Here's a quick list of must do items. Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated. Not sure how our timeline will go from turning in the VW, getting the check, and getting the vehicle on the road but things need to happen quickly without cutting corners. I suppose prioritizing is what's needed most right now.
Known issues with the waggy:
-Carb seems to have an issue, probably the accl.pump went bad from sitting. Idles fine but accelerating is interesting at best.
-Windshield is cracked pretty good.
-Tires were new and show little wear but sitting for 5-6 years wasn't good. Dryrot has set in. I'd be able to run them but wouldn't risk it for the wife.
-Exhaust has a good leak and the cat or muffler seems a little clogged.
-The gas tank skid plate is rusted through. Only rust on the thing really and is on the bottom, not at the frame so much like they usually do. I'm not comfortable letting her roll around with the plastic tank exposed like that. It's a pretty big hole.
-PO had jury rigged the rear tailgate window so it's now worthless. It's in the up position but looks to be dropping some.
-Front leaf springs are shot.
-Leaks. Not sure how many were from sitting but it was leaking pretty good when we first got it running. RMS especially was bad but last time I ran it, that has seemed to gone away. Maybe the seal was dry or?? Who knows. Either way I have to put some attention should I need to do a motor re-seal.
That's most of the issues I can recall off the top of my head. Stuff like cosmetics are a non issue right now but may be addressed in the future.
Here's the good part of going this route... parts I already have which will save us some $$ while getting it back on the road. Please look this over and try and pick holes in my thinking wherever I fail to recognize an issue.
1)carb issue. I could have the factory one rebuilt for $$. I have a spare that looks to have been rebuilt at some point but don't know what shape it's in. I have a brand new edelbrock 4bbl AFB sitting on a performer manifold in storage. It would require an adapter for the 2bbl factory manifold and linkage made to work. I also have an unknown Howell V8 tbi kit. I bought it used but it's all there. It is obviously a lot more work to install. It would need a new chip for the computer and an O2 sensor with a bung welded into the exhaust. That would be great but I don't know how long it would take to get it all together, installed, and running correctly. I've never done one.
2) windshield...will call safelight and have them install a new one.
3) tires will be replaced with BFG all terrains. Need to decide on size which relates to how we address the front spring issue. Would prefer to go with 31x10.50x15s. We will see.
4)Exhaust. Thankfully I have a nearly new, well made (mandrel bent, 2.5") complete exhaust off a buddy's donor waggy. It has a magnaflow muffler on it but no cat. May run without it as we don't have emissions here. Will need hangers burned on and then install it.
5) gas tank skid. Hopefully I can find someone with a good one cheap. I suppose I could try amd patch it but it's pretty bad. Anyone got one laying around not doing anything?
6) I hate that the tailgate is jacked up. It also has the only real dent on the entire car. Not sure of if I can pull it out and then replace the guts to get the window working again? I have a nice replacement tailgate in a different color but it has a big dent as well! Existing TG is dented top half, passenger side. Replacement TG is bottom half, passenger side. DOH! Wish i was a body man. It's a bad combination of cosmetics and functionality.
7) Suspension. This is where things get muddy. It's hard to argue that a stock Gwag rides like a Cadillac. It's pretty common that lifting it loses much of that cloud like quality. With the front springs on this one being past their life, something must be done. I may actually have 2 sets of fronts in storage but unfortunately they are holding up my 67 commando project. Not really crazy on going backwards with that. Then we look at tires being needed and the wife preferring a more aggressive design. Going bigger, now is the time for a lift. But what lift? How much? I'm thinking 4"s would clear 31s pretty well but without spending Deaver size money, who's kit can retain a great on road ride? I had a Rustys 4" on my old FS Cherokee and it definitely rode harsher, more stiff. Las option could be just two new stock springs but I don't think she's going to be happy with the factory tire size.
8) Leaks. This I will have to take as I see em. Having done all new fluids in the vehicle I'm sure I'll find some. The oil in the motor was for "break in" from sitting. I'll change that again shortly but if I have to do a RMS, That would be the time. Probably need valve cover gaskets. A new timing chain and water pump are not that expensive either but a good amount of work.
Ok folks... weigh in. We appreciate the input!!
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