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Author Topic: Greetings From Louisiana  (Read 4286 times)

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Offline Run-AMC

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Greetings From Louisiana
« on: June 14, 2020, 06:55:25 PM »
I will begin by humbly acknowledging how inspiring this forum has been and continues to be as I comb through the rich data mines so carefully maintained for all who seek the Guidance of the Nest, including newbies such as myself. I get it. We are Eagle owners: "Refreshing and self-deprecating" but this community is nevertheless terrific and deserving of such praise.

Since acquiring my '82 Wagon in late April of this year, I have perused this board with much enthusiasm, interest, and pride. I have come here in times of frustration, like when the forsaken oil pan gasket escapade reared its ugly head (which was immediately upon receipt), and I continue to find myself in the threads of the various boards of this forum to find insight and wisdom from what I consider to be the best darn automotive community there is or will be (former Jeeper).

It would almost appear that my Eagle chose me; it has been a most magical automobile since I first laid eye on its glistening chrome trim in the hot Louisiana night. I will be sure to regale some of those tales in due time when the opportunity presents itself (magical radio, appreciative strangers, and "high-speed" interstate oopsies survival). I am twenty-four years of age at time of writing. Whether or not this is significant is ultimately up to the reader to decide.

I acquired this Eagle from Country Classic Cars in Staunton, IL. The PO was a Wisconsinite who took remarkably good care of the machine, for which I am nothing short of grateful (and which leaves others speechless). With the exception of the secondhand dealer, I confidently assume that the car has only had one owner before me.

I intend to upgrade this Eagle with the finest components that money can buy (within reason), using the best strategies and techniques that I can muster on my own, all the while ensuring that the soul of the original design which Mr. Lunn -- may he rest in peace -- intended indeed shines through. It is with the acquisition of this Eagle that I understand the reality in which I now find myself: This automobile does not belong solely to me; it belongs to a community and to a unique history. This means that I cannot allow it to become a Rockatanskian war car (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Rockatansky) even though 10-year-old me would think that would be, like, totally cool, man. I owe it at least that much.

It is a great pleasure to be a part of this community. I had lurked here for over two months as a guest... until now. I will help where I can with what minimal experience I do have. Hopefully, that knowledge gap shrinks rapidly as I get more oil and dirt and grease on my coveralls. I wish all of you and yours the best, and godspeed on your endeavors! May your Motors stay American!

1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline rmick

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2020, 08:41:33 PM »
Welcome to the forum. We love to see pictures. This by far the best resource any Eagle enthousiast :hello2:
72 Javelin AMX
72 Javelin SST
72 Gremlin with 4.0
81 SX 4

Offline AMC of Houston

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #2 on: June 14, 2020, 09:20:27 PM »
Welcome to the Den.  Yeah; we love our birds.   My waggie (known as Mr. Eagle out here in the TX Hill Country) got me home in Houston during tropical storm Allison.  It was going where 4x4 trucks (too heavy) and Jeeps (too light) wouldn't go!!  I'll never sell it!
George G.
'81 Eagle Sundancer
'85 Eagle Waggie
1960 1902 Rambler Replica
'64 American
'70 AMX (Big Bad Blue), '70 AMX (White)
'77 Gremlin
'78 Pacer Coupe, '78 Pacer Wagon
'79 Pacer Wagon
'73 Jensen Interceptor
'86 Audi 5000 Turbo
'98 Aston Martin DB7
'09 Nissan Titan
'10 Nissan Maxima

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2020, 08:57:36 AM »
Here are a few photos for your reference. Paint is in very good shape, as I'm sure you can tell. 139,000 miles. Picture 3 is just before towing the other day after the driveshaft disconnected from the rear pinion on the interstate because of silly reasons. I replaced all related parts and had 'er back on the road within 24 hours.
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline vangremlin

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2020, 12:20:10 PM »
Welcome to the Den and the family of Eagle owners.  Congratulations on picking up that wagon, it sure is beautiful!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline Taylor

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2020, 02:39:04 PM »
Welcome to the forums. Lots of good information here, it has helped me keep my Eagle on the road too.
2010 Toyota Rav4 pack mule
1985 AMC Eagle Limited Wagon 🖖🏼🦅
2020 Honda Africa Twin the long haul trucker

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2020, 04:23:07 PM »
Great wagon. I'm glad it survived the fire.
'85 wagon Limited   tilt wheel , cruise control
power seats ,windows and locks
rear window washer /wiper 
tach and gauge package
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 '85 wagon   power windows and locks
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Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2020, 04:30:35 PM »
Great wagon. I'm glad it survived the fire.

The fire? Is there something I should know about?

Also, thank you all for the welcome and praise.
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2020, 05:02:09 PM »
Couple of their buildings and 150 cars burnt down. August 2017. Their being Country Classic Cars.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2020, 05:17:48 PM by mo.eagles »
'85 wagon Limited   tilt wheel , cruise control
power seats ,windows and locks
rear window washer /wiper 
tach and gauge package
A/C
 '85 wagon   power windows and locks
rear window washer/wiper
factory tow package
A/C

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2020, 05:28:43 PM »
That is terribly unfortunate. I believe this Eagle was sold to CCC in late 2019. It wasn't on the lot long before I found it.
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline IRON HORSE

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2020, 08:08:58 AM »
    Hello,   Welcome :hello2:  ... that is one beautiful Eagle. Sounds like you know what you have there ( great intro ). I still have 7 wagons in my yard, and a barn full of parts I just can't bring myself to get rid of .. would be history gone forever. I ran up 323,000mi on one and over 200,000 on two others, they're tanks. I wouldn't mind reading of your Eagle stories, you seem to have a talent for writing ... enjoyed reading .. thanks!

                                        Again.. welcome to the "nest",     Iron Horse :o
« Last Edit: June 16, 2020, 08:11:00 AM by IRON HORSE »

Offline vangremlin

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #11 on: June 16, 2020, 06:39:16 PM »
Couple of their buildings and 150 cars burnt down. August 2017. Their being Country Classic Cars.

Not to hijack the thread, but there was a fire in 2017 and then they got hit by a tornado in 2018.  Tough times for them!

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2018/12/04/a-year-after-rebuilding-from-a-fire-country-classic-cars-hit-by-tornado
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #12 on: June 16, 2020, 08:08:09 PM »
Wow, I missed the story about the tornado. I used to pay a buck and wonder all around their 1000 cars and trucks and wish. Last time was early '17 (still very cold) and they had 2 Eagle wagons ,3 or 4 Pacers various Ramblers all kinds of goodies. Now I see they don't have the inventory they used to have. Hope they grow it back up.
'85 wagon Limited   tilt wheel , cruise control
power seats ,windows and locks
rear window washer /wiper 
tach and gauge package
A/C
 '85 wagon   power windows and locks
rear window washer/wiper
factory tow package
A/C

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2020, 02:33:37 PM »
    Hello,   Welcome :hello2:  ... that is one beautiful Eagle. Sounds like you know what you have there ( great intro ). I still have 7 wagons in my yard, and a barn full of parts I just can't bring myself to get rid of .. would be history gone forever. I ran up 323,000mi on one and over 200,000 on two others, they're tanks. I wouldn't mind reading of your Eagle stories, you seem to have a talent for writing ... enjoyed reading .. thanks!

                                        Again.. welcome to the "nest",     Iron Horse :o


Thank you kindly. I ever you or others do wish to part with any parts, or know of any secret vaults (my introduction to car-part.com while browsing the forums was a particularly stunning game changer) let me/us know, please. I've been getting in touch with various salvage yards and the like lately in order to acquire a collection of Eagle/Concord/Spirit/Hornet trim so that I may respectfully mix and match for an appearance and function that I believe to be the most attractive; namely the grille and related assemblies, which tend to be the main identity -- the face -- of the  automobile.

I suppose here would be a good place to describe briefly what I intend to do with the No-Name-As-of-Yet 82' Wagon, with some whys. A note, I am always open to criticism. Help me save my future self from inane mistakes:

1.) Performance 4.0 swap, perhaps an OBDII year-model for no other reason than it is the most modern rendition of the system, with theoretically lower miles, and also perhaps even for diagnosing trouble later on down the line. I'm considering the Edelbrock Performer Aluminum heads because I hate having money, and maybe even some beefed up roller rockers since I like to have heavier duty components with reduced system wear. I would like to look into headers so long as the O2 sensor will still operate properly and there is no issue with impingement on the axle disconnect (I perceive this to be either unlikely or notably difficult... but that hasn't stopped me before).

2.) I woke up this morning to do the BBD ignition bypass, only to discover that the PO already did it! I completed the procedure by disconnecting the stepper motor plug, ensuring that the needles were maximally extended.

3.) Advance Adapters upgraded AX-15, with all related homework. Therefore, a brake and clutch pedal assembly will be on the shopping list.

4.) Considering a new transfer case, shiftable. 229 or 242, perhaps. I admire the idea of the simplicity of the Select Drive system and I want to keep 4-wheel drive on-road capability, but something in me believes that an automobile and the driver must be one: Like a horse and rider. The horse has its own biological systems; it knows how to run, but the rider guides it in regards to speed and direction. The rider must sense the horses condition to ensure the journey continues well for both of them.

5.) New wheels and tires, all terrain. I received my Eagle with 215/75/R15's, and I plan to keep the overall wheel/tire assembly, gear ratio, driveline angle relationship the same because it seems to do a pretty good job on the road, and I don't need a sky-high Jeep. There are plenty of mall crawlers around here and I think the overall appearance of the local Jeep culture looks a bit silly. I mean no offense at all to anyone, especially if any of you have a big-ol' Jeep or Eagle.

6.) Ceramic tint professionally installed with modern factory and legal percentages.

7.) Replace suspension bushings with urethane.

8.) Replace shocks. Unnecessary, but I kinda want a race car. The rear end was replaced not long ago. I think it was replaced as late as 2018. The leafs are gorgeous, shocks are bright taxi yellow, and all related nuts and bolts are either spotless or have only slight surface rust. Shocks: KYB Gas-adjust... because I hate having money.

9.) I have not made it this far, yet.

I intend to post in the appropriate boards my questions and experiences over time with these modifications. The Eagle runs pretty :censored: well as it is. Hopefully, that lasts. I don't want to have to rush the swap and miss out on the copious amount of studying that I can undertake on this forum and the internet as a whole.



The Case for Switching to All Manual Control:

I grew up driving an '87 Jeep Wrangler YJ. It had a multi-port fuel-injected 2.5L (most likely swapped in by its PO), an AX-5, and a broken tachometer. Driving that was an education in attention. I believe it is what made me the driver I am today. A couple years after we bought it, after the shoddy electrical swap pooped out, my father and I swapped in a rebuilt Chevrolet 5.7L V8 and an NV4500 5-speed. Oh, and it is an AMC, NOT a Chrysler, which is what began my appreciation for AMC. And get this, it is coated in a metallic sparkle brown with tan trim lines, with that lovely brown/nutmeg interior... identical to the Eagle. There was a particular connection I had with that automobile that I have never had with my 98 Lexus. Cars these days, with all of their advanced systems and respectable reliability seem to disconnect the driver from the automobile, and instead connect them to electronic technology and comfort. The road, rubber, and steel are not electronic. The pistons in the cylinders are not electronic. The gears in the transmission are not electronic. The steering wheel is not electronic. Electricity flows through every automobile, but the heart and soul of the system remains rooted in the true physical.

Additionally, the capacity of the human brain to learn complex systems is beyond staggering. Automobiles speak a unique language. The grinds and grunts, bumps and shakes, and squeaks and other signals that the driver can perceive are learned and understood. Each sound and sensation has meaning. Consider this if you have the time. It should help to explain where I'm coming from: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_eagleman_can_we_create_new_senses_for_humans?language=en Yes, the learning curve will be more steep than it was when first sitting in the Eagle, but the neural efficiency of the combination of the driver's trained brain and the automobile's personality will most certainly supersede the reliability of any high-tech automotive system over the long term because the bio-manual driver-automobile system can actively maintain itself (it is living and intelligent; driver and automobile are intimately linked) and the electro-automatic system cannot (it is only a machine; driver and automobile are only distantly linked). This is why I believe switching the system to be as manual as possible is a lovely idea. Even the front axle shift motor will be replaced with a manual cable system (the YJ had one and I found it to be quite useful).

A note on engine condition:
When she first came off the truck, she would die immediately when the transmission engaged.
Now, first thing in the morning without even pressing the gas, she cranks just after the starter engages.


In terms of experience and time, Heraclitus has this to offer us:

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."


I have exhausted my brain today. I will write more in time, believe me. Thank you all for reading this. It is my sincere hope that you found it useful... or at least entertaining.

Kind regards,
Vance
« Last Edit: July 30, 2020, 09:06:43 PM by Run-AMC »
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline Canoe

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #14 on: June 17, 2020, 04:41:51 PM »
...
7.) Replace suspension bushings with urethane.

8.) Replace shocks. Unnecessary, but I kinda want a race car. The rear end was replaced not long ago. I think it was replaced as late as 2018. The leafs are gorgeous, shocks are bright taxi yellow, and all related nuts and bolts are either spotless or have only slight surface rust. Shocks: KRB Gas-adjust... because I hate having money.
...
Where do you plan on driving this 'race' car?

Urethane can tighten up the feedback and control, but properly adjusted, that's not an issue with Eagles unless the rubber is old and soft. The rubber absorbs a lot of hits that the urethane will send right at you, for driver fatigue. New rubber is nice. You might want to pick and choose which pieces of rubber you replace with new rubber vs urethane. Control arms bushings I can see as urethane so the forces go more directly to the spring & shock. Possibly the sway bar links, depending on the feel you like. If you're going to be driving on other than smooth pavement, keep rubber on the strut rods that adjust the caster - they absorb a lot of hits.

Two things that really tighten up body flex to make for awesome steering/control, are:
  • a bar between the top of the strut towers under the hood (do this after you do your engine upgrade, to ensure you're not spending money/time on this twice...),
  • cut out the outer curve of the rockers and replace their length with a 1/8" steel bar right-angle that has braces to support/enforce the right-angle.
Neither are needed.

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2020, 05:35:33 PM »
Quote
Where do you plan on driving this 'race' car?

Urethane can tighten up the feedback and control, but properly adjusted, that's not an issue with Eagles unless the rubber is old and soft. The rubber absorbs a lot of hits that the urethane will send right at you, for driver fatigue. New rubber is nice. You might want to pick and choose which pieces of rubber you replace with new rubber vs urethane. Control arms bushings I can see as urethane so the forces go more directly to the spring & shock. Possibly the sway bar links, depending on the feel you like. If you're going to be driving on other than smooth pavement, keep rubber on the strut rods that adjust the caster - they absorb a lot of hits.

Two things that really tighten up body flex to make for awesome steering/control, are:
  • a bar between the top of the strut towers under the hood (do this after you do your engine upgrade, to ensure you're not spending money/time on this twice...),
  • cut out the outer curve of the rockers and replace their length with a 1/8" steel bar right-angle that has braces to support/enforce the right-angle.
Neither are needed.

I was being facetious about the race car comment, haha! I intend to drive this Eagle wherever Eagles are needed! The roads in Louisiana are typically pretty doodoo, so it might as well be off road. If urethane will over-stiffen the system and generate excessive shock and wear on the suspension, then that idea should probably be scrapped. I do like the idea of replacing some specific bushings with urethane, though. I actually like the way the Eagle rides a lot as is. It tends to go over bumps and the like as one unit, smoothly, and doing its brief suspension oscillation without the front or rear travelling out of sync. Cars probably already do this, but I haven't noticed it like I do in the Eagle. I will search for rubber and urethane bushings. The main goal is to improve the driving experience if I can. Perhaps I should define for myself what it means to have improved Eagle suspension and steering. The ride may already be pretty good!

If this thread ever gets to be too long or obnoxious, someone let me know and I'll distribute the discussion elsewhere.

Thanks a bunch, Canoe!
« Last Edit: June 17, 2020, 05:36:35 PM by Run-AMC »
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #16 on: June 18, 2020, 05:07:35 AM »
Don't worry about your thread being obnoxious ever. If someone thinks it is send them my way, we can tell them all about eagle specifics.



Manitowoc WI

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #17 on: June 18, 2020, 05:12:58 PM »
Why do I feel like I'm reading a Road and Track article ? 
'85 wagon Limited   tilt wheel , cruise control
power seats ,windows and locks
rear window washer /wiper 
tach and gauge package
A/C
 '85 wagon   power windows and locks
rear window washer/wiper
factory tow package
A/C

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #18 on: June 18, 2020, 07:15:01 PM »
Don't worry about your thread being obnoxious ever. If someone thinks it is send them my way, we can tell them all about eagle specifics.

Why do I feel like I'm reading a Road and Track article ? 

I appreciate you both for unique reasons.
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline Canoe

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #19 on: June 23, 2020, 10:26:50 PM »

I was being facetious about the race car comment, haha! I intend to drive this Eagle wherever Eagles are needed! The roads in Louisiana are typically pretty doodoo, so it might as well be off road. If urethane will over-stiffen the system and generate excessive shock and wear on the suspension, then that idea should probably be scrapped. I do like the idea of replacing some specific bushings with urethane, though. I actually like the way the Eagle rides a lot as is. It tends to go over bumps and the like as one unit, smoothly, and doing its brief suspension oscillation without the front or rear travelling out of sync. Cars probably already do this, but I haven't noticed it like I do in the Eagle. I will search for rubber and urethane bushings. The main goal is to improve the driving experience if I can. Perhaps I should define for myself what it means to have improved Eagle suspension and steering. The ride may already be pretty good!

If this thread ever gets to be too long or obnoxious, someone let me know and I'll distribute the discussion elsewhere.

Thanks a bunch, Canoe!
The big one to keep as rubber for impact absorption is the large rubber on the strut rod.
In choosing the others for rubber vs. urethane, search for posts where people changed ____ to urethane and how that changed the ride.

I went with all rubber for the control arms, etc., as I need to smooth the impacts out due to a medical condition. But I note that after driving Eagles for over a decade, I was always puzzled at people slowing down in construction zones where the road was torn up but way slower than the posted 'construction' speed limit. Then I drove through one in a regular car at the 'construction' speed limit. I thought the car was going to break apart!
When I put the new rubber in, I was amazed at how soft the old rubber was. I'm assuming age, but that may have been that newer rubber is a different formulation than original factory stock.

I do seem to recall people saying they've put a heavier duty solid sway bar on the front (from a Camaro?) and really loved what it did. That would make me think urethane holding the sway bar and on the links would be good. But I have not tried that. (I have a vague recollection of putting urethane on the links... I'll check that tomorrow.)

p.s.
Back when I last replaced the strut bushings, MOOG had an alternate: a material that was harder than rubber but softer than urethane.

« Last Edit: June 23, 2020, 11:16:04 PM by Canoe »

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #20 on: June 24, 2020, 03:31:55 PM »
Quote
I note that after driving Eagles for over a decade, I was always puzzled at people slowing down in construction zones where the road was torn up but way slower than the posted 'construction' speed limit. Then I drove through one in a regular car at the 'construction' speed limit. I thought the car was going to break apart!

This is a terrific anecdote. Very useful!

Quote
I do seem to recall people saying they've put a heavier duty solid sway bar on the front (from a Camaro?) and really loved what it did.

Also very useful!

I appreciate you sharing your experience in regards to suspension parts. Did the forum ever conclude what other strut bars are compatible with the Eagles?
1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

Offline Canoe

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #21 on: June 25, 2020, 02:32:55 PM »
...
I do seem to recall people saying they've put a heavier duty solid sway bar on the front (from a Camaro?) and really loved what it did. That would make me think urethane holding the sway bar and on the links would be good. But I have not tried that. (I have a vague recollection of putting urethane on the links... I'll check that tomorrow.)

p.s.
Back when I last replaced the strut bushings, MOOG had an alternate: a material that was harder than rubber but softer than urethane.
I have rubber on the sway bar links. Urethane on the bushings holding the sway bar.

Don't forget to check out How To and Modifications at

http://www.amceaglesden.com/guide/Main_Page

For example, on the strut rods & bushing, "MOOG "improved type" K3090 bushings"
http://www.amceaglesden.com/guide/Strut_Rod_Bushings_Re_%26_RE

Offline Still Pat

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #22 on: June 26, 2020, 09:14:44 AM »
Wonder if that's Rafe's old bird? Kinda looks like my recollection of TQ & I recall it catching on fire after he sold it. The new owner's insurance wouldn't let it be bought back, something about once it was in a fire, that was it. Fairly mild/small from what I recall, just some wiring.
'83 AMC Eagle wagon 258/auto.
'84 AMC Eagle sedan (4 door) 258/auto.
PREVIOUS AMCs:
'72 Gremlin X 304/3 speed
'81 Eagle Kammback 258/4 speed (Purchased new)
'82 Eagle wagon 258/5 speed (Ordered new, traded Kammback)
'86 (I THINK) Eagle wagon - BlackBird 258/auto. (Got hit/totaled)
'83 Eagle wagon - White Eagle 258-auto. (Front subframe was rotted out - sold for parts)

Offline Run-AMC

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Re: Greetings From Louisiana
« Reply #23 on: June 26, 2020, 03:37:53 PM »
Super resources! Love it.


I haven't detected any fire damage. PO's surname is Thom. Using Google sleuthing skills, I was able to find some public information on him. Hopefully, it's him. I got in touch with his practice, but that was inconclusive. I'll probably write him a letter, be that pain in the arse. I believe it would be highly useful to understand why he got rid of a historic automobile he took such great care of for 36 years. The mileage averages out to 3,700 miles per year. I've done more damage to the paint since I've gotten it than he did in all the time he had it! This entire narrative is just a hunch based on only a handful of clues and a lot of conjecture, and I wouldn't be surprised if reality ends up differing substantially from expectation.



This is the part where I tell you how I acquired this here Eagle:

Working a night shift in headquarters on COVID response in April (I am an Army Guardsman), an Airman from another office joined the company of my assistant and I. The two of them began to discuss things that experienced older men discuss. They grabbed my attention when they brought up the topic of classic cars. I had always wanted a classic car. I have always appreciated the appearance of the 70's muscle cars. I even had ideas to make a Plymouth Roadrunner 4-wheel drive from time to time. My assistant, who is actually superior in rank to myself, owns a 1965 Lincoln Continental. He introduced me to County Classic Cars, from where he bought said car. I entered the site and began to browse. Various cars and trucks of all eras rolled up the page as I studied their catalog. 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980... Brown station wagon. AMC. Eagle. "What kind of car is this?" I thought. I looked closer. "No really, what car is this?" I scanned the photos. "No seriously, guys, what car even is this? This thing is cool!" My interest rapidly piquing. "4-Wheel Drive? Car? AMC. I like AMC." I image searched the Eagle. 50,000 examples filled the image search. Photos of pretty Eagles, ugly Eagles, monster truck Eagles, Eagles in movies all flashed across my eyes. Wikipedia, Hagerty, Autotrader, Allpar, Road and Track, and others all told me what I needed to know. It's a Jeep in 70's clothing. It's a car that's made to go on any road condition. It's confident without being obnoxious. It's classic, but subtle. Some say it's ugly, but they cannot deny its function. My assistant looked at it too, and he told me matter-of-factly, "If you don't buy it, I will."

I thought hard about this car. But just like AMC, I did little research into the market (perhaps there were better Eagles out there for me?). I did have it professionally inspected; I knew what I was getting into... lots of work in relation to my relatively little experience. "Above average" was the rating given for the condition of the car. I think "Above Average+" would have been more appropriate given some of the photos I have seen of these cars.

I had it shipped to my civilian-side job. Pickup and delivery took less than 12 hours; from Illinois to Louisiana! The shipper attempted to deliver it to the wrong address, so there was a delay. But I got it just before the business closed and everyone went home; so they got to revel in its peculiarity. It was the sexiest car on the entire trailer. A terrific grin hid my underlying anxiety for the drive home and the upcoming work and repair bills. He fired it up and backed it off the trailer. The 37-year old 4.2L straight-6 with a decrepit muffler sounded like a proper Jeep; something I was quite familiar with. I recall that the taillights were healthy and bright. I drove it around the industrial complex, beginning to lay neural circuits for the personality of this particular car; feeling, listening, smelling, watching for any problems, no matter how small. It tested well but would die in gear if the throttle was not engaged. I got it home that night with no issue. It creaked and made all sorts of old car sounds, something that I have since completely tuned out. It entered the garage on the third day of May in the year of 2020. My goal for roadworthiness was June 1st. She was running again on May 30th, the day the Illinois-issued temporary permit expired.

I had decided early on that everything I would do with this car I would do myself, largely alone. There is something so profoundly engaging about pouring one's own blood, sweat, and tears into an automobile. The home garage mechanic is like the artist in that they both struggle to produce order from chaos with little but their own ingenuity. With intense focus, they both traverse a mental battlefield in order to overcome a great puzzle. However, in the end, the artist hangs his work on a wall or places it on a shelf; its function is ironically nonfunctional. It is the home garage mechanic who produces from his toil a self-propelled carriage of opportunity, adventure, and speed (LOL) that he himself will use. Oh, the places he will go. He will make a living and he will feed his family with the help of the automobile that he himself brought into working order.

It is terrifically sentimental, perhaps excessively so, but if you are the home garage mechanic, then that paragraph represents you. It is what you do. It may just be a car, sure, but I know that at least most of you share my sentiment to some degree.  Case in point, a man and his wife approached me the other day as I walked up to the Eagle. They were amazed. Towards the end of our brief interaction, he asked if it was for sale. Of course, "no" was all I could say; politely. But I've thought about why the answer is no. I'll be frank. I paid $7,000 for it. I paid $650 for shipping. I paid $800 for registration and fees. I've spent at least a couple thousand on parts and tools and cleaners and fluids. If I wanted to break even, I suppose I could ask $11,000. But the money, while a factor, is not the main driver. After days of 12-hour shifts solving problems other people make at work, the last thing any reasonable individual wants to do is go home and solve more problems other people made!  It's about struggling to install one bolt for three days in a row with the minimal amount of free time, tools, and experience I actually had. It's the weekends spent in turmoil wondering whether or not I'll be able to make it work, frustrated personally with wasted days. And finally, it's the triumph over all of those obstacles. Money can't buy that kind of connection and no buyer would be inclined to pay for that. So for better or worse, I'm stuck with the Eagle and it's stuck with me. There is no way to convey the emotion involved in a car one repairs oneself, with the exception of analogy, but that's all hokey religion and ancient weapons, kid.


More young men should work on old cars.


I hope you all found this entertaining.

1982 Eagle Wagon Limited in Super Brown

More young men should work on old cars.

 

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