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**Lonestar** · May 7, 2011, 05:07 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

If the left accent piece is other wise in good condition the 3m double back foam tape may allow you to affix the piece back on the panel. You are probably not going to find a NOS accent piece.

Weld Wood cement (following the instruction exactly) will fix the right panel but you will need to remove the panel but that is not biggie. Might be better off to see if a door panel is available at Team Ford NV.

The left rear quarter can be fix right for $750 - $1000. Some will fix for less but you will get what you pay for when it come to that.

Now, why is the accent piece off on the left side and why is the vinyl separated on the right? I would want a Car Fax on that car and some honest discussion. Looks like abuse and smashed right door at some point so the price need to be right and an inspection is strongly suggested.

**tbird_dreamer** · May 7, 2011, 06:08 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Thanks for your response, Lonestar.
When you say the right panel fix you're talking about where the vinyl has separated on the right, and you think I'll need to remove the panel? I'm in VA, so will a local "team ford" do? Since it's a N.M., isn't the color a bit different from other black tbirds?
Seeing this wear and tear does make an inspection a good suggestion. Is just any local authorized Ford dealership okay for this, too?

**00mustng** · May 7, 2011, 06:39 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

.....Is this a private sale?....auction?.....How it came to be in this condition would be cause for concern....Actual availability research for the parts you need should be done....trim parts are getting unobtainium for these cars....I'm guessing the door trim is stretched....but seek out a good automotive upholstery specialist....Know that black paint is hard to match and to blend....With this car's needs I can't imagine the paint generally on this car is all that great....www.wasney.com (a Ford wrecker) has an NM in their inventory up here in B.C.....or try and source one closer....but there were only 200 of them....good luck....sounds a little scary?

**jerrym3** · May 7, 2011, 07:53 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Looks like the previous owner didn't care that much about this car.

I'd be concerned about the mechanics.

**4LOWBIRDS+7** · May 7, 2011, 08:22 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

GET THAT CAR, ALL CAN BE FIXED EASILY.

**007Cruiser** · May 7, 2011, 08:27 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Why mess with problems when there are so many in better condition?

**Southern** · May 7, 2011, 08:29 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

I'm with Ron. It may be dinged, but it is a NM and they don't make them anymore, you know. USE the pieces to negotiate and get away with a steal.

**bgl** · May 7, 2011, 08:31 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

On the paint, depending on how fussy you want to be, you may be able to find some touch up (Ford) and take a toothpick and fill the scratch. Some folks are good at that. Painting it will require a much larger area to be repainted and may require blending. Tough to get black to match.

**007Cruiser** · May 7, 2011, 08:57 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

True that they aren't making more NMs but they do come up
for sale.

**Vintage Merlot** · May 7, 2011, 08:59 PM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Sorry, I am in the minority here. These are not minor problems if you are a perfectionist. Who knows what you will discover if you purchase the car. I personally would look for a newer car in near perfect condition. It should not be that hard to find. I was never impressed by the NM but if it is your dream car....follow your dream and just do it. The more comments you get here the more trouble you will have making a decision....

**Chuck** · May 8, 2011, 06:59 AM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

I found the complete right panel listed for $291.62 & the complete left panel listed for $275.12 if you can find them, both are listed as “discontinued”.

**tbird_dreamer** · May 8, 2011, 07:46 AM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Thanks for that research Chuck! And thanks everyone. All this input really actually helps a lot. I'm leaning toward a no due to the over care question, but am getting such a good price that the repair is worth considering, only if it's doable, and not sure that it is. The NM is rather nice. I'm conflicted. I'd be very happy to keep the car but am also considering it's resale value, and how I can leverage it to get into an 04 VMG. (cuz that's how I roll) ;) At this point the repair work is bothering me considerably, especially since the black may be hard to match, and the panel(s) too tough to replace. Thanks again, y'all.

**MATBird** · May 8, 2011, 08:31 AM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

"Since it's a N.M., isn't the color a bit different from other black tbirds?" I don't think so. I believe the black is the same as the standard black. I also believe a credible body shop can match what you have

**2K2BIRD** · May 8, 2011, 08:45 AM

Re: Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

I think you have answered your own question. If you would be just as happy with the Merlot then the car is not calling you enough to put up with the extra hassle of fixing it up.

I guess one of the reasons I'll never be rich is I've never bought a car based on what it will be worth when I'm finished with it. It is always about how it makes me feel now.

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Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

Input Please on an 02 NM I'm looking at...

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