On Jan 14, 9:05*am, "dwight" > wrote:

> TFrog has the original Ford Premium Sound System, AM/FM Cassette. The tape
> player hasn't been used in years, and I really only listen to AM for news
> and sports. But...
>
> Jean's got that damn Escape with the Sync system, and I admit to being a
> mite jealous. I've gone so far as to price out an all-Alpine installation
> (with Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, single subwoofer, etc.), but keep
> running up against the same problem - it would be installed in an
> 18-year-old piece o' &%#$ 5.0. The car has other priorities.

I think what you'd find is that fancy stereo would feel out of place.
In much the same way a modern-style kitchen would look, and be, out of
place in an old farm house. Sure, the new kitchen would have better
functionality, make for easier clean up, etc, but the character of the
room/house is lost. I say unless your factory premium sound system
breaks/stops working, I'd keep what you have.

> FINALLY got off my ass and started prepping for winter. Spent 5 hours last
> Sunday with the polish and wax (all Mother's, all the time), but still have
> to do the lower molding and panels. Here's a bad photo from Monday:

Here's a tip. To make the bottom-half and front/back easier, use
ramps.

> http://www.tfrog.com/tfrog/7896.jpg

She still looks good, Dwight.

> Part of me wanted to stop after the pipes were cleaned, and head back to the
> La-Z-Boy. The photo makes TFrog look a bit better than it actually does -
> still could use a complete paint job. (Got one quote - $4,000 - and got
> scared off.) Even so, while it looks like ass, the polish and wax now makes
> it look like shiny ass,

lol

> and I'm very pleased with the appearance (so long as
> it's not in direct sunlight).

Here's the thing, at T-Frog's age, 19+ years, no one expects a daily-
driven car to be scratch, chip and ding free. But if it's clean,
straight, well-cared for, only minor rust, and not wrecked, it's a
keeper. That's a car ANY car-guy/girl would LOVE to get a hold of and
restore/make a project of. (Think of you opening up an old man/lady's
garage door and finding an old hot rod or muscle car in similar
condition. You'd go nuts. Much the same way some young person will
view yours some day, if not already.) Also note the new trend of old
hot rods with surface rust and faded paint. It's what they looked
like back in the day when they were daily driven, and that makes them
more appealing. As opposed to a freakin' show car you're scared to
drive because it might get a stone chip or a little dirty. Life is
short -- live it, drive it.

> The Alpine set-up remains in my Wish List at BestBuy. Meanwhile, my stereo
> continues to be the twin pipes out back (especially at 2,000 rpm), and I
> have no need for GPS or any desire to talk (hands-free or otherwise) while
> driving.

> I'm connected at work, connected at home. I prefer TFrog to be a "safe
> zone," I think, and don't really need the electronic distraction. Still....

Nope, won't have it. There is no "still." Save the money for
5.0Resto parts.

> lately incapable of making a decision

That's okay. I made it for you... it's done.

What else can I help you with? :-)

Patrick