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Author Topic: My '91 XR2  (Read 10364 times)

StreetDoc

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  • Posts: 22
    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
My '91 XR2
« on: June 02, 2015, 06:26:45 PM »

I just bought this car yesterday. The hard top is in "good condition," there is some surface rust on the body, and the clear coat is peeling, but it's going to be fun to restore.





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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S

greywolf27030

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  • Posts: 1658
    • 1991 XR2, 1992 XR2, 1993 XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2015, 06:34:04 PM »

Really nice.  If you think your clear is peeling, you should see mine.  Lots of fun starting there.

Jack Byrd
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Jack Byrd

NomakeWan

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  • Posts: 162
    • 93 Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2015, 02:39:35 AM »

Looks like a great starting point! Nice buy!
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blueamber

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  • Posts: 450
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2015, 11:56:31 AM »

So, when prepping a pealing car for paint, I see for sale a clear coat remover in a can, supposed paint it on and removes the clear coat.  Anyone ever done this, or is just sanding forever the better way???
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Rocketman

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    • 91 BPT AWD Capri & 1991 XR2
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Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2015, 11:59:53 AM »

Looks good. Someone stuck 94 nonturbo wheels on it. I like how they look on the 91-93.

Chris, not sure how I feel about clearcoat peeler in a can. Worth a shot maybe?
When I did my paint job I sanded what felt like forever.
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1.8L Turbo All Wheel Drive Capri... the "GTXR2"


StreetDoc

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  • Posts: 22
    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2015, 08:24:50 PM »


This is going to be a new experience for me. I haven't restored a car before. I can change brake pads, oil, and simple maintenance,  but have never done bodywork or the like. Wish me luck. :)
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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S

greywolf27030

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  • Posts: 1658
    • 1991 XR2, 1992 XR2, 1993 XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2015, 10:01:20 AM »

I have never heard of clear coat remover, but you'll have to sand everywhere you intend to paint anyway.  Be sure to get sanding blocks and the bigger the better, the only way to get a smooth, flat paint job.

Jack
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Jack Byrd

StreetDoc

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    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2015, 06:20:49 PM »

So I got my XR2 back from the Ford dealer yesterday and the news is not that good. The radiator is cracked, the rack boots are torn, and the engine is leaking oil from multiple different sites (which I attribute to bad gaskets and seals.) I am looking to replace the radiator with a new aftermarket model and buy a used engine to work on and then install in the car.
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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S

mitch1204

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  • Posts: 401
    • 1991 Mercury Capri NA Auto/ 1994 Mercury Capri NA
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2015, 04:42:00 AM »

The factory radiators have plastic ends on them. Actually many are rebuildable because there is a cork gasket where the plastic meets metal. The manual even covers the repair. But it's not worth it. I doubt you could buy the gasket and it's a poor design to begin with. I bought a Spectra radiator off Amazon after shopping and price comparison. It's all metal and an exact fit. Very happy with it.

If the engine is up near 100k it's about time for a timing belt and head gasket. Just buy a Felpro full engine gasket set and all your leaks are solved. The engine is pretty easy to work on in place but it would be nicer on a stand.

If the radiator cracked or what I guess is blew it's gasket is probably the result of an overheat. The head on these cars are easily warped with an overheat but you would or Ford would know if that happened.
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Rocketman

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Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #9 on: June 10, 2015, 12:23:49 PM »

The plastic radiators crack over time. The one in my red XR2 just started cracking near the filler neck, I have no head gasket issues. These things see 15+ PSi at high temps for many, many hours. Plastic was a cheap "get it past the warranty" solution.


At 100k it's not time for a head gasket. They don't just 'go' in the 1.6 unless it's been overheated. Maybe time for a compression check if it's suspected, but don't go replacing them willy-nilly!
At 100k it's just starting to get broken in :P

I'd start with the radiator, get the all-metal one like has been recommended. They're not cheap, but you won't ever have an issue with it again. Replace all the coolant hoses, t-stat, etc while you're in there.

The valvecover gaskets on these cars like to leak, and it makes a mess. It's an easy fix. Also look to replace the distributor o-ring. Beyond that you have the cam seals (usually not an issue) and then front main and rear main seals. The front main can be done if/when you do your timing belt & water pump. The rear main is a bear to get to, do that if/when you replace the clutch.

The rack boots aren't a massive deal, they're probably a bit of a trick to install.

Watch the Ford dealers with these cars! They're Mazda mechanicals, and quite dated compared to what their mechanics are used to working on. Full disclosure: I have a healthy distrust for any dealerships. Don't let them scare you!
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1.8L Turbo All Wheel Drive Capri... the "GTXR2"


StreetDoc

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    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #10 on: June 10, 2015, 06:34:03 PM »

I hear ya. The radiator is the biggest issue. I am not going to be able to drive the car in the southern heat with a cracked radiator. This car has a little over 247K miles and needs a new engine, clutch, suspension, tires, and probably some other things. I just want to get a radiator to start with. I haven't noticed any oil under the car and will wait a bit on the engine.
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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S

mitch1204

  • Sr. Member
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  • Posts: 401
    • 1991 Mercury Capri NA Auto/ 1994 Mercury Capri NA
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2015, 02:45:56 AM »

It's good to hear about all them miles. It shows the potential if one is taken care of. I'd say you are better off with a new engine or start off with a lower mileage Capri. Most I've seen are low mileage cars.

I think it's carid.com has a crate motor for 2 grand.
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StreetDoc

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  • Posts: 22
    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #12 on: June 11, 2015, 04:55:27 PM »

I did find a used engine on ebay for $750. That saves me some money because Ford is going to have install for me. I don't have the skills or time to do it.
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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S

Rocketman

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    • 91 BPT AWD Capri & 1991 XR2
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Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2015, 03:28:21 PM »

That's gonna be a lot of bank. Why not save that and look for a lower mileage Capri?

At 300K i would be real worried about the suspension, turbocharger itself, and the soundness of the chassis
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1.8L Turbo All Wheel Drive Capri... the "GTXR2"


StreetDoc

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    • 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Re: My '91 XR2
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2015, 06:02:06 PM »

I was kind of afraid that's what the advice would be. I have been considering getting a lower mileage car and working on this one just to get some experience. I just don't know where to start fixing, but if someone is near South Carolina and wants to help, I'm up for it.  :)
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1991 Mercury Capri XR2
2000 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S
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