Could have this '72 Ford LTD for free - is it worth it?

My grandfather is willing to pass on his LTD, which he's had since before I can remember. I've always wanted a big land yacht to cruise around in, but always envisioned a convertible...

It does need some suspension work, and the engine's a bit slow to start, and will probably need some TLC, although it seems to run OK. It's in great shape both outside and inside for its age. No rust problems or anything like that.

I read quite a few things about this car being a turd back when it was made, not to mention now. The big-block 400-2v that's in it is practically worthless and not worth upgrading, and it's slow, heavy, and a gas guzzler.

For those reasons, I'm thinking it might not be worth the money/time to fix it up. Anything else I should know?

If you wanted to use the engine in something else;

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/hrdp_0702_ford_400m_engine_build/

500hp but there's aluminum heads involved. And other stuff. Unless you want to keep it Ford, I can't see it being worth bothering.

I'd pass on the car but these just aren't interesting to me. If it's interesting to you, go for it, but if not then walk.

The 400 is actually worth upgrading. Get the compression up a tad with some better-flowing aftermarket heads and you'll be glad you did.

Take it. Even if you end up not liking it, you can sell it. If you don't want it, I'll take it. :)

Um, it's a free bigass boat. OF COURSE you want it.

And 460s aren't that rare on the CL either. I'd go for it unless you had issues with your grandad or something.

If you dont want it, Ill take it in

OSULemon wrote: I read quite a few things about this car being a turd back when it was made, not to mention now. The big-block 400-2v that's in it is practically worthless and not worth upgrading, and it's slow, heavy, and a gas guzzler.

Dude, time is a motherberkeleyer. If it's still runnin, it aint a turd.

Do it!

mndsm wrote: Um, it's a free bigass boat. OF COURSE you want it.

x a billion

My grandfather had the same thing...except 4 door :-(

I always thought these things made excellent convertibles though.

Just pretend you're Gator McKlusky http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i098eHCkzxA

That's a pretty cool car. Not fast. Won't handle. But cool. If you can accept it for what it is, then you can probably really enjoy it.

I took my driver's training in a '72 LTD.

That's the last year before power REALLY started to drop off. Tuned up and desmogged power should be adequate. I'd go for it. What's the worst case, you give it back in better shape than it left in, or shine it up and sell it to some guy for more than its really worth to sane people, and cut grandpa a big slice of the profit?

The title of this post should be "I picked up my grandfather's '72 LTD - what should I do to it?"

If you don't want it, sell it to me, I'm in Cincinnati. My cousin gave me his 73 Galaxie 500 when I was younger and I loved that car!

Is this car in your driveway yet? Where is the link to the build thread?

In reply to hrdlydangerous:

Good grief guys. I only have a 1-car, so space is a bit of an issue. Sounds like I'm making a big mistake by not picking this thing up, though!

Thankfully, it's not going anywhere for the time being, so it wouldn't hurt to wait till spring, at least.

Out of mild curiosity, what is something like this worth, anyway? I don't know that I'd sell it, since it's a gift...

If it's as shiny as it looks like it might be with a little elbow grease, you can probably find a buyer who will give you the better part of $2k for it. It's a 40 year old car in what looks like fantastic shape. It has value.

I would love that car, if you decide it needs to go to a loving family, we are that family.

I have a 72 Zombiechero already

OldGray320i wrote: The title of this post should be "I picked up my grandfather's '72 LTD - what should I do to it?"

Sit in it and remember

Carro Atrezzi wrote: My grandfather had the same thing...except 4 door :-( I always thought these things made excellent convertibles though. Just pretend you're Gator McKlusky http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i098eHCkzxA

I have a '71 LTD convertible in the shop now. I need to get some pics posted tomorrow.

OSULemon wrote: In reply to hrdlydangerous: Good grief guys. I only have a 1-car, so space is a bit of an issue. Sounds like I'm making a big mistake by not picking this thing up, though! Thankfully, it's not going anywhere for the time being, so it wouldn't hurt to wait till spring, at least. Out of mild curiosity, what is something like this worth, anyway? I don't know that I'd sell it, since it's a gift...

The '71 convertible in my shop now was originally purchased by my customer's grandparents. His grandfather passed away some time ago, and his grandmother just passed away in January.

He has memories of riding around in the car when he was a little kid. He wants to create some similar memories for his kids now.

The car sat dormant since '96. I spent several weeks bringing it back to life. It's getting some ignition upgrades now.

If you have memories of riding around in the '72, and can appreciate the car for what it is, go for it. There aren't many early '70's LTDs left running around, and they aren't bad looking cars. It could be a fun cruiser with a little work. Or one giant sleeper with a bit more work.

I'll be the dissenter, and say I'd let it pass. It's a poor handling, wobbly driving, gas guzzling, boat. That's certainly not a car to make my heart skip a beat.

Now, if it was something interesting, say an Olds 442, that would be different. But this is a just a ho-hum Ford Galaxie.

My best friend has gis grandfathers 72 thunderburd. Essentially the same car.

Its a fantastic freeway cruiser.get the thing, stuff an aod in it, good stereo, cold ac, and enjoy every minute.

Also, being the sentimental guy I am, I wish I would have gottten either of my grand fathers cars to remember them by. Grandfather tarasi had an ltd just like yours in yellow.

Man, I hate Fords with a passion and have never owned one but I would take that car in a heartbeat. Clean it up, tune it up take it out on two lane back roads and just cruise for a day once or twice a month. Plus it should have a big back seat, use that to add a little spice to your life

Get it!! I am totally digging my Safari wagon. This is cut from the same cloth.