AMC Eagle Den Forum
The Shop => Project Cars => Topic started by: trapperjack on May 25, 2008, 03:19:26 PM
-
Man, what a trip! 19 hrs in 1 day. Here's the scoop so far. 81 SX/4, auto tranny (rebuilt 3000 miles ago, professionaly), cruise, tilt, a/c, rear louvers (need some help), receiver hitch (not true equalizer hitch), very nice interior. Body overall is good, except for where it smashed into a BMW (if I remember right). Floors o.k., some rust, frame in good shape (except for slight tweaking from BMW demolition), rockers both inner and outer are toast, swiss cheese, MIA. Overall a very salvageable and hopefully soon driveable rig. Has the kick panel for a computer, but no wires, stepper motor, or other junk from one with a 'puter. Full time 4wd.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter001.jpg)
loaded up and ready to go.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter003.jpg)
Previous driver and my son. She got a little teary-eyed, and made me promise to send photos when back on the road. Will do.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/thfaithdanielle012.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/thfaithdanielle009.jpg)
Interior just needs a little vaccuming and armor all.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter012.jpg)
Yikes! Inner rockers shot, too.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter007.jpg)
It followed me home, can I keep it?
-
A few questions. What can be done about the rockers? How are the louvers monted, is there a diagram somewhere, and how to fix a tear in the plastic? Now to get some sheetmetal off.
-
looks like a fun project, good luck!
-
Looks like you got yourself a nice project...
-
A decent afternoon of work. The end of the frame on the p side is twisted. pushed the radiator causing it to tweak the d-side headlight bucket. I hope most of this will bend back to close to good. this has just got to pass safety inspection, not be pretty. And it needs to be safe, other than that, I don't care. Here's what we started with...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter013.jpg)
After taking off this....
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter019.jpg)
We get this...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter020.jpg)
The d side frame is good....
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter017.jpg)
P side frame....yikes
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter016.jpg)
Doesn't appear to have affected anything beyond the bumper mount.
-
Looks workable.
-
II guess the original front right wheel was damaged in the accident?
Looks like a great project, I would trade my Kammback for a solid SX/4
-
TJ,
It is a doable car.
Eddie
-
Having trouble lining things back up. Got the headlight bucket support pretty much back in shape, but that frame end is really causing problems. I took a photo looking down beside where the battery tray goes, but it's hard to see. Not sure how I'm going to straighten that out. The outer wall of the frame rail, where the bumper mount bolts to has collapsed inward, creasing the metal in front of and above it. Have moved it some by jacking it up with a tractor jack and pounding on it with my rock bar. Am open to ideas.
-
I tried a come-along anchored to a tree, but actually drug the front of the Eagle instead of bending metal. I'm thinking where it's creased is doubling it's strength. Radiator is too close to fan, or i'd use some washers/spacers to line up parts. May take it for a short drive Monday, just to make sure it's going to track o.k.
-
costs money but try a frame shop?
Nice looking car
thx for sharing with us
-
Glad you saved that one TJ!. It is a nice looking car despite the damage. Just take your time and it will come together. Any input regarding the rockers will be appreciated. Did that link go to the Cross Canada site? If so, they have a vendor here in the U.S. they can direct you to.
-
That link does go to Cross Canada, doesn't have a photo or price, just a drawing.
As you can tell from the next photo, I went with the red power bulge hood. It lined up great, hood release works even. Still has the lever inside, too. Can't get the p side to come up where it needs to go. You can see from the photo how much lower it is on the p side.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter022.jpg)
Here's why...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter023.jpg)
What you can't see, is that there are a couple of spots on the frame rail, and behind where the horn mounts there that are actually folded.
-
Ouch. Looks like that will take some further disassembly and persuasion.
-
Used a buddy's hydraulic power puller. That thing is sweet. Managed to get things moved around enough to get fender on yesterday, but still not right, and now the hood won't close. Ran out of daylight last night. The fight continues.
-
A bit at a time Jack.
-
Ya'll can tell from the photo below where things stand. Got fender on, but P side is too low and too far in. Plus in all my "cranking" things around, the hood latch has moved. May have to do the frame shop thing, but that costs money. Really wanted this to be a driver in a short time. Not giving up yet.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/parts004.jpg)
The piece in front is from the 80 sedan, cut it out as a spare. As you can see, it was "dinged" at the p side too. the red SX/4 parts rig is ok up front, except the frame is rusted to nothing, so my options may be get existing frame fixed and lined up, cut out old and put in brown (pictured) front from 80, or....not sure what. I don't want to strip this one, it's too good other than that right front.
-
Wow I have not seen this post until now. You have quite the project. Knowing your history with the other Eagles I have no doubt this one will be up and flying in no time.
-
Did the hood latch go towards the driver's side?
-
the hood latch (attached to the radiator support) moved out about 1/4", and the p side fender moved in about the same. In the dark, i was excited to be able to get the fender lined up and mounted, was dissapointed when I went to close the hood. Thinking that if I can get a dowel cut to the right length placed between fenders to hold that position, then jack it up by the outer most edge I can get a grip on with the puller, that might fix that. Then can crank it back as needed at the hood latch. The hood latch worked perfectly, even with the new hood untill I "jacked" things around. Part of the frame is literally "folded" though, so not sure if this is something a "shade-tree" country boy can do. I'm going to try, though.
-
I bet you can Jack. Redneck engineering often pays off. Has worked for me in the past.
-
I have a degree in "redneck engineering" from the college of Hard Knocks. With a minor in duct tape and bailing wire. I don't think is bad beyond the bumper mount, so if I can just get things lined up enough for the new headlight buckets and blinkers to go in for safety reasons, it should be good to go. This thing has new brakes (pads and shoes, master cylinder, rotors and drums turned, and wheel cylinders) and pro. rebuilt transmission 3000 miles ago. Interior is in great shape. No computer. It's a winner, just got to get over this hurdle.
-
Or a can of Pearl. Do they still sell that stuff?
-
Pearl, absolutely. Had several just the other day, can even get it in a can nowadays.
Couple quick questions. How to fix this.....
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter024.jpg)
And can someone with rear louvers post a photo that shows this general area?
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter025.jpg)
The louvers were removed when I got it. Looks like only 4 nuts hold it down? Any spacers or anything anywhere? Can't find it in 'pedia or 82 tsm. I have 4 mounting points. The 2 at top seem to be spacers.
Thanks.
-
Those louvers look like the plastic ones? I think the OE were metal -- I have only actually seen the metal ones up close. The SX/4 at the secret stash as the plastic version but I never really got a close look at it. You are right the TSM is moot on the subject and our parts books in Eaglepedia are post SX/4.
-
What are they made of?
-
You need to grab that frame by the very corner and pull it out from there at a diagonal. Maybe back the car up while chained to a tree. Keep the pulling hookup level with the frame's original height.
-
Gil, plastico.
-
OK, then glue it together with some Crazy glue just to keep it in place and then use your soldering iron to weld it together, use some strong epoxy to glue a reinforcement on the back side and fill in the any rough surface and sand and paint.
You might want to practice on some scrap plastic first.
-
See if my art work shows up here. This shows, from a top view, what the frame did.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/untitled.jpg)
the little line to the side is where the back bumper mount bolt is, from there back, fine.
will try attaching to tree and backing off at correct angle. Charging battery now, was dead when picked up, pushed onto trailer.
Tried with the come-along chained to tree, just pulled the critter sideways.
-
Now for some good news. Put in the freshly charged battery from the red SX/4 parts rig (RIP), shot a little go-juice down the carb, and she fired right off. Went for a quick spin around the land. Idles on high idle till warm, kicks down to low idle o.k., though a little high still. Shifts great, no clunking or clanking. Brakes work like a champ. Steers, handles, and rides as it should. A/c blows, but not cold (I know, boo-hoo, but it's allready been 101 here, so a/c is nice if you can get it.) Temp gauge and fuel gauge work. Started getting hot (no fluid in rad.) so parked it. Waited a few minutes, bump key, fired right off.
Now if I can just get the headlights and blinkers attached, we'll start driving this old bessie.
Yee-haw.
-
Yee-Haw is right!
-
Just took my youngest (that named it Critter) for a ride. A/c blew cold while driving, warm at idle. Just needs a shot of freon, I bet. Anyone got any R-12 laying around? Could have something to do with heater valve being gone? Have a spare here somewhere.
-
Good news, good news...
-
It's crazy. Found some here for $25/lb. For display purposes only, of course.
-
Its still available for older vehicles equip with the R12 freon, the catch is that it need to be purchase and install by a license technician and the labor is expensive plus the R-12 is way expensive. Last time I heard a quote for a full charge was more then $100.00 Dlls.
-
there are several products out there that claim to be r12 compatable without having to change out everything
but I've never tried them :-\
gotta 30lb bottle of R12 down in the garage but its for "emergency" use only
-
I did the conversion to the R134A with one of those kits. Did it at least 4 years ago. Still pumping out the cold. Of course my system was bone dry.
-
I need to figure out my system yet. It was bone dry so I assumed there was a leak, and had no idea where to begin to look for it.
-
Finally got the radiator out today, what a pain. Also removed d side fender. Actually my 10 yr old boy wants credit for the fender removal, he did most of it. Am thinking about changing front coils while everything is apart. i have the set from 4 dr sedan (RIP) w/a.c., figger they should give a bit of lift up front. Also discovered a rust through spot in the floor, p side corner by rocker. Was surprised to find d side outer rocker not bad, both inner rockers are toast.
My dad wanted to go for a ride before it was too taken apart, so waited till he could come out for his ride to get radiator out. Started on the 2nd try, drove around the pasture till temp started going up. Going to try again to pop the frame back out, should be a little easier with rad. gone. luckily, I had a spare from the 80 sedan (RIP)
-
Gettin there. Still can't get the p side up and over enough. Big difference, though.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter028.jpg)
You can see in the next photo how far is left to go from where the bolt holes line up.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter029.jpg)
The hood barely closes. Front of p side fender is too far to center, and the latch mech. has moved out about 1/4".
Wondering if I could drill new holes to attach fender and headlight buckets. May be a couple days before I can do anything else, couple of long hard days at work coming up. Happy with the progress, though.
-
So close, but yet ........
-
I knew it was too big of project for me to try to deal with. Thanks for taking it over, Trapper.
Yeah, we used to fill the AC each spring. Sometimes a 2nd time before fall. We have a couple of hoarders (1 diesel mechanic and one jack of all trades) in the family so there has been an ample supply of R12.
I told you it ran great once it was started... ;)
Honestly didn't know there was a hole in the floor. :o Thought it was in good shape.
The louver just sets over the studs that are on the window trim. I think there's two on each side and two at the top. It had shiny knurled knobs/nuts at one time, but they've disappeared through the years. Found it held on by only two nuts when I took it off so it didn't blow off on the ride to TX. Have to wonder if the little brats next door hadn't been playing with it. The break wasn't there earlier this spring, and the nuts were. It's one of those families that tries to police the rest of the block, and they're so disfunctional themselves they would make a good TV show... ::)
My daughter did the rear brakes pretty much my herself. I did the master cylinder and front brakes. The booster had been replaced a year or so before I got it. If you look at the line going to the driver's side front brakes, you'll see where I put a junction in because the damm fitting on the end of the brake line rounded off (using a line wrench, even). I just cut it back a ways and flared (double-flare--the right way) the lines. No leaks. I was impressed with myself over that.
Glad to see it coming together for you. You do Frank Buck proud.
-
The hole in the floor couldn't be seen, it was hidden by the inner fender. Curious as to what caused it, seems like pretty dry area. Overall floors are fine. Have discovered a couple areas of frame rust, but not too bad. Hopefully a soaking with diluted phosphoric acid (the main ingredient in most rust converters) and a dose of Henry's roofing tar will put a stop to it.
I found some nuts for the 4 studs on the sides of the louvers, but can't figure out how the 2 at top function, do you remember?
-
Shoot, Jack . . I need to pay you a visit! Nice interior, and sounds like its mechanically all there if you can get the radatiator to work with all the tweaked frame business.
If all else fails, we could look into sectioning out the bent part and either straightening it and re-attaching it or using part from the parts SX/4 . . . if we can git 'er to my place to zap in the replacement/fabbed stuff.
I have been away in paradise since the 26th, and have a engine swap to start on the YJ(still need to get a trans, so it may be a month or so out), as well as a major re-contour/landscaping of the back yard(hired a crew to get it done in a week), but let me know if my welder can help you out of your frame trouble.
Nice car. I may be able to help you "weld" the plastic louvers back together. I want to see them . . to reverse enginerd a mold for them, maybe.
Were the two at the top sort of a hinge to allow for easy cleaning w/o removal of the entire thing?
-
If anyone can get this back together it is TrapperJack. I have seen your work and been nothing but impressed. I have been following this post since I discovered and I wish I had your know how.
-
We seem to be at a crossroads here. For one, I haven't had time to work on it, just look at it as I walk to and from my work truck each day. And, I can't seem to get in touch with the previous owner for one last bit of paperwork. I have the signed and notarized title, and a bill of sale, as well as all recieipts for just about everything ever done to the car. But Texas requires this one extra piece of paper, without it, no title. Haven't been able to get in touch with the previous owners through e-mail or phone for weeks. My fear is that there are medical problems. I don't think they are intentionally dodging me. But, long story short, no title means it's a waste of time, effort, blood, sweat, and money to try and get it fixed. I really, really don't want to use this one for parts, but am considering that if I can't get a title. I left the paper to be signed and returned to me by mail, and have called several times, left voice mail, and have e-mailed the daughter, but have never heard back.
So, the seats, carpet, transmission, axles, and half shaft wil bolt right on to the Javelina Kammback. What do ya'll think, wait a little longer? Or bite the bullet and start getting the Javelina ready to go? I do nOT want to be a thorn in the side of the people I bought it from, my guess is, their plate is full enough without worrying about me.
Discuss.
-
Why didn't they sing the title when they first gave it you, in Texas you don't need to have any of the paper work Notarise, you do need a Vehicle Title Application, it needs to be sing by the seller all so.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/txdoteforms/GetForm?formName=/130-U.pdf&preference=PDFForm&appID=/vtr&fileID=1233334&status=/reportError.jsp&configFile=WFServletConfig.xml
You have 20 days from the day of purchase or that the paper work is completed and sing to do the transfer.
-
The title is signed and notarized, also have a bill of sale. What I don't have is the certificate for application of title. I left that to be signed by the titled owner, the girl's mother, who has some major health issues. And this is an out of state rig, which means it has to have a safet inspection before applying for title.
-
yeah it is a ppain in the bumm about that title application. Any more I just print one off if buying or selling a car. With a out of statecar first you get to get it and then you have to get a temp tag to drive it up to get inspected for the saftey and vin number then you can get registration
-
Well, I'm going to give it another week or so, and then will be stripping the critter, as much as I hate to. The tranny has only about 3000 miles, non-feedback carb, carpet, seats, and lots of other stuff will go on the Javelina kammback, possibly axles, too, depending on gearing. I have a NP 229 transfer case sitting on the garage floor, too, no reason not to put that in while everything is out. Gas tank and sender will also go to the Javelina.
The Javelina Kammback had a freshly rebuilt 258 before it was parked in a Texas pasture in 93, have started and driven it around the land, so will go with that for the powerplant. Will use the Critter halfshafts too, as the ones on the Javelina click and clack like crazy.
Hope something happens in the next week or so, but if not at least maybe I'll get the javelina Kammback back on the road.
-
Ever feel like you should be a kid again ,, getting out the note pad and start working on getting good at forging the parents signature???? I would go talk to the local tag and title office. It may be possible to send a registered letter to there last known address. If it is returned they maight be willing to take it as you were unable to contace them.
But this is also a good thing for any one buying a car in Texas ,, get the Title application before you go to get the car!!!!
-
Well, if patience is a virtue, my one virtue has paid off. Spoke with the P O today, the paperwork is on it's way. It went to wrong po box, but should have it next week. I'm soooo glad I didn't drop the tranny the other night. I was about 2 beers from it. and glad their family is o.k.
-
great! :)
-
WOO HOO a EGG for both Trapper and the P.O.
-
Yes indeedy!
-
Very cool. Glad to hear it was just a little mix up.
-
No progress to report, BUT....we had a frog drowner rain today, and afterwards I went out to see where the Critter was leaking from (don't they all). Am happy to report there were NO (0, nada, zilch) puddles or wet spots inside at all, not even in the usual places. Interior is high and dry. wish I could come up with some time to work on her.
-
Frog Drowner. Never heard that one. Now we have cows and flat rocks. High and dry, a well trained Criter.
-
Yeah, we never had any problem with her leaking into the interior. Just oil out of the valve cover...
Sorry 'bout taking so long to get that paperwork to you. No health issues with our family, just w/both sets of parents. It's a bummer when they don't "bounce back" like they used to, worse when they start fretting about not bouncing back. Things seem to be getting better with my folks--it was to the point of realizing that at some point too soone we're going to be the oldest generation in the family...through us all for a loop for awhile. I think we've all grasped the fact, we just don't like it. Thankfully, things seem to be on the upswing. My wife's Mom is still having some issues. Her father's come through his chemo and all and gotten a clean bill of health for the time being. It's been an interesting spring and summer. At some point I just lost focus on most everything else.
Thanks for not giving up on the Critter. She's a great little car with a lot of life left in 'er.
-
Nice to hear things are turning around for your family Herman. The critter is in good hands with TJ.
-
Have been test-fitting for an idea I have, ya'll tell me what you think. And before you say, "That's not how to do it right", I'm not trying to do it right, that costs money. I just want to get the headlights and turn signals in and have stuff line up. I'm thinking I may have found the redneck engineering way, even though there's no duct-tape involved, YET.
You can see from the pic below that the support for the headlight buckets and fender just won't quite line up.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter029.jpg)
What I'm thinking is, start at the d-side, which was unaffected. Attach fender, and headlight bucket. Attach that bottom piece that goes from fender to fender (what is that called?). Attach grill to d-side bucket and radiator support. Allign p-side headlight bucket with grill and bottom piece and DRILL NEW HOLES, so it lines up. Then shim the fender so it lines up.
I've allready got things moved enough to get radiator back in, my only hold up is geting the lights and blinkers in to pass a safety inspection.
What do ya'll think?
-
If my experience with an '86 Trans Am is any indicator, a lot of leaning and grunting might just get it all there, with a pry bar. Like you said, fasten the closest one, then lean on it hard to get it moving towards the next one, fasten it, etc. You can move a lot of it a long ways sometimes, a couple of inches from one side to the other, overall.
mike
-
That's pretty much how I got to where it is now. It's WAY better than when I started, just won't budge any more. In fact it now pushes the wrong side the wrong way.
-
Where is the UK pannel beaters??
-
If the front valance is off, then tie it in first?
-
Nice work. Wish I had you abilities.
-
Try this - a long ratchet strap (with towels under its hooks & ratchet to protect the paint) wrapped all the way around the front end of the car, maybe even with the hood closed. That's the idea I get when I look at the pictures, but. . . is it a case of the fender support being tweaked to the inside, where you would actually have a problem mounting the headlight bucket if you got the fender mount holes to line up? If that's the case, then the right way to do it is to drill yerself some new holes, like you plan to do. You will probably have to drill new ones for the headlight buckets, too.
Maybe I can come up fer a visit in the next week - Ema is headin out of town for a week long visit with a friend of hers who just had a baby, leaving me free to wander around aimlessly without being told what I should be doing. I have the GE's dash all torn apart to replace the hood release cable, wire up some XJ gauges, and install a stereo and CB. I hope I can get it back together later today. I have to cut the dash up a little, and I'll have to cut the door panels up for speakers to mount up.
-
If you get a chance, swing by. Let me know when.
-
Well, finally did something. Work has been keeping me pretty busy, 3 kids, sick in-laws. Decided this evening, I was going to work on the Critter. Got the good radiator put in (from the 80 sedan RIP), filled her up, connected tranny lines, added some tranny fluid, shot a little boy-scout fluid down the carb, and she fired right off. Ran it a bit to see how much more water she wanted, topped it off, checked for leaks, and went for a spin around the pasture, down the hill to the county road, back up, down to the bottom pasture and back up (requires 4wd to get back up, this one's full time 4wd) Got a bit hotter than I'd like, but took more water after it cooled down. No leaks, yet. I'm going to try my redneck engineering on the headlight buckets, maybe this weekend. Now I've got her up on the drive where i can work with lights.
Yee-haw.
-
Double Yee-Haw!
-
Well, I had a good day.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter033.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter032.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter031.jpg)
Hood closes, horns honk, blinkers blink, side clearance lights work, headlights almost work. When on lo-beams, both outer lights are on. When you go to hi-beams, all lights come on except the d side outer light, which works as low beam. Will need to fix that before inspection.
For inspection i need to fix the headlight issue, get tires, mount bumper, and hope a slight exhaust leak doesn't keep me from passing.
-
NIce Job ! ;D
-
exhaust leak shouldn't be noticed ,, around here it is dangleing parts ,, intact lights and working
-
Maybe the high beam filament is just bad on that one lamp. All four should come on, but the outer lights have two filaments. Maybe a bad socket too? Now if the rest of the body behind the A pillar was white, you would have a RWB Eagle. Looks like you got the light alignment issue solved.
-
Am hopeing replacing that one headlight will fix it. I checked everything else (clearance lights blinkers) had to replace most of the p side light wires. Every "new" piece of steel I bolted on was dinged in some way. Think I may put the brown hood on from the sedan, it's about perfect. Just didn't want to lose power by switching to non-power-buldge hood :D. That p side bumper mount is going to take some head scratching. The captive nuts in the frame rail are toast. I have an extra bumper mount for that side, but it's a little smacked too. Time to hit craigslist for tires.
edit-
I got it back together using my redneck engineering method. got the d side fender, then headlight buckets mounted correctly. then the fareing underneath, then headlight cover, and grill. Put the screws into the p side headlight bucket from grill, duct taped the headlight bucket in place, ran in new self-tapping screws, shimmed the last bolt on the p-side fender.
-
Red Neck engineering. When all else fails.
-
B E A UTIFUL!!!!!! Great work, cant even tell that you used 3 rolls of duct tape, a roll or bailing wire, a stick of gum and a paper clip. ;) But seriously, awesome job
-
just dont let them see the tape or wire at inspection center
-
Lookin really great, there, Jack! Sorry bout not gettin back to you about a possible visit. My plans changed after all the rains tried to wash away my freshly landscaped back yard.
Yep, time to get some tires. That donut spare doesnt have enough contact patch to really count as a driving wheel, makin Critter more like a 4 X 3&1/2. If I come across any good freebie tires around here, I'll let you know.
-
Those tires that were on the red sx/4 you brought me are pretty good. If I can ever get time, I'm going to take those of the Javelina, mount them on the hurricane mags (from the sedan RIP) and put on the Critter. They are 215 75 15's and are Slightly aggressive M&S tread.
I have a short somewhere. The battery won't stay up more than overnight. Not sure how to track that down, don't have a tester.
-
May be clock related. When you turn the key on, whether running or not, the clock is on. when you turn on the headlights, clock goes off, disappears. Was told by P. O. that rear defroster may be the battery drain problem, but that clock thing is interesting.
-
Is the headlight switch rotated to provide full illumination to the dash lights?
-
Anytime the headlight switch is pulled, the clock goes away, with interior lights dim or bright. PO mentioned the battery drain being kind of hit or miss. Would be fine for weeks on end, then happen every day for a while. then back to fine. Started happening after aftermarket stereo installed. Original AMC am/fm back in place now.
-
I am impressed with your re-assembly. Sorry this response is throwing off the flow of this thread. I have been busier than heck the last couple of weeks.
-
Not accomplishing much on the Critter. Did get the hood from the brown sedan (RIP) sanded a bit and primed. Son helped me swap it on there this evening. i like the power bulge hood better, but this one is in great shape and was easy to paint.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter036.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter034.jpg)
-
looking good !!!
-
Gave the Critter some class with the hood ornament.
-
Swapped tires today. The old ones in photo 1 are 205/75/15's, street tread. In photo 2 they are the 215/75/15's, mud and snow, from the red SX/4 parts rig. Used the hub caps from the parts rig, too.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter037.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter039.jpg)
These tires have a decent tread, and haven't seen much use. Hard to tell because of the flash, it sets up better. It'll have to do for now. Still want the hurricane mags on there.
-
I can see the difference. Looks nice.
-
Here's a daytime photo from the side with the new rims/tires.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter040.jpg)
Ordered monroe MA700 air shocks for the back. Going to remove all plastic flares and etc. Have Spirit bumpers to go on. Went for a longer, faster drive. Tires rub on p. side in sharp turns, pulls to the right a bit, and worse, I have some severe clunking on the p side front suspension. Looks like strut-rod bushings have been moving some, and the sway bar bushing on that side is gone, hope that's all it is. On the plus side, it runs, shifts, and stops great.
-
Sounds like you are getting all the issues identified.
-
my clock does the same thing let me know what you find out, right now i am to busy working on other things to worry about that yet.
-
Nice Job, I love seeing something like that resurected.Wish I had the time to get back at my Wagon,still haven't worked on the tranny in over a week.Keep up the good work ! :)
-
When I got the 80 sedan (RIP) home I discovered in the trunk, several hundred dollars worth of parts that have been getting used on several of my birds. Found in my "stash" sway bar bushings, which got installed today (P-side was gone), and Moog K3090 improved strut rod bushings, new, maybe installed in the next couple of days. Am afraid i'm going to have an allignment issue. Passenger side tire is only 3/4" away from rocker panel. Driver side tire is 2 1/4" away. HMMMMM!!!!! Going to install new strut rod bushings, and attempt a redneck string-line front end allignment. Seems like I saw one here somewhere, from another Eagle redneck.
May the force be with me.
-
Quite a difference. You should be able to get it close Jack.
-
A few things to think about. Found a horrible rust spot at the point wheree the the driver side rear front spring mount attaches. It's bad, worse than bad. Not sure if it is a fatal flaw or not. Will post pics in a day or 3. Exhaust leak isn't where I thought it was, it's the whole exhaust pipe/muffler/cat convertor. All shot. Doesn't sound that bad, but looking at installing new air shocks showed how bad it was. I hate to admit I haven't been under this thing until now. There are stress cracks from the collision all along the p. side, both side inner and outer rockers are shot, front lower p side A-arm is pusheed in, and rust in spots I just did not look at before.
Runs and drives, shifts and stops great. Bad rubbing on p side fender. Not sure what to do. Don't really have money to throw at it, but not ready to throw in the towel yet.
Time will tell, I guess. Wish me luck.
-
Yeah, that front rear spring hanger area is prone to rust.
-
Decided to change out the strut-rod bushings this evening. Haven't had much time for Eagle work lately. after a couple hours, I almost got 1 completely off. I think that one nut must be welded. Got the jam nut off, but the main nut behind the bushing will not budge, even with breaker bar, pipe wrench, I even used the floor jack under a wrench, no go.
Are all strut rods the same. side to side, and year to year? I have the spares from the 80 sedan, I may just take the sawzall to this strut rod, I'm tired of fooling with it. Should post this in suspension area, too I guess.
-
Nice work so far. I wish I had your know-how. I hope the rust is not a project-killer.
-
O.k., got the p side strut rod and Moog bushings installed. Adjusted the strut rod to even up the wheel in the wheel well. May be the wrong aproach to front-end allignment, but will have to do for now. Was going to do the d side tonight, too, but a buddy came by and distracted me with a new guitar. I think I've got torque specs here somewhere. Seems like when I did it before on the wagon it was "tight as you can plus a 1/4 turn".
I did have to cut the strut rod with a sawzall.
-
Allrighty, got the d side strut rod and bushings replaced. Sawzall blade broke right when I started, so dug out the grinder, zipped right through the nut about halfway, hit it with the bfh then off it came. Replaced this one with the one from the 80 sedan. Man, you gotta have a parts rig. Gonna be gone most of the weekend, rear shocks are next, then bumper mount. Then off for new exhaust and inspection. either going glass pack or turbo type muffler, no converter.
I'm just going to hope the rust isn't a deal killer. When it's up getting exhaust, he'll be able to weld up a little reinforcement I think.
-
So you don't need a cat converter for the inspection?
-
Federal law says you must have one, like I said my car has one just nothing in it. Make a funny exhaust noise. If they don't test emissions, most would never know.
-
anything older than 84 is safety inspection only. Honk the horn, check turn signals, drive around block to make sure it doesn't fall apart, and make sure brakes work. If it was an 85 it would get smogged, depending on what county in Texas. Some do, some don't.
-
here in the panhandel ( not sure about Amarillo but still think it is the same) There is no Smog check ,, is a visual inspection including the exhaust lights etc and a tiny road test.
-
Nebraska just does a title check when you buy a car from out of state. I had to go thru that when I bought the Eagle. It was from Colorado. The owner never licensed it here.
My brother had his Maxima licensed in Tennessee one year when he was in college here in Nebraska (Mom & stepdad live in Tennessee). When they decided it was more cost effective to relicense it in Nebraska he had to have it inspected and the thing never left the State.
It was a good thing, because he was constantly having trouble at gas stations who would refuse to let him fill unless the back of the car was on camera (even if he pre-paid). It is apparently a pain to have only one plate in Nebraska.
Sounds like things are goiing well for you on this project, glad to hear it.
-
Not much time lately for wrenching, and when I do get time, i'm too tired to start a project. Did get the air shocks on this evening. got about 1 3/4 to 2" of lift at the back, looks a litttle more even now. Has around 50 lbs in them.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter050.jpg)
-
Looks nice. About what I run in mine Jack.
-
Since the battery is no longer being drained, this thing fires right off frst time evrytime. Took it down to the bus stop at the main rd today to pick up the kids. Drove fine, never got over 30 mph, but steers good, shifts fine, stops as it should. Pulls to the right a little, not under braking, just coasting. i need exhaust front to back, jury rig that bumper mount, and a little tinkering with the lights up front. All i need is time and a little money. Almost there.
-
Since the battery is no longer being drained, this thing fires right off frst time evrytime. Took it down to the bus stop at the main rd today to pick up the kids. Drove fine, never got over 30 mph, but steers good, shifts fine, stops as it should. Pulls to the right a little, not under braking, just coasting. i need exhaust front to back, jury rig that bumper mount, and a little tinkering with the lights up front. All i need is time and a little money. Almost there.
Hey bro, good to know that your project is going just a wee bit better than mine, lol! Looks great though man! Keep up the good work!
-
You are so close Jack.
-
No money for real stuff, but rattle-can primer is cheap. Sanded the new sheetmetal, taped off a few things and sprayed away. Also fixed my lighting problems, will actually have to BUY a part for this. Need a high-beam headlight. Tried the 4 spares I had, on both sides. got d side up and running, but will have to buy a headlight for the p side. All clearance lights and blinkers now work again. Also of note, decided to "blow the soot out of it" after several posts lately, and must say, it idles better, shifts better, and ac is cooler. Here's pics of rattle-can primer (NJ look away), redneck painting at it's second best.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter051.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter053.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter052.jpg)
-
Looks better already. How come your mystery dent is on the wrong side? I probably have a high beam lying around somewhere.
-
All most looks like IowaEagle's.
-
Looks better, at the moment. Some of the paint flaked off on the fender I replaced. Has that nice Kammback Copper showing. Oh well, that can be fixed easily enough.
-
the critter is looking good, jack. well done, sir
-
HOLY :censored: TRAPPER!?!?
That front clip is awesome! Ive been saying I wanted to do that forever... so cool man... there another dude here on the forums that has one similar... dude... whats your secret man? lol
You've been holdin out on me...
-
Lookin good, Jack 8)
-
ok so I got to looking closer... thats just the regular panel under the bumper.
You have seen the one I'm talking about right? Dude took his bumper off and made a flat front end. Looked really cool.
Honestly, I kind of like the way it looks like that too... but it should be flsuh with that corner. Regardless dude, it looks great.
-
Nice! Kinda makes you wonder what camo paint would look like, doesn't it?
-
Nice! Kinda makes you wonder what camo paint would look like, doesn't it?
I've planned on camo-ing this since before I even got it home. after it's tagged, inspected, and on the road, it WILL be camo-ed.
-
Well done sir. I'll raise my drink to this SX/4. (Or put it down... Which ever seems more appropriate)
-
Haven't been around in a while. You've made great progress, trapper. Really cool little car, especially the camo idea. It would be neat to see one with all the AMX-like trim stuff on it and painted camoflage... It would look like one of those Stomper toys I used to get my kids.
-
I'm not sure about putting a spoiler on. I have one, from the parts rig, but camo will happen, evenyually. Still haven't decided about flares, probably will stay off. Have allready cut the front fenders a bit. Have a low range t-case sitting on the garage floor, it will go in. Just haven't had tme or money. I need to build a p-side front bumper mount and mount bumper, needs all new exhaust, then it's ready for inspection.
What AMX trim are you thinking of?
-
The bumper ends, flares, and front spoiler are all different. Hornet AMX flares look pretty cool, too, they are just small ones, two per wheel, that go only at the bottoms of the wheel opening, and blend into the existing fender line at the top. The're sort of pyramid-shaped and made of fiberglass.
-
Glad to see that the old girl is back running. This was my wife's car up here in Kansas back in the 80's. We lived out in the
country and she drove it to work, rain, snow anything. It then went to our Son, he then gave it to his neice, our grandaughter,
after he and the car spent a couple years in Georgia. Just good to see it up and running again.
-
Glad to see that the old girl is back running. This was my wife's car up here in Kansas back in the 80's. We lived out in the
country and she drove it to work, rain, snow anything. It then went to our Son, he then gave it to his neice, our grandaughter,
after he and the car spent a couple years in Georgia. Just good to see it up and running again.
Why haven't I seen this before??? That is really cool to have a previous owner find their old rig on here. Hope ya'll will check back in and see the progress (albeit slow) on the Critter.
-
Hmmmmmm, it is a new post to me too Jack -- I wonder if it has been hanging out there in space for two months?
-
That is odd. I have been really trying to follow this thread near religiously. And I had not seen it either that I recall.
-
Haven't accomplished much on any of my projects lately. We've busy as 3 legged cats in the sand box. I did a few easy things, though since my last update. Changed out the rims for these...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter095-1.jpg)
And since they rub (bad) decided to just go ahead and start trimming fenders. I'm almost done. Need to move the front brace forward and cut a little more forward. Doesn't rub anymore under normal driving, but going to give it a little extra so doesn't rub off road.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter103.jpg)
Found 2 decals I'm going to get off evil-bay. For the Critter will get a pair of these...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/coyote4x4.jpg)
And for the Bird (82 lifted wagon) will get a pair of these....
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/ceagle4x4.jpg)
Also started on a rear tube bumper for the Critter.
-
Those will look awesome! Can't wait to see them on your rides!! ;D
-
Nice job TrapperJack.
-
Not much new to report, except baby got new shoes. These are almost new and almost free 225/75/15's on the Cherokee rims that were on the wagon when I bought it. I've chopped the fenders enough, no rubbing, even in corners and bouncing around the pasture.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter114.jpg)
Much better than those oddballs I had on there before, and as an added bonus, these don't fall off halfway up a hill while showing off.
-
The Critter gets better looking each day Jack.
-
Well, it's lookin' good, but has anyone besides you ever heard it run? ::)
-
Well, it's lookin' good, but has anyone besides you ever heard it run? ::)
Hey jimmie, b i t e me. I mean that in Christian love of course. Yes, she's a little bashfull, actually, I think it just wanted to be a good host, and not show up all those guest Eagles by displaying her awesome awesomeness.
-
NIce job ! I was thinking I didn't care for the no flairs, but you set it up nice and that louver adds just the touch. Great job. And don't worry no one else has heard mine run either,LOL.
-
I like the look. Rough and Ready. I'm always torn between the no flares and with flares thing. The little cars look so much taller without the flares, but I do like the way they modernize the cars, too.
-
I love your ride Jack. Arentcha glad fate came between us and you ended up with that one rather than my 81? Everything happens for a reason...
Speaking of which, you still down to meet me? It'd be super awesome!
LOL... you know, I literally called my uncle about 6 times a day for almost two weeks to reach him and make sure than dang car was still sitting there... I was getting really worried too, lol... but all should be well. I just hope the taped up window lasted the Texas weather for the last 5 years, LMAO!!!
-
Finally replaced the starter. Works like a champ. YOU LOOKIN JIMMIE????!!!!
First time everytime, so far.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/th_critter121.jpg) (http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/?action=view¤t=critter121.flv)
-
Gave you a Good Egg for that.
However, I'm listening, but I don't hear it. Must be too far away. ;D
Maybe I'll get to hear it next spring.
-
My 9 yr old girl has decided to lay claim to the Critter. She's been driving it around the place here, and even took it down to the bus-stop to pick up the other kids after school 1 day. With me in it of course. She has a stuffed Eagle toy that she brought out and put on the dash of "her" Eagle to stake her claim.
-
Now that is raising them right, Jack!
-
I hope we get to see the family at least to say hello next time.
Carolyn especially would like to, but I would like to see the youngin's in the Eagles.
You may have lost all the Eagles and the Chebby, too, by next spring!
You'll have to buy some more so you will have one to drive.
-
I finally cut down the wagon roof rack to go on the Critter. Have never seen a rack on an SX/4, and thought it would be a good spot to get the spare out of the way. I took the wagon rack apart in sections, and it was a little too long, even using only half of it, so I cut 5" off each side. Looks like it will work just fine. Now to order well nuts and pull headliner.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter124.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/critter123.jpg)
-
Looks like it will look nice. Appears to be about the same size as a Gremlin/Kammback one.
-
I see a kitty!
-
I see two -- they are playing peek-a-boo. Jack has lots of critters and varmints
-
The front mounts belong about where they are in the first picture. Your rack is about a foot shorter than my Gremlin/Kammy ones. They are basically square dimensions, instead of long or wide. The wagon ones are long shaped, and that one looks maybe wider than it is long.
It's like having a secret accessory that no one else has found. Pop-out 1/4 windows on my Gremlin are cool that way.
-
The black and white cat is the mother, and the cute little almost invisible calico hiding behind the tire is the only kitten left.
There was a rack similar to this on my kammback, but was longer to match the roof line of the kammback. I cut this one down to be where I wanted it. Can't decide whether to just camo the whole dern thing, or black out the trim, bumpers, etc.
-
Finally replaced the starter. Works like a champ. YOU LOOKIN JIMMIE????!!!!
First time everytime, so far
So that's what it sounds like! I always wondered..... Bet if we all come over again, it'll clam right up ;)
CaptCarl
-
Haven't had time for any wrenching lately, on any of my rigs. Did replace the steering column in the "new" Ford supercab. Ran Seafoam through the Critter this afternoon. That is some fine stuff, I highly recomend it. Also temporarily stuck this on to see what it would look like...
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g242/trapperjack/junk010.jpg)
Will attach them after the camo job.
-
Will attach them after the camo job.
I have seen those special badges on a ford ranger. Where did you get them?
-
That is a nice touch Jack.
-
HAHA! That is awesome! You gotta put those on there!
-
Will attach them after the camo job.
I have seen those special badges on a ford ranger. Where did you get them?
Craigslist. They are for Ford F150, Texas Edition is a special package, has a/c, better rims and tires, a few other goodies. Chevy has a Texas edition, Dodge trucks have a "Lone Star" edition. These for the fords have a good shape of Texas, and flag colors. I would think if AMC were still around, and if they made Eagles, they would have a Texas Edition, too. Since this one will have a roof rack, mud grips, a gun rack, and be camo'ed, it would be the prototype Texas Edition Eagle.
-
There all so use to be the Texas Tough I think it was Ford's back in the 90's.
-
Whatever happened to "Critter"?
My FIL & I both kept tabs on this project until he just got too down from chemo to start up the computer. He & my MIL owned the car as a daily driver for a number of years before it handed down through their son and finally to my daughter. TrapperJack was kind enough to take if off my hands to save it from the crusher. My FIL passed away in December of 2009, and I haven't been here to check since. Got curious today and dug up the thread to see what was going on.
-
It moved on to another owner. Somewhere there is a thread about it.
It seems to me that it went to a good home.
-
It lives on. I sold it to a young couple just around the corner from me. I see it buzzing around every once in a while, with a big black lab in the back seat. The Critter is alive and well.