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

foxtrapper wrote: 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.

your tune would change as soon as you got this car out on the interstate and crused for about 100 miles at 80mph... then you would wonder why anyone would ever choose to drive a 4 cylinder economy buzz box on purpose...

I let an old truck that my late grandpa had slip thru my hands and I have regretted it ever since. I have great memories of riding around on my grandpa's farm in that so I stay get it. You don't want to be looking back and kicking yourself.

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

You know, as time's gone by and i've had more and more exposure to old cars as a mechanic, ive actually come to the conclusion that if you're going to have an old car it might as well be a cruiser land yacht that you just drive slowly and turn slowly and be seen in and just enjoy the novelty of.

Because, let's face it. Compared to modern cars, ALL old american cars, even the musclecars, don't go, turn, or stop for E36 M3. The cruisers are more honest because they're the least pretentious. They dont pretend to do anything but go straight and smooth at a comfortable pace. That's what old cars are best at. You might as well have an old car that plays to the strengths of old cars.

Vigo put it nicely. Will it outhandle a Miata? Probably not. Will it make you smile? Probably.

novaderrik wrote: your tune would change as soon as you got this car out on the interstate and crused for about 100 miles at 80mph... then you would wonder why anyone would ever choose to drive a 4 cylinder economy buzz box on purpose...

I've got a lot of experience with them, I've owned some. My father has owned some. Several of my friends fathers had them, I've logged god knows how many thousands of hours and miles in them, they suck. Especially compared to the likes of an Oldsmobile Delta 88 or 98.

Now if sentimentality enters into the picture, because it's grandpas car, all that falls by the wayside.

Vigo wrote: You know, as time's gone by and i've had more and more exposure to old cars as a mechanic, ive actually come to the conclusion that if you're going to have an old car it might as well be a cruiser land yacht that you just drive slowly and turn slowly and be seen in and just enjoy the novelty of. Because, let's face it. Compared to modern cars, ALL old american cars, even the musclecars, don't go, turn, or stop for E36 M3. The cruisers are more honest because they're the least pretentious. They dont pretend to do anything but go straight and smooth at a comfortable pace. That's what old cars are best at. You might as well have an old car that plays to the strengths of old cars.

Vigo is turning into a wise old man of the forum, and I agree with him all the way.
That LTD was meant to completely insulate you from the world around you. No feedback at all through the suspension or steering. Almost completely erase the sensation of speed. 30mph or 80mph, it all feels the same. Built for a world that consists of only 90 degree corners and straight roads. When you actually get rolling in one of these behemoth pieces of iron and it's doing exactly what it was designed to do, it's a pretty fantastic thing.

drive it as is, proud that you have your grandpa's car

Grew up in that era, learned to drive in a '71 Catalina. They were what they were for the time, no way to be put down tho.

For free, decent shape and less than challenge money you could improve that car well above original power and handling. Why not. Experience it FWIW, flip it later if it grows dull... but experience it if at all possible.

I had a 72 Galaxie (same car) and I loved it. I don't really know why I loved it. I just did

Vigo wrote:

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

You know, as time's gone by and i've had more and more exposure to old cars as a mechanic, ive actually come to the conclusion that if you're going to have an old car it might as well be a cruiser land yacht that you just drive slowly and turn slowly and be seen in and just enjoy the novelty of. Because, let's face it. Compared to modern cars, ALL old american cars, even the musclecars, don't go, turn, or stop for E36 M3. The cruisers are more honest because they're the least pretentious. They dont pretend to do anything but go straight and smooth at a comfortable pace. That's what old cars are best at. You might as well have an old car that plays to the strengths of old cars.

You're my man vigo...when I get Hemmings and start looking through it, I have to page through page after page of 442's, Chevelles SS's, Mustangs, camaros.... boring and expensive...

foxtrapper wrote:

novaderrik wrote: your tune would change as soon as you got this car out on the interstate and crused for about 100 miles at 80mph... then you would wonder why anyone would ever choose to drive a 4 cylinder economy buzz box on purpose...

I've got a lot of experience with them, I've owned some. My father has owned some. Several of my friends fathers had them, I've logged god knows how many thousands of hours and miles in them, they suck. Especially compared to the likes of an Oldsmobile Delta 88 or 98. Now if sentimentality enters into the picture, because it's grandpas car, all that falls by the wayside.

Did someone say "Delta 88's?"

Take it, drive it, enjoy it. If you don't love it, I know someone who will. His name is HappyAndy, he lives near Philly and will do a fly &drive to get it if needed.

My dad bought a '72 4Dr with the 400 2V. What I remember from driving it was that it had plenty of torque to move that 4000 lbs car. You can make it better with upgraded suspension parts such as springs, sway bars, and of course wheels & tires. I remember this model car was used in a Burt Reynolds movie with a number of chase scenes Not sure if it was stock but it was fun to watch. Being a 2Dr it is way more desirable then a 4Dr but loose the vinyl roof!

plance1 wrote:

foxtrapper wrote:

novaderrik wrote: your tune would change as soon as you got this car out on the interstate and crused for about 100 miles at 80mph... then you would wonder why anyone would ever choose to drive a 4 cylinder economy buzz box on purpose...

I've got a lot of experience with them, I've owned some. My father has owned some. Several of my friends fathers had them, I've logged god knows how many thousands of hours and miles in them, they suck. Especially compared to the likes of an Oldsmobile Delta 88 or 98. Now if sentimentality enters into the picture, because it's grandpas car, all that falls by the wayside.

Did someone say "Delta 88's?"

my grandpa had a 74 Delta 88 in the late 80's and early 90's... the thing was the very definition of "cruiser" with it's floaty "cushion of air" suspension calibration and way too cold AC, and it also did some nasty burnouts when he felt mischievous.. i had a chance to get the car from him for free when he sold his house and moved to North Dakota, but i decided that i wanted his rusted out 70 Chevy truck instead... the car sold at auction for $200 and got put into a demo derby at the county fair a couple of months later..

Of course it won't corner like a Miata, but these yachts can handle, you just have to drive them differently.

Now obviously it's not the main mission of a car like this, which, OP, you should absolutely get, but I just get so tired of hearing the same old song about these cars.

Get some cool wheels. Cut a coil out of each spring. Cruise.

Slow touring rules.

Appleseed wrote: Get some cool wheels. Cut a coil out of each spring. Cruise. Slow touring rules.

we just call it "cruising", but whatever floats your boat, i guess..

jimbbski wrote: My dad bought a '72 4Dr with the 400 2V. What I remember from driving it was that it had plenty of torque to move that 4000 lbs car. You can make it better with upgraded suspension parts such as springs, sway bars, and of course wheels & tires. I remember this model car was used in a Burt Reynolds movie with a number of chase scenes Not sure if it was stock but it was fun to watch. Being a 2Dr it is way more desirable then a 4Dr but loose the vinyl roof!

I remember the movie... and can't recall the title either! Cool car, though, left an impression on me.

Yes. This is what we did with our free 1972 LTD.

ValuePack wrote:

jimbbski wrote: My dad bought a '72 4Dr with the 400 2V. What I remember from driving it was that it had plenty of torque to move that 4000 lbs car. You can make it better with upgraded suspension parts such as springs, sway bars, and of course wheels & tires. I remember this model car was used in a Burt Reynolds movie with a number of chase scenes Not sure if it was stock but it was fun to watch. Being a 2Dr it is way more desirable then a 4Dr but loose the vinyl roof!

I remember the movie... and can't recall the title either! Cool car, though, left an impression on me.

White Lightning

429 dual carburetors

Only two things in the world I'm scared of...

What's that?

Women and the police...

Go for it. I know I keep saying it, but I'm wanting to get a hold of my neighbor's LTD Interceptor wasting away in the garage. The 429 is just rusing into place.

Appleseed wrote: Get some cool wheels. Cut a coil out of each spring. Cruise. Slow touring rules.

The rear springs in these have pig tails at each end. Not just a straight cut to lower 'em. Can't remember on the front. I'll take a look when the LTD is on the lift later today.

Listen to Vigo. He has wisdom beyond his years. I suggest keeping it 100% stock. Clean it up the best you can and make it road worthy.
Modifying it, and throwing a lot of money at it is a mistake.

I used to drive my mom's '78 Lincoln Town Coupe.
Two doors, 5500 lbs, 19.5 feet long, and 460 motor. Slow, fuel hungry, and would not turn, but a living room couch on wheels that got plenty of attention.

spin_out wrote: Listen to Vigo. He has wisdom beyond his years. I suggest keeping it 100% stock. Clean it up the best you can and make it road worthy. Modifying it, and throwing a lot of money at it is a mistake. I used to drive my mom's '78 Lincoln Town Coupe. Two doors, 5500 lbs, 19.5 feet long, and 460 motor. Slow, fuel hungry, and would not turn, but a living room couch on wheels that got plenty of attention.

I agree. I would rather spend money on my other vehicles. Is removing the roof even an option on these cars?

In reply to tuna55:

that's not a 72 but still cool.

To the OP...take that free LTD! I have a 72 4 door that I love and I actually paid money for mine. I actually drove it yesterday and it's a hoot hustling that big boat through the curves.