As if I didn’t have enough on-going car projects, I picked up a toy for Amanda. This needs close to a full restoration but it’s a complete unmolested runner with 185k. She is going to work on it with me. I’m not turning a wrench without her in the garage with me. The seller had the car since the early 90’s and had a stack of receipts, enough to piece together a basic history. Unfortunately that history includes a trip to Maaco so the paint presents well in photos but looks quite horrid up close. The day we took it home I placed a big order for parts.
Phase 1: all new brakes, brake lines, bearings, tie rods, ball joints, shocks, and springs. There was nothing in the paperwork about when this stuff was done and I figured it would be best to just tear it all down and build it back up again.
Phase 2: I also got a new radiator and hoses and plan to flush all the fluids.
Phase 3: It smokes at startup and I think it’s the valve seals. That’s new territory for me but I ordered a seal kit, water pump, cap, rotor, plugs, and fresh belts to rebuild the top end. Last time the timing belt was done was 30k ago but over 10 years.
Phase 4: find a better bumper, fix the rust in the rear quarter and wrap or plastidip the paint to hide the fabulous Maaco work. Amanda also wants to refinish the steering wheel, shift boot, and maybe drop in new seats. Plus there is a small crack in the dash that needs to be addressed.
The car was cheap, real cheap, so I figured it was a better investment than paying more for a car that was going to need all the same stuff. I know the motor and transmission are solid...and these cars will run forever. Most parts, aside from the shocks and struts, were cheap too. $10 for a brake rotor? Check!
And now for some photos...
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