Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 08-08-2009, 01:06 AM

Yes, I said ford. Once the laughing is done hear me out.

This was a car he bought back in '87 as a commuter car. It's seen a lot of miles, and we're fixing it up to sell it. Runs great, and thanks to me has a new front axle, new brakes, and new steering system that isn't leaking.

I'm stuck trying to get a couple of replacement tires, some minor muffler work done, and worst yet: I need front seat belts.

The front seat sholder/lap 3-point seat belts are wrecked. Lots of winding/unwinding has left the straps worn on the edges (so it won't go through the loop very well, and the buckle covers on the male side is gone. I need to find a good used set for each side - interchangeable OR if I'm lucky from another '86.

New replacements are around $90 per set. No way. I need a set for both driver's and passenger's seats - preferably in the seattle area.

I gotta go hunting tomorrow, so any help would be appreciated.

They're red btw, but at this point I'll pretty much take any color.

**COBALT** · 08-08-2009, 11:55 AM

Gonna take the belts out and start the process of going from yard-to-yard. No one is helpful over the phone...

**COBALT** · 08-09-2009, 12:33 AM

Got the seat belts, so never mind. Found a Mercury Topaz (probably same year but with the SAME INTERIOR COLOR!) literally on top of a giant pile of wrecks at Budget Auto Wrecking in south Kent. Had to climb to the top and crawl into the car, but I came out with the belts. The only one in any wrecking yards I checked.

Mission Accomplished (they're even installed). Now on to used tires (new ones are too much $$$ for the sale price of this car) and some muffler repair. Advice on either would be welcome.

**COBALT** · 08-16-2009, 11:56 PM

Tires are dealt with, but muffler and most of the exhaust up to the catalytic converter is toast. Holes start at the first bend, and the muffler has a hole in it the size of a plumb - plus it's not even connected. Inlet rotted off at the face of the muffler.

Looking for a cheap fix so we can sell this thing.

Otsa580 · 08-25-2009, 02:32 PM

Would the buyer notice duct tape?

Just kidding.

08-08-2009, 01:06 AM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo Yes, I said ford. Once the laughing is done hear me out. This was a car he bought back in '87 as a commuter car. It's seen a lot of miles, and we're fixing it up to sell it. Runs great, and thanks to me has a new front axle, new brakes, and new steering system that isn't leaking. I'm stuck trying to get a couple of replacement tires, some minor muffler work done, and worst yet: I need front seat belts. The front seat sholder/lap 3-point seat belts are wrecked. Lots of winding/unwinding has left the straps worn on the edges (so it won't go through the loop very well, and the buckle covers on the male side is gone. I need to find a good used set for each side - interchangeable OR if I'm lucky from another '86. New replacements are around $90 per set. No way. I need a set for both driver's and passenger's seats - preferably in the seattle area. I gotta go hunting tomorrow, so any help would be appreciated. They're red btw, but at this point I'll pretty much take any color. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-08-2009, 11:55 AM	#2
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Re: Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo Gonna take the belts out and start the process of going from yard-to-yard. No one is helpful over the phone... __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-09-2009, 12:33 AM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Re: Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo Got the seat belts, so never mind. Found a Mercury Topaz (probably same year but with the SAME INTERIOR COLOR!) literally on top of a giant pile of wrecks at Budget Auto Wrecking in south Kent. Had to climb to the top and crawl into the car, but I came out with the belts. The only one in any wrecking yards I checked. Mission Accomplished (they're even installed). Now on to used tires (new ones are too much $$$ for the sale price of this car) and some muffler repair. Advice on either would be welcome. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA. Last edited by COBALT; 08-09-2009 at 12:36 AM.

08-16-2009, 11:56 PM	#4
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Re: Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo Tires are dealt with, but muffler and most of the exhaust up to the catalytic converter is toast. Holes start at the first bend, and the muffler has a hole in it the size of a plumb - plus it's not even connected. Inlet rotted off at the face of the muffler. Looking for a cheap fix so we can sell this thing. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

08-25-2009, 02:32 PM	#5
Otsa580 I Love Rusty Chevys Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 617	Re: Helping my dad out with an '86 Ford Tempo Would the buyer notice duct tape? Just kidding. __________________ 1969 K5 Blazer 1997 1500 Silverado Ext Cab Z71 2010 1500 Silverado Ext Cab Z71

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