AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Project Cars => Topic started by: philotomy on May 26, 2011, 08:23:50 AM

Title: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 26, 2011, 08:23:50 AM
 Yes i have decided to put my rants,ponderings and laments into a new thread.I couldn't see posting about her in the old thread because she is now in fact a project,one which i'm looking forward to.
Went through some job changes and with the uneasy finacial state,didnt have the time or funds to pursue fixing her     
   The trans is shot-dont know how bad yet-due to big tires with stock gears but the tailshaft still spins which is a good sign.Repaired the fuel line a few days ago and have recently started with the cooling system,speaking of that,gotta go get out there and get a bit done before the rain (and work) comes...
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 27, 2011, 10:35:03 AM
Got the fan shroud undone,put it onto the fan,upper hose came off fine;lower one is still attached at the block but undone at the rad.soaked the trans cooling lines but no go,at least not then I may just cut em off and redo em when I get the rad out,i think its fixable though, only one hole near the top. took out the waher res and the overflow tank (that had 3" of crap stuck to the bottom)all cleaned out with a liberal dousing of degreaser then heavy dilution of simple green,cleaned up the fender wall.no to go try those lines before work and if not then i'm hacking them,toss them later.I'm sure they are filled with gunked up fluid anyways.Figured I'd deal with those first before I loosened the rad and ended up with no leverage with moving parts.
Methinks i'll go with a manual trans radiator and hook up the trans lines to a new separate cooler mounted to the grill supports, any thoughts? the condenser for the non working ac seems to be a separate part we'll see I guess.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: mudkicker715 on May 27, 2011, 11:57:08 AM
A manual radiator still has your hookups. Anyway I would run your radiator for trans cooling even with an auxillary cooler. First through rad than auxillary.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 27, 2011, 08:00:17 PM
good idea,I had read that recently on one of the cooling systems threads,probably won't have much of a choice anyways  once I have the cash .
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 27, 2011, 08:24:39 PM
Wow! I just breezed thru the download section....I don't think I'll be able to do the transmission myself too many little bits; but wow nice work with the download page 8).
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 30, 2011, 11:23:05 AM
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_59921.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_59921.jpg)
Well got the radiator out and the shroud and fan, degreased the fan and shroud,the rad. looks like its got a decent size hole near the top where the upper hose goes in,Think I 'll talk to mechanic on wed when the Monte goes in for work,see if knows anybody that can repair it if possible and flush/pressure test it.other than that I have removed the battery for now and will be looking for replacement hoses and clamps just to be safe.
 Gonna run to the store today then come back and remover the starter and some other stuff hopfully in preparation of the trans removal. btw my ac condensor was a separate part,thankfully. :)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on May 31, 2011, 09:48:30 AM
Well ended up mowing the lawn and dealing with our new horse(mare) so I didn't get too much done on her yesterday.Got 1 bolt from the bottom of the starter off and the bracket bolt on the bell housing.other than that I dug out my dads ol pressure washer and it actually worked,hit the engine with it and it seemed to clean it up a tad.I'll really have to spray something stronger( I used pine sol) on there and YES a strong can of degreaser does indeed remove paint.sunburned I decided to call it a day,hurt to lay on that shoulder in the dirt.Hopefully I'll feel more inclined to work on it tonight after work.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 01, 2011, 08:42:52 PM
Got home and pulled the starter out,it was in real good shape cept for the battery connection and cleaned up real nice(I repainted it gloss black and some bright silver),the bolt snapped in the hole/tab so I'm gonna have to figure out how to extract it ,got a drill and a dremel,should be able to figure something out.
I talked to my mechanic today and he suggested keeping everything in the car,so whoever gets the job of rebuilding the trans,can make any shift linkage adjustments while they have it...so I suppose I can concentrate on the cooling system and a few other issues
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 02, 2011, 08:17:02 PM
tooka couple pix,radiator will have to be tested /flushed etc,the flexplate and starter look great( I cleaned up the starter and repainted it(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_60271.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_60271.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_59961.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_59961.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_59951.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_59951.jpg)
Oh yeah the fan is now sporting a new flat black primer job after the coolant and degreaser stripped the paint off most of it(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_60011.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_60011.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 06, 2011, 10:08:21 AM
Well I managed to pull out the speedo cable with no effort (after reading through a recent thread) removing the clamp and bolt(1/2 inch wrench),the BRT was still in the case and there was no fluid pouring out ,maybe once/if the big red thing comes out I'll see more.I hope the speedo gear didn't drop inside the case.
My nuetral safety switch had a broken wire when it was unplugged(how easy is it to find a new connector) ,can't remember which one and I'm temporarily stymied at how the shifter rod unhooks from the gear selector on the trans ,looked around on the transmission threads  and in some recent posts but can't find that helpful hint.I'm not sure if Its an easy to find replacement part or if I'm screwed if i damage it(that little grommet/bushing between the two metal arms),I'll post some more pix soon of my adventures under the Eagle.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 06, 2011, 10:43:27 AM
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61591.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61591.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61531.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61531.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: mudkicker715 on June 06, 2011, 11:33:22 AM
As you said somewhere. Where is the gear? Should of pulled the red plug out. Also note clock position on the red thing
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 06, 2011, 03:22:34 PM
Yeah, I marked the red thing with a red pastel and onto the case, shown in pic. I'm hoping to get that out when I get home tonight,been reading thru Alcology's thread and seems like it might be easier now.still pondering the shift linkage question (drop trans a bit then gain access to linkage). I did get to remove the busted starter bolt on the electrical connection,used vise grips from the backside and it worked its way right out,now for a new bolt...
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: mudkicker715 on June 06, 2011, 03:29:14 PM
I found its easier to leave the rod attached to the tyranny lever and than remove both levers
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 06, 2011, 03:40:21 PM
That actually does sound easier,now to just undo it in a manner that wont break anything.thanks again mudkicker
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 07, 2011, 10:44:41 PM
I noticed tonight that there is a dot on the big red thing and a dot on the case that line up(speedo gear),besides the red line I drew on.
I haven't been able to pull the shifter rod off the gear selector so I tried to dismantle the shifter thru the top side,no go even the 4 phillips screws wouldn't budge WTF!?!?!?anyways soaked em in pen.oil again and banged a screwdriver with a hammer to try and break the rust,went back under the car and removed the 4 crossmember to mount/cushion bolts(9/16).think  I'll wait for the weekend to drain the pan and get my jacks in place.
Still trying to find a local place to test and clean and repair my radiator.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61821.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61821.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61851-1.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61851-1.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61841.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61841.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_61831.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_61831.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 09, 2011, 09:52:41 AM
I v'e had a night to rethink my approach and look thru the eaglepedia and a few other threads,next step is undo the 2 bolts that hold the trans to the mount(directly up inside the hole in the crossmember)didn't know where to look before,got the other 4 out that hold the mount to the c member.Then undo the 4 nuts holding the crossmember up; drain the pan, retighten and lower a bit to gain access to the shift linkage and kickdown,then onto the next step but we'll see how it goes this weekend,raining now :-[
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 12, 2011, 10:30:30 AM
Well it's Sunday and its raining on and off but i'm determined to get something done,step 1 wake up and have coffee with wifey and say yes I'll fix the fence for the horse then have the rest of the day to myself,step 2 more coffee and find my tools i'll need.Hopefully some pics of my progress( or lack of) later.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 12, 2011, 10:33:24 PM
Its been a long day with a lot of rain but I did manage to make progress.The trans is still in the car but not for long.
I drained the pan ,cleaned and put it back on.Cut the trans cooling lines with a pipe cutter and moved aside then unbolted the trans mount using a breaker bar on my rachet and slid it out.Next was getting the jacks right under it with a block of wood to spread the load.oiled up the studs for the crossmember and removed those with the help of my breaker bar again.I had to pry the cross member out by the exhaust tube(the studs were just so long it interfered with it sliding out) but it came out fine,cleaned up all parts and labeled em.Lowered it a bit after a brief rain,just enough to gain access to the shifter mechanism,used a 7/16 wrench to unbolt both shifter lever and throttle lever,my kickdown is a cable and popped off the top of the whole bit with little effort.Came in and had dinner then with a little recharge attacked again,took off the inspection cover and set that aside,using my  3/4 inch socket and  tire lug wrench I moved the crank around to get each converter bolt so I could put my rachet  and breaker bar on it and crack it loose(mine were 14mm)I had also removed 2 spark plugs to aid in turning the crank.
Thats where i stopped and came in,from what I can see I need to remove the dipstick tube and the other 4 bolts and nuts holding the bellhousing to the engine and it should be free.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_62501.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_62501.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_62451.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_62451.jpg)
Thats all for now gotta go rest and have a beer
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 12, 2011, 10:57:17 PM
a couple more pics
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_62551.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_62551.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/th_IMG_62461.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/?action=view&current=IMG_62461.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Smitch on June 14, 2011, 03:53:19 PM
Glad to see you're going to get 'er done!!
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 14, 2011, 10:09:47 PM
 Trying anyway,back has been killing me again prob from sitting on my side in the rain all Sunday so I laid one the other side that wasn't killin me,It's like I evened it out :)got the trans dipstick and tube off tonight and the 2 5/8's bolts on either side of the oil pan,need to get at the 9/16's ones next.I was going to take more pix of my adventures under the car but the camera decided the batteries(rechargables) were toast till I can find the charger which I probably left at work ::) time for a couple pints of Guinness. :occasion14:
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 15, 2011, 11:06:11 AM
Went out this morning with one of the pit crew and while drinking my morning coffee I noticed the rear chrome strip from tail light to tail light was missing and broken judging by the snapped right end,thought to myself I had some trim and didn't know where it went so I dug it out and perfect fit cept for the broken tabs.dug out a washer for the off center support tab and replaced the left side screw slipped a little adhesive filler and looks original probably was the orig part
So I can say I did something on her today without gettin dirty and for no $$$
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 20, 2011, 09:15:44 AM
Got out yesterday,about 11:30 and started on my last 5 bolts holding the trans to the engine.I started on the 2 that had nuts on the other side,it was a bit tricky and not much room for hands even after letting it down for a bit of clearance.anyways it was going good but then realized I really do need another extension for my rachet ;I had also misplaced one,so my stepson was going out for the cookout so I asked him to stop by an auto parts store for a 1' extension.When he got back I put it on and yeah it brought the rachet out to where the trans tapers down and there's more room to swing the rachet,all 3 came out with little effort.(the driver's side WAS tougher than the passenger side because of the header and intake assembly being in the way),once all bolts were cracked loose they came out nice an easy almost with my fingers.
checked and tucked my cooling lines and shifter linkage and kickdown cable out of the way;checked the torque converter to flexplate and wiggled it off/away from each other.I had to go from lying on one side of the car,wiggle it back a bit then go to the other side and repeat this a couple times till it all cleared.
then i sat and with 2 floor jacks let down the front a bit then locked it ,then let down the back a bit and so on till they were all the way down,started pulling them out and the bellhousing still hit on the bottom of the frame of the car....so I slipped the trans onto my creeper then rocked it past the car and SUCCESS!!!! pic coming next


Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 20, 2011, 09:32:05 AM
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63421.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63401.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63371.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 20, 2011, 09:37:16 AM
and the last 3 p(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63451.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63441.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_63431.jpg)ics
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Smitch on June 21, 2011, 09:52:51 AM
Arte you going to try to rebuild the tranny yourself or farm it out?
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 21, 2011, 01:25:06 PM
I printed out the manual and methinks it's too complicated and I don't have a press etc or a clean workspace soooo.I'll be saving up for a while
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 22, 2011, 11:12:57 PM
after washing the transmission and transfer caseseveral times in degreaser and simple green and Pine-sol. I noticed the selector for the 2wd/4wd was in a 1:00 position and stuck(with the vacuum motor still attached),the spare np129 has the selector in a 11:00 position and clicks as it goes into the 12:00 position,so I'm guessing I should have that checked out too.Everything turns manually just fine;the converter makes the most noise,so I'll probably have that replaced.I have a couple diff quotes ranging from 800-1000 from 2 shops in the area.anyone know how much extra the tc will be to inspect or repair?
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 23, 2011, 10:17:53 PM
soaked the shifter screws from underneath with pen.oil and pulled out the remainder of the trans
cooling lines thats all 4 today.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Smitch on June 24, 2011, 06:05:27 AM
Too bad you  can't find a used tranny to serve until you get the original one rebuilt.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 24, 2011, 10:01:04 AM
Apparently no one around here wants to part with the ones I've asked about,so parts cars are scarce up here.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Smitch on June 24, 2011, 12:50:55 PM
Around here if you can find one it's expensive. One guy wants $1500 for three wagons, only one of which would ever by roadworthy. It would take some doing, too.
I found a wagon that needs body work with a $2900 tag and a sedan that needs even more body work for $2000. I didn't bother asdking what he wanted for the SX/4.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 09, 2011, 09:27:59 AM
Slid the torque converter off today,actually no fluid dumped out,it was black though and I could see the gears sliding around inside-that's bad I'm assuming ;D,the input shafts also seemed loose.I think once it's been fixed I'm gonna paint it AMC engine blue.
   We are in the proccess of moving the buisness down the street this month and fixing the house so we can sell and buy something closer and smaller to work.So I haven't been able to scratch up much $$,think i have $30 put aside ::) only about $770 more to go.I'll get there OR maybe I can swap/trade work,wonder if there's a transmission guy in need of a large tattoo? hmmm well thats all for now I guess.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: thereverendbill on July 09, 2011, 10:05:41 AM
if i lived closer to ya i'd gladly trade a tranny for a tattoo
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 09, 2011, 10:07:43 PM
And I would gladly do it,Doh! figures ;D
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Baskinator on July 12, 2011, 01:21:02 PM
You've probably already tried this, but you could search car-part.com for the part you need and it will give you the results of every auto salvage place within about 300 miles that has it. It looked like there were a few transmissions near you.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 16, 2011, 05:14:39 PM
At this point in time we are in the midst of moving our business and putting the house on the market while still fixing it so I can't save any money at the moment.Once everything has been moved /sold Then I can start saving again.Even had to cough up the 30 bucks I had saved :(
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 18, 2011, 08:10:41 AM
Update;I will be taking delivery of runs.like's blk station wagon later today if all goes as planned.to be used probably as a parts car.fingers crossed.some good parts on there but just feel bad about parting one of these out.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 19, 2011, 10:35:41 PM
Runs.like 's 88 wagon is now in my driveway,after a long 3 hr tow home at a liesurly pace,nesting beside her big sister" Eagle babes", pictures coming soon -I left my camera at work
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 21, 2011, 03:32:43 PM
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6775.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6767.jpg)
only problem with this picture is that there are 2 Saab's ruining the veiw
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 21, 2011, 03:35:09 PM
here's a couple more pix
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6770.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6762.jpg)
1st pic is at the house  2nd pic is me strapping it into the dolly at runs.like's house in southern Vt,got her all cleaned out now and weighing my options ::)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 25, 2011, 10:56:12 AM
got my tires and rims swapped around,Eagle Babes still sits high,for now,have to order those stock length u bolts now and some new shackle bushings.then onto removing rusty's trans.beware the pics are big
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_68251.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_68191.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_68141.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6776.jpg)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_6772.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 25, 2011, 11:23:31 AM
my black and gold twins
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_68461.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Baskinator on July 26, 2011, 03:02:27 AM
Excellent! I really like the look of "Eagle Babes", pretty sweet with those big off-roading lights on the roof. If I were to buy an Eagle wagon, this would be the one  ;)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 26, 2011, 08:06:48 AM
Thanks guys ,yes I am having fun,not enough though work 7 days a week.I 'd love to spend a week or 2 straight tinkering /swapping parts. The off-road lights cause a lot of light on the dash at night, would like very much to find a visor for the windshield.Funny it still sits so high even on stock rims and tires,the rear is on the ground and the front is still up on stands.
I'm really liking my green rim for some reason,the oil pan on "rusty" is that AMC blue I plan on using for some new bits.I tend to paint new stuff so I can look in later and know it's been replaced .Just not random colors gotta keep it classy ya know.
I have to give credit to my Jenifer,she found "runs.like"s ad on Craigslist,then saw it here,she called him and set it up and we had the car within 2days.She was actually really stoked about the whole thing,she's finally starting to come around ;)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 01, 2011, 08:43:13 PM
Got the front passenger doors swapped on Sunday,I still need to raise it a hair so it lines up a bit better but it clicks nice and easy when I shut it,interestingly both door handles were broken in the same spot,(where it attaches to the lock linkage on the bottom tang on the paddle portion of the handle)   so I'm in the process of removing the rear passenger door handle to replace the one on Eagle Babes.Also I found both build order sheets under the vapor barrier paper lining on each door,its all codes for the assembly lines workers but nice to have regardless.I'll take pics in the morning when it's light out,besides the faded paint and missing trim you'd almost never know 8)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 12, 2011, 09:17:27 AM
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_70681.jpg)
the handles were the same so I figured why not,the only difference I found was the link/rod came from underneath on the front door and from on top on the rear door,same clip just had to be flipped over,I checked the other front doors to make sure I had it on there right,started to button it up and forgot to redo the vapor barrier so I'll have to undo that doorskin again ::)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 21, 2011, 03:32:40 PM
Got the dipstick out of the 88 today then it rained steady for a bit.Gonna go do some more now that its dried up
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_72151.jpg)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 21, 2011, 05:21:00 PM
the finishing touch to the door going back together 8)(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/philotomy/IMG_72211.jpg)



Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: maddog on August 21, 2011, 08:02:24 PM
i have the same door locks on Eagle Eyes.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 25, 2011, 09:38:47 AM
I was happy to find them.
The past few days I took off the exhaust on the 88;drained the trans pan,cleaned it and reinstalled it w/o fluid ,I was happy to see the fluid was a nice shade of red oh and removed the starter.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on January 28, 2012, 10:00:11 AM
as of right now I almost have the spare transmission out of the 88 wagon-5 more bell housing bolts to remove then it should all come down,been up on jacks for the past few months,its all wreathed in snow and ice right now so not much being done cept lookin up parts availability,I think I'll purchase a reman torque converter from Cali.,harder to find than I figured.that's all for now
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on January 29, 2012, 03:20:52 PM
2 down 3 to go
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on February 27, 2012, 05:08:01 PM
the trans is out of the 88 donor car,big tires put on so I could push it outta the way-should have waited for help,wrenched my shoulder and forearm-didn't feel it then but 8 days later I'm still feelin it,snowing now,waiting for spring....
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on March 11, 2012, 04:29:46 PM
Well, the wife's ex has the torque conv say he can rebuild it/get a rebuilt one cheaper than me buying one online,still waiting to hear about that ( he runs a trans shop in Mass),got the tarp pulled off the barn (thawed out)arm still hurts 3 weeks later...no heavy wrenching till I get that worked out/massaged,till then just waiting for the mud to dry a bit.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: standup650 on March 11, 2012, 07:50:10 PM
When you pulled your speedo gear out what color was it?
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on March 22, 2012, 03:11:04 PM
it's a light blue color
Got my torque converter back the other day-it's a reman. unit everything seems to match up(flexplate bolt holes) so next day off I gotta clean that trans up first
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Prafeston on March 22, 2012, 09:18:17 PM
Those all black Eagles just look so good! Love that big light bar too!
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 28, 2012, 10:45:32 PM
I have decided to sell the ol girls( 2 wagons)the 87and a 88,and the cache of parts,I just got a new torque converter for the trans(still out) but have a chance on a javelin and funds are short,everyone has seen the threads on here about her asking $2000 for the whole kit and kaboodle inc service manuals and the updated shorter version and tons of paperwork and reciepts and parts.it has the hesco fuel injection kit but cooling system ,battery and trans are out of car.front spring is broken on dr. side but have 2 good ones on the spare car.Bring a trailer,for sale locally as well.big tires rims and light bar inc in sale.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 28, 2012, 10:46:46 PM
changed price to $2000 b.r.o.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: mudkicker715 on June 28, 2012, 10:52:01 PM
Good to stay true to amc anyway. hope you get it. i want one badly
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on June 28, 2012, 10:55:31 PM
I've been on the lookout since I sold my 69 back in 2002 :amc:
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 01, 2012, 10:53:10 AM
I'm still working on her though,got the garage cleaned up, retrieved my tools from my son's truck  ::),gonna start with the re installation process soon.If she sells she sells if not I'll keep on wrenchin till she's ready to hit the road again. (The javelin sold that I was lookin at)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 02, 2012, 06:09:54 AM
Need to go and drill out the 4 screws holding the shifter indicater to the shifter mounting plate.then swap it all for the plastic spare unit,then I can start moving the trans,t/c case under the car for the transplant.I was gonna start yesterday but ended up changing the oil in the Monte and helping my son change his trans fluid,went quick with 2 people working on it.Today is mine and the Eagle's
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 02, 2012, 06:35:44 PM
OK,got the 4 philips screws drilled out,well the tops of them anyways and pryed the cover off with a screwdriver.The 3/8's bolts came out fine,probably cause I had soaked them in PB blaster a few time prior.I ended up switching to the plastic shifter from the 88 but kept the chrome base with wood veneer.(interestingly they had several differences(indicater light mounted differently and the 87 has a hole so one can tighten the nut from under the car where the 88 has no hole for adj.,linkage was similar but also different ) .Next I installed the new neutral safety switch and seal to 24 foot lbs as per the service manual,then used a few cans of x-o rust black at a few spots under the car,raining now and with family visiting I suppose thats all for today. with an unexpected trip to the dump and a stop at the local parts store for the sons truck all in all not a bad days progress.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 05, 2012, 11:00:53 PM
Well my 4th started out good, I fit the torque conv. onto the input shaft ; had to remove the kickdown cable bracket from the old trans,soaked in pen oil then cleaned it and painted as well as the other levers and all seemed to go on fine,had the brother in law help out with moving the trans and t/c out and under  the car.The 2 jacks I had didn't seem to be enough,broke out the bottle jack a stack of wood and 1 milk crate,we still couldn't get it there,seems stuck a half inch out,I hope it is the right converter.I think my next move maybe will be to disconnect the transfer case and lower it out of the way so I can maneuver the trans easier and hopefully align it right and straight.read through the 1980 TSM today ...
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: standup650 on July 06, 2012, 11:02:20 PM
are you trying to get that yellow javelin in conway? saw your ad on the list.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 08, 2012, 12:33:49 AM
 no,there was a copper one in Epsom Nh on rte 4 but its gone now
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: standup650 on July 08, 2012, 01:00:12 AM
aw sorry man! have you seen the yellow one in conway? It sick!! all i typed was amc in the list search. pops right up. if you cant find it let me know and i will send you the link.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 08, 2012, 01:07:04 AM
Yes that was sweet,but a bit over my price range :-\
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 08, 2012, 10:30:15 AM
coffee was gross this morning using the wife's sweetener,time to work on the car.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: standup650 on July 08, 2012, 04:48:49 PM
well Im down near leb in nh, so if I come across one I'll pm you the info. good luck on the knuckle busting.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 09, 2012, 12:18:12 PM
cool,yeah it continues  ,no knuckles busted yet.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 09, 2012, 12:29:14 PM
yesterday  I pulled the transmission back down ,far enough to pull the torque converter off,I did have the correct one for the transmission-its a non lock up,lo stall.I believe the tabs weren't correctly seated as was mentioned on the torque converter thread,almost have it all back together,the oil pain level bolt (passenger side)is just out so I can't thread it,having the son come out to help in a few.I ended up putting a bottle jack and some wood under the oil pan just enough to tilt the motor back with out too much stress on the motor mounts,would have been much easier time of it if I had been working on a level cement pad,shims and blocks tend to get in the way when you need to bring it all together and mate the dowels to their respective spots.Today and this weekend for that matter will have been worth it If I can get it bolted together today.shifter linkage and starter etc can wait.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 09, 2012, 05:15:54 PM
Well I got the top 3 in and the 2 5/8's on the side started but they still won't go any further and i'm still a half inch away,I'm done for today.Maybe I'll lower my asking price for the 2 cars,so frustrated right now :banghead:
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 20, 2012, 09:55:45 PM
hopefully get a little time tomorrow afternoon to wrench and take the trans out again
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 22, 2012, 08:35:17 AM
just had a little time yesterday and dug out the jacks from the old barn to under the car again.The "Gator grip" socket (designed to removed stripped nuts and bolts )didn't or couldn't;gonna have to dig out the dremel and hope I have the support for the cut off wheels otherwise off to the hardware store for another :-\
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: thereverendbill on July 22, 2012, 03:39:05 PM
Quote from: philotomy on July 22, 2012, 08:35:17 AM
just had a little time yesterday and dug out the jacks from the old barn to under the car again.The "Gator grip" socket (designed to removed stripped nuts and bolts )didn't or couldn't;gonna have to dig out the dremel and hope I have the support for the cut off wheels otherwise off to the hardware store for another :-\
i have used those craftsman damaged bolt sockets before and had great sucess
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952166000P (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952166000P)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: midtownboarder on July 22, 2012, 03:49:49 PM
i've got a set of these, and have had good luck getting rounded/stripped bolts and nuts off too

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00924963000P (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00924963000P)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on July 22, 2012, 04:58:54 PM
thanks guys I'll check em out and see if I can order em (or pick em up next time I'm near a store)
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 09, 2012, 10:32:26 AM
Just an update :
In the past 3 weeks I have been diagnosed with a pituitary gland tumor which eroded a hole in the base of my skull,letting cerebral spinal fluid to leak out and  bacterial Meningitis to form nearly killing me,(I've been told the tumor is spontaneous so there is no way of trying to stop it before it starts also Bell's palsy took hold and half my face on the right side is non functioning.I spent 3 1/2 days unconscious and the rest of the week tied up to all sorts of machines,had a week at home with visiting nurses and IV meds.spent the last 2 days going back and forth for blood tests and meetings with the neurosurgeon and got my IV Picc line removed,Have to go back on the 20th for a more detailed MRI and the surgery after that to remove the tumor and repair the hole at the tumor site.So if I do sell the cars it will have to be applied to my medical bills and if they don't well I can start wrenching once this is all back to normal.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: jim on August 09, 2012, 01:25:46 PM
PM sent.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 24, 2012, 09:35:24 PM
Just got home from my 2nd round of surgery won't be lifting anything heavier than a phone book at this point.I'll update when I get back to work on the ol girl.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: MudPuppy on August 24, 2012, 09:53:14 PM
Really hate hearing that Don. Hope you recover well. Take it easy and get lots of rest, please don't rush it. I know it sucks sitting around doing nothing. But first things first - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! The ol bird will be there waiting on you when you are well and ready.

I woke up one morning a couple of years back with half my face numb, scared me. Couldn't afford to go to the doctor but did a little research and seen that it sounded like Bells Palsy. Said that it could happen to anyone, mainly caused by some nerve that ran from behind and under the ear. Could even be caused from an infection (which at the time I had been dealing with an odd amount of ear infections). Read where it could last up to 3 weeks and if it hadn't resolved itself by then, then more than likely it was permanent. Luckily, almost 3 weeks to the exact date I got my feeling and movements back. That was a horrible year, so many physical problems it's a wonder I am still here.

Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: vangremlin on August 25, 2012, 10:04:08 PM
Rest up and take care of yourself.  Your eagle will wait patiently for you to recover
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: Eagleearl on August 26, 2012, 12:36:29 AM
Sorry to hear of your health problems. Hope all goes well with your recovery. We all think we are strong and then something like this happens to show how fragile we all are. Never know what could happen to us but have to give it our best shot. Prayers go out for your quick recovery.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on August 26, 2012, 01:36:18 PM
  Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement.I still have a bit of drainage and will have to call tomorrow to make sure I don't still have a leak or if the swelling is coming down and its a normal part of the healing process.The Bells palsy came after I tore off my breathing tube when I woke up in a strange place then listened to family argue with the staff( largest cold sore I ever had) which I read can bring this on,my eye can open and close now and my smile is back but still can't taste salty stuff.So I hope the draining stops soon as the swelling subsides but I'll be going in for a few more follow ups.
  Yeah its hard looking out at the car knowing fall and winter is coming and not getting much done on her during the nice weather.They say to keep sinus and pressure in my head down so I think I'll have to get someone else to install the trans.Hmmm.not sure when I can go back to work,just dont want to lose the biz or the house but my health comes 1st.thanks for listening it really helps.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: philotomy on December 20, 2012, 10:21:03 AM
Just wanted to pop in and say I have traded the ol girl  for a winter car.A young man by the name of Matt has possession of her now ,so she's located in St. Johnsbury ,Vt. now and he's mechanically inclined ;I told him of this website so hopefully he'll be on here soon.
Title: Re: Philotomy's Vermonster
Post by: vangremlin on December 23, 2012, 08:57:33 AM
Sounds like it went to a good home, and we'll look for the new owner to be joining the site soon.

Most important, hope you're healthy and recovered!