Well it finally happened. Can we please have a moment of silence….for the loss of 4 LTD deluxe wheel covers on the Country Squire. Some hand holding will be required during this period of adjustment. I was only just getting over the Cragar 50 spokes on the 2 door as well. I am happy that we both have a good sense of humor Tony. The new wires look great 🎉
Much better looking wheel covers for sure. Good job Tony, the wagon is coming right along. Looks like the 70’s all over again and there ain’t nothing wrong with that!
Sorry to hear you lost a sub , I need to say this it’s your car whether you leave it oem or mount it on a one ton dually frame or make a donk it’s your car . Enjoy it and be proud .
The wire wheel covers are such a great improvement. Removes any possible "Griswold family truckster" vibe and makes it a more stylish, upscale vehicle. Nice camera work on the before and after shots, too.
I love what you did for upgrades. I've always loved wire wheels with white wall tires on full size cars. It makes it so classy and luxurious also love the new hood ornament. When I got my 85 crown Vic when I got my license in 1992. The hood ornament that came with it was crusty not shiny so I found a Ford dealership back then that had 1 left in stock same exact one that I was replacing. If i remember correctly I paid $75 for it but I didn't care. The hood ornament belonged on it and it's the tie that goes with a suit lol. Rest of my car was mint except for the hood ornament so it had to go lol. I put it on myself also. I really miss my crown Vic. Your wagon is gorgeous i love it 😊
You can always take the ornament apart and swap out the base. To get the angle you want. The reason they probably changed it is people used to always flip the thing around backwards to look at the black side and face the grayish look inside forward. The early Silver version in the bottom was a little bigger and fit its own base with a large thread base. And there was a few made that use the later base. And then they switched to Black, and those were black on both sides dark black, then the next year it went to black and gray. And people didn't like to look at the gray side so they'd always turn it backwards. That's why you always saw these cars with the hood on that leaning forward cuz they wanted to look at the black side. They made four different versions of that LTD ornament, and then they made the ltd2 which they only made one version of that, and then there's a super unbelievably rare ltd2 that was made down in Brazil that has just a silver piece on the inside with no LTD logo at all cuz it was called by different names so they made a generic hood ornament and I have the only two I know of in existence brand new never used that were ever brought into the US somebody was selling them on eBay and I snapped them up quickly and I've never seen another for sale again. It just has like a future looking piece of metal on the plastic insert. The ltd2 was called by different name for the Brazil car. So the ornament couldn't have the initials LTD but it used the same tasks on either side just the insert was different. And then you have the leaf looking things that nobody really liked the l a n d a u got silver and you have black. Then it's 79 they changed it to the flat tall things that would break off that had two square holes in them first they had plastic in the holes and they were blank and then the ugly looking ornament that was square with the V shape in at the Crown Victoria came out. I remember removing the later model hood ornaments off friends cars and putting the early LTD with the tusks on it and saying oh God that looks better.
9 out of 10 dentist recommend wire wheel covers for their station wagons, actually, I have no way of knowing if that statement is true, but everybody seems to really like what you have done with those wire wheel covers, really makes a difference, on both cars, both of your fords have very good looking wheels.
Thanks, Dave! Yeah, it seems like most people do like them just like the Star Wires on the LTD. The likes definitely outweigh the dislikes. I lost a subscriber as soon as I posted this video. However, I've already regained that one and another one. So, I guess, I say Bye felicia! 👋 🤣
I enjoy and appreciate your enthusiasm for these mid 70's Fords. These cars were new when I was a teenager. I remember admiring them back then. Its great to see you return them back to their glory
Hey Tony! Buddy I got to hand it to you. You crack me up when you flung those “deluxe” covers! you are so much like me….It’s unbelievable. I absolutely love those wire wheel covers!!! True class!!!! They look fantastic!!!! When I cleaned mine up and put them back on my Buick Park Avenue… they look fantastic. You do what you want, it’s your car you make the decisions that’s what I say. It looks fantastic buddy.!!!❤️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much! I really blows my mind how many people love those "deluxe" wheel covers and dislike the wires. They look so much more expensive to me and sparkle so much!
@@tonyscarcare5657Don’t forget Tony - I put my hand up if you decide to sell that 460 from the green Lincoln MKIV. 😀👍 Re the MKV radiator rubber insulator, you maybe could put a sliver of thin rubber mat etc to tighten it up. A bit like what you did for the emblem, which by the way is not OCD as I would do exactly the same thing. 😊
I’m like you are Tony when I look at these LTD Country Squires I like to see a fully optioned Car & I know what to look for and where it should be on the Car I can really appreciate that call of detail an LTD Country Squire Or Mercury Colony Park deserves the full option & accessory Buffet treatment
I had the same problem getting my wire hub caps installed on the rims of my 1977 T Bird. They were very tight fitting against the rim. Get one side of the hubcap on and the other side of the hubcap pops off. 😊 New old stock hubcaps look much better.
Much better with the white walls and the wire wheels. Now it's a wagon. I grew up with wagons and I miss them. I wish Ford would make them again, instead of the SUVS.
It looks great -- you are really starting to gild your Light Jade lily! I have to say, I do like the deluxe wheel covers as well -- a more modern interpretation of the earlier FoMoCo turbine wheel covers. I'm rather glad that they are hard to put on -- that means that they are much less likely to fly off on the highway. I love how you referred to the LTD as "groovy lookin'?! That it definitely is.
Thank you, Sir! 99% of the comments on the wire wheels for the LTD were positive, but there were a few haters. And this video here on the wire wheel covers has already lost me a subscriber, so I guess it pissed someone off.
It's getting late and I've only watched part of this but: You said wish they'd ordered those wire covers new. This is much better because if they had done that they'd be beat up after 47 years. Now you have NOS new ones on there! Also please get yourself a white rubber mallet to install wheel covers with. You're going to end up with a sprained wrist or broken blood vessel, etc. I say from experience as I am even older than you. Lol. Take care. The wheel covers look great and they add a lot of class to the old wagon.
Thank you, Jeff! I believe those will go on there easier the next time. I hope! And yes, those NOS ones were very expensive! They cost me more than the NOS GT wheel covers for my 68 XL.
Ford engineers sure make you work hard on the hood ornament. It'd be fun to learn the R&R book rate for that job. I absolutely love the wheel covers! This car brings back so many memories, and I love it. Thank you for keeping youtube positive and enjoyable. I have to tell you... I've been a detailer for a little over 25-years. If I was anywhere close to you, I'd be asking if I could spend an afternoon with you to polish the paint on this one and the brown bomber, all while listening to your great stories.
The new hood ornament looks great. I'm like you, it would've bugged me that it was leaning back. Ok, I'll admit it, the wire wheel covers look nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the interior finished.
I’ve got five of those spoke hubcaps, but they’re really pitted. I collect old hubcaps since 1993 when I was 14. The first one I found said LTD on it and after doing research, I really fell in love with Ford LTds now I own two of them. I’ve got a 77 LTD wagon also and hopefully one day I’d like to find some Cragor spokes or even some old keystones. Originally the car came with dog dish hubcaps, but they’re pretty rough. I actually ran over one by accident once lol. awesome video take care of that car. There’s not too many left.
Night and day… LOVE LOVE LOVE the wire wheel covers! Those were the ones my mom had on her 77 Champagne Metallic Squire. Those deluxe wheel covers… never liked them, even when they put them on the 73-76 Thunderbird..
I think those optional/upgraded wire wheel covers look amazing. I like the deluxe wheel covers but the wire wheel covers are a ton more elegant and really make the car pop. I have to admit, in all my years of knowing these cars, very very few were optioned with these wire wheel covers. I would say I've seen about 8 cars in 40 years with this rare option. The only higher option was the alloy wheels. On our 1978 Ford Country Squire wagon ,we had the base hubcaps and they were very nice but would fly off so easily when you hit expansion joints on the highways. Your car looks really regal because with those upgrade wire wheels and corner lamps it really takes it to the next level. Glad to see you put the NOS hood ornament on too. Love this wagon so much.
Thanks, buddy! The deep dish aluminum wheels were not available on any station wagon. I've seen people put them on them, but they were not a factory option.
@@tonyscarcare5657 With all your research and history, do you know what the 3 cats used in the emblem on the wire wheel center caps mean??? They used those 3 cats on the LTD and the Elite models but nobody has every been able to explain what they mean? Why 3? Is there a deeper meaning?
A rubber mallet works well for putting on wheel covers. I don't remember those spoke wheel covers coming on that model wagon, although the ones that were on it went on cars up to 1974 I believe. I think the spokes look better on the Cougar and Thunderbird. I never did like those spoke wheel covers you just put on her but it's your car. I actually like the regular hubcaps with the blue centers better. Now, a set of deep dish wheels like are on your Mercury Grand Marquis would really set her off! Oh, and wheel weights can hinder the hubcaps from going on all the way too!
They clear the wheel weights just fine. The deep dish wheels were not available on any wagon. These are listed in the dealer brochure as a dress up option, and I love them. I would not like them on a Thunderbird or Cougar. They'd be ok on a 74-76 Bird.
@@tonyscarcare5657 Even though they were NOT a factory option for the alloy wheels, i have seen wagons with them. The owner much have put them on later after the fact. There was one that sold on Bring a trailer less than a year ago in the same color as our wagon, Dark Jade Green, with the alloy wheels.
I laughed seeing your rag. I have the same type of ripped and worn out rag I use in my kitchen. It’s like cheesecloth by this point but it goes through the wash over and over and I’ll never get rid of it.
Awesome! Looks so good! I forgot the merc had the floor mats, score on those, can’t wait to see how they clean up. The wire wheel covers look so much better than those deluuuuxe ones. 😆 I never understood why they called them deluxe, when they kind of aren’t. When I was little my parents had a brown LTD like yours but it didn’t even have the deluxe wheel covers, more plain disk looking ones. It’s no wonder so many put something aftermarket on those.
Well Tony, I’m one of those weirdos that like the deluxe covers but it might because I had those on my first car so maybe it’s a sentimental thing but the wagon looks beautiful. My dad’s 1977 Landau, which he bought new right off the showroom floor had the wire wheel covers and it looked fabulous. The one thing that you need, in my opinion, is the factory brown/woodgrain side molding. I think it’s the cherry on top but that’s just me. Looking awesome!
The NOS wire wheel covers look just beautiful. I would've done the same thing. A vast improvement. I did however cringe a bit when you put those pristine wheel covers on right over those filthy wheels...
I'm out of time. Leaving for Dearborn in the morning. They have to come back off to service the wheel bearings. Please be patient and stay tuned. Thanks for watching!
Hey Mr. Tony - station wagon looks fantastic. That car is definitely worth all the work and effort. The new wheel covers and hood ornament look terrific. We like the towel trick on the bumper what a cool idea. Are those new tires on the wagon. They look new. The stance is perfect and a car that can be admired. Our best! Roseann & Dan
Thanks, guys! Those tires were on there when I bought it and are dated 2016. They do look new. It also already had new shocks all the way around, so it does sit well. See you soon!
That tilted hood ornament was a mid year change to give the illusion that you were going really fast when in fact the national speed limit was 55. Or not. Lol
Thanks! I didn't have a rubber mallet. I trust the palm of my hand and tennis shoes way more. I don't wanna take a chance on damaging NOS wire wheel covers. Those cost a lot!
Those are amazing Tony you just moved that Country Squire up in Class Ahh heck you can pretend to be Bosley from Charley’s Angles when your zipping around Town Checking on the Girls on their assigned Case Assignments they all drove those cheesey Pinto based Mustang ll s and poor Sabrina was in a Pinto Bosley always had a Country Squire or T. Bird
The de luxe wheel covers are o k, but I prefer the wires too. Please let us know if you find out why the hood ornaments were different. That was just weird. The Squire is looking better and better.
Thank you very much. I lost a subscriber on this video, so I guess someone really didn't like them! I'll have to study the hood ornament when I get back from Dearborn.
Hi Tony, yes i like your new wheel covers, but i do not like your old rag hi hi hi. And a other tip for you, go and get your selves a magnetic screwdriver so you do not loos your screws when you are working with your cars. Nice video as usual.
I live the color of the counyry squire. You can yrade yhr drluxe for a set of LTD Landau wherl covets snd psint yhe color keyed insert up match. Then you gave teo sets.
Yay! I was cheering for you to find a way to keep that ornament upright - and you did. Did you consider or has anyone else suggested trying to swap the new ornament onto the old base? Although, your shim fix seems to have done the job quite well.
Quality work as usual. Those hood ornaments are definitely two different castings. I think only exterior options left are vent windows like you mentioned and a full vinyl top correct? Are you adding a vinyl top to this one also?
Tony, the wire caps are stunning ! It makes your LTD stand out. I am sure you will get a great response at your car show. I noticed that yours is equipped with a rear air deflector off of your luggage rack. I would like to equip my two Crown Victoria wagons with the same . Do you have any suggestions as to where to search ? Thanks for the video.
It was simply an unpainted piece of metal. It looks exactly the same on every one of these cars I've had. Nothing else is perfect under that hood either.
The wire wheel covers look great on the wagon. Are those exact covers an option on a 77 Grand Marquis? I had a grand marquis with those exact wheel covers on it.
I don't believe they were listed as an option on the Mercury, but they were available across the parts counter, so it wouldn't have been unheard of to see them on one. Thank you!
I didn't know how soft they were and didn't want to chance denting NOS wheel covers. You wouldn't believe what they cost, and no, I haven't had a rubber hammer in years. They are on there with no damage, and that's all that matters.
Good show. The new wheel covers do make the LTD more elegant
Thank you! There seem to be quite a few who simply don't like them. I don't get it.
Those wheels look fine. I do like the original wheel covers because that is how I remember those cars when they were not.
Thanks! Remember, I'm trying to recreate the wagon I fell for in the 80s.
Well it finally happened. Can we please have a moment of silence….for the loss of 4 LTD deluxe wheel covers on the Country Squire. Some hand holding will be required during this period of adjustment. I was only just getting over the Cragar 50 spokes on the 2 door as well. I am happy that we both have a good sense of humor Tony. The new wires look great 🎉
🤣😂🤣😂 thank you!
Much better looking wheel covers for sure. Good job Tony, the wagon is coming right along. Looks like the 70’s all over again and there ain’t nothing wrong with that!
Thanks, Mike! I'm really starting to see the wagon that I have invisioned since the 1980s.
the wire caps really pop , good choice
Thanks, Jeff, but there's been a few who don't like these. This video lost me a subscriber! 🙄
Sorry to hear you lost a sub , I need to say this it’s your car whether you leave it oem or mount it on a one ton dually frame or make a donk it’s your car . Enjoy it and be proud .
Thanks, Jeff! It has now regained that lost subscriber back.
The wire wheel covers are such a great improvement. Removes any possible "Griswold family truckster" vibe and makes it a more stylish, upscale vehicle. Nice camera work on the before and after shots, too.
Thank you very much! They add so much class in my eyes.
Those wires are the bomb! Good choice on both cars
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. There's been a handful of haters!
Wow..looks beautiful
Thank you!
I agree, Tony.
The hood ornament should stand straight.
👍👍
Thanks! It's definitely better now.
I agree, the wire wheel covers make it look really nice! Look forward to more updates.
Thank you so much! I'm glad most of you get it!
I love what you did for upgrades. I've always loved wire wheels with white wall tires on full size cars. It makes it so classy and luxurious also love the new hood ornament. When I got my 85 crown Vic when I got my license in 1992. The hood ornament that came with it was crusty not shiny so I found a Ford dealership back then that had 1 left in stock same exact one that I was replacing. If i remember correctly I paid $75 for it but I didn't care. The hood ornament belonged on it and it's the tie that goes with a suit lol. Rest of my car was mint except for the hood ornament so it had to go lol. I put it on myself also. I really miss my crown Vic. Your wagon is gorgeous i love it 😊
Thank you! I still have so much that I want to do to it. I wish I'd bought a lot more of this stuff when it was still available at Ford.
You can always take the ornament apart and swap out the base. To get the angle you want. The reason they probably changed it is people used to always flip the thing around backwards to look at the black side and face the grayish look inside forward. The early Silver version in the bottom was a little bigger and fit its own base with a large thread base. And there was a few made that use the later base. And then they switched to Black, and those were black on both sides dark black, then the next year it went to black and gray. And people didn't like to look at the gray side so they'd always turn it backwards. That's why you always saw these cars with the hood on that leaning forward cuz they wanted to look at the black side. They made four different versions of that LTD ornament, and then they made the ltd2 which they only made one version of that, and then there's a super unbelievably rare ltd2 that was made down in Brazil that has just a silver piece on the inside with no LTD logo at all cuz it was called by different names so they made a generic hood ornament and I have the only two I know of in existence brand new never used that were ever brought into the US somebody was selling them on eBay and I snapped them up quickly and I've never seen another for sale again. It just has like a future looking piece of metal on the plastic insert. The ltd2 was called by different name for the Brazil car. So the ornament couldn't have the initials LTD but it used the same tasks on either side just the insert was different. And then you have the leaf looking things that nobody really liked the l a n d a u got silver and you have black. Then it's 79 they changed it to the flat tall things that would break off that had two square holes in them first they had plastic in the holes and they were blank and then the ugly looking ornament that was square with the V shape in at the Crown Victoria came out. I remember removing the later model hood ornaments off friends cars and putting the early LTD with the tusks on it and saying oh God that looks better.
9 out of 10 dentist recommend wire wheel covers for their station wagons, actually, I have no way of knowing if that statement is true, but everybody seems to really like what you have done with those wire wheel covers, really makes a difference, on both cars, both of your fords have very good looking wheels.
Thanks, Dave! Yeah, it seems like most people do like them just like the Star Wires on the LTD. The likes definitely outweigh the dislikes. I lost a subscriber as soon as I posted this video. However, I've already regained that one and another one. So, I guess, I say Bye felicia! 👋 🤣
I enjoy and appreciate your enthusiasm for these mid 70's Fords. These cars were new when I was a teenager. I remember admiring them back then. Its great to see you return them back to their glory
Thank you! I turned 9 years old in 1977. It would have been around 1986 when I saw the wagon I'm trying to recreate.
Love the wire wheel covers! They add style to the station wagon. Buh Bye Deluxe wheel covers.
Thank you! I am glad the majority of you get it.
😱 Wow! What a transformation those wire wheelcovers make ! 😎👍🏻
I love it!
Hey Tony! Buddy I got to hand it to you. You crack me up when you flung those “deluxe” covers! you are so much like me….It’s unbelievable. I absolutely love those wire wheel covers!!! True class!!!! They look fantastic!!!! When I cleaned mine up and put them back on my Buick Park Avenue… they look fantastic. You do what you want, it’s your car you make the decisions that’s what I say. It looks fantastic buddy.!!!❤️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you very much! I really blows my mind how many people love those "deluxe" wheel covers and dislike the wires. They look so much more expensive to me and sparkle so much!
Everytime I see your LTD Country Squire videos, I start chanting "O'Doyle RULES!!!! O'Doyle RULES!!!!"
That one lost me.
Great choice on those new wheel covers. They look great!
Thank you very much. I've always liked those so much better than the others.
Again, your car Tony, your choice. The wire covers look great but I will say I like the Deluxe covers too and have those on my 1974 Squire wagon. 👍
I've already lost one subscriber on this one! 🙄
@@tonyscarcare5657 Really 🤔
Yep! -1!
@@tonyscarcare5657Don’t forget Tony - I put my hand up if you decide to sell that 460 from the green Lincoln MKIV. 😀👍 Re the MKV radiator rubber insulator, you maybe could put a sliver of thin rubber mat etc to tighten it up. A bit like what you did for the emblem, which by the way is not OCD as I would do exactly the same thing. 😊
I drove the same wagon with fixed headlight bezels from the Cape Of Cod to Las Vegas towing a 79 Supra.
That's cool!
I like the deluxe wheel covers but those wire wheels really look great on the wagon! Way better!!
Thank you! I'm glad some of you get it.
I’m like you are Tony when I look at these LTD Country Squires I like to see a fully optioned Car & I know what to look for and where it should be on the Car I can really appreciate that call of detail an LTD Country Squire Or Mercury
Colony Park deserves the full option & accessory Buffet treatment
I totally agree!
Coming together quite nicely Tony. The wire wheel covers sure make it shine.
Thanks, buddy!
My mom had the same wire hubcaps on her 1975 Ford Elite. They were stolen in the late seventies while she was at work.
I'm not surprised. I just upped the insurance on the wagon today!
I love the wild wire wheel covers
Thank you!
I had the same problem getting my wire hub caps installed on the rims of my 1977 T Bird.
They were very tight fitting against the rim.
Get one side of the hubcap on and the other side of the hubcap pops off. 😊
New old stock hubcaps look much better.
Thank you very much! Some people simply don't like them. I don't understand it at all. There add so much class.
The spokes look fantastic.
Try a rubber mallet,
it's a lot easier on the heel of your hand...👍🏁
I didn't have one here. Hubcaps are a rarity around here these days. I got them on there, and it's all good.
Great video Tony. Amazing difference. Keep up the great work
Thank you very much, Sir! Much appreciated!
I think the angle on the hood ornament was made to improve aerodynamics! Good choice on the wheels!!
Thank you! I wondered about the same thing on the hood ornament.
Much better with the white walls and the wire wheels. Now it's a wagon. I grew up with wagons and I miss them. I wish Ford would make them again, instead of the SUVS.
You are preaching to the choir, sir!
It looks great -- you are really starting to gild your Light Jade lily! I have to say, I do like the deluxe wheel covers as well -- a more modern interpretation of the earlier FoMoCo turbine wheel covers. I'm rather glad that they are hard to put on -- that means that they are much less likely to fly off on the highway. I love how you referred to the LTD as "groovy lookin'?! That it definitely is.
Thank you, Sir! 99% of the comments on the wire wheels for the LTD were positive, but there were a few haters. And this video here on the wire wheel covers has already lost me a subscriber, so I guess it pissed someone off.
It's getting late and I've only watched part of this but: You said wish they'd ordered those wire covers new. This is much better because if they had done that they'd be beat up after 47 years. Now you have NOS new ones on there! Also please get yourself a white rubber mallet to install wheel covers with. You're going to end up with a sprained wrist or broken blood vessel, etc. I say from experience as I am even older than you. Lol. Take care. The wheel covers look great and they add a lot of class to the old wagon.
Thank you, Jeff! I believe those will go on there easier the next time. I hope! And yes, those NOS ones were very expensive! They cost me more than the NOS GT wheel covers for my 68 XL.
Muy aunt had the1973 with the 429 four barrel really nice..❤ I use to wash it for 5 dollars in 1978..
I like the 429 better than the 460 myself.
Really enjoy your channel, and those wire wheels look absolutely stunning.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.
Ford engineers sure make you work hard on the hood ornament. It'd be fun to learn the R&R book rate for that job. I absolutely love the wheel covers! This car brings back so many memories, and I love it.
Thank you for keeping youtube positive and enjoyable. I have to tell you... I've been a detailer for a little over 25-years. If I was anywhere close to you, I'd be asking if I could spend an afternoon with you to polish the paint on this one and the brown bomber, all while listening to your great stories.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you all.
My dad used a rubber mallet that he only used for hub caps, 100 years ago.
I didn't have one, and my hand worked.
The new hood ornament looks great. I'm like you, it would've bugged me that it was leaning back. Ok, I'll admit it, the wire wheel covers look nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the interior finished.
Thank you!
I’ve got five of those spoke hubcaps, but they’re really pitted. I collect old hubcaps since 1993 when I was 14. The first one I found said LTD on it and after doing research, I really fell in love with Ford LTds now I own two of them. I’ve got a 77 LTD wagon also and hopefully one day I’d like to find some Cragor spokes or even some old keystones. Originally the car came with dog dish hubcaps, but they’re pretty rough. I actually ran over one by accident once lol. awesome video take care of that car. There’s not too many left.
Thank you! I got very lucky finding those Cragar 50 spokes on eBay for the brown LTD. Thank you for watching and commenting. Much appreciated!
Night and day… LOVE LOVE LOVE the wire wheel covers! Those were the ones my mom had on her 77 Champagne Metallic Squire. Those deluxe wheel covers… never liked them, even when they put them on the 73-76 Thunderbird..
Thank you! I think they look so much better. Someone hated them so bad that I lost a subscriber on this video already!
@@tonyscarcare5657 OMG… their loss, I say…
I remember the guy who hated on you because you wanted to remove the S-bars on the LTD coupe? 🤣😂
🤣😂🤣😂 yeah, I think he bailed over that one, too! Oh well!
I think those optional/upgraded wire wheel covers look amazing. I like the deluxe wheel covers but the wire wheel covers are a ton more elegant and really make the car pop. I have to admit, in all my years of knowing these cars, very very few were optioned with these wire wheel covers. I would say I've seen about 8 cars in 40 years with this rare option. The only higher option was the alloy wheels.
On our 1978 Ford Country Squire wagon ,we had the base hubcaps and they were very nice but would fly off so easily when you hit expansion joints on the highways. Your car looks really regal because with those upgrade wire wheels and corner lamps it really takes it to the next level. Glad to see you put the NOS hood ornament on too. Love this wagon so much.
Thanks, buddy! The deep dish aluminum wheels were not available on any station wagon. I've seen people put them on them, but they were not a factory option.
@@tonyscarcare5657 With all your research and history, do you know what the 3 cats used in the emblem on the wire wheel center caps mean??? They used those 3 cats on the LTD and the Elite models but nobody has every been able to explain what they mean? Why 3? Is there a deeper meaning?
I don't have any idea. I never gave it a thought. I figured it's simply just a design.
A rubber mallet works well for putting on wheel covers. I don't remember those spoke wheel covers coming on that model wagon, although the ones that were on it went on cars up to 1974 I believe. I think the spokes look better on the Cougar and Thunderbird. I never did like those spoke wheel covers you just put on her but it's your car. I actually like the regular hubcaps with the blue centers better. Now, a set of deep dish wheels like are on your Mercury Grand Marquis would really set her off! Oh, and wheel weights can hinder the hubcaps from going on all the way too!
They clear the wheel weights just fine. The deep dish wheels were not available on any wagon. These are listed in the dealer brochure as a dress up option, and I love them. I would not like them on a Thunderbird or Cougar. They'd be ok on a 74-76 Bird.
I was going to say that about the rubber mallet. That's what i always used back in the day to put them on WITHOUT damaging them.
@@tonyscarcare5657 Even though they were NOT a factory option for the alloy wheels, i have seen wagons with them. The owner much have put them on later after the fact. There was one that sold on Bring a trailer less than a year ago in the same color as our wagon, Dark Jade Green, with the alloy wheels.
I laughed seeing your rag. I have the same type of ripped and worn out rag I use in my kitchen. It’s like cheesecloth by this point but it goes through the wash over and over and I’ll never get rid of it.
They're the best ones. 🤣
I agree the wire wheel covers look much nicer
Thank you! It seems most people do like them. There are still a few who do not, but they don't have to drive it.
I like the wires also Tony! See you and the Squire in Detroit.
Yes, Sir!
Awesome! Looks so good! I forgot the merc had the floor mats, score on those, can’t wait to see how they clean up. The wire wheel covers look so much better than those deluuuuxe ones. 😆
I never understood why they called them deluxe, when they kind of aren’t. When I was little my parents had a brown LTD like yours but it didn’t even have the deluxe wheel covers, more plain disk looking ones. It’s no wonder so many put something aftermarket on those.
Yeah, I never understood the "deluxe" either! Stay tuned because you won't believe how well those floor mats cleaned up.
Well Tony, I’m one of those weirdos that like the deluxe covers but it might because I had those on my first car so maybe it’s a sentimental thing but the wagon looks beautiful. My dad’s 1977 Landau, which he bought new right off the showroom floor had the wire wheel covers and it looked fabulous. The one thing that you need, in my opinion, is the factory brown/woodgrain side molding. I think it’s the cherry on top but that’s just me. Looking awesome!
Thank you. I have that brown bodyside molding NOS and plan to pit it on.
I agree they look great! Hahaha there is something about an old rag.
Thank you! That rag has been a good one! 🤣
The NOS wire wheel covers look just beautiful. I would've done the same thing. A vast improvement. I did however cringe a bit when you put those pristine wheel covers on right over those filthy wheels...
I'm out of time. Leaving for Dearborn in the morning. They have to come back off to service the wheel bearings. Please be patient and stay tuned. Thanks for watching!
As for the hood ornament ,grab it and pull straight up and rotate from front back . I changed a lot of those under warranty years ago!
It and the other NOS one I have are made the exact same way. I'm definitely not yanking on it and taking a chance on it breaking. It's not that bad.
I get it! Things are getting hard to find.
I do need a 73 ford ltd
Hey Mr. Tony - station wagon looks fantastic. That car is definitely worth all the work and effort. The new wheel covers and hood ornament look terrific. We like the towel trick on the bumper what a cool idea. Are those new tires on the wagon. They look new. The stance is perfect and a car that can be admired. Our best! Roseann & Dan
Thanks, guys! Those tires were on there when I bought it and are dated 2016. They do look new. It also already had new shocks all the way around, so it does sit well. See you soon!
That tilted hood ornament was a mid year change to give the illusion that you were going really fast when in fact the national speed limit was 55. Or not. Lol
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That is when they made hubcaps not to come off so easy. They look great! Maybe a rubber mallet would help putting them on?
Thanks! I didn't have a rubber mallet. I trust the palm of my hand and tennis shoes way more. I don't wanna take a chance on damaging NOS wire wheel covers. Those cost a lot!
Aubbudanza !!!!!!!!!!!
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Well to me I like the hubcap instead. ❤
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cool
I think so.
You should have watched Adam”s video on how to put wheel covers on. He made it look easy!
I did watch it. Adam wasn't putting on "NOS" wheels covers. There is no comparison between used and NOS. Plus, Adam has the legs of a race horse!
LOL!! Fair enough. Anyway, they look great! Most people forget that those were even an option.
Thanks!
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Those are amazing Tony you just moved that Country Squire up in Class Ahh heck you can pretend to be Bosley from Charley’s Angles when your zipping around Town Checking on the Girls on their assigned Case Assignments they all drove those cheesey Pinto based Mustang ll s and poor Sabrina was in a Pinto Bosley always had a Country Squire or T. Bird
Yes, sir! I think it looks so much more expensive with these. There's been some haters, though. Oh, well. Haters gonna hate.
I did and still do love that show!
The de luxe wheel covers are o k, but I prefer the wires too. Please let us know if you find out why the hood ornaments were different. That was just weird. The Squire is looking better and better.
Thank you very much. I lost a subscriber on this video, so I guess someone really didn't like them! I'll have to study the hood ornament when I get back from Dearborn.
Hi Tony, yes i like your new wheel covers, but i do not like your old rag hi hi hi. And a other tip for you, go and get your selves a magnetic screwdriver so you do not loos your screws when you are working with your cars. Nice video as usual.
Thanks! I always lose my tools.
I live the color of the counyry squire. You can yrade yhr drluxe for a set of LTD Landau wherl covets snd psint yhe color keyed insert up match. Then you gave teo sets.
Pull up on the hood ornament and spin it from front to back I bet it will be straight. Grew up in a body shop in that time frame
It's clearly made different than the original one. It's fine now. Thanks!
Tony, Is there anything better than new old stock? It is certainly a lot better than old new stock. 😁
🤣😂🤣🤣 I guess not!
Yay! I was cheering for you to find a way to keep that ornament upright - and you did. Did you consider or has anyone else suggested trying to swap the new ornament onto the old base? Although, your shim fix seems to have done the job quite well.
Thanks! No, it's the ornament itself that is made different. Changing the base wouldn't change anything.
ANY car with cornering lights deserves wire wheel covers at the least.
I agree. Thank you!
Quality work as usual. Those hood ornaments are definitely two different castings. I think only exterior options left are vent windows like you mentioned and a full vinyl top correct? Are you adding a vinyl top to this one also?
Thank you once again! Oh, no. I don't believe a vinyl top belongs on a wagon. Definitely, minivent windows and the bodyside molding are yet to come.
Tony, the wire caps are stunning ! It makes your LTD stand out. I am sure you will get a great response at your car show. I noticed that yours is equipped with a rear air deflector off of your luggage rack. I would like to equip my two Crown Victoria wagons with the same . Do you have any suggestions as to where to search ? Thanks for the video.
Thank you very much! I believe I've seen those show up on eBay and even on Facebook Market Place.
My cat Sophie was most interested in how you changed the wheels. Sent you an email.
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Tony, Too bad you didn't put some black paint on that top radiator support cover when you had it all apart
It was never black to begin with.
@@tonyscarcare5657 Whatever color it was, you ought to repaint it, the patina looks like faded out paint!
It was simply an unpainted piece of metal. It looks exactly the same on every one of these cars I've had. Nothing else is perfect under that hood either.
@@tonyscarcare5657 Thaks for the clarification bro!
You're welcome!
You need a hubcap mallet
My right hand worked.
The wire wheel covers look great on the wagon. Are those exact covers an option on a 77 Grand Marquis? I had a grand marquis with those exact wheel covers on it.
I don't believe they were listed as an option on the Mercury, but they were available across the parts counter, so it wouldn't have been unheard of to see them on one. Thank you!
I am sorry if this a stupid question, but where are trailering this car ? I’ve heard you mention Dearborn a couple of times just curious?
Yes, Dearborn.
Can you swap the new hood ornament stand-up piece onto the old base?
No, sir. The hood ornament itself is what's made different, but it's gonna be fine.
Tony, do you sell parts online? I have a 1985 Lincoln Towncar, Signiture Series and would like to have a one stop shop to buy my products from...
No, I'm sorry, I do not.
The ones you had on there were not from that year anyway. Much earlier '70s
That's simply not true. I have the dealer brochure, which shows those exact ones.
@@tonyscarcare5657 I must be wrong then I could have sworn that those are from like 1973
@@tonyscarcare5657 looks like the Barnaby Jones Ford
Absolutely painful watching you put those hubcaps on. You don't have a rubber hammer?
I didn't know how soft they were and didn't want to chance denting NOS wheel covers. You wouldn't believe what they cost, and no, I haven't had a rubber hammer in years. They are on there with no damage, and that's all that matters.
Those fake wire wheels are awful. Very american/tacky. The original hubcaps give the car a much better 'stance'.
You are way outnumbered!