First timer! Looking for advice..

[Blakes89SHO]

So currently have a 1989 SHO real close to the house.
Car needs WORK, BADLY. But I’m curious at the right price point if it’s worth it, or could be a partial commuter during winter here in Kentucky.

Details. Clean title, 136k miles. Apparently runs, shifts through trans. Needs brakes(owner says something about rear brakes failed). No seats or carpet, sun roof leaked. Rear rust hole in trunk, size of donut tire!! Rust on a wheel well about 6” in total… says has new tires but I’m sure from sitting it needs new ones again.

Owner claims to know someone with a parts that that had cleanish interior to swap in..

I’m curious about any idea of potential reliability.. my idea, which may be not all that smart, would be use it as a waiter car partially. Get the interior back in it. Fox rear brakes or whatever the issue is. Patch hole in trunk, drive it. See what fails or might need replacing.

 

[luigisho]

I would say **** no unless you have a ton of skill good amount of extra cash and alot of spare time. If you want to make a car, pull the engine and tran ny and put them into something else like a miata or fiero

 

[Blakes89SHO]

Thank you! I’m taking this advice. I will keep adding dollars to the save pile for some new fun/Friday work car

I would say **** no unless you have a ton of skill good amount of extra cash and alot of spare time. If you want to make a car, pull the engine and tran ny and put them into something else like a miata or fiero

 

[ridered74]

Ya I wouldn't take that car if it was given to me and delivered for free. Looks like it's been parked there awhile, wouldn't be shocked if some little critters made dinner out of some hard to see wires.

 

[Blakes89SHO]

Ya I wouldn't take that car if it was given to me and delivered for free. Looks like it's been parked there awhile, wouldn't be shocked if some little critters made dinner out of some hard to see wires.

The owner claims to have had it for years, and not driven. Which is scary! I’ve always believed when it sits for a while, then you drive it stuff breaks left & right.
I appreciate it guys thank you. I absolutely plan on getting one of these genI cars. They’re too cool, I have a soft spot for 90s fords.
Below is the current daily driver.

 

[rubydist]

Welcome! I think you will find a much better option if you keep looking and that will save you a lot of headaches. I'm not sure that one is even a parts car at this point.

 

[Blakes89SHO]

Welcome! I think you will find a much better option if you keep looking and that will save you a lot of headaches. I'm not sure that one is even a parts car at this point.

I agree! I have found a “collector” in Tennessee who has 4 ‘89 model cars. I’ve spoken with him on the phone & he tells me they are very solid cars & have been garaged & maintained well since he’s owned them, mind you he’s the original owner on 1 of them as well…Obviously the prices he’s asking are up there as well, but for said condition i think that’s justifiable..

 

[luigisho]

Everything is so old on these things. Get the best taken care of example you can justify.

 

[Blakes89SHO]

I found another car, ‘90 model. Apparently needs “rod bearings” car looks very clean! 125k miles, all there, doesn’t look to have rust & clean interior. White, 5spd

 

[zoomlater]

I found another car, ‘90 model. Apparently needs “rod bearings” car looks very clean! 125k miles, all there, doesn’t look to have rust & clean interior. White, 5spd

Why does the seller think it needs rod bearings, is there an engine knock already? Rod bearing are usually done at 150K.

 

[Blakes89SHO]

Why does the seller think it needs rod bearings, is there an engine knock already? Rod bearing are usually done at 150K.

I was asking him how did he figure that, and got no response from him yet.. quote from the guy “I found 2 crank bearings with play” I asked if he’s checked the valves & he said yes, upper end is fine & looks clean.

 

[Blakes89SHO]

I was asking him how did he figure that, and got no response from him yet..

 

[luigisho]

Uh what? I would recommend changing the rod bearings on that car at 125k as preventative maintenance. We have seen spun rod bearings even under 100k. Usually hard driving and the manual cars hit it a little harder. If they actually spun or are out of round then I am not digging that at all.

 

[zoomlater]

Look at the 89 I posted in the SHO finds section, that car will probably have less major issues

 

[luigisho]

Why do I keep seeing that car? The aftermarket spoiler is distinct

 

[zoomlater]

Why do I keep seeing that car? The aftermarket spoiler is distinct

Looks like it came from Colorado

 

[Blakes89SHO]

Look at the 89 I posted in the SHO finds section, that car will probably have less major issues

Looks clean! That’s a little far away from me, mostly looking in KY & TN. Which I know forsure limits my potential for cars.

 

[luigisho]

yeah I usually had to travel or get a car shipped last few I bought

 

[Blakes89SHO]

yeah I usually had to travel or get a car shipped last few I bought

I’m betting that I will have to do the same as well.

 

[luigisho]

If you are particular about what you want as far as condition then you have to really expand you search to find one. THis is true for most low supply vehicles. I tried locally but most were beat up and the search was taking too long so I went to RI for one vehicle and IN for another