DenCon Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 (edited) In central WA Just aquired an '87 SE 5-spd that's in pretty ugly condition: Didn't run when arrived (no oil drain plug) PO said it smoked and was only firing on 5 cylinders Kinda gross inside (but not smoked in!) and out (multi-color body panels), pretty beat up, rust through in the usual places So... I installed a $4 drain plug , bought at the local auto parts Found some used Delo from my truck's recent oil change, dumped it in Installed a "dead" battery that miraculously fits, charged it Evicted the most-threatening wasps so I could get in without danger of being attacked Turned the key, and... Fired right up - on all 6 cylinders, and no smoke (it definitely needs a valve cover gasket or two) Felt lucky, putted around the lane a bit Now it's clean up time - get rid if the ick factor Edited July 18, 2015 by DenCon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Back from the dead! Welcome aboard. How's the frame holding up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDN_S4 Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Before and after pics of this would be great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teixeira Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobynInOK Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Welcome to the NPORA forums! & congrats on the start-up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbley11 Posted July 18, 2015 Share Posted July 18, 2015 Welcome, where in Washington are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenCon Posted July 19, 2015 Author Share Posted July 19, 2015 (edited) Cleaned it up today (can now see through the glass!) Feels very loose in the rear suspension - wants to jump off the road when I hit bumps. I'll have my son help me look over the frame when he's available; I figure he'll rock it while I lie underneath to watch for moving things that shouldn't move. It could be something as simple as shocks (what's on there is not original). Last recorded service was timing belt at 119K; it now has 207K on it. Bottom end sounds a little cloppety, but not bad. The body is pretty beat up - panels don't line up well and there's a lot of bondo. I'm waiting for the title Things I have to do soon (pending passed frame inspection): Replace the driver's exterior door handle - it's broken off Get another door striker screw for driver's side Replace valve cover gaskets Replace sunroof latch Change engine oil/filter (maybe use Delo) Economy shocks all around Replace passenger headlight There's a lot of creative wiring I'll have to sort through - some gauges/dash stuff work, some don't, headlights wiring creatively isolated, inop heater fan motor & mirrors ...and that's just the beginning! Edited July 19, 2015 by DenCon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingman Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Welcome. Wright always need more WA members! The rear suspension is more than likely the trailing arm bushings. Common and cause quite a ruckus. 4x4parts sells split poly bushings. Easy job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPath88 Posted July 19, 2015 Share Posted July 19, 2015 Welcome to NPORA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedEGs Posted July 20, 2015 Share Posted July 20, 2015 Welcome aboard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenCon Posted July 21, 2015 Author Share Posted July 21, 2015 I think I found the problem: Broken front swaybar bracket (haven't figured how to attach pix) Panhard Rod mount cracked at frame (minor) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now