[pstrbrc]

AAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!

OK, I get this absolute sweetheart deal on a '96 Escort, and with it starting off at 37-40mpg without ANY work, I was looking forward to some basic mods.
Then.....
came a 6 point buck through the windshield.
So I'm back to driving an '84 Grand Marquis.

OK, so it's a boat. Gets a regular 18mpg on the highway.
So here's what I'm seeing.
#1. That's one dirty front facia. The vertical grill slots will allow making flush grill block pieces, and I can also cover the headlights the same way. Not much of a start, but it IS a start.
#2. Lots of suspension travel. I have a set of coil spring lowering clamps I'm gonna try on the front end. But with that much front overhang, I'm not sure how much front clearance I can give up. I wonder if I can shorten the tubes the bumper is mounted on, get it closer to the car? Both front and rear bumpers could afford to be narrowed by 4", but can I afford that? strictly low budget, you know. But, hmmm... lessee. Narrow the bumpers. Mount them closer to the car. French them in with foam and fiberglass. Paint them body color. (The car DOES need repainting!) Lower it front and rear by cutting off a half a coil. Attach black plastic air dam to bottom of front bumper.
#3. Speaking of repainting. Rip off the half-a## vinyl roof, the stupid lights on the b-pillars, de-mirror it, replace radio antenna with one of those "tape on the windshield" antennas. What else?
#4. Wheel covers. Man, them are HUGE wheel wells. Anybody ever make wheel skirts for these boats? Back wheels sure could use them.
#5. Appears to have a 3.07 gear in the 8.8" rear end. Is there a lower (numerically) gear available for this diff?
OK, let loose with the suggestions.