The Unofficial "Ask a Stupid Question" Thread

Kidd-7 said:
When did you do the p trap upgrade to your car?
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I installed one the day I decided getting off the interstate for a bathroom break was way too inconvenient so now I just pee while driving.. For best results install a dump valve and extra windshield washer nozzle for when an asshole won't stop tailgating for no reason
 
OK, kind of a stupid question on my part, because I’ve been having a lot of trouble finding information about this: I’ve got a 1996 LX V6. I know I can get my hands on a digital instrument cluster from the junkyard, but the last time I went there, the control panel that allows you to use the various functions on the right most display was broken. Does anyone have an idea as to where I could get one of those control panels for a decent price? I have not been able to find them anywhere, and I would like to have full functionality of the digital instrument cluster, should I decide to purchase it. I've been toying with a way to integrate it into the 96 instrument cluster bezel for the dash. I am aware that you can get the instrument cluster to work just fine without those controls, you just wouldn’t be able to use the multiple functions. I'm just wondering if anybody was able to find a good source for the controls, should someone decide that they wanted to have full functionality of the instrument cluster?
 
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Physically, the digital cluster will fit in a 1996 with no modifications. 1997 is the only year with the oddball cluster.

In the later cars, they are not 100% compatable. If you are dead set on one, it can be done but the functionality might be limited. Fleabay or junkyards will be your only option for finding the parts.
 
Assuming they're just momentary switches, with no intrinsic functionality of their own, you could just fabricate something custom, or see if switches from other similarly equipped cars of the time period, such as various Lincolns, could be used instead.

But yeah, the interesting part here is how you feed information to that cluster/trip computer.
 
LiquidSatan said:
OK, kind of a stupid question on my part, because I’ve been having a lot of trouble finding information about this: I’ve got a 1996 LX V6. I know I can get my hands on a digital instrument cluster from the junkyard, but the last time I went there, the control panel that allows you to use the various functions on the right most display was broken. Does anyone have an idea as to where I could get one of those control panels for a decent price? I have not been able to find them anywhere, and I would like to have full functionality of the digital instrument cluster, should I decide to purchase it. I've been toying with a way to integrate it into the 96 instrument cluster bezel for the dash. I am aware that you can get the instrument cluster to work just fine without those controls, you just wouldn’t be able to use the multiple functions. I'm just wondering if anybody was able to find a good source for the controls, should someone decide that they wanted to have full functionality of the instrument cluster?
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There’s no new source for them but for used all 89-90 Cougar LSs came standard with the digital dash, so if you can find a bezel from one there’s a good chance the buttons will come with it, like this one in this listing

www.ebay.com

1989 1990 1991 Mercury Cougar Instrument Cluster Finishing Panel Bezel | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1989 1990 1991 Mercury Cougar Instrument Cluster Finishing Panel Bezel at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

However, the functions those buttons access will not work anyway on your car. The digital dash uses fuel flow data from the PCM to calculate the various average MPG and distance to empty functions in it, many older OBD 1 PCMs had that pin active but not the 96+ 104 pin EEC V PCMs, the only ones that did have that hardware were the ones used in Mark VIIIs, Explorers with the info center, Town cars and CV/GMs with the digital dash option. Nothing that would readily swap into a 3.8 Tbird
 
So has anyone tried to swap seats from a 2002 Lincoln LS into a '97 Tbird? Mine are shot. Digging around the JY this afternoon on my way home since they had a '03 excursion that matches my '04. I have the grinder, BFH and buzz box if I have to modify the feet to attach. Just curious if it's been tried? At half price ($18 each) I'm willing to get at it. New leather is not smart when insurance rates the car worth $400.
 

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This is a very stupid question, but I saw a picture of a 97 limited edition thunderbird with a sun/moon roof. Was this an actual option?
 
Generalee0527 said:
So has anyone tried to swap seats from a 2002 Lincoln LS into a '97 Tbird? Mine are shot. Digging around the JY this afternoon on my way home since they had a '03 excursion that matches my '04. I have the grinder, BFH and buzz box if I have to modify the feet to attach. Just curious if it's been tried? At half price ($18 each) I'm willing to get at it. New leather is not smart when insurance rates the car worth $400.
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Not sure if it's been done. But a fun fact about Lincoln LS seats:
They're a fairly rare design where the height/tilt adjustment applies to the seat cushion  only. The backrest is attached to the frame below those adjustments, so it always remains at the same height.
 
Generalee0527 said:
So has anyone tried to swap seats from a 2002 Lincoln LS into a '97 Tbird?
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No .. but I did put Lincoln Mark 8 seats into a Tbird. If the LS seats are anything like the Mark; it won't work without using or re-wiring the motors .. The Mark has a computer for the programmable seat positions .. so unless you hook up the setting button on the door, it won't move.
 
I know .. computers. 🙄

I realize this is throttle cable territory. 🤭
 
The LS is a 4 door, so I'm not sure if the seats backs will tilt forward so you can get in and out of the rear seat of your T-Bird.

Joe
 
No one rides in bolt bucket but me anyway so not a big issue that couldn't be fixed.
 
If your foam is still good, and tears in the leather covering are the sole issue, what I would suggest is going to cloth. Find a good set in a junkyard, wash in laundry detergent a few times, et voilà.

The cloth in these cars is almost indestructible as long as there are no cigarette burns.
 
I may still have the OG grey cloth seats from my 97 at my dad's place. If you are interested in the covers LMK; it's been over 10 years so I doubt I'll be going back to them. :)
 
theterminator93 said:
I may still have the OG grey cloth seats from my 97 at my dad's place. If you are interested in the covers LMK; it's been over 10 years so I doubt I'll be going back to them. :)
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Thanks, but I got the driver's seat and I will start to lay them side by side and measure the mount differences. If it is close I intend to have my leather removed to make a pattern. I drive mine everyday and can't do without for two weeks+. I was thinking of faux leather or even cloth once I can get a pattern. It only cost me $17 to try.
 
There’s no way those mounts are going to work. If the cushion and seatback are hinged separately from the tracks you might be able to modify a set of MN12 seat tracks to mount them right on top of, that’s how people put have put Mustang seats in these cars.

IMG_6566.jpeg
 
Did nobody catch the memory seat issue I mentioned above ? They won't move at all if they have a computer under the seat.
 
XR7-4.6 said:
There’s no new source for them but for used all 89-90 Cougar LSs came standard with the digital dash, so if you can find a bezel from one there’s a good chance the buttons will come with it, like this one in this listing

www.ebay.com

1989 1990 1991 Mercury Cougar Instrument Cluster Finishing Panel Bezel | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1989 1990 1991 Mercury Cougar Instrument Cluster Finishing Panel Bezel at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

However, the functions those buttons access will not work anyway on your car. The digital dash uses fuel flow data from the PCM to calculate the various average MPG and distance to empty functions in it, many older OBD 1 PCMs had that pin active but not the 96+ 104 pin EEC V PCMs, the only ones that did have that hardware were the ones used in Mark VIIIs, Explorers with the info center, Town cars and CV/GMs with the digital dash option. Nothing that would readily swap into a 3.8 Tbird
Click to expand...
Ok cool. Thanks! Yeah, I was pretty sure that was the case. I think I'm just gonna sell the one I have on Ebay and keep my analog one in that case. Too much of a hassle at this point
 
dDUBb said:
Did nobody catch the memory seat issue I mentioned above ? They won't move at all if they have a computer under the seat.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the warning. I'm known to be knucklehead and try most anything until I bleed or I get tired of beating on things with my 4# hammer. I have intention of having mine recovered. I just can't get away with a cement block for my 120 mile per day commute. I suspect the Marine at the gate would say whoa dude pull over here for a minute.... Then a few moments later. Hahaha. I'll try most anything once. Then again I have to go to pick n pull tomorrow to get a coolant overflow as mine is no good anymore thanks to bad adapter on pressure tester. It is a '95 and if the drivers seat is not shot I will take it to a shop and have them make new ones from it.
 
dDUBb said:
Did nobody catch the memory seat issue I mentioned above ? They won't move at all if they have a computer under the seat.
Click to expand...
From this picture I just snapped it appears there is a bar link (see yellow spot) connected to a cam that tilts the back. If that crank or bar is disconnected and otherwise fixed, rear access may be doable. The mounting feet may be swappable depending on actual width etc. The LS seat has an air bag so I need to consider removing the ied or tape up the plug to avoid static from carpet.
20250418_214622.jpg
 
Ok, weird observation today, and unfortunately I'm unable to take a picture that shows it.

Using my wipers just to wash off pollen (no rain), I notice that the driver side wiper isn't coming as close to the A-pillar as usual. From the dirt on the window (which doesn't show on photos), I can clearly see its normal turning point; today the wiper changes direction about 1.5" short of that at the top. How can this happen?

The arm is fully attached and in its normal rest position when off.

How do our wipers work? Does the motor actually change direction? Or is it the type where the motor rotates in a single direction continuously, and the linkage provides the change of direction (sort of like the linkage on the wheels of a steam locomotive)?
 
I believe the wiper motor just rotates with a linkage mechanism that moves the wiper arms. As for traveling a shorter distance than when raining, is because of friction between the rubber blade and the dry windshield. When the windshield is wet, friction is less and therefore the velocity of the arm will be slightly faster than when on a dry windshield....the arm will travel farther.
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Ok, weird observation today, and unfortunately I'm unable to take a picture that shows it.

Using my wipers just to wash off pollen (no rain), I notice that the driver side wiper isn't coming as close to the A-pillar as usual. From the dirt on the window (which doesn't show on photos), I can clearly see its normal turning point; today the wiper changes direction about 1.5" short of that at the top. How can this happen?

The arm is fully attached and in its normal rest position when off.

How do our wipers work? Does the motor actually change direction? Or is it the type where the motor rotates in a single direction continuously, and the linkage provides the change of direction (sort of like the linkage on the wheels of a steam locomotive)?
Click to expand...

I would have used a crank/connecting rod/piston analogy but yes that’s how the mechanism works 😆

I think Kurt explained it correctly, there’s enough give in the bushings and blades themselves where friction will vary the max amount of sweep
 
I did a bit of online reading about rear differential oil today, and it seems nearly as controversial as engine oil.

I understand our cars specify 80W-90, which is available, but other specs seem more common, especially as fully synthetic.

So do you all ever change your differential oil (mine is presumably on the factory fill), and if so, with what?
 
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