"Puff" the Tragic Wagon

**Turdle** · 09-19-2011, 06:25 PM

The new turd mobile. 2000 Mountaineer v8 awd.

Scored for 2400.00

The bad:

Was living it's prior life on a dusty road. Must tear out interior and deep clean.
Driver window off track "or something" and will not roll down. It tries but the rear part wants to stay up.

3 out of 4 door handles have issues. I have 4 new outer handles on order.
Cracked passenger side tail light housing. ( Ebay for some cool tail lights)

Compass-Thermometer thingy lit up and went out--idunno bout that yet

Door locks seem sticky, probably has to do with the handles.
It has a funky purple color trim with red metallic ( you'll have that every now and then)

The good
Gas tank was full
109k miles
I am the 2nd owner!!
Is from the local area, which means no salt!
The undercarriage is fairly clean
No dents to underside panels
Good rubber
Camber shims already installed
Looks like good service records, all recalls were completed.
Clean carfax believe it or not.

The "maybe" bad

The original owner, told the dealership it had a bad "heater core" however I have run it for several cycles, over an hour each idling in the driveay and see no leaks.
However, there was evidence of a windshield leak or the like,I saw condensation on the inside of the windows this AM. The moisture smell is that of water only-no anti freeze smell. I am thinking it could also be a cowl drain which is clogged???? but she did say the passenger carpet got wet.

I tried to get heat, however it is an auto climate control. Being 90 degrees outside, I doubt it would have given me heat.The heater core hoses were hot, and the coolant bypass valve does operate. AC blows Ice cold.

Maybe she meant to say "heater door"???

Anyway--here are the pics.

My intent is to drive this and use it as a tow rig for a light weight off road toy. Mods will be minimal. Edit: This plan did not work out so on to plan "b"

Now, let's clean it up a little

Herculine'rd rocker panels. Rock sliders installed

BW 4406 True 4x4 Manual transfer case ( AKA Mouse entry point) installed 8-27-2012

And here she is, on top of the highest pass road in North America. Careful tire placement a must!!!

2-2-2013

Changed "color scheme" of the Dick Cepek DC1 wheels. New Falken Wildpeak AT 31x1050x15

Then I decided Maroon washer on the wheels would look better

Update 6-6-2013

New bumpers, winch and Pro LED light . Front Bumper from RLC, Skid plate from RCI, rear bumper from Kert307

*corkey* · 09-19-2011, 06:40 PM

it's a good start Jon,

can't wait to see it in person,

*Glen4X4* · 09-19-2011, 06:51 PM

Nice Jon, I like the red mounties.

cybergasm · 09-19-2011, 06:54 PM

"My intent is to drive this and use it as a tow rig for a light weight off road toy. Mods will be minimal"

famous last words

looks nice tho gonna have to drop by and see it soon

*wood1* · 09-19-2011, 07:01 PM

Good buy. Should clean up very nicely.

*Albino 94LTD* · 09-19-2011, 07:02 PM

I guess you don't need me to look at at Cream Puff in Kirkland then, huh?

*gmanpaint* · 09-19-2011, 07:06 PM

Cool!

Those bumpers can be replaced with metal ones. (I happen to have a front now & rear available soon)

The water might be the moonroof drain tubes.

Hire a school kid/midget/tiny chick, to replace those handles, smaller the hands the better.

Is it just the picture, or is the crease in the pass door/fender bent?

yellowford · 09-19-2011, 07:20 PM

Looks like it will be perfect for your intentions, I miss the auto climate and steering wheel controls I had in my eddie bauer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmanpaint

Cool!

Those bumpers can be replaced with metal ones. (I happen to have a front now & rear available soon)

The rear bumper is already metal just has the backup sensors in it.

*gmanpaint* · 09-19-2011, 07:22 PM

Oh, well the chrome metal type than.

**Rick** · 09-19-2011, 07:37 PM

Nice looking ride! Congrats

**Turdle** · 09-19-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albino 94LTD

I guess you don't need me to look at at Cream Puff in Kirkland then, huh?

Still looking for another for my lovely bride. However, that is a long distance to travel for vehicle. Thanks for the heads up though, it is exactly what she is looking for and we will get. An all white limited.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmanpaint

Cool!

Those bumpers can be replaced with metal ones. (I happen to have a front now & rear available soon)

The water might be the moonroof drain tubes.

Hire a school kid/midget/tiny chick, to replace those handles, smaller the hands the better.

Is it just the picture, or is the crease in the pass door/fender bent?

No Moonroof in this one. Weird I know .
There are no creases I am aware of, must be the reflection. It is far from perfect of course, but no major dings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmanpaint

Oh, well the chrome metal type than.

I think I am going to paint the front bumper, and the side trims with some gray tinted herculiner. I'll powdercoat the rear bumper and try to get a gray pad for it. I'll throw those smoked chrome mounty wheels on it and call it good.

I cleared the trip computer dealio, then let Sheri drive me around for a few miles. Average MPG is 18.5.
Wow

I removed a dirty K&N air filter, stuck a clean paper one back in. Threw some seafoam in the oil and gas tank, idled it for an hour then changed the oil and filter with some Quaker state. I will run this for a few days and change again with mobil 1 synthetic. I will change the spark plugs and Fuel filter tomorrow.

Still no coolant smell or leaks-the cat converters are not getting any drips either.
nor did it blow hot air. Me thinks blend door.

crap. It could be worse though. This thing drives great!!!

**Tbars4** · 09-19-2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Mods will be minimal

..The voices in my head said to pass this little seed on to you Jon..

...

..With just a little more power, you can make it to the trails a little quicker..

..You might as well get started on your "before and after" thread now..

*celly* · 09-19-2011, 07:59 PM

Welcome back to the 2nd gen my friend. Looks like a cool project.

*Joe Dirt* · 09-19-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turdle

Must tear out interior and deep clean.

It does look nice and clean underneath- nice find!

*Scott B.* · 09-20-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott B.

He will.

I'm guessing another 2nd gen V8...

Good guess, if I do say so myself!

*sport97* · 09-20-2011, 09:33 AM

Good find!

*Dan Whitaker* · 09-20-2011, 09:50 AM

So how long until it has TM's

The person at Ford that came up with that color combo must have been color blind. I see several Mounties that color running around KC.

*Happy Jack* · 09-20-2011, 09:53 AM

Looks good. Congrats Jon!

*Spdrcer34* · 09-20-2011, 11:30 AM

Cool project...

I am slightly partial to the Torreador Red Mouty's myself!

It's ALWAYS better to start with a DUSTY rig, than a RUSTY one....

Pressure washer, and a few vacuums......it will be good as new!

Ryan

**Maniak** · 09-20-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbars4

..The voices in my head said to pass this little seed on to you Jon..

...

..With just a little more power, you can make it to the trails a little quicker..

..You might as well get started on your "before and after" thread now..

Hrm.. With that much power in the new rig it could be called Puff Puff Pass...

~Mark

09-19-2011, 06:25 PM	#1
Turdle Old and in the way Humboldt, Kansas 2000 Mounty Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 23,785 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	"Puff" the Tragic Wagon The new turd mobile. 2000 Mountaineer v8 awd. Scored for 2400.00 The bad: Was living it's prior life on a dusty road. Must tear out interior and deep clean. Driver window off track "or something" and will not roll down. It tries but the rear part wants to stay up. 3 out of 4 door handles have issues. I have 4 new outer handles on order. Cracked passenger side tail light housing. ( Ebay for some cool tail lights) Compass-Thermometer thingy lit up and went out--idunno bout that yet Door locks seem sticky, probably has to do with the handles. It has a funky purple color trim with red metallic ( you'll have that every now and then) The good Gas tank was full 109k miles I am the 2nd owner!! Is from the local area, which means no salt! The undercarriage is fairly clean No dents to underside panels Good rubber Camber shims already installed Looks like good service records, all recalls were completed. Clean carfax believe it or not. The "maybe" bad The original owner, told the dealership it had a bad "heater core" however I have run it for several cycles, over an hour each idling in the driveay and see no leaks. However, there was evidence of a windshield leak or the like,I saw condensation on the inside of the windows this AM. The moisture smell is that of water only-no anti freeze smell. I am thinking it could also be a cowl drain which is clogged???? but she did say the passenger carpet got wet. I tried to get heat, however it is an auto climate control. Being 90 degrees outside, I doubt it would have given me heat.The heater core hoses were hot, and the coolant bypass valve does operate. AC blows Ice cold. Maybe she meant to say "heater door"??? Anyway--here are the pics. My intent is to drive this and use it as a tow rig for a light weight off road toy. Mods will be minimal. Edit: This plan did not work out so on to plan "b" Now, let's clean it up a little Herculine'rd rocker panels. Rock sliders installed BW 4406 True 4x4 Manual transfer case ( AKA Mouse entry point) installed 8-27-2012 And here she is, on top of the highest pass road in North America. Careful tire placement a must!!! 2-2-2013 Changed "color scheme" of the Dick Cepek DC1 wheels. New Falken Wildpeak AT 31x1050x15 Then I decided Maroon washer on the wheels would look better Update 6-6-2013 New bumpers, winch and Pro LED light . Front Bumper from RLC, Skid plate from RCI, rear bumper from Kert307 __________________ Jon 2000 Mountaineer Turdle-gone Vitamin D Wagon Sold also Last edited by Turdle; 06-08-2013 at 12:04 PM.

09-19-2011, 06:40 PM	#2
corkey Elite Canuck, Eh ?? In the Great White North where winter never seems to end ,Ontario,, still ice fishing,, 96xl,99xls,old Rangers Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 5,472 Vehicle Specs	it's a good start Jon, can't wait to see it in person, __________________ Log Roller,, Fox Coilovers 35's and others, , Truck of the month Ranger Of Danger,,,project truck, also look for Blues Traveller Elite registry, ,

09-19-2011, 06:51 PM	#3
Glen4X4 Elite Explorer McClure, Pa. 96,97 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6,469 Vehicle Specs	Nice Jon, I like the red mounties. __________________ 96 Explorer XLT TT/Shackles 33's 4.88's 03 Silverado 1500 LS 4X4

09-19-2011, 07:01 PM	#5
wood1 Elite Explorer North of Ottawa '93 XLT, Cayman Green RIP Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,041 Vehicle Specs	Good buy. Should clean up very nicely. __________________ Ribs. I had ribs for lunch, that's why I'm doing this. List of useful TTB Threads

09-19-2011, 07:02 PM	#6
Albino 94LTD Recovering from Moab 2013 Newcastle Wa White 94 Limited Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 3,356 Vehicle Specs	I guess you don't need me to look at at Cream Puff in Kirkland then, huh? __________________ The Crumudgeon Some engine thingy's, some suspension thingy's, some interior thingy's and some thingy's powder coated by Turdle Shell Powder Coating I've been busy

09-19-2011, 06:54 PM	#4
cybergasm B Humboldt Ks 1997 Mountaineer 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,587 Vehicle Specs	"My intent is to drive this and use it as a tow rig for a light weight off road toy. Mods will be minimal" famous last words looks nice tho gonna have to drop by and see it soon

09-19-2011, 07:06 PM	#7
gmanpaint Torsion Bar Free since 2010 94 XLT-95 FX4 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,925 Vehicle Specs	Cool! Those bumpers can be replaced with metal ones. (I happen to have a front now & rear available soon) The water might be the moonroof drain tubes. Hire a school kid/midget/tiny chick, to replace those handles, smaller the hands the better. Is it just the picture, or is the crease in the pass door/fender bent? __________________ The Black Hole Pugly

09-19-2011, 07:22 PM	#9
gmanpaint Torsion Bar Free since 2010 94 XLT-95 FX4 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 6,925 Vehicle Specs	Oh, well the chrome metal type than. __________________ The Black Hole Pugly

09-19-2011, 07:37 PM	#10
Rick Admin Pumpkin Pilot Wayoutin, Aridzona '93 XL Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 27,344 Vehicle Specs	Nice looking ride! Congrats __________________ Rick Horwitz, AB7FH "Serious Exploration's" Admin Rick's '93/'98 Explorer "The Great Pumpkin" Dodge Dart 512 Resto/Race 10.29 @ 129 2004 Mustang Mach 1 2003 Dodge Ram/Cummins Dually

09-20-2011, 09:33 AM	#16
sport97 Elite Procrastinator connellsville pa 1997 sport SOHC 4.0 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2,332 Vehicle Specs	Good find! __________________ CB radio w/ dual whips, Front skidplate, 4 door leaf/aal/shackles/TT, 265/75/16 at's My ex -Vince

09-20-2011, 09:50 AM	#17
Dan Whitaker One fast putty tat Raytown MO (Kansas City suburb) No Mounty no more. Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 6,965 Vehicle Specs	So how long until it has TM's The person at Ford that came up with that color combo must have been color blind. I see several Mounties that color running around KC. __________________ P r i c k me, do I not bleed Ford Blue.

09-20-2011, 09:53 AM	#18
Happy Jack Elite Explorer Wichita, KS 97 Sport,94 Sport,88 BII Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 696 Vehicle Specs	Looks good. Congrats Jon!

09-20-2011, 11:30 AM	#19
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	Cool project... I am slightly partial to the Torreador Red Mouty's myself! It's ALWAYS better to start with a DUSTY rig, than a RUSTY one.... Pressure washer, and a few vacuums......it will be good as new! Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons...

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