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  • March 28, 2024, 04:46:24 AM

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Author Topic: '88 Wagon rehab  (Read 14837 times)

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Offline Nate Campbell

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'88 Wagon rehab
« on: December 07, 2014, 03:32:43 PM »
I bought my dark blue Eagle wagon this summer on ebay and worked on it all summer and fall.  It had been stored for 15-18 years and the previous owner bought it from that estate.  I replaced the ball joints upper and lower both sides, all the tie rod ends and sleeves, the strut arm bushings and steering stablizer.  I had the rear brake lines redone and the exhaust from the cat back replaced and rebuilt the carb.  The drivers side door handle didn't work and the back door was stuck shut.  I found a door handle and some parts in a local salvage yard and got the back door unstuck.  I replace two well nuts for the roof rack and put in an addco front anti sway bar and bought a rear anti sway bar but haven't installed it yet.  The transmission lines leak and it shifts late and the transfer case doesn't engage so that will hopefully be next on the list along with some new tires and go through the vacuum lines.  It could use new springs and bushings and the headliner needs redone.  Looking for optional upgrade items to enhance it and replace the few missing items.  Overall it's a good old bird.
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline vangremlin

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2014, 09:27:56 PM »
Good luck on the restoration and keep us posted on the progress!!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
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Offline Prafeston

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2014, 06:48:18 PM »
Pics! Pics! We need pics!
1983 AMC Eagle SX/4 - Penny

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2014, 06:39:11 PM »
I'll get some pictures put up soon.  I remembered some of the other things I worked on over the summer.  The previous owner had replace the radiator and bought a water pump, thermostat and heater core, along with front and rear shocks that all came with the Eagle when i bought it.  I did the shocks and put in the thermostat and water pump just because they were new and saved the heater core for later because I didn't want to take the dash all apart.  I also got a new heater valve and did that too.  well shortly after that I ran her in the driveway and she over heated.  after doing some research I checked the part number for the water pump and sure enough it was for the serpentine set up and was the wrong one.  so I put the old one back on and that fixed that.  As it got colder and I tried the heat I found the heater box is full of mouse nest and I should have done the heater core just to clean it out.  it also didn't seem hot enough so I checked the part # one the stat box it its a 180 degree so I'll need to swap that out for a 195.  So when you get a good deal on an Eagle plus parts, double check your part numbers .  Well more update as progress is made or as I remember more of what I worked on already
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2014, 06:47:41 PM »
That 180* thermostat should be enough. Incorrect for the car but......anyway try burping the heater core, it might be half airlocked.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2014, 06:54:46 PM »
Here she is when my wife and I picked the her up

And the first test drive before I started rebuilding the front end
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline eagleman

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2014, 07:33:23 PM »
If you have a 180 degree thermostat and its not hot enough I believe I'd have a look at your pressure cap on the radiator and have it tested to be sure it holds pressure and how many pounds pressure it is. If that's okay then how's the radiator? Does it need to be flushed and of course the heater core itself could be plugged or partially plugged. I have a new thirteen pound radiator cap a new heater core a flushed radiator and a new heater control valve on my Eagle with a 180 degree thermostat and it will run you out.
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Offline Amc1320

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2014, 09:28:41 PM »
Nice looking wagon! Love the black
Rob c
84 Eagle Limited Wagon (driven everyday)
81 Eagle Kammback
81 Spirit (undergoing surgery)
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Manchester, TN

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2014, 01:15:57 PM »
I think the main thing with the heat is just a plugged up heater box but I have a new core I'll put in  at that time and I just would rather the proper thermostat while I'm at it.  I've been looking for a coolant system bleeding kit to get the air out but haven't been able to find one locally.  The radiator is new and the cap and heater control valve too.  So i think with a new heater core and some airflow it will make a vast difference.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline vangremlin

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2014, 01:19:16 PM »
If you want to bleed the air out, you can remove the hose clamp from the upper hose on the heater core, and pull back just a little bit on that hose while the car is running until some coolant runs out, then put the hose back on.  That'll get all the air out of the system!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #10 on: May 03, 2015, 02:57:05 PM »
Well it has been a while since I did an update.  I don't know if I can recall all that I've done since my last up date but here I go.  I had the leaky transmission lines replaced and the kickdown repaired and adjusted but could use a new kick down linkage if anyone has one or I'll just keep an eye out in the salvage yards.  I had one of the wheel bearings replaced and ordered a new pitman arm and Idler arm and will replace them soon, steering is a bit sloppy.  now that its warm the suspension is noisier.  I cleaned the idle air tubes in the carb and replaced the choke thermostat and some vacuum lines and she runs pretty doggone good now.  the rear wiper has stopped working but I haven't checked that out yet.  I replace all the headlight adjusting screws but for one high beam and then that one went bad and shines crooked. I found a hood cable with an intact hood pull in a salvage yard and a few spare door pulls last summer and can't wait to get back to grab a front skid plate and tow hitch this spring.
thats some of my Eagle related news.
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2015, 10:16:00 AM »
oh and new tires that I don't have to air up every other day.  I want to grab a set of steel wheels w/hub caps for snow tires next time  i'm at a salvage yard.  I had the 4wheeel drive checked out lat time it was in the shop and the transfercase shifter is locked up but the vacuum system is good, how about that. 
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Newgenerationamcer

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2015, 10:16:49 AM »
Hey we have the same year and color eagle

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2015, 08:34:21 AM »
I sow another 1988 blue eagle for sale locally that I wanted to get so bad he was only asking 1000 for it.  It didn't have the rear wiper but it was same exterior and interior  and it ran and drove.  but I didn't have any money :(  Still kicking my self over this one
nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #14 on: April 30, 2016, 11:07:02 AM »
Wow! It's been almost a year since my last update, mostly because not much has happened.  I rode the motorcycle last summer and didn't register the eagle or use it during the winter. This spring however I got the pitman arm and idler arm replaced and boy does she handle much better.  Still haven't made it back to the salvage yard for parts but it's the perfect time of year for that. Glad to be back soaring in the eagle

1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Prafeston

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #15 on: April 30, 2016, 01:22:05 PM »
Welcome back! Have fun this summer with it!
1983 AMC Eagle SX/4 - Penny

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #16 on: June 12, 2016, 10:50:22 PM »
Just finished my big cap upgrade, I think I like it.  Recently my radio has stopped working and last autumn my rear wiper stopped.  Any ideas on that?  Oh and one of my rear windows won't roll up occasionally. Otherwise she's been a reliable daily driver all spring.
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #17 on: June 13, 2016, 06:18:59 PM »
On the rear window problem check for a broken wire at the door hinges . Rear wiper might be the same . Check the wires where they go into the lift hatch. The opening and closing of the door and hatch tends to break  wires.
'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 Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #18 on: June 23, 2016, 11:34:49 PM »
went to the junk yard today and I found a rear washer nozzle, an intermittent wiper switch and delay module, a later model cassette radio and some assorted fasteners.  I still couldn't get the front skid plate or receiver hitch off but I'll go back next week for that.  The wire to the rear wiper is broken at the lift gate, what is the best way to fix that?
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #19 on: June 28, 2016, 12:13:08 AM »
Reconnecting the wires is the best start. I would dig into ghe hatch headliner to lengthen and connect for good measure.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #20 on: June 30, 2016, 01:52:13 PM »
now that I've had a few days to ponder it I've come up with a course of action of running new wires from the head liner out then into the lift gate and to the motor using the old wire to snake the new ones through. I will then make the splice behind the headliner and attach the wires at the motor.  while I'm at it I'll replace the broken sprayer nozzle with the one I found at the salvage yard and also adjust the hinge spacing because I have some overhanging issue at the lift gate over the tailights.  I should drop the headliner too while I'm at as it is sagging, but I'll save that for another day. The other project will be taking care of dash issues and putting in my new (too me) wiper switch with delay and new to me cassette radio. Maybe the heater core too.  so all I need is free time lol
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #21 on: August 31, 2016, 09:33:44 PM »
I've fixed a couple more vacuum lines and had the carb tuned and she is running really well. I took the kids on a trip up north last weekend about 500 miles round trip and she performed admirably.  next projects include rear window motor, thermostat, fuel pump plus the fore mentioned dash and rear hatch projects and getting the transfer case to shift. still have to go back to the salvage yard to try and get that skid plate and receiver hitch but their rather stubbornly attached.  still hoping to find a blue cargo cover or automatic console and some vent shades but I have a couple more salvage yards on my list to check out. I'm having a lot of fun with the eagle this summer. 
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline amcfool1

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #22 on: August 31, 2016, 11:33:54 PM »
hi, man, where is that salvage yard?!! I haven't seen an Eagle in a local salvage yard for years! good luck, gz

Offline AMC1

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #23 on: September 01, 2016, 04:47:15 PM »
I use two different thermostats in two cars - a 180 & a 195. The 180 will take the chill off but for real heat the 195 is superior.
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Offline mudkicker715

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #24 on: September 01, 2016, 08:40:33 PM »
Changing the tstat effects performance emissions and mileage. Unless all coolant sensors are outbfor inspection. That is somthing else entirely than. If sensors sensors are in after checking good. Use the 195 degree stat. It was designed to be happy at that temp like most other motors.



Manitowoc WI

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #25 on: September 03, 2016, 06:20:06 PM »
I've found the new rear window motor works but I can't figure out how to get the old one out.  I replaced the fuel pump (mostly for piece of mind) and put in the proper 195 degree thermostat (only after breaking then replacing the t-stat housing too.)  and a new fan belt while I had it loose, it was kinda light duty and getting a little checked.  I tried putting in the tape deck radio but it is longer than the digital radio and didn't fit with out the appropriate nylon back stop mount. So I'll have to grab that next time I'm at the salvage yard (which is in northern Michigan near Belaire by the way).  I hooked it up to the power though but it didn't seem to work but my stock radio is intermittent too so it may still work for me once I figure that issue out. Over all I'm very pleased with how she's running.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline mo.eagles

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #26 on: September 06, 2016, 03:24:02 PM »
If the window motors have not been replaced before then you will need to drill out the rivets that hold the motor to the door. Everything else just unplugs. I have a blue cargo cover and center console if you're still looking.
« Last Edit: September 06, 2016, 03:33:00 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 Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #27 on: September 08, 2016, 10:10:52 AM »
I finally replaced the window motor and did the intermittent wiper switch too. It sure feels good to be able to roll the window up when it rains instead of having a garbage bag over the window frame. Next is to tackle the rear wiper rewiring, washer nozzle and lift gate hinge alignment. mo.eagles I pm'd you about those parts
« Last Edit: September 08, 2016, 01:56:51 PM by Nate Campbell »
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #28 on: September 08, 2016, 09:01:57 PM »
I got the rear hatch a little better aligned and the washer nozzle installed. I rewired the rear wiper motor but it still doesn't work.  I'm not too savvy when it comes to things of an electrical nature.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #29 on: January 31, 2017, 10:20:44 PM »
I was fooling with the rear wiper switch and noticed the washer sprayer  wasn't working where previously it had. I checked my owners manual and both the wiper and washer are on the same circuit breaker I pulled it and put it back in and the wiper moved for the first time in months. So I oiled everything and not its working again. It is such a handy thing to have working in the winter. I'm really quite pleased.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline vangremlin

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #30 on: February 02, 2017, 05:39:38 PM »
That's good news!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #31 on: February 12, 2017, 09:25:55 AM »
on my home from work the other day the eagle started making a drive line clunking and vibration. I think its the front passenger side cv axle.  I noticed the boot was torn just a week or so ago and I hoped it wouldn't be a problem until spring.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline amarshall

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #32 on: February 12, 2017, 10:54:26 PM »
That stinks.  I just killed the boot on my passenger side while installing new springs, looks like I'm right there with you on replacing the CV/halfshaft.  Good luck!
Wanted:  More time to work on my Eagle!

1988 Eagle Wagon - Overlander Build
http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=45852.0

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #33 on: February 16, 2017, 08:30:51 AM »
I'm kinda thinking while i'm at it there are other things that need attention while I have it apart.  The other axle cv boots are just as old and the suspension arm bushings could use to be replaced along with the spring perches. If I have that far taken apart I'd like to do new matador coil springs. which would mean I''d want to replace the sagging leaf springs with new and an add a leaf and bushings. It sure is expensive and a lot of work to do a cv axle.  ;D
Nate
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

Offline amarshall

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #34 on: February 16, 2017, 05:51:05 PM »
Wow, we are really on the same path.  I just finished up my front suspension, except for the CV which I damaged during spring replacement.  I didn't do the A-Arm bushings, but I did an upper ball joint, new springs, sway bar links, and strut rod bushings.  Also did spring perch bushings, but not original ones.  Found another site that recommended a poly bushing that fits in place of the original style - seems to be a common alternative to buying new perches for AMCs.

Next I am moving to the rear with a 2" cherokee add-a-leaf.

Happy to share notes if you need info.
Wanted:  More time to work on my Eagle!

1988 Eagle Wagon - Overlander Build
http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=45852.0

Offline Nate Campbell

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Re: '88 Wagon rehab
« Reply #35 on: May 09, 2019, 08:08:38 PM »
Finally driving the Eagle again after it sitting for more than a year!! The ignition switch locked up with the key in it and I just now replaced it with the help of my girlfriends brother. A new used battery and some fresh gas and she started right up.
1988 AMC Eagle Wagon, dark blue metallic, blue interior

 

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