I should really stop reading craigslist -- 1979 Ford Fairmont

I found this a few minutes ago......... a 1979 ford fairmont station wagon

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1241679820.html

Been wanting another wagon for some reason. Can't explain why. Could someone give me info on these as far as suspension, handling, reliability, etc?? Do the mustang performance parts fit? And what kinda autocross toy would they make? Can they be made to handle at all? Sounds crazy, but it is what it is.

Tell me why this isn't a good idea....please???

I found my old issue w/ the fairmont track car. Some of my questions have kinda been answered. Does anyone have any real world experience w/ these cars?

thnx- Will

Everything that can be bolted on a Fox body Mustang can, more or less, be bolted on a Fairmont. Which is another way of saying it can do it all.

Wasn't somebody on here talking about sleepers? Well here ya go!

There was a pretty good handling Fairmont wagon at the Ultimate Track Car Challenge, actually.

Fairmonts and Fox-body Mustangs have so many interchangable parts it's not even funny. Not only do all suspension and driveline parts swap, but I've seen Fairmont wagons with less expected parts lifted out of Mustangs, including the dashes and front sheet metal.

Makes carrying your track tires much easier. load everything in the "wagon" go to event (autocross track day what ever) unload swap tires go race. Have place to sleep if needed. If it has a roof rack keep it for the additional utility of it. I had a 79 Zephyr wagon and I so want that car back!!!! IT with a 302 a 5 speed and ti would be a great car!!

I'm working on one for LeMons. It won't race til October. All the Mustang stuff bolts on. Ours has All the suspension out of a 95 including the four wheel disks. Using the longer 95 up a arms = negative camber. I know way more about fox interchangeability than I ever wanted to. If you buy I can answer lots of questions.

About the only performance goodies that aren't direct fit are ones related to the length of the car, as the Fairmont's wheelbase is a tad longer. So, no driveshafts or subframe connectors, and you'll need to modify an exhaust system. Otherwise, have at it. I once had a 78 Futura as a project car with a 5.0 from an 89 mustang, manual rack, and mostly transplanted 87-93 mustang suspension. Unfortunately, never got it finished, and parted it out.

Thanks for all the info. Looks like the car maybe off the market. Now I have a replacement for the volvo wagon that I've been keeping an eye open for, though. Thanks again.

-Will

there is also the replacement for the fairmont.. the mid/late 80s LTD and mercury broughm...

We had the mercury, it was a very nice car

Good point on the LTD II. My mom's neighbors have one and from the doors back it looks identical to the 'Mont.

yes, the wagons are very similar from the LTD to the Fairmont.. and even the mercury. The sedan was more modern looking with a slightly "kamm tailish" trunk