This isn't a question, but more of a pretty.. "hilarious" story.

After going through the engine and cleaning the spark plugs, checking the dwell, the timing, etc. I put the mustang up on some ramps to see underneath at the transmission and clutch.. and the previous owner had replaced the linkage bearing from reverse to 1st gear. If you remember, I posted something saying that shifting into first was real shaky, and didn't always go into place.. well, I found the reason why.

Instead of a linkage bushing.. the previous owner put a nail through the loops and bent it around. [>:]I wish I had a picture to show, it was rediculous. And on top of that, my clutch fork poked all the way through something, I have no idea what is was though. I am new to working on cars so my dad had to point out the clutch fork problem.. but I could tell a bent nail through the loops was definitely not right.

So far I have found MANY things the previous owner has done to make the car sell-able that was obviously make-shift as hell. It kind of makes me mad that someone would do that just to sell the car.. but I guess it's a good learning experience.

 

As long as you learn from it, its worth it. I cant stress enough on doing an overall inspection and test driving a classic before purchasing one. Ive heard/read way too many horror stories to ever put my self in them situations.

Does the PO live nearby ?

 

Nails aren't an acceptable substitute for a cotter pin??

That brings to mind a topic, what unspeakable things have you done to sell a car?

I have one shameful story about a '66 i6 Coupe that had a blown head gasket, dying transmission, and huge holes in the driver and passenger floorboards.
I paid $500 for the car and sold it for $1100 after a little "repair" work.
I won't say how I "fixed" the floorboards but it was a less than a professional job.

The 16 year old kid who bought that car didn't care. He just wanted that Mustang BAD!
Caveat Emptor!

 

Speaking of linkage bushings, I need a new set, mine are shot. Anyone know where I might be able to get a good set for a 4 speed toploader?

 

NPD for the linkage bushing.