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1081 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2000 at 5:53 PM

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Messages Page 99 of 109

#974 of 1081 Replies & stuff: by gustafsc

Oct 30, 2000 (3:24 pm)

camelard:


Yeah, the computer revolution only allows you to create hardcopy for file faster than a typewriter, and to deliver it to others by wire so that they can make hardcopy.


Lefty:


Aint life fun on the edge!!!


Saw in the auto section of the Chicago Tribune, a picture of what is purported to be a 2002 Mercury "Coupe". (photo credit was Popular Mechanics) Said to be a 4-door version (ala Saturn half doors). Didn't know if it would be called a Cougar or something else, but it sure looked like a Cougar. And I don't think that the picture was the one that has been running around the net for the last 2 years but was artificially created.


Any comments MWS???


Skip G.

#975 of 1081 by badulah

Oct 30, 2000 (3:27 pm)

Burnsmr:
As a few others have pointed out, let the car cool before trying to change the oil. The first time I changed my oil I went out and bought one of those filter remover wrenches, but I only used it once. I find that hand tightening the filter is sufficient. I use the Fram "Sure Grip" filters for maximum grip. These filters have a grainy surface that allow you to really grip it in tight places. Since the filter on your Cat is not a "Sure Grip", you should try using one of those kitchen jar opener pads. You know, one of those little rubber pads you use to open a jar. I have one I keep in the garage for jobs like the one your facing.


Malibu:
Thanks for mentioning the CSG!!!! Also, sorry you couldn't use your Cat in the commercial.

#976 of 1081 New Jersey Bites!! by badulah

Oct 30, 2000 (8:28 pm)

No one will do a state inspection on my Cat because of the tinted windows! Ford still owes me some cash to have them redone (because of the Ken Smith ordeal). So I will have to have it removed and then get the car inspected. I didn't think this would be a huge problem, but apparently the new inspection laws are very strict. In the past private stations would pass just about anything, but the new laws required private stations to purchase around $60,000 worth of equipment, and their licensing fees are very high. If the state finds them in violation, they will loose their license and will be fined a TON of cash. So the front tint comes off tomorrow at noon. O-Well, I guess I should be happy that I got away with it for this long.

#977 of 1081 badulah: by gustafsc

Oct 30, 2000 (9:18 pm)

While I sympathize with you about the hassle you're going through, I, personally, don't think a strong windshield tint is a good idea in the first place. Sunglasses will do fine in the daytime, but I need to see all that I can see at night. Too many surprises out there.


Skip G.

#978 of 1081 by badulah

Oct 31, 2000 (3:15 pm)

Skip:
The tint isn't on the windshield, its on the passenger and driver side windows. It's coming off today at noon, and new tires are going on, and then I head to state inspection in the morning.

#979 of 1081 WE'RE BAAAACK: by gustafsc

Nov 03, 2000 (3:41 pm)

I was having a rough time this week without my daily CSG fix. Ruined my disposition, people were running away in fear of my temper, several dings in the walls from manually launched objects, children hiding thier faces in thier mothers mini skirts (now there's a mental picture for you)


But, all is well now, my weekend will be peaceful.


Skip G

#980 of 1081 Any advice welcome.... by patte

Nov 03, 2000 (5:02 pm)

Oh hi. I, too, have missed the CSG for the past few (insane) weeks. There is a calming aura to be found here that doesn't seem to exist in the "real" world.


This is NOT a cougar question but I hope one of you auto-aficienados will be able to answer. My 17 year old pulled a real typical teen "I didn't know where I was" blunder, ran a stop sign and got T-boned in the old '92 family Lumina sedan (replaced by the kitty which he will not be TOUCHING for another 15 years and if that sounds hard - I mean it that way). Of course we cancelled collision on Lumina since insurance for teenagers is aptly priced because they....no never mind. Anyway, three body shops said it was a drive away total and they couldn't touch it for under $2000. I called a salvage yard with a back door and found a guy who restores old cars who replaced it and pulled out the frame about a half inch. He thought it would be fine to drive. The tires had 100,000 on them so were replaced when I got it aligned. But the brakes are going and will cost $400 shortly. My question is - for a town car (high school to university classes to part time job IN town only) is a car that may or may not be "square" safe? Both the tire company and the restorer thought it was fine. Will the tires wear unevenly if it isn't square or is there any other damage I might need to worry about. (He did even manage to get the door in so it opens and closes.)
My goal is to make the car last at least through high school graduation (spring) and with luck another 3 years of university. So how long do I have before I invest $400 on brakes to see if the car is really okay? (We paid $5100 for the car 5 years ago as a state fleet vehicle with 80,000 miles on it and haven't had ANY trouble or maintenance on it until now. So I don't mind putting some money into it.)


And no, my son and his passenger were not hurt, nor was the guy who hit them. (My four year stint as a health educator in traffic safety made me ask that questions and both kids and adult were buckled up and the adult's toddler was in a child safety seat. Thank goodness the seat belt nazicism worked. Now if I can only get him to be aware of his surroundings.)


Sorry this isn't a cougar question - but you guys are the only experts I know.


And yes, I still adore my cougar. One year old this month and still only 3,000 miles on her but complete with FOUR, count-them, FOUR dings on the driver's side. Arrggghh. I received my recall notice and will ask them to check my A/C as well since I haven't been in to ask them about the chirps.


Thanks for any words of wisdom you can offer!

#981 of 1081 Back after some months!!+bad news (news for me) by juanb

Nov 03, 2000 (5:51 pm)

Hi all!
Well... Its been like 3 months... but I'm back. Lately I don't have much time to follow the board as I used to do. There are two main reasons to come back. The first one is to check for new information and stuff like that. The second one is to confirm some REALLY REALLY BAD NEWS I just got
I could try to explain, but its better if you check this link:


http://www.blueovalnews.com/cougar30_killed.htm


Any comments?

#982 of 1081 by badulah

Nov 03, 2000 (6:43 pm)

I don't believe FMC ever said they would produce a 3.0L or a 3.8L Cat. I could be wrong though. Did anyone ever hear/read any announcements from FMC stating anything different? The only high performance Cat I ever heard about was the upcoming Cougar-S, which will be released to the public in 2001 (FINALLY!!!). Unfortunately the current Cougar has been rumored to go out of production in 2003, but FMC will not confirm or deny these rumors. Some rumors also state the new Cougar will be built on the Focus platform, but that would contradict the BON rumor about the Cougar going back to a rear wheel drive configuration.


To many rumors!!!!

#983 of 1081 badulah by jayhawk5

Nov 05, 2000 (2:43 pm)

How much were your tires, and where did you get them from? I have a slow leak in my right front tire, and am going to use that as an excuse to get rid of my awful Firestones. Do they fit on the original 16" rims? Thanks for the info.

Messages Page 99 of 109

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