Potential McLaren Buyer w/ Questions

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:27 pm

I've owned about every type Mustang, from classic Mach 1's to a handful of Fox bodies/convertibles , a couple of SN-95's and a newer '03 Mach 1. I'm currently STANGLESS. I've always been intrigued by the McLarens, and now that I don't have a Mustang at all, am really considering buying one, especially a Capri McLaren 'vert. I've always been crazy about the lines of the McLaren Capri 'vert and think that it's a really special car.

I guess the question I'm asking is what kind of stuff do I really need to be aware of. Obviously, being a previous Ford Mechanic and owning lots of Fox bodies, I know about the obvious mechanical issues, but the actual McLaren specific stuff, like the interior, convertible mechanism, the convertible top, trim pieces, seats, etc. It seems like I've seen alot of pics of older McLarens with bad seats. That seems to be a pretty obvious issue.

Thanks for any insight you can provide me. I'm in Iraq right now with the Air Force reserve, and will be leaving here in late Feb and going back to my civilian life. I'm really hoping to find a McLaren to help me celebrate my return.

Thanks!

Post by **negusm** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:22 pm

On the 84-86 verts, you will run into lots of CFI or cars converted from CFI.

The majority of the cars in 84 and 85 were automatic cars...hence the large numbers of CFI cars.

The biggest issue are the missing ascMcLaren parts. They are big money if you have to replace many of them.

The windshield surrounds are a major weakness of the verts. They crack all the time and are expensive to replace. The top motors are another problem but if you're lucky you can find replacements in junkyards.

Things like the seats, etc can be refinished or recovered. Some people here have had amazing results with leather renewal/redying kits.

The mechanicals are generally ok since most is from Ford.

-Mike

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:23 pm

The power source that pulls down the back bow of the convertible top is a GM power trunk pull down motor, easiest to find in a Cadillac at a junk yard, but after removing it and all, it might be broken....a new one at a dealer runs $400.

Yes, on the missing parts ! ascMcLaren specific LITTLE trim pieces are a REAL headache.

03Mach1 · Post by **03Mach1** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 2:41 am

You can still find a real nice ascMclaren with low miles, but with an older car you can expect some repair due to lack of use. Are you going to use it for a daily driver, occasional good-weather cruiser or an always garaged show car that sees nothing but the underside of an expensive car-cover? Mine is mostly the latter.

My opinion, these cars are not great for daily commutes. Sunny days when you feel like showing off a classic and very rare fox-body with a beautiful women sitting next to you, hair blowing in the wind is what this car is all about. They leak when it rains and creaks and groans when driven on streets that aren't made of glass. The rear window scratches if breathed on wrong etc etc... Bottom line, you can't treat this car like crap. You have to love it, constantly, or things will break.

I bought mine back in February, traveled three states to get her and spent an ungodly amount of money making sure she got to me without so much of a drop of rain on her. Fanatical to say the least. I absolutely love the car. The Mach 1 will go before the ASC. You will fall in love with it too, Mustang or Capri.

I'm a little crazy though cause i can spend hours just looking at her in the garage. Good luck in your search and if you do decide to save one make sure you post some pics.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:09 am

I think we could be good friends. Someone as crazy as I ~ finally

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:46 am

I appreciate the thoughtful and informative replies!! The car will probably be used as a semi daily driver (I currently drive an old 1991 Escort that will soon see duty as a soon to be 16 year old sons car), so I would hate to actually do that to a classic, so I'm still unsure of how I will be using the car, hence unsure of what price range of car I'm looking for. I have been doing quite a bit of studying here and at the other ASC web site to check on the "expensive" parts, thus what to look for in a purchase. Two things are for sure about my purchase though:
1. It has to be a 5 speed
2. I don't want a black car, prefer white.

Thanks again for your replies, and I will chime in from time to time and keep you posted on my search.

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:06 am

Sandy wrote:The power source that pulls down the back bow of the convertible top is a GM power trunk pull down motor, easiest to find in a Cadillac at a junk yard, but after removing it and all, it might be broken....a new one at a dealer runs $400.

Yes, on the missing parts ! ascMcLaren specific LITTLE trim pieces are a REAL headache.

Sounds like you've been around the block a few times with this McLaren stuff. From reading other posts, I take it you're the McLaren GURU around here. It's good to know there are people like you out there so willing to share their knowlege. Thank you!

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:10 am

03Mach1 wrote:You can still find a real nice ascMclaren with low miles, but with an older car you can expect some repair due to lack of use. Are you going to use it for a daily driver, occasional good-weather cruiser or an always garaged show car that sees nothing but the underside of an expensive car-cover? Mine is mostly the latter.

My opinion, these cars are not great for daily commutes. Sunny days when you feel like showing off a classic and very rare fox-body with a beautiful women sitting next to you, hair blowing in the wind is what this car is all about. They leak when it rains and creaks and groans when driven on streets that aren't made of glass. The rear window scratches if breathed on wrong etc etc... Bottom line, you can't treat this car like crap. You have to love it, constantly, or things will break.

I bought mine back in February, traveled three states to get her and spent an ungodly amount of money making sure she got to me without so much of a drop of rain on her. Fanatical to say the least. I absolutely love the car. The Mach 1 will go before the ASC. You will fall in love with it too, Mustang or Capri.

I'm a little crazy though cause i can spend hours just looking at her in the garage. Good luck in your search and if you do decide to save one make sure you post some pics.

Great post. As I mentioned in a previous post, I know this is NOT a car I would want to use as a daily driver. Having owned 2 FACTORY convertibles, I understand completely about the creaking a squeaking issue. I'm sure, considering the age of the car I'm looking for, these things can be rattle traps, but you have to take the good with the bad. Thanks for you insight!!

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 2:31 pm

As you can see, I have 2 - 1990 (final year) 'Verts. Neither has ever been in rain, nor snow (

). One has 2,327 miles & the other has 7,359 miles. Neither has ever been "hit" - "bumped" or otherwise. BOTH have squeeks and/or creeks, depending upon the weather. These can be annoying at times. They all come from the roof. None from the doors nor windows. Think of these cars as 80 year old women. They are not cars to do daily duties with (i.e. grocery shopping, running errands, going to work & sitting in vivid sunshine & 85+ degrees for 9 hours. They are TOYS. They react negitivly to humid conditions, rain, heat, sunshine, wind and snow, sleet or hail. They like sunny & 72 degrees,with low humidity and a soft breeze. There are about 11 days a year, like that !

If used frequently, there will be few times when she doesen't need SOMETHING or OTHER. ( $$$$ )

Why then are we all nuts over them ? Because they are so rare and so unique. In design, they were outstanding. In manufacture they lost some of the glitz.
I have been around them since "Day 1" of the Mercury Capri version & befriended many of the people involved, from the top head honchos to the line workers.
My Azura Blue '90 is the final car made. My Sterling Silver '90 is 1 of 12 Silver Anniversary Editions PLANNED, but just 2 were actually made.

I have to have an automatic tranny, as I cannot drive a stick. My 688 mile 1986 Coupe is 1 of only 9 coupes ever made, with the Automatic. For 1986, (unlike 1985/1984) the Automatics recieved a 3.73:1 axle ratio, rather than 3.21:1.

So, basically these are great Spring Summer & Fall cars for a nice Saturday or Sunday ride, in non populated areas where you & the car can become one.

Be careful out there in Iraq & get home safely.

Sanford "SANDY" Block

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:18 pm

Sandy wrote:As you can see, I have 2 - 1990 (final year) 'Verts. Neither has ever been in rain, nor snow ( ). One has 2,327 miles & the other has 7,359 miles. Neither has ever been "hit" - "bumped" or otherwise. BOTH have squeeks and/or creeks, depending upon the weather. These can be annoying at times. They all come from the roof. None from the doors nor windows. Think of these cars as 80 year old women. They are not cars to do daily duties with (i.e. grocery shopping, running errands, going to work & sitting in vivid sunshine & 85+ degrees for 9 hours. They are TOYS. They react negitivly to humid conditions, rain, heat, sunshine, wind and snow, sleet or hail. They like sunny & 72 degrees,with low humidity and a soft breeze. There are about 11 days a year, like that !

If used frequently, there will be few times when she doesen't need SOMETHING or OTHER. ( $$$$ )

Why then are we all nuts over them ? Because they are so rare and so unique. In design, they were outstanding. In manufacture they lost some of the glitz.
I have been around them since "Day 1" of the Mercury Capri version & befriended many of the people involved, from the top head honchos to the line workers.
My Azura Blue '90 is the final car made. My Sterling Silver '90 is 1 of 12 Silver Anniversary Editions PLANNED, but just 2 were actually made.

I have to have an automatic tranny, as I cannot drive a stick. My 688 mile 1986 Coupe is 1 of only 9 coupes ever made, with the Automatic. For 1986, (unlike 1985/1984) the Automatics recieved a 3.73:1 axle ratio, rather than 3.21:1.

So, basically these are great Spring Summer & Fall cars for a nice Saturday or Sunday ride, in non populated areas where you & the car can become one.

Be careful out there in Iraq & get home safely.

Sanford "SANDY" Block

How fortunate can one person be?? You have 2 1990 low mileage McLarens, and an ULTRA low mileage coupe? Unbelievable!! Thanks for the post! No real luck with the search, but I've got plenty of time. It's not like I can just jump in a car and look at one right now, but it's still fun to look in my spare time.

Sandy · Post by **Sandy** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:04 pm

When you get back in the states, you'll have plenty time. Just don't act to fast. But then again, don't let the right car slip away, either.

85% were automatics, so it's the 5-speed that's gonna be te stumbling block. I don't know what state you are from in the USA, but there seem to be quite a few in the Virginia & the Carolinas, and Florida and California!

My Silver Anniversary was not brandy new. It had a prior owner. It had 7,003 miles on her when I got her. It was purchased by the owner (or partner) of the New Hampshire Auto Museum, in New Hampshire. Now......... who would ever think to LOOK in New Hampshire ??
He used the car from 1990 to 2003, from May to August - or 4 months a year times 13 years. From September thru April she sat on exhibit IN the museum, roped off, top UP and windows closed. He put on an average of 538 miles a year, or like 130 miles a month, never in rain.
I paid ALOT for it. 97% of the price of the Azura Blue one, that I bought new! The coupe I also bought new. It had to be, 'cause of the automatic tranny. (Remember, 1 of 9 out of 115 made).

ProTouringASC · Post by **ProTouringASC** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 3:02 am

No real issues that someone familiar with Fox-Bodied cars won't be able to fix. As for the creaks and shakes, frankly they are better than the "factory" Fox-convertibles. As mine has a few minor issues making it less than 100% correct, I plan on experimenting a bit with a few stiffening mods like a tower brace, etc.

Great cars though.... you'll love 'em!

As for the Iraq "thing," be careful over there... and a heartfelt Thank You! for what you are doing over there!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

03Mach1 · Post by **03Mach1** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:32 am

Yeah Sandy, we've got issues, but damn nice cars eh...

rlyons13 · Post by **rlyons13** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 5:46 pm

Substanger,

I have a 1988 with less than 18K miles that I may be willing to part with. I have gone through and replaced the tie rod ends and all bushings (except the control arms) with graphite impregnated polyurethane. Flushed the braking system and repaced all flex lines with DOT braided steel. I have a few other modifications which I can leave on or put back to stock. All mucked up weatherstrip has been replaced. The car is Azura Blue with blue top and interior. Seats are mint, and all electricals work. I've padded the insides of the doors with sound deadener, so the doors sound solid when closing, and most road rattles are gone or severly lessened. What's bad on the car? Well, the top is original and, although solid, has wear on the corners from pervious owners not taking the time to raise/lower the top right. As the previous two owners have been older men, each corner of the car has touched something over the years. Finally, the paint on the hood and tonneau have what looks like acid rain damage. However, several auto detailers I've met at shows tell me it can be buffed out.

I have pictures if you want. Send me a PM if interested. Not really trying to sell it (I'm getting quite fond of it), but the right price could make me jump.

substanger · Post by **substanger** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 9:26 pm

rlyons13 wrote:Substanger,

I have a 1988 with less than 18K miles that I may be willing to part with. I have gone through and replaced the tie rod ends and all bushings (except the control arms) with graphite impregnated polyurethane. Flushed the braking system and repaced all flex lines with DOT braided steel. I have a few other modifications which I can leave on or put back to stock. All mucked up weatherstrip has been replaced. The car is Azura Blue with blue top and interior. Seats are mint, and all electricals work. I've padded the insides of the doors with sound deadener, so the doors sound solid when closing, and most road rattles are gone or severly lessened. What's bad on the car? Well, the top is original and, although solid, has wear on the corners from pervious owners not taking the time to raise/lower the top right. As the previous two owners have been older men, each corner of the car has touched something over the years. Finally, the paint on the hood and tonneau have what looks like acid rain damage. However, several auto detailers I've met at shows tell me it can be buffed out.

I have pictures if you want. Send me a PM if interested. Not really trying to sell it (I'm getting quite fond of it), but the right price could make me jump.

I sent you a PM with my email address included. I'd like to hear from you!! Thanks!