89 CHP SSP ~ Part out or sell complete?

[House]

To make a long story short, I purchased a former CHP car a couple of years ago to use as an engine donor for my Early Bronco. It has been sitting for awhile, and now seems like the fuel pump has crapped out. I guess the time has now come to either yank the motor and sell the rest of the car as a whole or in pieces, or sell it as a restorable project. Is there still a good market for complete cars? It was repainted (very poorly prepped) before auction, no radio gear, etc. No rust, no wrecks, blah blah blah.
What do you guys think is the right thing to do?

[ImEvil1]

Restorable project gets my vote. Post up some pics, and feel free to list it for sale in the forums here. There's still a good market for complete cars out there, and we don't do the parting of restorable cars here.

What year is your Bronco? (not to hijack your thread..)

[House]

I'll get some pics of the car.
I have plenty of the Bronco! lol
It is a 1969.

Everybody in my area wants the car for a circle track car to go bang up.
After learning about the SSP's after I bought the car I have been hesitant
to yank the engine and CPU out in fear of ruining it's value. I figured I
could always find another 5.0 to put in the Bronco. The fuel pump just
won't run at all when I turn the key on for some reason. It worked when I
parked it last summer! Is there a breaker or relay somewhere other than the
inertia switch in the trunk? I think the CHP bypassed that anyway...
Thanks for your input.

[ImEvil1]

There's a relay under the drivers seat, IIRC, that is for the fuel pump.

One of my neighbors had an early Bronco when I was a kid..used to love seeing it, and I've always wanted one since.

Maybe if I can finish a few of my SSPs I'll look for one to tinker with...

[House]

Thanks, I will check to see if there is one under there...

You should get a Bronco!
Here is mine when I got it and what it looks like now...

http://classicbroncos.com/photos/data/500/11439DSC01877.JPG

http://classicbroncos.com/photos/data/500/medium/DSC00857.JPG

[ImEvil1]

That is freakin awesome. :2thumbs:

[House]

Thanks!
It will be a lot better with a fuel injected roller cam 302 instead of
an old tired bone stock 302 with a 2BBL...
Now you can see my dilemma!

[Rhino]

My $0.02 - Keep it whole. Would be a damn shame to see it parted or sold to some yahoo who will just trash it on the track. Would be cool to see some pics of the SSP and any info on it (unit #, etc.).

[YellowMurci]

Lets see some pics!

[House]

I'll snap a few tomorrow, but don't laugh. I have had it sitting outside for a couple
of years now, and with the fuel pump not working it won't be going to
the car wash to get cleaned up for pics! lol

[Andy]

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ecgkth.jpg
Pictures
we don't need no stinkin Pictures
no wait that's badges...never mind.....
Post some pictures

[House]

OK, here goes:

[ImEvil1]

Thanks for posting those....still has the bucktags and a General in the trunk. :yes:

[28HopUp]

IMO, your car is too nice to part out. 5.0L motors can be found in many places, but complete SSP Mustang's will only get harder to find. If you don't want to tackle the project yourself, I bet somebody here would take it off your hands. And the money could be spent on a 302/5.0L for your fine looking Bronco.

[Rhino]

Definitely need to save that one. Way too complete to part. It's rough, yes, but nothing that can't be brought back. Hell, if I still lived in CA, I would be all over that thing!

How much are you looking to get for it?

[House]

PM Sent.

[rwsg01]

How much are you looking for and where is the car located.

Bob

[House]

PM Sent.

[YellowMurci]

How much is that mustang in the window?

[House]

lol
Maybe I should put this thing in the classifieds!

PM Sent.

[House]

One thing I thought was funny is the Bucktag doesn't say CHP or
California Highway Patrol, it says "CHIPS". Is that odd or normal?

[mac88chp]

One thing I thought was funny is the Bucktag doesn't say CHP or
California Highway Patrol, it says "CHIPS". Is that odd or normal?Normal. The tag on my '88 is noted that way too. FYI-your car went into service on 2/14/90 at the Coalinga office.

Please send me the price PM too.

[House]

Sweet!
How did you find that out?
Is there somewhere I can go to get more info?
Thanks

[House]

Too add a little more info on the car, I purchased it from the guy that
bought it at auction in Sacramento. IIRC he bought it in June of 94 and
drove it until January of 01. It has basically been sitting since. He had it
parked for 4 years and now I have had it parked for 4 years. Kind of funny
since it was also in service for 4 years. The metallic blue is the paint that
they applied prior to auction. The paint is starting to peel in the door jambs,
around the edges, etc. and the bondo is cracking out where they filled the
antenna holes. I am interested to see if the paint is strippable back to the
original paint black and white... Maybe a few more years in the sun and it
will exfoliate itself. lol

[Bri22NJ]

Thats a really car. I love it and I would buy it, but I live in New Jersey. Please do not part it out. Save it !!!

[ImEvil1]

Normal. The tag on my '88 is noted that way too. FYI-your car went into service on 2/14/90 at the Coalinga office.

Please send me the price PM too.

The paperwork I have shows Coastal Division with the same in-service date.

[ImEvil1]

Sweet!
How did you find that out?
Is there somewhere I can go to get more info?
Thanks

Our very own Jim Y. (Nodrama) got a bunch of paperwork CHP was tossing out a few years back.

[House]

Neat~!
Hmm, I know where Coalinga is, where is considered the Coastal Region?
I wonder which one is correct?

[House]

Here are a few more exterior pics that people have requested.
No damage behind the cracked bumper or anywhere else I can see.

[House]

Here is the interior compartment and core support.
No damage I can see. Just a lot of dirt! Sorry.

[House]

And finally the dirty interior. Again, sorry.
There is a tear in the side of the drivers seat and a stain in the passenger backrest.
Other than that, not too bad I don't think...

[ImEvil1]

Here you go...

[ImEvil1]

One more..

[mac88chp]

Our very own Jim Y. (Nodrama) got a bunch of paperwork CHP was tossing out a few years back.That's where I think my info came from but through what was put up on the VIN registry at the other site early on when office assignment was still shown. From that source E435238 (last 5 VIN# = 211303) clearly shows Coalinga. There appear to be some obvious input mistakes on that list however so it would be nice to see it put up online again in a cleaner form for the record.

[Leo]

Wow a new paint job, clean the engine bay, and fix the fuel problem and dam you got a clean SSP, cleaner than mine. Even the ash tray works I bet the heater core is still good. You can get a pretty penny for that and with the money you can get a built 347 and really make that bronco run. Look on CL to get an idea on what a CHP goes for if there's none in your area for reference then look in SF Bay Area CL. I hope you keep it and bring it back and become a regular on the site. Good luck on you decision.

[House]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am in no hurry to get rid of it...
I would like to have the time to spend on it, but don't due to other
projects that have higher priority. It deserves a new home with a warm
garage to stay in, but for now it is fine where it's at.

[ImEvil1]

That's where I think my info came from but through what was put up on the VIN registry at the other site early on when office assignment was still shown. From that source E435238 (last 5 VIN# = 211303) clearly shows Coalinga. There appear to be some obvious input mistakes on that list however so it would be nice to see it put up online again in a cleaner form for the record.

Probably just an error typing, like you mentioned.

Predator and I talked about putting something together to show representative VIN ranges, backed up with pics of the door decals that show the VIN and DSO for a given order.

I think that the problem with that "VIN registry", other than the minor mistakes and not being updated regularly, is that it's extrememly difficult to compile and manage a large number of VINs, much less 15K +/- of them. Also, the theory about the VIN numbers being consecutive isn't always true, and I see lots of "your car is outside the range" comments which may be wrong. As an example, in the '89 paperwork I looked at last night, E433142, an '89 assigned to Central Division, has VIN 201827. That is definitely outside the "range". FHP orders for '93 were like that, with several different batches, and who knows how many other orders were also.

[MOstang]

Please don't part that car out...looks too good already; too much great history and promise for it to get chopped up.

[5pt0Joe]

Looks like it would be a great project!

The Bronco is sweet! I have a '96 Eddie Bauer Bronco now, but I've wanted my father's ('85) ever since I was little. Than at a not-as-young age, we had to sell it to fund more important things for the family. When I turned 16, I didn't want the gas mileage, so I went with a Bronco II. Only sold the Bronco II due to the fact that I finally got my dream replacement! If I get some storage space somewhere, a family friend has a '69 with 32K original miles. Needs bodywork BAD since it's been sitting outside for so long.

[jarhed123]

That car is as good as new. Would be a shame to part it out.

[mac88chp]

Probably just an error typing, like you mentioned.

Predator and I talked about putting something together to show representative VIN ranges, backed up with pics of the door decals that show the VIN and DSO for a given order.

I think that the problem with that "VIN registry", other than the minor mistakes and not being updated regularly, is that it's extrememly difficult to compile and manage a large number of VINs, much less 15K +/- of them. Also, the theory about the VIN numbers being consecutive isn't always true, and I see lots of "your car is outside the range" comments which may be wrong. As an example, in the '89 paperwork I looked at last night, E433142, an '89 assigned to Central Division, has VIN 201827. That is definitely outside the "range". FHP orders for '93 were like that, with several different batches, and who knows how many other orders were also.Yeah, a formal VIN registry is a ton of work. I'm more interested in just ensuring that the data remains available to those in the hobby for verification and documentation purposes instead of being withheld as some SSP info currently is. That's the reason I originally copied off the non-source document info, to carry with me when I go to verify cars I find...wish it was a little more correct tho.

[House]

So whose list is correct? ;)
Coalinga or Coastal?

[mac88chp]

So whose list is correct? ;)
Coalinga or Coastal?Coastal. It comes directly from CHP source documents.

[ImEvil1]

Yeah, a formal VIN registry is a ton of work. I'm more interested in just ensuring that the data remains available to those in the hobby for verification and documentation purposes instead of being withheld as some SSP info currently is. That's the reason I originally copied off the non-source document info, to carry with me when I go to verify cars I find...wish it was a little more correct tho.

I agree....that's why we are here. :yes:

If you want a copy of the CHP stuff that I have, just let me know.

I am seriously considering the VIN/DSO project that Brian mentioned. That way, we can have a "representative" sample of order numbers and VIN ranges for a given agency...something to serve as a quick reference for a member who is trying to determine what agency a car might have served with.

Either way, it's still up to us to verify the accuracy of what's being put out there. Junk in=junk out.

[House]

Can someone with a CARFAX account run the numbers for me and
post what comes up? I would be interested to see what shows up.
Thanks!!!

[texunter]

It's either a new project or a new motor. Please don't part it or let those rascalls in town have their way with it. Nice car if you ask me.

[House]

I have decided to put the complete car in the classifieds for a while and see what happens...
It seems a few people think the price is fair and a few people think it is out of line...
:Pirate09duel:

[House]

So what does the general consensus think the current market value is?

[FHP813]

I think it's a fair price (even though I haven't seen it in person) it's just not a good time to sell.

[predator20]

So what does the general consensus think the current market value is?

Have you been able to get the car running again? $3500 to $4000 is decent for a running 5.0 coupe. Being a ssp doesn't not matter to most in the fox body crowd.

[House]

No, I haven't had the time to look into it yet.
It ran great when I drove it last October...

[mac88chp]

Have you been able to get the car running again? $3500 to $4000 is decent for a running 5.0 coupe. Being a ssp doesn't not matter to most in the fox body crowd.I agree, it has to be in running condition to support that price range. Having it running well may help offset the negative of your somewhat remote location too.

I'd work with the inertia switch in trunk first thing...they can be fussy and downright frustrating but often are the cause of the troubles you describe.

[House]

The inertia switch was the first thing I thought of too, so I put a jumper
on it, but the pump still didn't run. Next time I mess with it I'll use a
meter and see if there is power at the pump or not. That should narrow it
down a little...

[86NeSSP]

Check all the grounds as well as the power source for the ECM.

[House]

10-4
Thanks

[House]

Well after a full diagnostic list I went through (Thanks Michael), I pretty
much confirmed my initial diagnosis so I jumped in with two feet and
pulled the tank. Inside is clean, sock is clean, etc. Bench tested the pump
and there was no response... DOA.

[House]

Put a new pump in it, re-installed the tank, dropped it on the ground and turned the key...
It runs again!
:2thumbs:

[NoDrama43]

That's where I think my info came from but through what was put up on the VIN registry at the other site early on when office assignment was still shown. From that source E435238 (last 5 VIN# = 211303) clearly shows Coalinga. There appear to be some obvious input mistakes on that list however so it would be nice to see it put up online again in a cleaner form for the record.

The information I have is original (not copies) of CHP docs straight out of the motor transport facility in Sacramento. I also have the original invoices for every 1987 CHP mustang delivered by Dupratt Ford, signed off on by Jay Emery of CHP. If anyone has an 87 CHP car and wants copies of their paperwork I will send it to you to help document your car. The cars were delivered in batches of 3 to 5 per day and are invoiced as such so I don't want to break up the document as a whole. I will provide copies though (no charge) for anyone who owns a particular car. Eventually I will try to make all this info available on line, but for now it is safe in storage. It is available for anyone's use.

House....... 3500.00 all day long bro.

[YellowMurci]

I would take it in a sec - if it didnt cost me $1200 to get it back home! Looking for a CHP to restore!

[mac88chp]

Food for thought: you'll burn up $1,200 very quickly in reconditioning costs dealing with less complete and original cars. You know - most of the ones you normally find in this price range (or higher!).

You have to ask yourself - "How many more CHP units like this one can be out there?" Answer: Damn few for sure!

[House]

Even the ash tray works


You jinxed it!
Some jacka$$ jumped in it last night to take a look, reefed up on
the ashtray lid and now it won't stay closed!
Arrrgh

[House]

OK, I feel better now. I fixed the ashtray today, so it works again...
Luckily the spring just popped out of it's hole.
:)

[ImEvil1]

I hate it when that happens. :)

[House]

The car is starting to clean up pretty nice! Wiped the dash down
with some vinyl protectant, re-attached the 5.0 fender emblem and
the Ford oval trunk emblem that fell off over the last couple of years.
I need to get a trip permit to take it to the car wash next I guess...

[28HopUp]

Chris, have you decided to keep your SSP or has it been sold???

[House]

It has not been sold. I am going to keep it for a while and clean it up
a little more I guess. It will probably be for sale again in the future, but
there is no sense in advertising it for sale in "field find" condition when I
am continuing to invest time and money into it to make it a better car.
I must say that I am VERY surprised that it didn't sell...

[bonafide]

I must say that I am VERY surprised that it didn't sell...

If it was closer to the Southeast it would have ... ;)

[House]

True, but I think it is kind of cool that it is a California car that has never left California. :)

[bonafide]

True, but I think it is kind of cool that it is a California car that has never left California. :)

What would be even cooler is if it was sitting in my Georgia garage. :D

[House]

Well, the car went off to a new home today.
I am sad to see it go, but it is going to get some well deserved attention...

[28HopUp]

Well, the car went off to a new home today.
I am sad to see it go, but it is going to get some well deserved attention...

Glad you finally sold your CHP. Did it go to anybody on the forum? If so, then they need to fess up! :D

[House]

:yes:

[smokin5.0]

Yes Bill, it went to me. I posted an ad and you were able to put me in touch with some info that will help me along the way.....Thanks. The car is a really good car overall, and I am really surprised that it did not sell earlier. What attracted me to the car is that it is in pretty much as close as you could get to original condition, and hasn't seen like 7 neglectful owners etc. The interior needs some shampooing, but really is not that bad (minus the tear on side of drivers seat) compared to all the other SSP's that I have looked at. The car will most likely sit for about another 8 months, till I can recover from the long haul trip. Then the car is gonna get the full on resto treatment. Will get the original black and white paint and all the trimmings. I just can't wait.....I have been waiting for a good SSP project for a while, perferably CHP and this will be a good car. I have had to slow down on my other projects. I currently have a 66 coupe, 88 GT w/ T-tops, 89 CHP #435238, 90 GT, 92 Vibrant red convertible limited edition, and 1993 Chrome yellow convertibe special edition, and am sure more will be added in the future, but want to concentrate on the SSP fairly soon. I am giving this resto approx 2 yrs start to finish if all goes well.....just doing it piece by piece, correctly as time permits. -Brent

[28HopUp]

Way to go Brent! Looking forward to seeing the car come back under your care.

[smokin5.0]

I can't wait either.....should be good when it is all done. I will take plenty of pics along the way.

[NoDrama43]

welcome Brent. good score on the car. Glad it went to a good home.

[dj06482]

Brent -

Congrats on finding one, good luck with the resto!

DJ

[mac88chp]

Congratulations Brent, you picked a GREAT restoration candidate. All the help you may need for your project is right here for the asking. Keep us posted on your progress!

[House]

I will be staying in tune for updates also... ;)
Brent, you can have my Avatar too if you want it.

[House]

Brent,
Just wondering if you still have the car and if you have any progress pics
if you have been working on it...? I still kinda miss it! On another note,
I did finally get another 5.0 engine for my Bronco. Not installed yet, but
have been whittling away on it. Thanks again for setting me straight guys!

[smokin5.0]

Anyone have any ideas what might cause intermittent non-starting of this car. Started it, test drove it, loaded it on trailer, unloaded, ran it several times. Let it sit for a few months and now it won't start.

[ssp91ssp]

Anyone have any ideas what might cause intermittent non-starting of this car. Started it, test drove it, loaded it on trailer, unloaded, ran it several times. Let it sit for a few months and now it won't start.

smokin5.0
I think more info is needed on what the car is doing or not doing.. If the car does crank try sprayn carb cleaner at throttle body , if it starts you have a fuel issue? pump /relay/elect connection?.... if not it may be spark ??? dist module, ign switch ?
Check for fuel psi at fuel rail port by pass valve cover , check how strong the spark is at coil/dis.

hope some of this helps;)

[House]

Check to see if you can hear the pump running when
you turn the key on. That's what it was the last time...

[smokin5.0]

Yeah.....unfortunately I was alone when trying to do this last.....so the carb clean trick in throttle body was not possible, and neither was listening for the fuel pump, however, with that said, I don't recall hearing it. Most Mustangs you can hear the pump from inside the car with the door open. It sounds like it wants to go.....cranks and cranks just won't fire. I was going to try replacing ignition module on the distributor, but with the SSP oil cooler lines...it is not an easy 5 min job like on a regular 5.0. I might try ordering a new relay....maybe the relay is working intermittently, hence why I don't recall hearing pump come on. Where is the fuel pump relay located again?

[House]

The fuel pump relay is under the drivers seat.
You should hear it click on whan you turn the key, and you should be
able to hear the pump run for a few seconds. Most likely the new pump
went bad, just like the last one did, as it sounds like the exact same thing
I went through with it...