Hello I just bought a 1977 mercury comet, the day i got it the engine locked up. I don't have the resources or the knowledge to fix it, I guess my question is what is my car worth? is there a cheap solution for a temporary fix, what should I do?
What engine? First, Locked up how? You might be able to unlock it for cheap and easy. Second. new/rebuilt/used engines can be cheap. What symptoms did you encounter... Oh, and welcome to the forum!!! Are you in Los Angeles, or Louisiana?
It had a serious knock when i bought it and i thought what the heck, i know some mechanics and it can't be too bad, i drove it approximately 15 miles and through out it died about 3-5 times, and it would start up again, then it finally died for real. I haven't been able to get it to start again, I want it to run. i think the battery died too. my best quote was 1100 dollars and i wasn't prepared to take that hit. and thank you for welcoming, glad to be here wish it was under better circumstances.. I am in los angeles, ca
OK, I am in Houston, so LA to me is Louisiana. Sounds like you may have bought a dud. But, as I said above, engines are pretty cheap. You could swap in a 302 for $300-500 or a 200 or 250 for half that. On a personal note...what part of LA? I lived in Cypress, Buena Park, Seal Beach, and all around that area. There are several members in that area that might be able to help you get back on your feet.
I am staying with some friends in Marina Del Rey, very close to venice and santa monica, I could use all the help I can get, this has been a major headache! I just want to drive my comet!! I used to live in Little Rock, Arkansas so I know your area too, my parents moved us out there when I was 6 from here.
That is a 250 ci engine, and they are a dime a dozen. In fact, many on this forum are trying to get rid of theirs to replace with a 302/5.0. So you should be able to get one cheap, either here, or from a junk yard. If you want to upgrade to a 302/5.0 you will need different motor mounts, but if you just want to replace the 250, you should be able to find them cheap. Marina Del Rey is nice!!!
Knowing what you stated above, your best bet is to probably sell it, as you have already decided. Looks like a nice car.
I figured, I think that's what I will try to do. I really do wish I could make it happen though.. wish I would have studied mechanics when i was younger
