pieced together with those parts. Interior is rough. And wheels are rough as well. Basically it'll cost more to get this car back to life then it would to buy one already ready to ride. Owner is dead set on the same price three others are selling for which I would personally buy and drive without hesitation. The car has low miles but overall condition and storing manner of the car leads me to think the owner could give a damn about the motor so it may not be running up to par once you actually get into driving it. Owner said its a collectible and he knows its worth the money. I declined a test drive because it just looked unsafe. BUT if anyone wants a project go for it.

[lancejlove]

Just so you know you can get a very decent mm with around ss100k for around 8500 if you look hard.


Like mine:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=85863

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Car needs suspension, full paint job & body work all over, Has front and rear MGM Bumpers looks as if it was in a sandwhich collision and pieced together with those parts. Interior is rough. And wheels are rough as well. Basically it'll cost more to get this car back to life then it would to buy one already ready to ride. Owner is dead set on the same price three others are selling for which I would personally buy and drive without hesitation. The car has low miles but overall condition and storing manner of the car leads me to think the owner could give a damn about the motor so it may not be running up to par once you actually get into driving it. Owner said its a collectible and he knows its worth the money. I declined a test drive because it just looked unsafe. BUT if anyone wants a project go for it.

??? This guy doesn't seem to grasp the meaning of collectible.

Looks like another MM that got used and abused....how sad.

[Blk04MM]

??? This guy doesn't seem to grasp the meaning of collectible.

Looks like another MM that got used and abused....how sad.

Exactly why I told the OP to avoid it. If that's how a collectible is treated then you can bet its a lot more wrong. It may run like a bat outa hell but for how long. Then you have a beat up car with no motor and or trans

[Blk04MM]

Like mine:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=85863

Clean car there

[rocky]

So how much is the dude asking???
Sorry just really curios now


Sent from my iPhone 5

[Motorhead350]

You might just need an air compressor for the air ride. I got mine out of a 96 Town Car in a junkyard for $26 and have been using it for years. It sounds like all of the serious issues can be fixed for little money. The cosmetics are another thing.

Rear bumper covers come up every now and then. Rumor going around is if we prove a demand for them Ford will make 200 OEM ones for us.

The car is getting rarer by the day. If you have the money for one in rough shape, go for it before they are all gone. You can make it good again.

[sflrainmaker01]

Just wondering, why would that car run so strong and pull so hard without a power adder? Other than gears and exhaust (full including long tubes), what else could have been done? It didn't look like the motor has ever been apart.... Do these cars run that strong anyway and I have just been missing out this whole time?!!!! ;)

[Spectragod]

Just wondering, why would that car run so strong and pull so hard without a power adder? Other than gears and exhaust (full including long tubes), what else could have been done? It didn't look like the motor has ever been apart.... Do these cars run that strong anyway and I have just been missing out this whole time?!!!! ;)

They always run strong, right before they blow up...........

[fastblackmerc]

You might just need an air compressor for the air ride. I got mine out of a 96 Town Car in a junkyard for $26 and have been using it for years. It sounds like all of the serious issues can be fixed for little money. The cosmetics are another thing.

Rear bumper covers come up every now and then. Rumor going around is if we prove a demand for them Ford will make 200 OEM ones for us.

The car is getting rarer by the day. If you have the money for one in rough shape, go for it before they are all gone. You can make it good again.

You want to bet 100 bucks Ford will NEVER make Marauder bumpers again?

[Blk04MM]

Just wondering, why would that car run so strong and pull so hard without a power adder? Other than gears and exhaust (full including long tubes), what else could have been done? It didn't look like the motor has ever been apart.... Do these cars run that strong anyway and I have just been missing out this whole time?!!!! ;)

V8
281 ci
4v

It's kind of a big motor plus headers and gears it'll pull. It's suppose to. So yeah you've been missing out on the little power it does have to be a big car

[Blk04MM]

They always run strong, right before they blow up...........

CTFU


They do say it runs best right before it blows up though

[sflrainmaker01]

V8
281 ci
4v

It's kind of a big motor plus headers and gears it'll pull. It's suppose to. So yeah you've been missing out on the little power it does have to be a big car

Yeah, but compared to some of the older Mustang Cobra's with the 32 valve motor that I have owned or driven, this car pulled like they did or better. I just wasnt sure if there were other mods someone could make that were bolt on/in whatever.

Originally, I was considering the P71 Police version of the Crown Vic. Adding some (not loud) exhaust and gear changes. But, I guess the 32 valve has about another 50 HP though. Seemed like alot more than 50 hp though!:P

[sflrainmaker01]

Well, we are still negotiating... Getting close, but I found out that the guy has actually been driving the car around for a while with the air suspension not working! :confused::mad2: What the heck? :shake: It has actually been parked since October they claim. So, there is a Ford store right down the street. I think I will have them take it there so they can do an alignment check and inspect the car on the lift and then make a final call.

[Curless]

I hope its cheap!

[sflrainmaker01]

You could get better advice if we knew what kinda prices we're talking about here. If they are asking say $3500 for a car with a rough body, and a lack of Marauder specific parts opinions and advise would change vs say 8000.

Me personally, I wouldn't pay much more than going similar year/condition Crown Vic price for a Marauder will missing Marauder specific parts...
I agree...
This is pretty much it. We are at the same price I would pay for an '03 or '04 Crown Vic P71 with 100k miles (+/- a hundred).

[L.Mark]

Rumor going around is if we prove a demand for them Ford will make 200 OEM ones for us.


And they'll cost twice as much as they did...:shake:

[rocky]

Well, we are still negotiating... Getting close, but I found out that the guy has actually been driving the car around for a while with the air suspension not working! :confused::mad2: What the heck? :shake: It has actually been parked since October they claim. So, there is a Ford store right down the street. I think I will have them take it there so they can do an alignment check and inspect the car on the lift and then make a final call.

Sounds like the guy doesn't give 2 💩💩 about the car...if you buy it I hope you buy it right and save that poor marauder. A clean P71 would be a good option tho and instead of spending money to get it right you could immediately start upgrading!
Your choice brother


Sent from my iPhone 5

[sflrainmaker01]

Sounds like the guy doesn't give 2 💩💩 about the car...if you buy it I hope you buy it right and save that poor marauder. A clean P71 would be a good option tho and instead of spending money to get it right you could immediately start upgrading!
Your choice brother


Sent from my iPhone 5

Due to budget constraints, if I bought a P71, I might be able to squeeze in a set of rims (wife hates the idea of me buying an old police car and having it sit in the driveway looking like a police car :argue:). The Marauder, if my gut is right, if I buy, I will do a spring conversion right away and fix the EATC. Then, I should be good to go for awhile. I am sure I will find a few other nuisance things along the way and I am ok with that ( I am sure that would be the same with the P71, the only difference is I could be in a Marauder for the same dough).
The Marauder seems to already have the mods done that I would want to do anyway.:cool4:

[rocky]

Tell him you've got $8.00 CASH MONEY!!!!


Sent from my iPhone 5

[sflrainmaker01]

Tell him you've got $8.00 CASH MONEY!!!!


Sent from my iPhone 5

Sorry, I already told him I had $9.95 :depress:

[Blk04MM]

Sorry, I already told him I had $9.95 :depress:

I see you're still stuck on this lemon. good luck with that.

Did u follow up on the leads?

[RF Overlord]

(wife hates the idea of me buying an old police car and having it sit in the driveway looking like a police car). What's wrong with it looking like a police car? Might make some of the neighbourhood riff-raff think twice before messing with you...

[rocky]

Is the MM black?
It's got vic bumpers?
Will look like a police car too...but more like one at the epic final blues brother crash scene maybe


Sent from my iPhone 5

[sflrainmaker01]

What's wrong with it looking like a police car? Might make some of the neighbourhood riff-raff think twice before messing with you...

That's what I thought. Like a security system for the house!!

[sflrainmaker01]

I see you're still stuck on this lemon. good luck with that.

Did u follow up on the leads?

Yep. The Tampa guy was in love with his car but I think he finally sold it today. The other guy's car has 150k on it and has recently hit a deer, has an oil leak, AC blowing thru defrost, a traction control and suspension issue. Didn't sound too much different from this one. It's just that in my price range, I there is only so much to choose from. :rolleyes: