2002 New owner seeking feedback

[Racer27]

Just picked up a Prestine, garage kept, never rained on, Wisper White 2002 Bird with 13,000 miles. Checked out by my mechanic, only 2 issues being needing a new alternator and f/r sway bar link bushings and rear toe link bushings. Alternator will be replaced next week, I'll address the bushings over next few months. Trying to formulate a to-check list. Open for input.

1. Title/register/insure (Haggerty already sent reasonable quote). Open for vanity plate suggestion ideas for her bird.
2. Eventough checked out okay, remove oem spare from trunk
3. Oil and filter change... even-though only 500 miles in last year
4. Remove squeaky hard top, recondition all seals, at least 2 coats
5. Exercise convertible top... recondition all seals, at least 2 coats. Clean and recondition fabric top... I've used 303 product in past
6. Fill with top tier gas (on fumes now). Add fuel stabilizer/injection cleaner. Open to suggestions. Mechanic said no need to drain tank and replace fuel filter.
7. Coolant, fuel pump, battery, tires are already been changed.
8. Drive it a bit, top-down

Anything else?

On the wish list:
- She wants to dress up the black interior. open to suggestions... maybe turquois, as turquois badging on car. I was thinking floor matts and carpeting behind seats.
- Find a service/workshop manual/guide - Any Suggestions?
- Upgrade stereo with wireless android/apple touchscreen. Alpine 670M or Sony Axa 4000 or axa 6000 + backup camera
- K&N Air intake
- Ceramic Paint Protection
- New Spare Tire
- Adding some chrome bits... chrome headlight surrounds, chrome taillight surrounds, chrome hood scoop trim, chrome door handle
- Wood trim kit
- White or wood shift knob
- 91 or 93 canned stock tune
- Exhaust Mods
- Should I consider eventual trans fluid, brake fluid, steering fluid, diff fluid refresh

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[Duncan]

Definitely replace all fluids if they're original.

 

[Chatrat]

I recently purchased my 2003 Whisper White with 28000miles in perfect condition...first thing I did was to replace the plugs and coils. She had some minor hesitation but didnt want to wait for more problems.

 

[ricki]

I agree with chatrat - your 2002 may still have original COP's. They were upgraded by Ford late 2003, so now you'll get the newer version.

But there is more - IF your vehicle never was rained on (nor washed!!), then you may be susceptible to other COPs issues concerning foam seals. Have a dealer check Oasis for you, to see if Tech Bulletins TSB 06-16-2 and (I think) TSB 04-16-1 have been completed on your car. The first covers a seal in the cowling just ahead of windshield under the hood. The second (mentioned at end of first) dealt with individual seals for the coil wells on top of valve covers. These TSBs are meant to prevent oil/water/antifreeze getting into the coil wells, which was a common cause of coil failure/misfire on early 'Birds.

I had misfire problems with my '02 (built Dec2001) due to these issues, and finally had ALL coils replaced with newer part#, and the TSBs completed. Now 12 years and ~35000 miles later - not one coil problem since. And I drove thru some heavy rain in Florida more than once.

 

[Mach5]

I would reccommend spending some time clicking around on this site to find the answers to nearly all of your questions and to get some great info and tips. For example there are links that will take you to a site where you can download the workshop/service manual. Also, suggestions for replacing the spare tire. And, important tips like making sure that the new battery you mention has venting and that the venting tube is properly connected. . .

 

[pcrmills]

Hi Racer 27, congrats on your new RetroBird.. you made a great choice.
Here is a recommendation that is worth every word. Check on the internet for a package of
3 stainless steel /chromed strips that you attached to the car body just where the hard top rests.
Ford went cheap and provided milar strips... but they were too wide and didn't work well. By using these
you : 1. Totally eliminate any slack and the hard top becomes very tight to the car eliminating all noise.
2. These strips look great on the car when you have the top off and they cover any scratches that the top may have created.
You will find that retro bird accessory businesses will probably have these ....... get prepared to spend $150 but they are worth it
I have had mine on the car for 18 years and they still look new. Good Luck Fred