Screwed on a 1988 Ford Thunderbird...Help!

[undergrad83]

So I just purchased a 88 Thunderbird (V6, 3.8 Liter) from a private owner and of course there has to be a major problem with it. After driving it for 15 or 20 minutes the temperature began to rise and I had to pull off the road. Now I went to the gas statin for water and waited about an hour for it to cool down, but it would not start. I had it towed to a side street where I then had my uncle come take a look. After a couple hours we found out that the radiator was pushing mass amounts of water through the engine out the exhaust...head gasket blown. Now I spoke to the guy who sold it to me and of course he's taking no fault in this saying that he sold it to me "as is" and that it was running fine when he had the car; he even went as far as to tell me that there was a problem with the radiator and that it will need water. I think he's full of it! Can anyone help me? I would either like to find another engine for the car or if you have ever been in this situation can you lend me some legal advice. Lucikly I still have his ad specifying in big bold letters that "There's nothing wrong with this car, except no driver". What do you guys think?

[97Bird]

I would call your state atty general's office and ask them what you can do about it. In some states if you pay more then a certain amount for the car there is an implied guarantee for a certain number of days. It doesn't cost anything to call them so it's cheaper then talking with a local lawyer.

[undergrad83]

Originally Posted by 97Bird

I would call your state atty general's office and ask them what you can do about it. In some states if you pay more then a certain amount for the car there is an implied guarantee for a certain number of days. It doesn't cost anything to call them so it's cheaper then talking with a local lawyer.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I actually ended up talking it over with a lawyer and found out that I have a strong case, but he was honest in telling me that it is going to be a long drawn out hassle. So I figured my best bet is to try and get it repaired.

Do you know anyone that give some advice on what to do? I searched head gasketsbut it only comes up with these parts that are only 70 to 100 dollars, and I know it's a lot more than that.

[undergrad83]

Can anyone give some advice on how to go about getting a blown head gasket in a 88 thunderbird repaired?

[97Bird]

I'd still call the state's AG office for advice. If you want to repair it yourself I highly recommend you go to Helminc.com and buy the factory repair manual. You will have to have the head checked for straightness when you remove it. Check with a machine shop to see how much they charge. If you are going to have someone else do it then get a few prices and ask around to see who people in the area recommend for service.