New problems/questions

Couple of issues I've been having - 1 is that the dashboard lights seem to be out in a couple of places - the speedo is only half lit up, and the left side and right side backlights seem to be out. Is this an easy fix? Would the process be in the Haynes manual - still waiting to recieve mine.

Also, my drivers side window isn't sealing properly - there's a gap in the upper rear part of the window. I think that there is a window clip or two that may need to be replaced. I'f I'm a noob, is that something I can do? I know the crownvic.net guy has instructions on how to remove the door panels, but I'm wondering if after I've done that - can I also fix the window or should I take it to a shop or something.

My seats also suck, and it seems like mercury maurader seats have been mentioned - are there other seats that I should consider replacing mine with? I need a right side armrest /center console to rest my arm on, cuz i'm lazy like that.
I was checking out pics of other peoples cars, and though it was late, I thought I'd take a couple of mine - more pics to come this evening when it's light out :)

Couple of pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/dknapp1/cvpi

That reminds me - the last pic in the series shows the firewall on the passengers side. It seems to me like theres a lot of noise coming from there - I can hear the starter - sounds like it's right next to me. That big rubber plug didn't look like it was in correctly, so I fiddled with it a bit, but it didn't seem to help. Is there anything else I should look for down there, or am I missing some firewall/flooring rubber?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

David Knapp

If some of the dash bulbs work and some don't I think they are just burned out. Try replaceing them.

Don't count on the Haynes or Clymer type manuals for the kind of detailed info you will need to change out the dash bulbs or adjust that window. Believe it or not, I get most of my info like this from the parts counter and service writers at the local Ford dealerships.
This forum is also an excellent source of info, if you are patient enough to wait.

i've had to replace bulbs on about every P71 i've had. process is a bit tedious, but very do-able. 7mm socket removes the 2 screws holding black outer bezel. might also be 7mm that removes screws that hold clear plastic cover over instruments. then, remove screws that hold instrument cluster to dash, carefully pull cluster towards you, beware, gear indicator needle, and speedometer cable, tilt towards you, and reach around in back, black twistlocks hold bulbs, from the front you will see which are burned out. twist them loose, and remove black twistlock bulb holders, bulbs are pressed into them. you can replace all of them if needed in 45 minutes or less.

ps, carefully pop your lower dash trim free first, short piece to left of steering column, and longer piece on passenger side, start at outer edges.

for your noise problem pull your carpet away from the floor padding and all, you may be pleasantly surprised to be lookin at an o2 sensor. if you do have a hole there cut out any rust then coat it with a rust preventative paint then either have a body shop make you a patch or make your own and weld it in place. i used old street signs as a patch on my floor