Weird question re: 1st gen Grand Marquis ignitions ... - Ford Forums

jstgerma · 02-11-2008, 14:29

Hi,

New to the forum, and I've got sort of a unique question for you guys.

I'm a writer working on a novel, and in one scene, a character has to start a first generation Grand Marquis without a key (I was thinking a 1985 model, but the scene takes place in 1997, so the car could be any year in the mid-80s). The character knows much more about cars than I do (which is turning into kind of a big problem with the book ... ), so he would know the easiest way to do it, but I don't. Would he hotwire it from under the dash? Jam a screwdriver in the ignition? Or would the easiest way be to get into the engine bay? Do those years have steering locks that he would need to deal with somehow?

I hope this isn't taboo, because I know that technically asking questions about hotwiring might be illegal, but believe me when I say that even if there were any early 80s Mercurys still around in my neighborhood, I have no plans to hotwire them.

I just want to make sure my book is realistic.

Also, I've been searching around the site, but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for: anybody have a link to the paint colors available on first-generation Grand Marquis?

Thanks for your time, and for any help you may be able to offer.

**Nathan in MN** · 02-11-2008, 16:49

Yes, Grand Marquis of that era would have a steering column lock, so there'd be that to deal with. As far as hotwiring it, under the hood would probably be the easiest way. And, not that it really matters, but there's never been anything particularly desirable about these cars--why was the guy trying to steal the thing, even 11 years ago? lol

thefonz · 02-12-2008, 16:31

The info you seek shouldn't be posted on here in detail. Personally, I don't believe you are a writer, or at least not a professional one, that much detail in a book would be pointless, boring and add nothing worthwhile to the story.

**Nathan in MN** · 02-12-2008, 22:08

I highly doubt this guy's trying to steal anything--who would bother trying to steal an '85 Grand Marquis? lol

jstgerma · 02-13-2008, 23:42

Thanks for the help, Nathan in MN.

To answer your question, the character is trying to start the Mercury because the Mercury's owner has stolen his Jeep, and the only car left nearby for him to take to chase after him is the Mercury. It makes more sense (I hope) if you read the whole novel.

thefonz · 02-14-2008, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan in MN

I highly doubt this guy's trying to steal anything--who would bother trying to steal an '85 Grand Marquis? lol

I don't think he's trying to steal it either. My point is, this kind of info shouldn't be posted on a public forum.