Hermes

I do my own maintenance and repairs whenever I can. I have a '57 Custom 2 dr sedan, 2000 Crown Victoria PI, 2003 Mercury Marauder, 2009 Crown Victoria PI, '79 F-150, '79 f-350, '97 F-350, and a 1996 F-53 Chassis Class A Motorhome, so I am kept busy with maintenance. I appreciate engineering that accounts for maintenance and repair ease of access. A newer F Series that requires cab and bed removal for many repair operations, precludes my interest or consideration to purchase. For Ford to continue to be a leader, as they were with going to F-Series aluminum bodies, make the F-Series with a tilt front end, and (maybe) follow the Ram lead of an air-bag rear suspension.

If you intend to drive any distances, make sure your PI has cruise control - I suspect that many do not. Otherwise, they are easy and (relatively) inexpensive to repair, with good parts availability. Do not be surprised if the odometer does not display (a known, but repairable circuit board solder problem).

The best upgrade is a 2005 or newer.

My 2003 Marauder got ~16mpg in city driving with the OEM 3.55 rear gears. I get ~15mpg with the 4.11 gears I now have.

I would try to leave it on the "crash frame", with a quick release wire harness for when it is necessary to service or remove the engine.

I heard mention Ford was considering a tilt front end for the F-Series. Poor engine access for service is a deal-breaker for me. Removing the cab to do service is incredibly poor design. I suppose the front perimeter sheet-metal (under the fenders, & around the radiator) help obtain better/more protection crash results, and limit serviceability, but Ford has dropped the ball when it comes to leadership in this area. The F650< type tilt front end is what I'm talkin' about. Add a bolt on crash frame under the sheet metal, for impact resistance, and there you go!...no more damn cab removal. Hot rodders have been doing it for years. Why not Ford?

Random thoughts & observations... I haven't had time to visit her in quite a while, but reading through these 7 pages has been very interesting. I have a better grasp of why the Panther is going away, and look forward to a possible future BOF replacement. I am 59 years old, and my 2003 Marauder, 2000 CVPI, 1993 Grand Marquis, 1979 F37 U-Haul, & 1979 F150 SWB 4X4 will all probably last me my remaining years. The side impact collision damage to the center pillar of the Panther & occupants could be re-engineered to protect passengers. A means to tie the frame to the body (during a collision only) could be done through clever/innovative design. Think cables, straps, restraints, etc. My understanding is the new Police Taurus has a unique reinforced cage. I cannot wrap my (somewhat limited) mind around a unibody F150. Many around the USA consider an F150 a BOF sedan. I miss my 1979 Bronco. Best sedan I ever had. "From what I've seen, he will be restoring his late father's car. It was the last car that Jack Lord drove on the original show, a black mid 70's Marquis" That would be so cool! The Transit Connect isn't a new model... "designed by Peter Horbury and introduced in 2002"...makes it just as old as the 2002 Panther update!