After three months of owning my 1994 Ford Probe, what started as a simple hobby vehicle has turned into a full-blown restoration project. As we approach the 30th anniversary of this classic car, the improvements are undeniable – a smoother idle, better acceleration, and most of its features back in working order. However, the journey to my dream condition for this Probe is far from over. Let’s dive into the recent progress and the ongoing quest for the right Ford Probe Parts Car.
The £2,000 relic that keeps on giving
Tackling the Idling Problem with Key Ford Probe Parts
When I first got the Probe, it had a peculiar issue stemming from a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) conversion, common in Bulgaria. While LPG conversions can be economical, the implementation on my Probe was far from ideal.
The 2.5-liter V6 engine, designed with a multi-port injection system, was poorly matched with an outdated single-dispenser LPG system. Imagine adding a rudimentary throttle body for the LPG, bypassing the petrol injectors. This, combined with poorly sealed air intakes and throttle body, resulted in rough idling on petrol and near inoperability on LPG. It was clear that reverting to the original system and finding the correct ford probe parts car components was necessary.
Driven by the goal of factory restoration, I decided to remove the entire LPG system shortly after purchasing the car. My immediate priority was replacing all modified or drilled engine parts with original, unmodified components. Sourcing a new air intake proved challenging locally, but thankfully, a contact in the UK helped me locate and ship the needed ford probe parts car component. After installation, along with new spark plugs and cables, the car idled much better, reaching about 95% of its factory smoothness. A new fuel filter also contributed to this improvement.
I’m still waiting for another air intake from the United States to arrive. Additionally, I’ve acquired a new distributor, throttle body and intake manifold gaskets, along with various vacuum valves and hoses, hoping these ford probe parts car components will bring the idle to that final 5% of perfection.
Rust Issues and the Need for Ford Probe Body Parts
Unfortunately, the rust situation has worsened. Removing the LPG system, particularly the tank in the boot, revealed significant rust, especially around the spare tire well and, alarmingly, the rear shock absorber mounts. Finding a donor ford probe parts car might be necessary for some body panels. I have found a specialist who will undertake comprehensive rust remediation this autumn.
The rust repair will involve a complete suspension disassembly, addressing all rusted areas, fabricating and welding new side skirts, and sandblasting and coating the undercarriage. Similar work is planned for the engine bay, where rust is thankfully minor. This process requires stripping the interior and removing bumpers and side panels. Reassembly, especially finding undamaged trim and body ford probe parts car equivalents, will be a significant undertaking.
The Relentless Search for Ford Probe Parts Car Components
Restoring a classic car like the Ford Probe hinges on finding the right parts. This involves both sourcing new components and scavenging used parts, potentially from a ford probe parts car. Despite the Ford Probe’s age, new parts are surprisingly accessible through online retailers like RockAuto and AutoDoc.
So far, I’ve spent over £1,000 on new parts, including brake calipers, discs, pads, engine belts, spark plugs, cables, alternator, starter, gaskets, sensors, and engine and transmission mounts. Suspension and steering parts are next on the list for the summer, but their installation depends on resolving the rust issues first. Locating a ford probe parts car could significantly reduce costs and time in sourcing these parts.
Finding used parts from other Ford Probe owners or a ford probe parts car is more challenging but rewarding. I’ve managed to find interior plastic trim panels, a driver’s side window switch (costing a hefty £50), air intakes, and pristine front seats. A ford probe parts car in a scrapyard would be invaluable for projects like mine.
I’m in contact with brokers in Bulgaria, the UK, and the US, and I expect to have most needed parts within a month. These include bonnet insulation, rear bumper badges, a final air intake, and a timing belt plastic cover. Someone had ingeniously (but not to my taste) repaired the broken cover with a beer can – a testament to resourcefulness when ford probe parts car options are limited!
Finding those elusive 24v and Ford logos remains on my to-do list, further emphasizing the need to explore ford probe parts car sources.
Starting with the Small Things While Sourcing Major Ford Probe Parts
Working on the car before addressing the major rust might seem premature, but my strategy is to keep the Probe drivable for the summer. I want to enjoy it before the rust restoration begins. The nine-year-old winter tires weren’t helping the ride, so I invested in new budget-friendly summer tires. The wheels were also refurbished, a low-priority task, but it made sense to pair new tires with refinished wheels. Even seemingly minor ford probe parts car elements like wheels and tires contribute to the overall restoration.
Interior detailing might also seem early, but knowing I’ll be spending time driving this summer, I wanted a clean and fresh interior. A more thorough cleaning will come during reassembly. The engine bay and exterior will be detailed later. These steps, while not directly related to major ford probe parts car needs, contribute to the enjoyment of the restoration process.
Summer Plans and Continued Ford Probe Parts Acquisition
My summer plan is simple: enjoy driving the Probe. It’s not perfect yet, but with a tuned engine, new tires on refurbished wheels, and functioning features, weekend drives are on the agenda. Limited to one tank of fuel per month (my VW ID.4 is the daily driver), the Probe will be a weekend treat. This limited use also helps in budgeting for ongoing ford probe parts car purchases.
Driving the Probe and working on it are equally enjoyable. Each fix and improvement brings a bigger smile. The Probe’s nimbleness is liberating compared to my heavier ID.4, and the engine sound is engaging. Every moment spent on maintenance is a learning experience. My mechanical engineering background provides theory, but practical car repair experience is limited. The Probe project allows me to learn, research, and improve my skills. A 350-page Haynes manual is my constant companion, guiding me through most repairs. Seeing tangible progress from my work is incredibly rewarding.
So far, I’ve only needed a professional mechanic for exhaust replacement. All other work has been DIY. A trip to my dad’s shop is planned for timing belt and water pump replacement – tasks I’m not tackling solo yet. Even for these tasks, ensuring I have the correct ford probe parts car components beforehand is crucial.
In conclusion, this summer promises driving enjoyment and continued restoration work, bringing my Ford Probe closer to perfection, one ford probe parts car at a time.
Share this Story
Got a tip for us? Email: [email protected]
