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Hello from Indy/ My 78 LTD II S

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IndyLTD I I View Drop Down
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    Posted: 02-March-2015 at 10:59AM
Hello,

I have been lurking the forum for a few days, and I must say what a great place this is! I have always been a fan of the 72-79 Ford intermediates, and have owned several over the years. It's been 12 years since my last LTD II (77 Sport w/400) and I figured I would never have the pleasure of owning another. Just when I had given up all hope, I found Nellie. A one owner 1978 LTD II S w/302 c4 and 57,218 miles. The original owner could not drive anymore, and placed it with a local car dealer to sell it on consignment. The asking price was $5,800 when I first saw her, definitely over the budget of this father of 6 growing boys. I drove by the lot every day occasionally stopping by to visit the car and make an offer. For two years I watched this former garage kept car suffer in the elements, paint fading, interior plastic getting bleached by the sun, it was quite depressing. Just last month I got a phone call out of the blue, $1,900 cash take it or leave it... Well obviously I didn't leave it. LOL






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IndyLTD I I View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-March-2015 at 10:43PM
Not 100% sure which direction I am going to go with this project appearance wise. Plans so far include suspension upgrade with poly bushings, cvpi springs, 17 or 18 inch tires. It already has the1.125 front sway bar, and small rear bar which I thought was weird considering how the rest of the car is equipped. It still has the factory AM radio, and I am debating cutting the dash for a DIN chassis radio. Maybe lose the belt line trim. It's messed up in a couple spots where it looks like the original owner probably rubbed it down the side of the garage door frame. I guess that will depend on my ability to find replacement pieces.

Edited by IndyLTD I I - 02-March-2015 at 10:44PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ranchero Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 4:07AM
Welcome, nice looking car. As they say, "Good things come to those who wait.''
Brian   1973 Ford Ranchero Big Block. ''THE OTHER WOMAN''
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 4:13AM
Welcome!  Looks very clean.  If you don't wanna cut up your dash, you can get newer post style stereos that have aux input on the front, and pre-amp output on the back. 
Jeff

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Regul8r Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 5:01AM
WELCOME to the Family!
 
Only thing I would say is rethink the Poly.
The stock replacement rubber stuff worked for 40 years and will work for another 40.
Just replace whats there and enjoy, easy and no future worry.
I just did the ENTIRE suspension, steering, and brakes on my car and she is a world of different car!
the rebuild started here on Page 13 of my project thread.
Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gpd294 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 5:17AM
Originally posted by IndyLTD I I IndyLTD I I wrote:

  It still has the factory AM radio, and I am debating cutting the dash for a DIN chassis radio.
 
There are a few old style with modern insides stereos out there like these: 
 
 
 
 
Custom Autosound and RetroSound just to name a couple. Once you cut the dash there is no going back.
 
Beautiful car! Clap
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 5:26AM
Yeah, I've seen those. Definitely would work for me because most of my music collection is digital today. I like the idea of making it look like factory, if nothing else to deter the thieves.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 5:45AM
I went with Retrosound in my Montego.  I've heard bad things about Custom Autosound.

Edited by n2fordwagons - 03-March-2015 at 8:13AM
Jeff

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 6:02AM
What a great survivor! I agree with the 17/18 wheel combo. You will be very happy with the ride, look, handling. I would not cut the dash. There are lots of hidden audio choices out there that yield great sound, amps, subs...all with a hidden head unit. Great color combo and what a price. Nice.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GTW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 6:51AM
Welcome to the site! I love how the LTD II's look without opera windows. Much less common too.
Griffin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fordpower Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 8:06AM
I put my up grade radio in the glove compartment.beautiful car,is the body code 65d or 65 something else.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 9:04AM
Originally posted by fordpower fordpower wrote:

...is the body code 65d or 65 something else.


65B is the body code.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GTW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 9:41AM
I think 65B would be the base LTD II (no opera windows) then?

Have you decoded everything else on your data plate yet?
Griffin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 11:13AM
Originally posted by GTW GTW wrote:

I think 65B would be the base LTD II (no opera windows) then?
Have you decoded everything else on your data plate yet?


Everything but the DSO and SCH DATE.

I don't have enough reference materials to confirm the body style vs optional trim levels (opera windows, side trim, etc.) What I have read contradicts itself. For example, I have the side trim option which isn't supposed to be available on the base models? I have the sway bars, but I don't believe i have the handling option. Could you special order individual upgrades without getting the whole accessory package? I have never seen vinyl on a 2 door without the opera window before, but if it was only available on the 65B platform that might explain it since in '78 there were only 9004 65B's built. What makes me question that is there were a heck of a lot of the tape striped, Magnum 500 wearing LTD II Sports running around, I owned two myself, and they didn't have opera windows. Maybe some of those were 65D bodies? Is there enough LTD II owners here to do a survey?

Sorry for the low quality image here's production info for 78. first column is- ford model #, second- body style, third- description, fourth- MSRP, fifth- avg ship weight, sixth- number produced 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ranchero Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 11:31AM
The DSO code #46 is Indianapolis.
Brian   1973 Ford Ranchero Big Block. ''THE OTHER WOMAN''
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 11:35AM
Well that makes sense, it was bought at Sharp Ford on East Street Southside of Indianapolis!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ranchero Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 11:42AM
The SCH I believe is 29th day of June(F). hope that helps.
Brian   1973 Ford Ranchero Big Block. ''THE OTHER WOMAN''
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kychevyguy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 12:11PM
Welcome to the forum, nice deuce there.
JT, USAF Ret./Architect
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 75GranMan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 12:21PM
Welcome, very sharp looking car. keep us updated on any progress.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 12:59PM
NICE!!!! Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03-March-2015 at 3:55PM
welcome! nice looking car, yes a set of wheels like that would definitely make the car!! 
JOHN
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fordpower Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 3:47AM
You have a very rare car.According to ford 65b or s is a striped 302 with no opt. It appears it is a no op window with what ever op you wanted. Sports and touring op. cars have no op. window.Only 9000 or so made in 78 and less than 1000 like 940 or so in 79.of 65b.model. In short you can bet your is a one of one.Nice find.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 3:59AM
I agree. Do you have any idea what design of 17 - 18 inch wheels you were leaning toward?
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 5:20AM
Wheels are difficult. I keep seeing things I like. What I am sure of is I will probably go with a 5 spoke design like the Torque Thrust, maybe with the gunmetal finish. All depends on budget. Sometimes I wished I could get an affordable steelie that would let me use my dog dish hubcaps I have in storage, or a Magnum 500 in that size.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 6:39AM
Originally posted by IndyLTD I I IndyLTD I I wrote:

or a Magnum 500 in that size.
 
American Racing makes a Magnum 500, in that size, called the AR500.  However, they're very proud of them, costing over $300 each.  I found an affordable alternative.  Not an exact match, but close enough for me.  Mine are staggered 17".
 
 
Jeff

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 7:03AM




These are 17 inch front and 18 inch rear Bullits. I've been happy with them. I also have a set of staggered 17 inch Salt Flats on my other wagon. Like them as well.




Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IndyLTD I I Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 1:15PM
I'm loving the wagons, guys!

If I was to order rims today, it would probably be one of these two options.





Tires would  be:
Nitto NT450 255/50R17 front and 275/50R17 rear
or
Goodyear Eagle RSA 235/55R17 front and 275/60R17 rear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 3:43PM
these are what i have on my 74 vette 18 x 8 centerline wheels, i paid $1200 for the set, so the same price as jeff, but i DO REALLY LIKE jeff's wheels though!!!

JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-March-2015 at 4:03PM
Thanks John. But mine weren't that much. Seems like they were about half that.
Jeff

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RAPTOR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-March-2015 at 5:51AM
Welcome !! Great deal you got on that clean ride !!!
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