Ford Fairmont Problems

It was a common problem with Shockwave and Ford was repairing those cars affected. Take the car back to the dealer and ask to have the affected areas repainted. You shouldn’t be charged for the work.

An air valve system that works much like a carburetor was the system that would have been used back in the 1990's when your car was built and that would be the cheapest system to use if cost is your priority. These systems were fitted to millions of cars over many years and performed well. Injection systems are the alternative and these drive and perform better than the old air valve ones, but they're quite a bit more expensive. I would choose an injection system for the performance and drivability, but go for the air valve if you want a more affordable system.

The brakes probably need doing again, the pads probably need replacing again and the rotors probably need skimming.

Leaking injectors is a relatively common problem when the kays get up a bit, so check that again, but also check the fuel pressure relief valve to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

If it’s three years since it was installed it probably needs a service, the rough idle, stalling and popping and banging are symptomatic of an ignition problem. We ran your problem past the guys at Impco and they suggested fitting genuine Ford gas spark plugs as well as checking the ignition leads.

That's the way every problem should be handled, unfortunately not everyone gets the same service.

THIS is a common problem with the 5.4-litre V8 and has been for a long time, so you would think Ford and its dealers would have worked out a way of removing the spark plugs without breaking them. That you cop a bill of almost $2400 just to remove the spark pugs is disgraceful. Ford and the dealer should both be ashamed for not working out a solution a long time ago.

IT'S unusual to have the rear brakes wearing out before the front, which do most of the stopping work, so I'd first be making sure the brake system is functioning correctly. If it is, there is good reason to pressure VW to replace the worn components under warranty, and you're correct that all manufacturers, carmakers and others, have a duty to provide a product that is fit for the purpose it's being sold for.

IT'S not a problem, but normal wear and tear I would suggest. I would guess your discs are in need of machining, or even replacement.

IT SOUNDS like a wonderful car, one any early Falcon enthusiast would love. From your description, and the fact it was owned by a Ford employee before your father, it could be a special-build car, which makes it hard to put a fair value on it.  An XY Fairmont is worth $25,000-$35,000 depending on the options and condition. A Fairmont GS is highly prized and worth $45,000-$55,000. Yours appears to be an optioned-up Fairmont, and I believe it could be worth $35,000-$45,000. I understand your frustration at being asked if you want to sell it every time you take it out; a have the same feeling every time I drive my XW GT HO.