AMC Eagle Den Forum
Information and News => Hatchlings => Topic started by: Eagle1983 on August 21, 2010, 04:17:36 PM
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I am currently looking at a 1982 AMC Eagle for $1,800. The owner says the interior is in good shape and that the only rust is on the rockers and underbody. It is a Canadian car so everything is in Metrick. He also mentioned that the car was not built with A/C. Has straight 6 auto trans and has 100,000 miles. What is your guy's opinion on it and the price.
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The rust is a huge red flag. Get a pro to look it over before you decide.
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I second what smitch said.
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look along the frame for ANY holes. if the rockers are gone then there is a good chance the unibody rails are getting the same way. Be prepared to crawl on your back and look at all of the floorboards, pay close attention to the frame section in the wheel wells. If there are lots of big holes (bigger than a half dollar) then that car is a parts car and is only worth about 300 bucks (if I where buying it). best thing to do is to snap lots of photos and post a thread and ask fellow nesters. You'll get nothing but honest answers from us. hope i didn't scare ya off ;D
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What has been said.
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If I were looking, I wouldn't buy it. With that amount of rust it would be a parts car for sure. I know, I got burnt on the E site by not looking and trusting the sellers word. LOOK< LOOK< and LOOK some more.
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He seller mentioned that the rust is only on the rookers and that the underside had been z-bared by the prior owner. He said the rust on the rookers was average. I should be getting some pictures of the car from him today. I will post them then if I can
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Eagles were Z-Barted by the factory. I wonder if the seller is really knowledgeable about this car? I have no idea what "average rust" would be. My Eagle has average rust for Iowa, that means the rockers are in need of extensive repair in the near future.
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I was able to find another one in Ohio for the same price. it is a 1985 amc eagle with a 258 striaght six wit an auto trans. it has 112,xxx oringial miles. also has a new battery, starter, alternator, holley remanufactured carb and exhaust and new jvc cd player with and ipod hook up on the face. 90% tread left on tires. The seller says the car runs and drives great. everything works but the a/c and and tempurature guage. the interior is very nice with no tears and the body is very soild with no rust. u can drive this car anywhere it is very dependable. The seller is asking 1,800 obo. What is your opinion. How do you post pictures. Also with the 1985 eagles and newer was the only AMC logo on the back hatch?
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I believe you are correct about the logo.
Posting pictures: http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=6725.0
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http://s915.photobucket.com/albums/ac354/ATARIJaguarfan/AMC%20Eagle/
Here are the pictures of the Car From Ohio.
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looks good but you need some pics of the underside.
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What is your guys opinion on the 1984 AMC Eagle, I thought I heard from somewhere that they have trouble with there back axle going out or braking, is this true, also have you seen the episode of mythbusters where destroy a AMC Eagle wagon and a AMC Eagle 4-door sedan. Also would a K551 Jeep Kit - Weber 32/36 DGEV Carb kit be a good replacement for the original carter carb. Thank you for your time.
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The right rear axle problem reared its ugly head in late 1981 and was resolved by AMC late in 1982. An assembly line worker was over torquing the axle nut. It has happened on other model years but that axle breakage is usually related to age or mistreatment or over torquing by someone else.
We commented a lot regarding that episode when it first aired. To add insult to injury, they used the former AMC proving and test grounds, which is now privately owned.
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I have also found a 1988 eagle near me. The body is in good shape. Light enclosures, grille, etc. Has newer headliner and newer carpet (red). AMC 4.2L straight-six with a ton of miles on it, ran in July but then the carter BBD carb started acting up, has a remanufactured Carter/Autolite 2100 that hasn't been installed yet. Automatic TF904 transmission, 4x4. Model 15 rear end. Air conditioning (was working when it ran), digital AM/FM radio with cassette player. Roof rack. Rear window has defrost and wiper. Instrument cluster / dash in good shape. The seller listed it as a parts car 2 hours ago, but I asked him how much would he want for the car complete, what do you guys think would be a fair price for it. Thank you for your time.
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Did the seller list what it is equipped with? If so it appears he/she is somewhat knowledgeable about AMC but perhaps not Eagles. It should have and probably does a TF 998 transmission; 904's were found behind I-4 cars and are used sometimes as replacements. Might be worth checking though. It has a Dana 35 rear end which is pretty much what the old AMC 15's were called later on. But, it should be a sprung over D35 not a sprung under Model 15; again, it probably is.
If they are AMC knowledgeable there may be a reason why its listed as a parts car. There is a chance that important underbody components have been destroyed by rust. So, it would be hard for me to give a value without knowing what lurks under the car.
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Yes he did. He said that it it has around 145k miles on it. The car has very little rust other than surface rust on the underbody and a hole in one of the corners of the trunk area that looks like it's from the rear hatch leaking. It was sprayed with under armor every few years according to the previous owner. I purchased it in July from a lady in Kenosha who owned it for 8 years and used it as a daily driver. Other than the carb issues, the only other thing that was keeping her from continuing to drive it is that the shifter linkage needs to be adjusted. He is asking 1200 for the whole car.
Here are some pictures of it before the trim was removed and the engine was worked on:
http://s1038.photobucket.com/albums/a464/scoutcl/EagleWagon/
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is it me or do those pics look familiar.
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Does not look too bad. I would want to check some of the areas under the car more closely as the pictures in your album do not zero in on some of the known areas of concern. Strut rod bushings need replacement so that might help with $50 - $100 of your negotiations.
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Thank you for your reply. Just wondering how much would it cost to put a new Vinyl top on a 1986 Four door sedan. Also if there are no other rust problems or problems on the 1988, is 1200-1000 a good price for it, also how much would it cost to have the carb put on and the Shifter linkage/cable adjusted What would I use to put the trim and badges back on the Eagle. What are the know problem areas I should be looking for on the bottom of the car. also where could I find new strut rode bushings, are they the same as jeeps. Did the 1988 Eagle still have the AMC badge on the back hatch. Also I was looking at other peoples AMC Eagles and I swear the one for sale looks like TinMan's AMC Eagle or is it just me. Have a nice day.
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No exterior AMC badges on the '88 Eagles. Adjusting the the shifter is pretty easy and would be a good do it yourself project. Vinyl roof on a car with a vinyl roof will be pricey and I bet you will find rust under the top, just below the rear quarter windows. If you are putting the original carb back on and everything is there, then that is a easy project too.
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Strut rod bushings were available from Advance Auto a while back, and probably Rock Auto.
They are probably also available from a number of other places.
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HI, I have found a 1987 Eagle limited wagon close to me in Goshen, IN. The body and interior are in good overall shape, body is a off white with gold trim, inside is tan leather. except that in the back hatch one of the brackets is broken. It has been in storage for 4 years and the seller said he is selling it for his son,which is a member on here. The only odd thing about it is that there is a slight ticking when it runs almost sounds like a watch, not to sure if that is a problem. Also for some reason he would not let me test drive it, something about insurance. What is your guys opinion, I was really hoping to test drive it to, seems odd he will not let people do that, kind of hard to sell a car if no one can drive it, also by the way, if the person who is the guys son happens to read this could you let him know that, it is hard to sell a car if no one can drive it. was really disappointed, would have made a offer too. Thank you for your time.
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Ticking could be a lifter or the timing chain. Does it go away with rpm increases or just get faster sounding? I would be worried, too, about not being able to test drive it. He is probably not carrying insurance on it, but could probably add it to his policy for a few days to let a serious buyer drive the car.
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the ticking is probly the valves needing an adjusting. Adding some lucas oil treatment will quiet it down (Mavericke will vouch) but adjusting the valves is the best bet to get rid of the ticking
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Valves are non adjustable.
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Thanks for the responses, I was not able to gun the engine, the seller would not get out of the drivers seat while it was running, if it is the lifter how much would it cost to fix, would the top half of the engine need rebuilt, I agree you would think he would have gotten insurance on it, I even told him if you could test drive it I would make him a offer right there, The interior is in good shape even has the power locks and cassette player in it with the original limited hubcaps, I have a feeling he was not expecting so much interest so soon, He carb was sticking probably from being in storage for 4 years, plus he had not even tuned it up, worse of all it had not plates and he said it was still running off of the same gas that had been it while it had been in storage!.I think I will give him a week then call again and see if he will let me test drive it then, what makes me mad is that it is exactly what I am looking for and I drove about an hour just to find out I could not drive it, plus he said he is having some one from upper Michigan coming sunday, hopefully he told the guy he can not test drive it or that could go badly,Also he mentioned that at first when he puts the car into gear the engine bogs down for a few seconds is that normal or just from not running for a couple of years.
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I would guess its lifter related. They shouldvunstick most likely?
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Thanks for the response, So would It be a major repair to make to the engine like a rebuild, also is it bogging down when it shifts normal or is that a problem,I am just asking because I am looking for a daily driver and do not want to have the car in the shop to do a bunch of engine related repairs. What would I need to do to fix the knocking exactly. Thank you for your time, I will probably call the guy next week to see if he is willing to let people test drive it, if he still has it, closest one to were I live, only other one close is 4 hours away in Ohio.Also the power locks do not work right and the drivers side window is broken.
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Ticking or knocking.
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i hate to say this but, you are getting a car that is 25+ years old. I know in my state (PA) they are classifed as antique. My best advice to you is get an eagle but also look into getting a second car for more of your daily driver duties
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It sounds more like it is ticking like a clock, which of the two is worse ticking or knocking and how much would it cost to fix for each of them. Have a nice day.
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I already have a daily driver but it is a camero and I need something more suitable for northern Indiana winters.
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Knock bad tick better. An oil change might be all it would need to fix a tick. For example.
A knock usuaully means a rebuild of the motor
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Knock bad tick better. An oil change might be all it would need to fix a tick. For example.
A knock usuaully means a rebuild of the motor
Thanks for the response, How often do engines tick over knock, he said his son used it as a daily driver while at college then it was put into storage for 4 years, I am pretty sure he said that is has not had a tune up since and that it is still running off of the same oil and gas that was in it when it was put into storage. Thank you for your time.
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Hydraulic lifter ticking is common on old cars. An oil change or too may fix a tick on a car that has sat like that one has. There are some additives that may end minor ticking.
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I just saw the comments on that 88 wagon. I know i'm a week or so late on it but just thought i'd give some info. I think its the same one i checked out in kenosha a few months ago, the seller wanted 500 for it on "the list" and when i called about it, it was sold. A few days later I saw an ad on the chicago area list advertising a VERY similar car, same big smash in the pass. side door for 1000. My point is it seems like its changed hands alot lately, i'm thinking the guy was just trying to make a few bucks.
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I was also wondering, I noticed that the Limited 1987 I am looking at does not have any eagle emblem on the hood, would I just need to buy a new one and put it on. Also are there any limited emblems that would also be on the outside of the car. Have a nice day.
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I was wondering how hard is it to find a proportional brake valve for a 1985 Eagle, I found a 1985 in IL but it needs a new Proportional brake valve. Have a nice day.
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Try this web site:
http://www.4wd.com/subcategories.aspx?cid=1010&jeep-sid=1139
Maybe call them and ask their advice.
JC Whitney might also have them
Hope this helps.
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I was also wondering how hard is it to find replacement vacuum lines and clamps, Found a Eagle really close but the owner mentioned that the vacuum lines have rotted out from sitting and that because of that the 4 wheel drive does not work and it has to be driven two footed, are there places that sell the full kits or will it require some looking around to find the parts.
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You will need to purchase bulk hose that you will then cut to length. No clamps are used on the vacuum lines. There are a few different diameters so take some your old hoses of different diameter with you to the parts store.
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Thanks for the response. Where would I be able to find a diagram for the vacuum hose lines.
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Hello, I was wondering if a CJ brake proportional valve replacement would work on a AMC Eagle. Thank you for your time.
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;D I finally have a Eagle, It is a 1984 Eagle 30 Sedan, it is two tone brown, I will try to get some pics up this weekend of the car, Found it in Stanton MI, Paid 3000 for it, The underside barely has any surface rust, driver side door has a little on bottom, The car has manual windows and locks, all original. The seller had put on a New carb-tried two rebuild but had bad luck so put on a new factory original one, new steering box,new brakes,new coolant lines, even had a new air filter, last oil change was 1,000 miles ago, and had a full tank of gas, interior looks almost spotless, except for one mark on the front passenger seat. Drove it all the way home for 4 hours straight, only used 3/4 of a tank of gas, was mostly on highways going 65-70, also took a few back roads, hit one very steep hill though and had to about floor it to stay at 50 MPH, also did a brake test when I hit a green light entering a town doing 50 just to find out it was a T. has 143,500 miles on engine, only problem is that it looks like one of the valve gaskets is leaking some oil, engine is a bit covered in it on the bottom, back suspension also needs new shocks. besides that good car, also interior is tan. Also missing amc Hood badge, Just double checking the 1984 model did have switch on the fly right, the switch does not say you have to stop but was just making sure as Wiki says 1985 but does not really mention it for 1984. Have a nice day.
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Congratulations. Looking forward to pictures.
If the 4X4 switch has a button the bottom that has to be pulled down it's not shift on the fly.
If there is no button it is shift on the fly.
i don't know what year the change was made but someone will jump in here with that info.
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I was also wondering if anyone would have to have a steering wheel for sale, the three spoke ones like on wagoneers with the lather wrap and the fake wood in the center that is round. like on the limited edition vehicles.
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Congratulations. Looking forward to pictures.
If the 4X4 switch has a button the bottom that has to be pulled down it's not shift on the fly.
If there is no button it is shift on the fly.
i don't know what year the change was made but someone will jump in here with that info.
Ours is a 1984 Brampton-built and is not shift on the fly. It was originally a rental unit...we purchased it in January 1985 with 15k miles. I've seen several sources that say the change was made for 1984 models but I'm guessing it must have been later in the model run.
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We do know some changes were made during model years. Plastic to metal valve covers comes to mind.
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Congratulations. Looking forward to pictures.
If the 4X4 switch has a button the bottom that has to be pulled down it's not shift on the fly.
If there is no button it is shift on the fly.
i don't know what year the change was made but someone will jump in here with that info.
Ours is a 1984 Brampton-built and is not shift on the fly. It was originally a rental unit...we purchased it in January 1985 with 15k miles. I've seen several sources that say the change was made for 1984 models but I'm guessing it must have been later in the model run.
Mine was made August 1983 and does not have the nob on the bottom of the four wheel drive switch.
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My 83 has the knob. I don't know what month it was built. This is getting more confusing all the time.
I had thought all 83s were stop to shift. Is yours stock?
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An August '83 build date would make it an '84, probably. The VIN should be your guide.
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Just wondering how do you know when the 4X4 is working, The owner said that it work it is just that it does not feel like a 4X4 truck when turning and handles better then I would have expected. Every time I flip the switch I hear a sound that sounds like compressed being released, So I am guessing it is supposed to sound like when it works.
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Find some loose gravel or a grassy patch or such and make jack rabbit starts in both 2x4 and 4x4.
If it's working you will certainly be able to notice the difference.
I once tied one to a tree with a tow strap but it's not necessary to go that far.
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Congrats on your acquisition. I have found that the stop to shift to 4wd was used on Eagles with automatics in 83 & 84. I am not familiar with manual tranny setup. This stop to shift feature also applies to full sized Jeeps with automatics in 83 & 84. My Eagle is an 84 that the PO modified so it does shift on the fly and I like it very much. I used it for the first time in months just today.
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I was wondering I have noticed on a few forums here that people mention giving there cars names, who started that idea exactly and what is it about, also what names have already been Taken.
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I don't know who started it.. it was around way before you or I were born lol.
All my car's have had names though...[also, all girls names.. lol]
My sister named both of her cars too, but she know's her way around a garage just as well as most guy's, so she's not exactly a average female to use as an example lol.
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Naming our Eagles is not an official part of the Forum.
It's just something people do.
The names aren't copyrighted - I doubt if anyone will get their nose out of joint if you were to duplicate a name.
Some of the members will probably jump in here and tell how they selected a name - or how their Eagle selected a name. ;D
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Naming our Eagles is not an official part of the Forum.
It's just something people do.
The names aren't copyrighted - I doubt if anyone will get their nose out of joint if you were to duplicate a name.
Some of the members will probably jump in here and tell how they selected a name - or how their Eagle selected a name. ;D
Thanks for the response, does your eagle have a name.
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Well, this being a family oriented site I can't say what I call them when I'm working on them! ;D
Actuallly, I haven't named them. Nothing has ever come to mind that seems to fit. I usually call them the 83 and the 88,
or the blue and the white one, or white woody.
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Thank you for the response, For now I just call her Eleanor seeing as that is the first thing that comes to mind, Darn you Nicolas cage and Gone in 60 seconds.
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Took Eleanor out for the first time in the snow today, was surprised when I first pulled out of the driveway though, has a bit of a incline, must have hit ice because my back wheels or wheel not to sure if it was both started to spin. Had her in 4 wheel drive, must be the tires, last owner put normal all weather sedan tires on her not to long ago, back up then forward before I tried to pull out to make sure the 4 wheel drive was engaged, happened to me a second time later and she actually died on me.
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Just wondering does any one know where I can find a window channel/weather stripping for my 84 Eagle's drive side door, fond a PRECISION REPLACEMENT PARTS ALL-RUBBER WINDOW CHANNELS at JC whitney but do not know if it will fit or what type/style to get. Has any on here ever used them for parts or window channels.
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You may want to check with these fine folks: http://amcrambler.com/index.html
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You may want to check with these fine folks: http://amcrambler.com/index.html
HI Allways on the spot with the right Info ................Don...................... :amc:
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I just cannot believe how many Eagles you found in Indiana... I've been looking for an SX/4 for probably a year now. Find a wagon once in a blue moon or a complete rust bucket. What's the secret?
And hello, everyone. I'm new and from Trafalgar, IN. Been coming here for awhile just always liked the reading. :)