OPPO Thoughts - Should I Trade the Montego for a BubbleBack for RallyX?

"MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner" (montegoman562) 06/28/2016 at 10:36 • Filed to: None

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What do you guys think? Should I try and trade one Mercury with a 302 for another Mercury with a 302 that would be better suited to RallyX? Would the bubble glass survive the offroad environment? DILEMMA!

Don’t tell me to just buy the Capri and keep the Montego, no way to support that many vehicles.

Your boy, BJR > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:38

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No.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Your boy, BJR 06/28/2016 at 10:41

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at least it was a clear opinion.

crowmolly > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:42

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Today is not April 1, is it?

Cherry_man1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:42

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Nope

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > crowmolly 06/28/2016 at 10:42

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Hahaha nope.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Cherry_man1 06/28/2016 at 10:42

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Many, this is a land slide

Cherry_man1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:43

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Classic is better.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:44

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Yes... PSYCH! Not really. At least some people on here need a rallycross Crappi, but trading the Montego out for one is crazytown.

vondon302 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:45

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Love me some Capri and that looks ultra nice but no.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Cherry_man1 06/28/2016 at 10:46

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I’m just thinking that I am going to enjoy a car I can thrash at rallyX more than I am a car show in the Montego.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/28/2016 at 10:47

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I’m just thinking right now that I’m going to enjoy a car I can thrash in RallyX more than I am the Montego.

KnowsAboutCars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:47

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Modify the Montego for rallyx?

crowmolly > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:48

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They legalize weed in MI?

Cherry_man1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:49

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CLASSIC IS ALWAYS BETTER

Patrick Nichols > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:49

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Do it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:49

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_ Possibly in a sense of “fun right now”, but the Montego is an heirloom car in ways that the Capri simply is not.

vondon302 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:50

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Love me some capri and that looks nice but no.

petebmwm > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:51

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swap the bubble out for a regular mustang hatch...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:52

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Needs moar Mazda.

Your boy, BJR > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 10:53

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The closer you get to 1932, the better the cars get.

Nothing > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:01

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I’ve preferred the front clip of the Capri to the Mustang. For me, it’d be a hard choice, honestly. Of course, Fox bodies were on my project list when I found the Cougar, so that makes me a bit more biased.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:03

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Yes. I am enjoying thrashing my Roadmaster far more than I did cruising around in the Apollo. As much as I loved the Apollo, I don’t miss it.

My one caveat, you have to get comfortable with the idea that you are going to beat the ever-loving-shit out of that Capri, and possibly kill it dead.

In related news: I saw a Milan listed on Craigslist for $600. No pictures though, and there was some other red flag in the ad I can’t recall, but I thought about buying it to thrash.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Patrick Nichols 06/28/2016 at 11:04

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First actual yes. lol

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 06/28/2016 at 11:04

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lol if I was going FWD mazda based it would be a probe

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > petebmwm 06/28/2016 at 11:04

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If I went mustang it would be a Notch

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/28/2016 at 11:05

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Hmm, it’s a wise perspective. I can’t argue that.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:08

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But 323 chassis!

Patrick Nichols > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:09

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It looks like an american answer to the delta integrale once you add a few mods to it...

I can appreciate a big land yacht, but I like quirky a little better. Mistakes will always be made, no matter what decision you make.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher 06/28/2016 at 11:10

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Hahaha, it held up well to the rally race but it’s overweight and the steering is far from responsive enough, I’m sure it’s a huge upgrade from the roadmaster though hahaha

My bird IS the word > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:10

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You know your car, you know whats wrong with it, where it has been. you don’t know this car. Also, trading an older car for a less old car? I know you want to race but damn....

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher 06/28/2016 at 11:11

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Oh, and yeah I know I’m going to beat it up.

Maybe I should list it for trade plus cash for something I can flog. It would be really cool to still have a Mercury and an 80's Capri is the best option other than a modern Cougar (which is still not that great of an option). I’d probably end up in a Ford Probe.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Patrick Nichols 06/28/2016 at 11:13

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Ha, everyone assumes the 68 Montego is giant, it’s not that big. It’s the 2 door model and was the Mid-Size offering from Mercury in 68. I’m just thinking I’ll have more fun with a race car than a cruise into the car show car.

The Montego is 100% quirky. When was the last time you saw a 1968 Mercury Montego?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > My bird IS the word 06/28/2016 at 11:14

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Well my Montego isn’t driving right now because it needs the engine pulled for freeze plugs. So it’s more of an older non-running car for a newer running car that I would be able to race.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:15

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The best option (I know you said not to say this) is both, but if going with just the Capri I sense that you’d suffer from Brand New Grill Syndrome (“I will now have barbecues every weekend!) with the Capri to justify getting it and rallycross it until you were sick of both rallycross and it - in the process of kind of missing the Montego. The Capri makes for a really great toy and rallycross implement, but it’s not a drive to a car show, sit next to it, and have a beer sort of car in the same way. Nor a pass on to your kids kind of car as much.

My bird IS the word > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:16

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Up to you mang. But 70s cars aren’t going to be cheap for much longer....

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/28/2016 at 11:25

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true, though i doubt i’d get bored of rallyX, that shit was awesome.

Whatever RallyX Car would become a vehicle to work on with children, doesn’t have to be a classic muscle car to enjoy working on it together.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > My bird IS the word 06/28/2016 at 11:26

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It’s a 68, and you’re right it was cheap.

But that also means I could turn a profit on it.

Patrick Nichols > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:46

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Interesting and probably never haha I just think it fits in the more “classic” car scene and takes that era of styling that is generally held in higher regard by a lot of people. Whereas I’m a sucker for those boxy fender flares up front... mmmm

My bird IS the word > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:49

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68, so its probably worth some decent money now... I guess I am biased, I had to make some serious compromises to buy an old car. Follow the dream.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Patrick Nichols 06/28/2016 at 11:54

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Haha, the Montego definitely fits into the classic or muscle car scene, the question is really is that the segment I want to focus on anymore.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > My bird IS the word 06/28/2016 at 11:56

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Yeah, it’s really come down to whether the car dream has changed. I only paid 2500 for it and I’ve put around 1000 in parts into it over the years. If I could sell it around 5 grand that’s a great profit.

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 11:58

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Ok that front looks amazing for a stang and im an Fbody owner.

Ether way it’s up to you. My initial thoughts says yes due to the huge aftermarket for the Fox bodies (and take off that bubble for louvers) and with RallyX you will be going through Suspension parts. But the Montego would be something different on track. The other thing to consider is you will be more competitive in the crowd killer than the Mercury.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/28/2016 at 12:00

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Montego would not go on track, not a chance.

The Capri above is not a Mustang but a Mercury Capri, obviously all Mustang under neath but it’s still a Mercury.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 12:06

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I love Capris. Luckily for you, Mustang hatches are cheap and plentiful...when you’re planning to rally just pull the bubble hatch off it and swap in a Mustang piece if you’re concerned about it breaking.

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 12:08

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Missed that. Saw 302 and assumed, looks better than the stangs.

And why not? A guy our last event brought a 69 Skylark

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 06/28/2016 at 12:16

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Are they direct swappable?!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/28/2016 at 12:22

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Well the floor boards need to be repaired, it has bench seats, and it doesn’t have power steering or brakes. lol.

You do have a point and it probably would have lots of clearance for some grabby tires.

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 12:47

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Youll be fine just put some plywood down. I mean it wouldnt be a complete workout with splinters and tetanus lol.

And yeah they probably would be cheap to get some gravel or dirt tires and stick them up in there. What 15" rims?

petebmwm > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 13:00

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you can put bigger rubber under the capri box flares.....

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 13:16

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Yeah totally. The only difference is that the Capri has rounded tail lights and the Mustang’s are square...so if you’ve got Capri tail lights, the Mustang hatch will overhang slightly. It’s only a cosmetic thing. I had an’85 that came with a Stang hatch, until I swapped a bubble back on.

Everything on a Capri is swappable with a Mustang...you could actually pull every panel off the body and put Mustang parts on it, which is a terrible thing to do because the Capri is the best looking Fox ever built.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 06/28/2016 at 13:43

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Well this is fascinating. I would totally put a louvered Mustang hatch on it for rally and not give a damn about it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > petebmwm 06/28/2016 at 13:44

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I thought you meant for a normal Mustang Hatchback, not just swapping the hatch itself. I’ve just learned that’s a thing. I would totally swap for races.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/28/2016 at 13:44

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I’ve got a set of 14 mag 500's that are wider 5.5 width up front 7 width in the back, those could be some mean rear tires.

petebmwm > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 13:55

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Everything mustang is interchangeable with the capri!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > petebmwm 06/28/2016 at 14:05

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Well, I knew all the parts were interchangable I figured the body wouldn’t line up/seal with the drastically different shaped back hatch/glass though.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 14:43

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That's the spirit. Is the pictured Capri the one in question, or a generic one? Looks pretty nice to rallycross.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 14:43

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The biggest problem the Roadmaster had, was the front wheels were bouncing like crazy! Didn't matter that the shocks were new, it just could not handle it all.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 14:45

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I would just sell the Montego straight up, and then put some of the cash towards whatever cool rally beater you find.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 06/28/2016 at 14:46

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It’s a potential.

Only reason this specific one was considered is because it’s at a dealer (of sorts) that would probably trade for the montego, there’s cheaper ones on craigslist that would be a better option because I wouldn’t feel as bad about it:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/565518…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher 06/28/2016 at 14:47

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This is a definite possibility.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 14:50

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That second one looks great for $3400, though I’d probably try to start with an ‘85 if you can find one. Better heads, better carb, first year for the roller cam. Avoid ‘86 though, first year of EFI and the heads were junk...’87 is good because they improved the heads, but the Capri finished up in ‘86.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 06/28/2016 at 14:55

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The one I was first posting was an 85 at 4400 and I suspect he’d go lower.

Here’s the full listing on the 85, it’s got something a little off with the gears despite the nice body on it:

http://www.marshallmotorsclassics.com/1985_Mercury_C…

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/28/2016 at 17:39

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Hmm, I feel better about rally-cross for it after seeing the rest of the pictures. Is he saying the rear gears are noisy? My guess there is somebody swapped in new gears and didn't do a very good job.

My old ‘86 notchback Mustang would have been perfect for you...I paid $1400 for it with it in pieces but all there. You could have caged it, sold the Lakewood drag suspension bits off to buy more suitable parts, and not felt bad when thrashing it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 06/29/2016 at 09:14

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Yeah, I’m guessing rear gears. Easy to swap out the whole rear axle/dif from any junkyard near here though, Metro Detroit is pretty much full of old Ford’s with swapable parts.

Yeah I could find a notchback to tear apart it would just be more fun to have a Mercury. Frankly the notch is probably better suited to racing because I believe they’re lighter.

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 10:12

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Nice, would love to see those rooster tails.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/29/2016 at 10:56

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Oh, was that Skylark at one of the Detroit region events?

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 11:15

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That pic no but he might have been up there this past weekend, I didn’t get a chance to go up because I couldn’t trailer it up. I will be trying to make the one I Ohio in july

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/29/2016 at 11:42

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I had heard someone had a 60's car out to a Detroit event because someone there said I should race the Montego as well haha.

I’d have to upgrade/add so many things that a different car is just a smarter choice.

The July one is killing my soul right now man. I’m going to be down in Ohio in the SAME CITY as the race but I can’t go. It’s the end of a camping trip in that town that we go to every year, so everyone will be racing and I’ll be packing up the camper to tow it back to Michigan.

I’m going to try for the August one in South Lyon MI, which is the same venue I did the first time. Going to race the Milan one more time I think.

Spridget > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 14:08

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Personally, I’d keep the Montego, but if you want a RallyX car, then I’d sell the Montego and use the cash to buy a Capri.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Spridget 06/29/2016 at 14:44

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Thing is I love the Montego, I do, but I think now that I want to go rally-ing I’m going to just be bored cruising around in the Montego.

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 14:59

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Yeah it will be cheaper and easier to go with the Capri and probably more fun because you have less to worry about.

And shoot I’m pretty sure our race in August the same weekend as yours.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/29/2016 at 15:08

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20th?

Which region do you race under?

Spridget > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 16:40

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You could rally this .

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Spridget 06/29/2016 at 16:53

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it needs MOAR POWER

Spridget > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 16:54

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Ok, how about this ?

The Compromiser > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 18:51

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I know someone who did it. Then painted it Porsche Pink....

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/29/2016 at 19:34

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Ohio valley region (OVR). And if it’s the 20th I could actually make it. Ours I thought was that weekend but it’s the week after on the 27th and 28th.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Spridget 06/30/2016 at 09:30

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Perfect. I like the price tag too. Body seems good no pics of the interior or engine is worrisome giving I’m in Michigan and it’s in Arkansas though.

If you look to the original post above, I posted a bubbleback version of the same car. The one I posted above is listed at 4400 so that’s the right direction haha

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 06/30/2016 at 09:32

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Oh nice!

Yeah I’m in a wedding the 27th/28th. I think the 20th may be the last time I race the Milan.

Because as much as it saddens me, I think I’m going to start prepping the Montego for sale.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > The Compromiser 06/30/2016 at 09:51

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Well that took an odd direction

The Compromiser > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 06/30/2016 at 10:42

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Replaced the motor and put a huge scoop on the hood and started racing it. he used to deliver Pizza with it sometimes. “Dominos in 14.2 or it’s splattered”

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/01/2016 at 11:39

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It’s always tough doing that, wish there was an easier way but there never is. But hey you can say you’re one of the few who has driven and owned a Montego and you’ll always have memories of it. And like people on here have told me maybe one day you’ll see it again.

And cool it will be interesting to see the Milian on the course.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 07/02/2016 at 09:11

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yeah we’ll have to keep in touch about the 20th to see if I race the Milan and if you can make it up this way

Budget comittee Is on board with the sale and purchase plan already

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/06/2016 at 01:57

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So your getting it? Nice and definitely have it marked as a race weekend so hopefully.

And sorry meant to comment last week and some how didnt.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 07/06/2016 at 09:31

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This is actually the top competitor right now, but my current goal is to get the Montego running properly (aka not overheating) so I can sell it. I’m not 100% positive I’ll have that done and a new car acquired by the 20th. I may end up at a race in september or october.

If I were to buy tomorrow this is probably the top of the list:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/565518…

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/06/2016 at 12:32

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RallyX the Montego?

RallyX the Montego.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 07/06/2016 at 13:33

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Nah, would require so much more work and modification, it’s just really not the right car for the job.

I’m focusing on getting the Montego running right now so the For Sale sign can go up. It’s sad but I just know it’s never going to be as fun to drive the Montego to car shows as it is to go fast on the dirt.

A Capri is a heavy favorite right now to actually fill the void. I can’t support 3 cars for just myself. I’m hoping I can get about 5-6k for the Montego once it’s running (maybe I’m being overly hopeful) but then if I buy a 2500-3000 car I can get some nice gravel tires for it and really get started in Rally

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/06/2016 at 13:50

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Nice gravel tires and a louvered Mustang hatch.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 07/06/2016 at 13:56

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Yeah it’s going to be a ton more power than is really necessary but with gravel tires I think I’ll be able to put down most of it and whip it around turns because it’s not a very long vehicle.

The supercharged Miata’s were whipping around rallyX pretty fast with that much power + good tires so I think it’ll do decent. I just gotta make sure I can commit to the car for a few years, I’m not going to be able to jump around cars all the time. Yes a more proven platform would make sense giving I don’t want to jump around, but you know me, 5.0's and Mercury’s are the best.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/06/2016 at 13:59

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I think the Capri is a great idea but I’d be more interested in something like this:

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 07/06/2016 at 14:42

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Well that makes for a great pre-runner and having a frame would be real useful, remember the Montego is Unibody just like the Fairlane/Torinos.

That would be incredibly bad at amateur SCCA RallyX though. There are a lot of technical turns and I bet that thing has some lovely body roll to it.

Someone did race something very similar in the Detroit region about 3-4 months ago though, no where near as built up.

Another benefit is selling the Montego gives me some cash to modify whatever I buy.

CalzoneGolem > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/06/2016 at 14:52

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I forgot that Montego was unibody.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > CalzoneGolem 07/06/2016 at 15:01

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Yeah and I’d want to upgrade to disc brakes (power brakes would sure be nice), rear end, suspension, seats, it’s just so much that needs changing. Racing in vinyl bench seats would be insaaaaane haha.

Where as a lot of that stuff (at least power brakes haha) like disc’s (at least in front) and brakes would all be done already. Sure down the line I may move to race seats/harness but at least I could actually drive it ya know?

Shift24 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 07/07/2016 at 14:19

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Still though i will be cool to run up there, how is the track? normal rough spots?

And still like the capri over the stang face. Though still not sold on the bubble back.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Shift24 07/07/2016 at 14:43

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I’m actually after looking into the real details of the model years thinking about putting a Capri face on a later 87+ Ford. Engines were better starting in 87, 86 was the first year of the EFI set up but 87 got better heads from what I hear. 86 was the last year of the Fox Capri so it only got the scaled back EFI and I think that would be a better choice than a carb.

It can get a bit muddy in the interior section of the course, I can’t find great in car youtube videos of runs there, but here’s one photographer’s flicker page about it (please respect the photographer’s work even if he didn’t think my car was cool enough to take pics of)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8054221…

The infield is definitely more technical when they use it, can have more ruts and muddier. Footage is normally on the exterior loop though.

Me racing at Thistle Hill

leicester > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 08/04/2016 at 15:59

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yes!