Need insight from the experts

[Bryan]

That’s not what I mean. What I mean is this person has the money and time in case things go bad. He can take an old junker and ride it till the motor blows because he has the money to just trailer it home or catch a plane in case the vehicle in question dies. I am not trying to dump on VGG. I am simply saying he has the money in case mistakes or problems arise.

Did you watch his video of the Buick GNX? That is a perfect example of a rare sleeper type car where the correct parts to make it safe to drive are almost impossible to fine. The Taurus SHO is exactly the same. If you break stuff because the vehicle wasn’t properly gone through before driving (especially the length of time stated), you can seriously damage orn destroy parts that cannot be replaced because they are no longer available.

Also question… was the car sitting outside? Ten years is a lot of time. If any of the valves are open mice or any kind of insect or small critter can climb up the exhaust system and make a nest in the cylinders. Reason you should at least check. Especially since these vehicles are 24 valve engines. That’s a lot of chances of valves being open far enough for them to squeeze through. Also beneath the intake there is a tube that runs the length of the engine in the valley between the cylinder heads. This is the crossover for the water pump to the thermostat housing. There is A LOT of room beneath that for mice of whatever to crawl in there too to make nests or chew on wires and stuff. I still strongly recommend trailering it.

I’d be happy to help if you need help working on these cars. I have myself a 92 MTX SHO, and I spend A LOT of time repairing and replacing a lot of the issues you will most likely run into. Good luck with your car and please be safe!

 

[skyshadow07]

Ha, I thought the same thing, but I talked to a shop teacher here in MN that met him when he was helping out with some things at their school and he said that is the way he is on and off camera. To which I obviously replied, "well, I'll be dipped!" So they may have told him to rein it in a bit but that's really him. I found it cute and endearing, but I'm an idiot, so he spoke my language.

Good luck and may the SHO gods look kindly upon you during your trip, heck, if nothing else it makes for a great story.

Really? I watched his participation in the Ranger Race with his prep and such and he spoke completely normal with only sparing uses of his catch phrases.

 

[skyshadow07]

While I understand your standoffish approach to this, As I said before "not my first rodeo". I have the time, skill and money to address issues that may arise. I would hope that I have the experience and knowledge to not destroy a car by simply bringing it back to life.

 

[Bryan]

While I understand your standoffish approach to this, As I said before "not my first rodeo". I have the time, skill and money to address issues that may arise. I would hope that I have the experience and knowledge to not destroy a car by simply bringing it back to

I wish you only the best with your new SHO. If you have any questions I’d be happy to try and help with whatever I can.

 

[skyshadow07]

Does the Gen 2 SHO have aby issues with fuel tank rust/rott that I should be concerned about?

 

[luigisho]

Where was it located? I've seen some straps that support the tank rust pretty good. Maybe alot of salt exposure or parked in high grass with moisture over a long time. Don't remember it being common, but I suppose some issues popped up from time to time. Are you worried about internal tank issues?

 

[skyshadow07]

I'm always worried about tank issues with older cars. Owner says rust is not an issue but the car has been parked in Washington.

 

[luigisho]

The unfortunate design required the tank to drop to access the opening in the tank, pump and sending unit. Some of us cut access door in the floorpan (I did it to one car) but I would no recommend it most of the time.

 

[SM105K]

I am a fairly optimistic guy, but there is no way I would try to drive a car that has been sitting 10 years on a 2000 mile road trip right out of the chute. In addition to all the stuff already mentioned, you have potentially brakes that are rusted up, wires that are chewed up, rodents/insects sharing the interior with you, etc. That car should be shipped to you and gone through decently before you attempt to drive more than around the block, imho.

I 100% agree with this.

 

[FastCAD]

I'm always worried about tank issues with older cars. Owner says rust is not an issue but the car has been parked in Washington.

does the fuel smell foul? why take a chance, drop the tank and have a look, if you have sub-frame connectors this will not be possible. the floor cut out sounds worse than it really is to easily access the service of the fuel pump.

 

[luigisho]

I 100% agree with this.

normally I would agree with this. but sometimes you might just take the challenge because you also have the resources to bail yourself out of a jam. For skyshadow07 I have seen good skills and if he has the time/$ resources, go for it. I wouldn't do it, but I'm too old for jalopy adventures these days.

 

[FastCAD]

normally I would agree with this. but sometimes you might just take the challenge because you also have the resources to bail yourself out of a jam. For skyshadow07 I have seen good skills and if he has the time/$ resources, go for it. I wouldn't do it, but I'm too old for jalopy adventures these days.

understood. but debris in a gas tank can cause more $$ problems, condensation comes to mind, this can be corrected by a sub pump. "penny wise, pound foolish"?
I mentioned the floor access because if you easily remove the fp u get a good view of the inside of the tank at basically no cost or just an hour's time.
best to ya's

 

[sperold]

I live in a rust zone and have changed tanks on these cars.

My experience is you can always count on the tank leaking at the seam which is at least half way up the tank (from the bottom), or on the flat top. The only time you would have a tank draining leak is if you hit something on the road. And that would be if one of the straps broke and allowed the tank to slide down.

The first time you fill it up, you will know if you have a leak coming from the top of the tank, as a tiny hole the size of a period on this page will smell.
If you have a gas smell in the engine compartment, it is most likely the charcoal filter near the rad.

The real gas lines are plastic and never leak, but the fuel filter is metal and can give you grief, but it is not special to the car and is available everywhere.

 

[SM105K]

normally I would agree with this. but sometimes you might just take the challenge because you also have the resources to bail yourself out of a jam. For skyshadow07 I have seen good skills and if he has the time/$ resources, go for it. I wouldn't do it, but I'm too old for jalopy adventures these days.

I am not saying he shouldn't. I think it would be an awesome Roadkill type of trip. I would full send if it was within 500 miles. 2000 miles could be extremely difficult.

 

[skyshadow07]

I have the highest level of AAA membership, many tools, more replacement parts then needed, a buddy running with me who is also quick with a wrench and time and money if things go south. Have no fear though, I will take many pics so you can all enjoy it whether it succeeds or flops. BTW, adding the 92 SHO to my insurance actually lowered my total insurance cost.

 

[shobote]

Do you know why was it parked 10 years ago ? some problem must have been at hand, and if it is a bad clutch, will be undrivable and a costly repair. If parked outside, there will be a bunch of other issues. Being a new owner with no experience, I would tow it home.

 

[skyshadow07]

Owner states he took it on a road trip and upon returning, parked it and never touched it again. Was fully operational when parked. The tires, although old now, look brand new.

 

[luigisho]

Have no fear though, I will take many pics so you can all enjoy it whether it succeeds or flops.

You know us all too well. Looking forward to it.

 

[Devin]

I'll be here for it!

 

[kevinspann]

Fuel system, tires, and brakes would be my main worries. The injectors like to get stuck closed after sitting a long time like that, and who knows about the in-tank situation. Tires may be alright. Brakes get rusted over from sitting, but if they're not sticking they'll probably be fine. Change some of the fluids and drive it.