Man my topic was gone when I went to add the picture of my partially assembled engine. Oh well, I guess I will have to repost. When I posted these pictures before I mentioned that I am looking for a particular set of center caps. That look like this.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_f22f56e3.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/f22f56e3.jpg)
Anyway, Smitty, could you repost the closeup picture of your SX/4's wheels. I would like to show that to my AMC Club next month. And I would like to make a set of my Eagle once I find the center caps.
Okay, here are the pictures of my Eagle in progress...
First, we have a couple of pictures from the Eagle before the current modifications. These were taken right before I had to take the rice grinder to the Dakota AMC Winter Meet, because the Eagle was deemed not roadworthy (a result of a tired engine).
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagle1-20-061.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle1-20-061.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagle1-20-06.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle1-20-06.jpg)
Next we have a picture of the new wheels I bought locally on Ebay from an '06 Wrangler (minus the center caps, of course).
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_NewwheelsandtiresDriversSideRear4-2.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/NewwheelsandtiresDriversSideRear4-2.jpg)
Now, here is the Eagle with the empty engine bay. Right now my engine is in the process of being painted black. It is about half assembled right now. Hopefully in the next week or two my mechanics and I will have it completed. Also, in this picture the Eagle still has the original broken grille. I pulled one off a wagon at the junk yard. I am going to touch up the black paint and install it hopefully soon. I also included a picture of the old engine for comparison.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleNoEngine4-24-06Close.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleNoEngine4-24-06Close.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleEngine4-8-06.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleEngine4-8-06.jpg)
As soon as I get the engine pictures loaded to this computer I will post them on this topic as well. Enjoy.
Sorry about the lost posts. You got caught up in the post April 27th time warp.
Starting to look good. I wish I had the time right now to pull my engine...wait that didn't come out right! I have an elusive oil leak and it makes it hard to get it painted till I nail it down. I have an 80 eagle as well so I guess I'll just rebuild that engine first. Keep the pics coming.
Update. I have pictures of the painted engine installed on my laptop. But I am waiting to post them until I get some pictures of the complete engine installed. We are rebuilding the carburetor this weekend. Hopefully the Eagle will be done in the next week. I am anxious to drive it with all the new stuff. I need to put at least 500 miles on it and change the oil again before I take it to the Dakota AMC meeting on the 10th of June. The next project will be tackling the AC. My Eagle's AC does not work at all. It needs to be coverted and recharged. Mechanically, the system seems to work well.
Oh my God does my Eagle drive a lot nicer now. I just picked up the Eagle from my buddy's shop today. He rebuilt the carb for me, and I asked him to test drive it while I was at work (a couple blocks away) yesterday. I was out in the parking lot talking to a staff member, when I startled the poor woman yelling, "Hey there goes my Car!!" Then of course I had to explain one of the many issues that I have...
Anyway I hustled over to the shop after work, but I could not take my old bird home. They were having trouble figuring out why it would stall after it was run and the engine warmed up. I helped trial and error style diagnose for an hour, then I had to head home.
I had a meeting this afternoon, so I had the cell in silent mode, and I missed the call. Right before I left the office I checked my messages. The Eagle was ready to fly. I ran down there, and had them print a list of what I owed. I made payment arraingements, and thanked the mechanics and drove away.
I drove the Eagle (minus the "new" Grill) basically all evening. I took it over to two friends houses to show it off. I need to get used to the sound of a healthy 4.2L engine (which is not anything that I have ever encountered before).
I will post pictures this weekend. I have pictures of the engine assembly in various stages, as well as the installed yet unhooked engine picture. I cannot wait to post the pictures and see what you think,
Later,
Brandon
We can't wait either Brandon. Its good to have another satisifed AMC Eagle driver with a healthy 4.2 moving nearly 2 tons of Kenosha or Brampton Iron down the road.
Man it looks like I really need to update this message board. I hope I will have time to post the more recent pictures of the Eagle this weekend.
Sorry for the delay. Just found this post. Here is the center cap.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/Superglider/SX4/interior/P1010047.jpg)
Hope this helps.
You can get those "Eagle" emblems made here.http://www.edecals.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=edecals&Product_Code=WCC117 "Handel" or "Garden" fonts are fairly close to the factory font. I just bought some Jeep wheels on Ebay and was going to have some emblems made. Bud
Smitty, thank you for reposting the picture. I have not ordered the Center Caps yet. I am going to order them from Collins Brother Jeep in Colorado.
Budwisr, thanks for the insight about the text for the center caps. I was trying to figure out how to have those labels made. Everyone here in town either laughs or looks at me like i am from another planet.
Okay, I have finally gotten around to unloading the old digital camera. I am including pictures of the Eagle engine swap from the empty engine bay to the finished product. I bought the remanufactured block and pistons from Gopher engines. We reused as many of the parts as we could (which seemed logical, because many of the assessories on the engine had been replaced within the last 3000 miles prior to the swap.
I got the Eagle back on the road in early June, and took a trip to Mitchell, South Dakota for the summer meeting of the Dakota AMC Car Club.
Here are the pictures...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagle4-24-06NewWheelsandTiresnoengi.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle4-24-06NewWheelsandTiresnoengi.jpg)
This first picture is from when we got the new shocks installed, and the 06 Wrangler Take off wheels mounted. I am still waiting for the right amount of money to be able to order the proper center caps that I need from Collins Brothers jeep in Colorado.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Rebuilt4.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Rebuilt4.jpg)
This second photo depicts the remanfatured 4.2 during the assembly stage. We were about half way finished with painting the engine black at this stage. I really like the looks of this shot, so I had to include it.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Rebuilt4-2.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Rebuilt4-2.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Rebuilt4-1.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Rebuilt4-1.jpg)
These last two photos show the engine after we got it in the Eagle. We were still in the process of hooking up all of the odds and ends with the wiring and hoses when this photo was taken. We had not filled the radiator yet either. Overall, I am happy with the engine swap. We were able to use most of the newer parts from the old engine, which helped keep the cost down. I am a little unhappy that we did not rebuild or replace the alternator though. I was working fine in the time leading up to the swap, but it is currently fading in and out right now. I really do not want to have to replace the alternator right away.
The Old bird runs beautifully now, since the swap was completed. I have a lot more power, and I absolutely love the sound of a healthy 4.2L I6. There is nothing quite like it.
Enjoy. -- Brandon
Looking good Brandon. If you get the chance could you share with others any issues you encountered. And the pleasant surprises too.
We did not really run into any other problems. We used a few different 4.0 Liter parts, suchh as the oil pan. Our research said that this would hold up better than stock. We also had to replace the stock starter system, and as a result of talking to various Jeep guys, we opted for the best starter money could buy.
Whether you think you need a new one or not, replace your alternator if you have the engine out of the car. It will save a lot of time and head aches.
Looks like I need to add some updates. I will try to add some pictures this week. After I get my hatch reattached. I took out the headliner completely, and I am working on a new way to redo the headliner, but I have not found one item that I need to complete it.
I am still looking for a set of center caps. Like the ones above. Anyone have any to spare? I have the money now.
A few weeks ago I did get the two center caps. I just need to put them on my Eagle. I am thinking of just putting them on the back for right now. Would it look too strange with the back two wheels with the same center caps, and the front two with the same just a different design than the back. I will really try to take pictures of the engine and the Newly painted fender. The fender now does not have the pin stripe, and I think I am eventually going to do the whole car that way. I like it.
All right I finally broke out the camera. Here is what I have done so far. I added the two center caps to the rear wheels (I am still looking for two more if anyone has any).
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleEngine3-13-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleEngine3-13-07.jpg)
This is the re-manufactured engine that is seen on the stand in the previous pictures.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleEngineCloseup3-13-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleEngineCloseup3-13-07.jpg)
Here is a closer view. It now has nearly 3500 miles on the rebuild. Runs like a dream.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleRedonefender.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleRedonefender.jpg)
Here is a closeup of the "new" fender. Notice the mystery dent is gone now. I like the fender minus the pin stripe. I think I will eventually do the whole car that way. For those that do not know, my friend A.J. borrowed the car not too long ago, and rearended someone in his apartment parking lot. The fender cost me $400 to replace, and he caused $3700 damage to the Nissan that he hit (my insurance goes up $11 a month in April because of it). Some proof of the accident can be seen on the bumper end cap. If anyone has one of those that is in better shape I am game.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleDriverssidefromporch3-13-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleDriverssidefromporch3-13-07.jpg)
Here is the Eagle from the driver's side. I was standing on the front porch of my house to take that picture.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eaglepassengerside3-13-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eaglepassengerside3-13-07.jpg)
Here is the Eagle from the passenger side. Overall, the body is original, so it is in not too bad of shape.
My mechanic has the Eagle for right now. He is working on figuring out the mess of wiring for the head deck of the stereo. I have the head deck working, but cannot get any sound to the speakers. He is also going to get the last two Jeep center caps installed.
I am currently saving money to get the rust fixed on the driver's rear fender as well as the rust and leak on the roof.
Hey look at it on the bright side.
Now you can take double the pictures of your AMC Eagle.
Yeah the last pictures were taken with the new camera.
Got the other two center caps on today.
I also got the speakers wired correctly. My mechanic also figured out the wiring for the AM/FM CD head deck. Everything that I did nearly 18 months ago was correct, but the wiring problem was further back though.
We could not get the memory to work at first. But we used the wire from the glove box light to power the memory. This is good because I could not get the light to work when I had the dash off at first. So it is all good. I will try to get updated pictures this weekend.
Oh and the first song I played on the new CD player was Steve Miller Band's "Fly like an Eagle." I thought it was appropriate.
That is good news Brandon. I had never thought of using the glove box light for memory power but that is a good one as it is a non-switched power source.
Yeah I thought that was creative. I could not figure out the wiring. I am glad my mechanic had just finished his stereo in his AMC design Wrangler otherwise he would not have considered helping me. He hates doing stereo wiring. But he is a good guy.
Not a very good picture with the flash. I can probably get a better one when it is light out, but here is the stereo installed...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_100_0139.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/100_0139.jpg)
I am sending the Eagle in to get the roof repaired on the 17th. My body guy is not busy that week. It has been leaking where the "Chrome" plastic pieces clip into the roof. I think I am going to just have those completely removed and have the roof patched up. I will try to post before and after pictures.
Probably the best way to do it. At least for the time being. You don't use your rack much anyway do you?
I have never used it at all. And honestly, I do not see the point in the plastic pieces that are there anyway.
I took the day off work today, because I thought I was going to have to drop the Eagle off and walk back to the house. I took some before pictures in the garage of the work that I am getting done. Then, my wife and I dropped the Elantra off at the body shop this morning. I took my wife to lunch, and I am heading back to the body shop with the Eagle here in a little bit. I will try to post the before pictures tonight.
Looking forward to them Brandon.
My body guy and I took another look at what we are doing, and it looks like it is going to be a little more than he initially thought (I could not take the roof rack off today myself, because it was pouring rain).
He is not going to be able to weld up the holes on the roof. And it looks like both rear quarter panels need to be done because the rear quarter panels and the roof are all one piece (That will only leave doors, hood and one front fender to paint ;D).
I am having the roof repaired and painted. He is going to plug the holes with something and glue those plastic trim pieces back on. He is also going to repair a rust piece that is on the left rear quarter panel. He said he should have it done by Thursday or Friday of next week. I can't wait.
Here are some before pictures....
Here is the rust spot on the Drivers Rear Quarter Panel.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_RustSpotDriversrearfender.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/RustSpotDriversrearfender.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_RearFender2.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/RearFender2.jpg)
Here are some kind of bad pictures of the roof. I had a hard time snapping these because my garage door is about 6 inches above the top of the Eagle. Check out the Duct Tape holding those crappy trim pieces on.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Rooffront.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Rooffront.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_RoofandHatch.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/RoofandHatch.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_RoofandDuctTape.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/RoofandDuctTape.jpg)
I did not get a picture of the rear quarter on the driver's side of the pillars on either side of the windshield. I did not know we were going to do those until I got there.
More to come next week....
Looking forward to the after pictures Brandon.
Man I wish I would have had the camera...
Visited the Eagle today. It had no trim on either rear side and the roof had been sand blasted. My body guy found rust in the rear window wells, so we decided to fix those areas. It will be nice.
The rust spots on all of the rear are repaired a primered. He found two on the driver's rear fender and repaired both. He also found clips to put the plastic trim back into the roof. We decided to go that direction.
A few more days ;D
Will he tell us which clips worked???? Maybe we can get them for the folks here.
As I posted in the thread about the clips. He's going to have the part numbers and the source for me when I pick the Eagle up...
Which will be a few more days...
On Thursday, Thane's wife called and said that he wanted me to know that the found a problem with the roof that they are going to repair (I guess rust is worse than they thought). She said it would be a few more days. :'( :'( :'(
I finally got a set of "after" pictures. I love the look of the Eagle now. It has been hard to get pictures since I go to work in the dark and have about 0 minutes upon returning home of light.
Here are the after pictures...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Spotwhereitwasrusty.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Spotwhereitwasrusty.jpg)
Right here was about the only really sizable rust spot on the Eagle. I think I posted a before picture earlier in this thread. A little note to those doing body work, the rust is usually worse than it looks, especially with this trim cladding that are on these Eagles.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleRoofclose11-17-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleRoofclose11-17-07.jpg)
Here is a close up of the finished roof. I will have to try to get a picture of the roof from the underside of the roof. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of the clips installed before we covered them with this black sealant stuff that my mechanic had.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagleroof11-17-07side.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagleroof11-17-07side.jpg)
Here is another shot of the fixed roof. There was a lot more rust damage than was visable. My guy is really good though, and I think the roof looks 100% better. He was worried that a couple of spots of hail damage would bother me. But as far as I am concerned about 10 tiny dents with fresh paint is better than faded paint and rust.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EaglefromYard11-17-07.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EaglefromYard11-17-07.jpg)
Here is a Driver's side view from the top of my retaining wall.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagle11-17-07PassRear.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle11-17-07PassRear.jpg)
Since we did the roof we had no place to stop the paint, so we did both of the rear quarter panels. There was a little rust on the passenger side around the wheel wells, but we got it. There was also some rust starting around the rear windows, but we took care of that too.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_Eagle11-17-07DriversRear.jpg) (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle11-17-07DriversRear.jpg)
I am sorry the pictures are not great, but here is the Eagle. Now it is 98% rust free. Enjoy.
Looks good. :)
WOW! A new car! He did a good job.
:O you can move the luggage rack arms? thats news to me.
you have a -really- nice eagle there. has it become your baby yet? :P
Brandon PM'd me a little while ago. No baby yet. Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday.
Quote from: rmedon on November 18, 2007, 05:01:08 AM
Looks good. :)
Thanks
Quote from: IowaEagle on November 18, 2007, 08:22:15 AM
WOW! A new car! He did a good job.
Yeah my body guy and his two workers are great. They did a nice job. Now the only spots that need repainted are the doors, door jams one front fender and the hood. And on that topic I have rust free doors in storage in South Dakota. The ones I have are repairable easily though. Would be good parts for someone.
Quote from: Lupinestar on November 18, 2007, 08:56:39 PM
:O you can move the luggage rack arms? thats news to me.
you have a -really- nice eagle there. has it become your baby yet? :P
Yeah the luggage rack bars move. Mine move easier than others that I have seen. I have 2 extra bars in the garage too. Yes I take care of this car more than the other two cars. I take care fo them too though.
Thanks.
Not much work done since my last post until the last couple of weeks. Here's a link to that thread.
http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=23006.105;topicseen
A little tip: WHen you do a rebuild make sure to test all of the engine accessories to make sure that they are good before you reuse anything.
My alternator had been going out for over a year now. I replaced it, then had a non-starting issue when I went to replace my four year old battery.
Well I think my next project is going to be finally installing the Eagle script center cap stickers that Reaper_of_ Souls made me a long time ago.
Took the Eagle out for a spin today. Stopped at Rainbow Glass in Papillion. The owner. Gene got my rearview mirror reglued. Hopefully it will stay this time.
Notice while the Eagle was warming up that I have a hole in my exhaust right before the muffler. I will have to get some quotes on that.
It kept stalling while I was braking today. Anyone have anythoughts on that? Considering what all I replaced in November I am stumped.
Did you drive it much this winter Brandon? Could be clogged idle tubes.
Quote from: IowaEagle on March 25, 2010, 06:19:19 PM
Did you drive it much this winter Brandon? Could be clogged idle tubes.
No I did not. Too afraid of salt with all the work I have put into it.
How do I check idle tubes?
Wasn't CaptCarl having a stalling issue recently? Cannot find his thread.
Also noticed something I don't like this morning...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleExhaust3-25-102.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=EagleExhaust3-25-102.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleExhaustdamage3-25-10.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=EagleExhaustdamage3-25-10.jpg)
Swiss Cheese anyone? I noticed exhaust coming out of somewhere other than the tail pipe and found the above.
Luckily (I think) it appears to stop right infront of the gas tank. See below....
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleExhaustInfrontofgastank.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=EagleExhaustInfrontofgastank.jpg)
Anyone know. is this a cheap fix? I don't have welding or cutting capability. I wonder what a shop would charge for this?
I also noticed some nicks in the bottom of the fenders I had redone 2 years ago :( That sucks because I have maybe put 5k miles on it since then.
Never fails I was going to look into headlights and this decided to happen. Plus the freaking Elantra's check engine light is on again.
I did get this attached finally...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_EagleMirroronnow3-25-10.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=EagleMirroronnow3-25-10.jpg)
I had 30 minutes before my meeting at church today, so I stopped into Rainbow Glass in Papillion. Talked to one of the owners, Gene. Heck of a nice guy. He reattached it for $5.00. The last place I checked with wanted $40.
Gene, I think might become one of my best friends. He complimented the eagle and mentioned that he had a 304 4 Speed Gremlin back in the 70's he ordered from the factory. He said it as a lemon, but that he would love to have it back because they are unique and it was fun to drive when it ran. He said he's always been an AMC fan. I told him about the AMC Eagle Nest and about the International Meet. He thought that was pretty cool. He also said he could get ahold of a spare windshield for me cheap when I have the money (I asked about them since they have stopped production). He also said he had a last generation Rambler American that had a 290 and a 4 speed. He said that was one of the best cars he'd ever owned.
Don't know about Nebraska's laws, mine has been converted by a previous owner to duals. Single in, dual out muffler. Both pipes come out right in front of the rear wheels. Temporary / cheap fix may be to cut it off behind the muffler & run a piece of flex pipe out in front of a rear wheel instead of buying a new tailpipe right now.
Took the Eagle to Ron's Automotive to get a quote on the exhaust. Ron's Auto was a place I found on CL. Little did I know it was one of the main sponsors of the Brownie's Car show and that I drive by it nearly daily.
Ron threw it up on the lift. He recommended a new exhaust from the Cat. back. Said that the rest of the exhaust all could last a year or so before it ends up like the swiss cheese section.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/0326001020.jpg)
Here's a shot of the undercarriage. Sorry it is sideways.
Having it up on the lift allowed me to inspect the undercarriage, sonething I had not done since 2007.
Things I noticed...
1. some surface rust starting in a couple spots where there isn't any undercoating. Still really solid though.i
-- I'll have to save up for some POR15
2. Some small spots of rust on the bottoms of the rear fenders (that were sand blasted and painted in November '07 :(
-- Looks from rock chips. Not bad not, but don't want it to spread and become a cancer epidemic again.
3. Rear axle seal is bad again. Grrr! He said he's repair it when he does the exhaust.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_0326001016.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=0326001016.jpg)
4. No change in the oil drip. Still not bad at all.
5. I have developed a slow transmission leak. There is tranny oil on the undercarriage, but there is no fluid loss. He suggested a service of the transmission and possibly a new pan gasket. He was going to look up kits for that.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_0326001023.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=0326001023.jpg)
Overall, it'll be $150 for the rear axle service and the exhaust and an oil change. Not too bad really.
Ron has a heck of a shop. I was jealous. Very very nice guy.
When I got home with Morgan from preschool she helped me fix the front licese plate bracket. I had picked up a self tapping screw kit from O'Reilly's right before going to Ron's Automotive. My Eagle got a lot fo attention at O'Reilly's. It was all good attention too. :)
I drilled two new holes for the top of the plate. Then, I had added a spacer to the bottom of the license plate made out of a heavy duty plastic hanger I round in the basement. Then I attached the top with self tapping screws to the bumper via the holes I drilled.
I used the pot metal license plate holder that the camper had for this project. It was more sturdy than the cheapo plastic ones. It is still at a slight angle, but not nearly as bad by far.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_0326001217.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=0326001217.jpg)
The Eagle with my helper Morgan
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_0326001235.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=0326001235.jpg)
Here's the new plate holder.
Price for repairs doesn't sound bad. Looks like you've found an Eagle friendly shop. Congrats.
Not able to work on the Eagle today. Too rainy. I really need to find a seal that fits for that hatch. Don't like driving it in the rain... Getting tired of having to clean out the back end and having stuff get soaked. Supposed to have better weather here coming up. Need to get the center cap logos on too.
Good weather and a paycheck coming up. Should be able to get her repaired by my birthday or shortly after. I am hoping. Spent the weekend working on the Elantra. Have to pull the sensor back off that thing and take it back. The light is still on. More to come... God willing. One of my classes ends tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have more time for the Eagle. Thinking I might put the Elantra for sale earlier than what I expected (July) to be able to get a few things done on the Eagle and the camper.
Repairs delayed. Hopefully they'll be done later this week. Had a check to pay for it all inmy possession. Sam ripped it up. Paying bills tonight. Will know when I can take it in tomorrow.
Got the Eagle back from the shop today. I found Ron's Automotive in Papillion, NE on CL. He's been in business at that location for 35 years. I took the Eagle in Friday when Morgan was at preschool and I walked back home in time to get in the Saturn and go get Morgan.
I had not remembered seeing Ron's shop before, but I knew I had when I saw what he had inside the shop. Opened the door to his 46 or 48 Pontiac Cheiftain and his yellow Dodge Coronet that I remembered from the Brownie's car Show, which was held on that block. Amazing how you can see a car at a show and not notice what it's parked infront of.
Anyway, I was running home inbetween youth group meetings and went by his shop to get a picture of it. Suprise suprise he was working. His hot rod was in the lot, the Coronet was in the doorway with the hood up and I could see the Eagle in the back groud. So I gave him a call. I said that I was suprised he was working, and asked how the Eagle was. He said, "I'll have her finished up in about 5 minutes." I told him I'd run home and get the money and be there asap. In retrospect, I probably sounded crazy, like I was excited to see a long lost family member or something. I ran home and grabbed the moeny. My neighbor Marc went with to drive the Saturn back to the house.
Ron was great, and he did a fabulous job. Ron did the following for me...
- Serviced the transmission and fixed a leak
- resealed and serviced the rear differential
- Oil change, since it was already up in the air
- replaced the exhaust from the cat back.
It looks great. I snapped a couple quick pictures on my cell that I will post. I'll try to post more later this week when I get my homework done and finish assembling the patio table and new grill.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleExhaust4-11-103.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleExhaust4-11-10.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleExhaust4-11-102.jpg)
I love the way he did the tip of that exhaust. It looks great, and now it actually sticks out below the car.
Well, it might be awhile before I have more improvement updates like this, because I just did this and a major purchase at Menards. Besides I need to save up for the meet this September. I'll get some better pictures if I can later this week.
Looks good to me.
Pretty good!
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eaglewithitscousin.jpg)
Thought this would be a good photo op. The Eagle with one of it's younger cousins.
I have been thinking about it, and I am a little tired of the egg crate grille I have on the Eagle. I think I am going to start looking around for something to replace it with little modification. I like the looks of the grill insert on my Saturn. I am thinking if I caould find one of those cheap and modify it with an AMC logo instead of the Saturn on it might look pretty cool.
Not sure where I'll go with this. Found a grille like that, but they want $50 for it used. I think that's a little much.
Would you please consider to keep it original?
I will Jurjen. I am really just looking into something that I can bolt in exactly like the current one does. So theoretically I could remove it and replace the original. Nothing sticks out on my car. It is very basic and no where near as nice as a lot of the ones on here. Just trying to figure out something different.
So I lost the picture of the Saturn Grille I'll have to take another one.
I am unsure what to do at this point. The transmission is still leaking even after Ron, the mechanic serviced it and said I'd be good to go. Should I take it back?
There ae no apparent signs to me of damage or a source for the leak, but it is definitely transmission fluid. :(
Hope I don't need a rebuild. I sent Certified Transmission an email about what's going on. I asked what they thought it would cost to get it looked at. I hope it's an easy fix.
I would say take it back. You paid him to fix it. He told you it was, it isn't.
I think I will. Thanks Pat. I am also going to call a guy I saw on Craigslist who will diagnose transmission problems for $20 or so. Says he has references. I would like to think this was a fluke and that there's nothing wrong. ron seemed like a great guy, very knowledgable and inexpensive really.
Everybody makes mistakes. He probably is a great guy. Still, if you paid to have it fixed & it isn't, I'd take it back & ask him to at least re-check it.
Took it to Certified Transmission and I decided to just have them fix it and bite the bullet for having someone I didn't know work somewhat out of his element. Joel from Certified called. The adjustment band is out whack and it is leaking from the band nut.
He also said that the seal Ron's automotive used was a POS, so that'll have to be replaced as well.
$63.50 + $79.95 respectively :( There goes my 'Nest meet money.
It could have been worse Brandon.
Quote from: IowaEagle on May 05, 2010, 07:01:38 PM
It could have been worse Brandon.
I suppsose you are right. Still annoying though. Should be done tomorrow.
Talked to Joel this afternoon the band nut leak is fixed. They thought they had the pan leak fixed, but on the test drive it was still leaking. He said they'll garage it this weekend and finish it up Monday.
Joel comlimented these transmissions saying he rarely sees any in for repairs. That's good to know.
Got the Eagle back today. It is no longer leaking. That is awesome.
One more issue down, two to go before I can spend any money on upgrades.
Issues:
1. Stalling at startup and when changing gears (park to reverse and reverse to drive). Afraid I am going to burn out the starter having to start it three times to
get it going.
2. Need to change the thermostat. My eagle has been wanting to run hot for awhile now. I have a thermostat, but I do not know how to install it.
Upgrades:
1. Recover the headliner
2. Eagle emblems on the center caps
3. Possible change of grille or add a push bar
5. I would love to get the doors, hatch, hood and right front fender repainted
6. POR 15 the undercarriage
Wish I could drop it off at the sanctuary with Mavericke for a week or so with a pile of money for him.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on May 12, 2010, 01:54:11 AM
2. I have a thermostat, but I do not know how to install it.
I found this.
http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=7541.0
I need to condense it and put it in the Eaglepedia. Of course, if you can take some pics while you're changing yours, Brandon, then the How-To will be that much better and easier for the novice to understand.
Brandon, good news on getting your leak fixed. Have done thermostats before, never an Eagle. Don't know if they're that hard or not. As for the idea about The Sanctuary, IF I get money, I may beat you there.
Quote from: 1OldFordMan on May 12, 2010, 09:41:57 AM
Brandon, good news on getting your leak fixed. Have done thermostats before, never an Eagle. Don't know if they're that hard or not. As for the idea about The Sanctuary, IF I get money, I may beat you there.
Well what I need Chas to do requires me to be there supplying the pizza and beverages. Hard to make time for that when I am in school fulltime and working two jobs.
My plans were to drop the Eagle there along with a Crave Case® ( or two ) plus the necessary funds ) & leave it till it was done. Need to remember, EXTRA pickles for him >:D.
Don't get paid until later today (I hope). Working on a plumbing issue, so I have not looked into the thermostat yet. Supposed to be a great day though weather-wise. Might have to go drag the camper home and wwork on it too.
Week or so ago I rearranged the garage and cleaned it up. I hung up some AMC directions, and I will have to take a picture and post it.
No progress yet. Too much else going on. May have to wait until the meet to figure this all out. At least then, I'll have people around who know what they are doing... to supervise and direct me.
Had another photo op with the Eagle and a distant cousin...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleMagnum5-2010.jpg)
And when I got done organizing the garage into it's latest incarnation I added a couple of decorations...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/0514001024.jpg)
Up there is a grille to a last generation Rambler American and a wire hubcap from a 'yard Eagle (broken I picked up in 07 I think).
Made a little progress today. Actually it was an interesting day. Had to move the Eagle around the driveway a number of times to accommodate the carpenter who came to replace the storm door and finish up the shower door and trim (both honey-do items that have sat for a month and a year respectively unfinished). Interestingly, the Eagle never stalled once all day. What the heck? Not that I am complaining, but what's different from the other times I have driven it in the last few months to where it is not stalling anymore. Odd.
My awesome neighbor, Heather volunteered to install the Eagle emblem/logos that reaper_of_souls made me two years ago. Finally something to cross off the list. Here are a couple of teaser pictures...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/NewCenterCapLogos.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/NewCenterCapLogos2.jpg)
I will get better ones in the light tomorrow. Heather finished the last 2 by lantern light.
I think they look great. Those ought to turn some Jeep driver's heads here locally.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/EagleCenterCaps5-23-10.jpg)
Here's a better close up of one of the Eagle script logos. I love the looks of them.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Eagle5-23-10.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/downsized_0523001915.jpg)
Looks like I need to take pictures earlier in the day. Sorry for the glare. I was trying to catch what they look like on the car as a whole.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/0523001919.jpg)
Here's another somewhat closeup.
Well in a week or two I should be able to cross another thing off my list that I posted a few months ago. I dropped off my headliner board and visors to a local gentleman named Terry. He's got a line on some fabric that is as close as anything I have ever seen around here to what my Eagle's interior is.
He's going to recover the headliner and visors for me for a good price (as far as I am concerned).
I'll have to go snap a couple before pictures tonight before it gets dark.
Here are a couple shots of my roof as it is currently. I will post progress pictures when I can get them.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/0723001537.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/0723001537a.jpg)
It has been so long since I took out the panels and took out the headliner; I hope I can remember how everything goes back in.
I am sure you will remember Brandon. How well are the substitute retainers doing? The ones for your roof rack.
They seem to be holding up fine? How come this did not show up as an "unread" message when I clicked on "Show new replies your posts."??
Sometimes if your most recent reply is replied too then that reply will not show up as an unread one. Its a glitch in the software.
Oh okay. Yeah the plastic clips seem to be holding up fine.
It is interesting. The way he's going to cover the visors will change their appearance some. He said they'll look like the ones in my Caravan. I saw some of his work there. A Mustang that he just finished a complete interior redo on, and a set of seats he recovered for either the Baracuda or the Mercury Comet (taped and ready to go to paint) that he had just rebuilt the engine in. He also had a completely redone 351 winsor that he had ready to drop into another project Mustang. He also had his own Mustang parts junkyard. Pretty cool setup.
Why can't he replicate the AMC look? Its the retroness of our cars that sets them apart from the masses.
Quote from: IowaEagle on July 23, 2010, 08:53:45 PM
Why can't he replicate the AMC look? Its the retroness of our cars that sets them apart from the masses.
I don't know the answer to that. He just said he doesn't have the tools to do that. From the looks of his shop; no machine to make that stitching. He's got stuff to do the stitching on seats, but not something with the rim around it like the visors have. The visors will be the same color. That's all that really matters to me. I have to start making some progress on this car or I am in trouble. If it doesn't see some improvement and more use Nikki wants it gone.
Besides it's not like my Eagle is anywhere near stock or good-looking for that matter. I broke the stock mirrors and ended up replacing them with odd looking bigger black ones and my paint is nowhere uniform. I have fresh paint on half the car and old faded paint on the other half.
Ideally I wish I was getting the whole thing repainted rather than doing the headliner. I really need to get it undercoated again and the rear fenders have some bad nicks that are starting to rust again. Wish I would have opted for not.
I understand what you are saying.
Still did not show up as an "Unread" post. What the heck? Do I have a setting messed up?
You are probably OK. Its a glitch that happens only when someone replies to a topic just after you do. The software thinks, for some reason, that you have already viewed any unread material within that topic.
Okay
Brandon, have you tired hitting the panels with rubbing compound? I have been thinking about your car recently and then read the post here about the ununiform paint and it jogged my memory. It is a pretty labor intensive job to rub the panels without an electric polisher, but the end result is the same and should shine all of the panels up uniformly. I will probly be out your way this comming summer with the whole family and i know that i can talk the wife into staying at least a weekend in omaha because her aunt lives in town there. This time the plan is no car problems what so ever because she has talked me into getting her a new van (or she just buys a new van and i am stuck with the payments :P).
I think Brandon's non uniform paint could be because he had some body work/repainting done and it all does not quite match. But, I could be wrong too.
Oh it matches code-wise and color-wise. It is just that the stuff that I had repainted has shine to it and the other stuff is original and has no shine too it. Plus it also has that odd pin stripe and the repainted panels do not.
If I could ever be without it for awhile I would love to have Mavericke do up a whole new paint job.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on July 25, 2010, 08:54:20 PM
Oh it matches code-wise and color-wise. It is just that the stuff that I had repainted has shine to it and the other stuff is original and has no shine too it. Plus it also has that odd pin stripe and the repainted panels do not.
If I could ever be without it for awhile I would love to have Mavericke do up a whole new paint job.
trust me with the rubbing compound it will bring the shine back to the old bird ........ then get some automotive glaze and it will shine like a diamond
I'll have to look into that Bill. I used that stuff on my old Bronco II in High school and had it shining pretty good. I like how it takes the old oxidized paint off.
lol ...... you better have her shining before I pass through next year or i might take it upon myself to shine it up for you :P
Got a call from Terry when I was in Kansas City this weekend that the headliner and visors are done. I tried calling him twice today; left a message once. No response. It was noisy when he called. I think I remember him saying something about a college visit with his daughter yesterday and today. Hope to have the stuff back this week.
Good for you. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
We have a newly covered headliner on the living room floor waiting for the blue 83 to come back
from the ac shop. Waiting - waiting - waiting - - - -
Picked up the headliner and the visors. The headliner looks great. It matches perfectly. One of the visors also looks great. The other one has some stitching visable on one edge (unlike the other). At least they are the same color as the headliner now.
now if I can just get it in myself (doubtful). I think I am going to need a second person. I will try and get pictures of it tonight. I need to find an elevated level place in the laundry room to store it until installation time. In the mean time I will have to try and sort out what interior trim pieces go where.
I think Mavericke and I might be able to strike a trade where I get him a banner for the santuary in trade for headlight installation and help with the headliner and with my stalling issue. We're working on it. Hoping maybe during the wrenching time at the meet, then we could document for properity purposes.
Terry, the upholstery guy gave me a quote for recovering my seats. He figured out it would be easiest to do new faces for all the seats, since everything else is still in great shape. I think his quote is a bit pricey though, but I have seen the seats he has redone in some mustangs. they are awesome.
Any pictures Brandon?
Camera is MIA and I cannot seem to get a good shot with my Cell phone. I'll keep looking for the camera.
We have installed a headliner. I definitely recommend a second person.
I'm sure it can be done by one person but with a helper there is less chance of damaging it.
Did your person put all the holes in it for the trim screws?
It can be hard to put in a screw without it catching on the fabric and winding it around the screw,
destroying a new headliner.
Quote from: jim on August 13, 2010, 10:34:44 PM
We have installed a headliner. I definitely recommend a second person.
I'm sure it can be done by one person but with a helper there is less chance of damaging it.
Did your person put all the holes in it for the trim screws?
It can be hard to put in a screw without it catching on the fabric and winding it around the screw,
destroying a new headliner.
Thanks for the tips Jim. I think you are right.
Here's the recovered headliner...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/RecoveredHeadliner.jpg)
I can't wait until it is installed. I need to make sense of that pile of trim next.
Here are a couple shots of the visors. I am glad they are going to be the same color. I am still undecided about the style. One of them looks great. The side opposite the mounting bracket on the other leaves a little to be desired, but he gave me a discount on the job because of it. I think he did a great job on the headliner and the one visor. The stitching on the side of the one visor is very visable, but oh well I am not creating a show car.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Sunvisors.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Sunvisors2.jpg)
I am happy overall with the job. I hope I don't mess it up when it is installed.
looking good, i see the concern with the visor ..... maybe look for a set in good condition and just replace them
I think they will be okay. At least they are the right color. Had I not recovered them they would look really out of place due to fading.
don't driving an eagle make you feel out of place? I mean in the age of tin can cars and all ;D
Quote from: thereverendbill on August 14, 2010, 04:20:57 PM
don't driving an eagle make you feel out of place? I mean in the age of tin can cars and all ;D
Makes it easy to spot in a crowded parking lot.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/MyEagleonthehighway.jpg)
Love this picture of my Eagle on Hwy 31. Thanks Mick.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/MyEagleonthehighway2.jpg)
This shot would have been better had my hood been fully shut.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on September 21, 2010, 07:55:53 PM
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/MyEagleonthehighway.jpg)
Love this picture of my Eagle on Hwy 31. Thanks Mick.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/MyEagleonthehighway2.jpg)
This shot would have been better had my hood been fully shut.
Your welcome. Me too, that is my favorite pic I have on my camera. That's what I do. That, and stop light hood latching. LOL
That's what all that was about.
Looks like I need to update this topic.
Recent changes include the 83 Eagle plates and finally solving the front mounting bracket issue.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Finishedwithoutaframe-wontfit.jpg)
Also the addition of the push bar and KC Lights.
Up next...
I have a grille from a '79 Concord that I am going to replace the eggcrate grille with.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/79ConcordGrille1.jpg)
I am a little stuck with the grille because I do not have mounting hardware. I did not figure it would come with the mounting hardware. And I lost a majority of the screws when we replaced the headlight bucket at the 2010 Meet.
I guess I never posted pictures of the installed headliner that Jim and WonderEagle helped me install. I thought I posted them on this thread, but I guess not.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on October 28, 2010, 06:42:55 PM
To get myself in the mood to try and start Eagle I have decided to finish up the Headliner. All that is left is to put the done light back in. When I get dinner in the oven I will have 30 minutes to get it done.
Before: (Not actually - I had a saggy headliner, but have had bare metal for over 3 years)
Well, I guess I never got a shot of the bare metal roof.
As Jim, WonderEagle and I left it at the meet....
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/AMC%20Eagle%20Nest%20Meet%202010/IMG_2001.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/AMC%20Eagle%20Nest%20Meet%202010/IMG_2002.jpg)
After:
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2419.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2420.jpg)
hey dude that headliner looks good.
It sure looks the part Brandon, I've only seen it bare metal.
Very nice!
Here's a better shot of the license plate.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/BetterPicture2.jpg)
Somehow my post on the push bar install disappeared. I will provide details on that here. I found a guy who used to fabricate equipment for Baja Off-Road vehicles. He did a nice job with the install.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2089.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2089.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2090.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2090.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2091.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2091.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2092.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2092.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2093.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2093.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2094.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2094.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2095.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2095.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2096.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2096.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2097.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2097.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2098.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2098.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2099.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2099.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2100.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2100.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2101.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2101.jpg)
The push bar/grille guard is from a XJ Cherokee. I believe it is a used JC Whitney unit. I got it used for a song from a gentleman who got rid of the Cherokee.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2135.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2135.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2136.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2136.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2137.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2137.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2138.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2138.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2139.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2139.jpg)
Here it is done...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2147.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2148.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2150.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2151.jpg)
He fabricated up a set of bracket for the push bar to mount to. He added a cross bar between the frame rails that the bumper mounts to. Then he welded the brackets to it. That way if I ever decide I do not want the push bar on the Eagle I can un bolt it and take it off. It is completely independent of the bumper of the Eagle.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2152.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/th_IMG_2171.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/?action=view¤t=IMG_2171.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2172.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_2171.jpg)
Very Nice!!! Thats one sharp lookin Eagle!!
Quote from: shanebo on January 29, 2011, 11:16:23 PM
Very Nice!!! Thats one sharp lookin Eagle!!
Thanks. I think it is really starting to take shape.
That Concord grill will look hot..it has a more luxurious look than the egg crate grill
Yeah I think the Concord Grille will look nicer than the eggcrate. Hopefully I'll be able to install it sometime. I have been having trouble locating some screws to install it. I lost most of mine that hold my grille on at the Omaha meet. thereverendbill thinks he may have found a solution for me though.
Quote from: greythorn3 on January 30, 2011, 05:22:45 AM
man that things nice, headliner looks very good!! funny how them dome lights look exactly like the ones in my 80s ford trucks!
Good to know about the done lights. I'll have to check the Ford trucks next time I am at the 'yard. I would love to be able to wire up another done light in the cargo area of the Eagle.
From which car is push bar ? It looks great !
Quote from: Petr on January 31, 2011, 04:45:40 AM
From which car is push bar ? It looks great !
I got the push bar used from a guy in a neighboring town. It is from a 1991 XJ Jeep Cherokee.
From what I have found the brand of push bar I have is sold by JC Whitney. To get one to fit an Eagle you have to get one for a 1984-1996 XJ Jeep Cherokee or an 84-92 Ford Ranger/Bronco II.
Bought everything else I need for the HEI upgrade tonight. Autozone is likely going to lose my business over it. I had $20 in rewards Bucks that they would not let me use. Then the jerk did not give me my change. Granted it was just $1.50, but still. He insisted that I gave him exact change.
The rewards system at Autozone has been good to me. Maybe I just need to go to a different location from now on. Sucks because this one is a half mile from me.
Here's everything I got....
50k volt HEI Distributor 6511-R geared for the 258-Skip White Performane of Tennessee
HEI Pigtail from Summit Racing (beat Autozone & O'Reilly's by $3 shipped)
6 Champion Copper Spark Plugs part #82 Autozone
Accel 8.8 mm plug wire set-decided on this set because they can be cut to fit
Then I bought some anti-seize.
Got a Lowe's gift card for my birthday too. I am going to raid their hardware section tomorrow or Tuesday and try and find some screws for my grille.
No idea when I am going to get to this upgrade. I have to finish up my current repair to the popup camper. I put new wheels and tires on the popup, then got the lift system serviced (got ripped off). I repacked the wheel brearings myself. Now I am fixing the support poles as they have pushed through the floor (one done; 3 to go) only cost me $20 to fix the poles.
Glad to hear you got it all Brandon. Sounds like that AZ has a jerk for a counter person.
Quote from: IowaEagle on April 10, 2011, 09:24:31 PM
Glad to hear you got it all Brandon. Sounds like that AZ has a jerk for a counter person.
The more I think about it; he might have just been having a bad day. The rewards points can only be used at the register with the card. I can use them online, though I think. So, I'll just have to buy online and pick up at the store. IIRC they can do that.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on April 10, 2011, 09:56:34 PM
Quote from: IowaEagle on April 10, 2011, 09:24:31 PM
Glad to hear you got it all Brandon. Sounds like that AZ has a jerk for a counter person.
The more I think about it; he might have just been having a bad day. The rewards points can only be used at the register with the card. I can use them online, though I think. So, I'll just have to buy online and pick up at the store. IIRC they can do that.
I try and aviod parts stores at all costs these days unless I need something simple like today. So i went to autozone and got 2 cans of carb cleaner for my idle tubes and at the register the guy tries to sell me fuel injector cleaner. I told him that i have no need for that for my car, then he goes on and on how it will keep my injectors clean and how it will keep them working for longer yadda, yadda, yadda .... i had to tell him to stop and pick up one of the cans of carb cleaner and say "carb cleaner! No injectors!". i am now starting to get my wife's reasoning for not taking me anywhere these days ;D
did you have to tell 'me what a carburetor is?
Quote from: IowaEagle on April 11, 2011, 06:22:02 AM
did you have to tell 'me what a carburetor is?
nope and i wouldn't cause i wouldn't want their heads to explode. anymore i shutter when i pull into a parts store parking lot and see nothing but newer cars and trucks
That's why I go in there with parts numbers. They still try to look stuff up via application, which I avoid because I dread the question, "You mean GMC, right?" or "Don't you mean GMC?"
I avoided that question narrowly when I got the HEI parts, but I got the, "You know that won't fit your 258 right?" I replied, "It won't stock, but it will when I am done with it."
What ever happened to the days where parts stores encouraged experimentation and modifications?
lol, I think it went byebye when they stopped teaching their staff how to use a paper catolog ::). I had to inform a counter guy the other day that there is a paper catolog in the store that would list a u-joint for an eagle (I used to work at said store), he didn't believe me, so he called the manager over to ask what I was talking about :banghead:. They had the u-joint in stock to boot, go figure, lol.
Quote from: IowaEagle on April 12, 2011, 08:10:56 PM
What ever happened to the days where parts stores encouraged experimentation and modifications?
Gone as soon as they started hiring non-car people to work the counters. Now if the computer says it won't work then a lot of them refeuse to sell you stuff. I also get recomendations for stuff that I know won't work. For example the socket I bought for the oxygen sensor on the Elantra.
I got the screws I need from Lowe's yesterday. I am hoping to get that on tonight.
Well, I got my last piece of the puzzle in the mail today.
Here's the HEI electrical pigtail. I ordered it from Summit. It was a couple dollars cheaper than Autozone even after shipping.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/HEI%20Upgrade/HEIPigtail.jpg)
I also have the HEI distributor from Skip White Performance, 6 Champion spark plus and a set of Accel 8.8 plug wires. I think I have everything I need. Now just need to find the time to get it done.
The extremely oversized shipping box cracks me up.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on April 13, 2011, 09:46:03 AM
Quote from: IowaEagle on April 12, 2011, 08:10:56 PM
What ever happened to the days where parts stores encouraged experimentation and modifications?
Gone as soon as they started hiring non-car people to work the counters. Now if the computer says it won't work then a lot of them refeuse to sell you stuff. I also get recomendations for stuff that I know won't work. For example the socket I bought for the oxygen sensor on the Elantra.
I really like it when the counter help says something can't be done at home, for example when i replaced the instrument lights in my neighbor's mercury sable. We went to autozone to get the bulbs and the kid at the computer told us "you can't do that because the airbag will deploy". I had to sit there an explane to him that there are no lights on the steering wheel that needed to be replaced and that you disconnect the battery and before working on anything electrical on these newer cars, all I got for a responce was "well, when the airbag comes out your going to have to junk the car because they cost over 2000 to replace". Long story short, I replaced the bulbs and the airbag didn't deploy
I need to change my topic name to "Progress is NOT being Made" It would be more accurate. My to do list on the Eagle keeps getting longer and longer, and I have had no time to work on it.
To Do
swap in the nice seats from Shanebo
Install the new HEI upgrade (I can't do myself)
Install the Concord Grille
I could use like 3 days of nothing but wrench time. Anyone want to do a work day? I can pay in burgers/steaks or Pizza and beer.
Plus I am taking on another project. Nuts? Yeah. Can I help it? No.
I am getting ready to sell the popup. Someone is getting a good deal on it. Asking a lot less than I have in it. Then we're getting a Class C Motorhome. The price was too good to pass up.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Newseats5-16-11.jpg)
Got the seats unpacked the other night. Everything looks to be there and it great shape. Thanks again Shanebo. I am going to shampoo and condition them this week and get the swap process started.
Your very welcome! ;D
They were in pretty good shape. They were a bit dirty....cant wait to see how the look after you shampoo them.
Yes very good shape indeed
Did those seats clean up all right for ya?
The Vinyl did. I have not tried to shampoo the cloth yet. Been too busy with the motor home and house repairs. Starting tomorrow I have class from 8-5 Monday thru Saturday. Then I have a week off, then two more weeklong classes. Not sure when I will get to the poor Eagle again.
I know how ya feel...I havent gotten to do a thing with ginger in weeks.
Still have not made any progress on the Eagle. I hope to tackle the shampoo thing this week yet. I shampooed the Saturn yesterday as practice.
Have 2 repairs to do on the motor home that I hope to get done this week, but the weather has not cooperated. I have also been saving to get to Mavericke's so the money to work on the Eagle has not been there either. I think I have enough to make it to Mavericke's. Morgan and I will be there the Friday and part of the day Saturday for the meet, then I head to Chicago.
So here's where I stand on my to do list on the Eagle....
1. Shampoo the seats from Shanebo
2. Swap in the seats from Shanebo (cannot do myself)
3. Swap in the Concord Grille (can't believe I have not even done this)
4. Change back to the stock mirrors.
5. HEI upgrade (can't do myself and can't afford a mechanic's labor)
And the new idea...
6. I finally got in contact with welder who did my push bar. He's coming by tomorrow to come up with an idea for an external way to carry a full-size spare.
I hear ya man...I have not done hardly anything...I put new rings on the pistons last night while sitting in front of the TV. Im at that point too where everything is either too time consuming or too expensive...soooo frustrating!! We just gotta keep our spirits up...we'll get these things done!!...Hey Ive seen cars take years to fix up, so we're not doin too bad.
Well, come Monday the spare tire carrier should be done.
Got the old grille off tonight. I have the 79 Concord grille in place, and I like the look.
I need to put the new screws in, but I cannot see well enough. Too dark in the garage. Need to find the head lamp thing.
Here's a pic. Sorry for the crappy quality. I left the good camera in the motor home when I was working on it a couple days ago. It is in storage. I go get it tomorrow morning. I'll try and snap some pictures. Hoping to set the screws in the grille tonight.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/79concordgrille-1.jpg)
Where did you get that grill guard at!!?? that thing looks great....It looks to be a great fit!
yay progress pictures ..... now i want to see more ;D
Quote from: shanebo on July 13, 2011, 11:02:09 PM
I hear ya man...I have not done hardly anything...I put new rings on the pistons last night while sitting in front of the TV. Im at that point too where everything is either too time consuming or too expensive...soooo frustrating!! We just gotta keep our spirits up...we'll get these things done!!...Hey Ive seen cars take years to fix up, so we're not doin too bad.
Question : Did you check the gap on the rings before you put them on the pistons ?? I have only ever had to file a few , but it was just a thought.
I like the horizontal slat grille much better than the egg crate. the concord, spirit and very early eagles by far had the better grills.....Lookin good man!!
I got the grille from a junk yard in Grand Island NE. It was from a mangled Concord that was crushed. They had it listed on the big auction site. I inquired about other AMCs and they said they'd call if anything else comes in (I doubt it though).
I like your grill. Here's our 88 wagon.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/jimmiesmith/th_grill-1.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v416/jimmiesmith/?action=view¤t=grill-1.jpg)
Yeah Jim I knew your 88 and Mudkicker715's eagle had the grille. I remember asking abou them when I was looking at this one.
Nice memory.
Got the hitch spare tire carrier today. It looks great. Eddie did a nice job. It is going to be nice to have the full size spare and have cargo space. I still need to paint it, though.
Here it is...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3192.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3193.jpg)
Here's how it pivots to the driver's side, so I can fill up with gas.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3194.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3195.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3196.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3197.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3198.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3199.jpg)
It pivots out pretty good. We had to have it a little further out from the Eagle than we originally planned because I wanted the hatch to be able to open without having to remove the spare.
Ok it looks way cool and a nice job. If I remember right , Eddie is the guy that did your front bar. I have to ask though, didn't you have issues with the policemen on your front plate not bieng properly seen or the angle or something ?? LOL , The rear one is totally blocked, I know, just kidding, i am sure you will move it.As reciever of 2 license plate tickets myself,I couldn't resist.
Yeah I had to modify the mount for the front plate. I actually did it twice. I know it is blocked right now, but I ordered a lighted licence plate mount and the wiring needed to hook it up to my trailer wiring. I ordered them from Amazon, so I have to wait. It was cheaper to order from Amazon than get locally because I got free shipping since I had a textbook I needed as well.
Well I got the license plate bracket light all wired up. I need to drill a hole to put the ground wire into, so it can bolt into place. I went to test to see if the light would light up with this set up before I heat shrink it all.
And of course the Eagle will not start. Battery is completely dead- no lights, sounds or movement at all. Had to have my neighbor Jeff help me pull the battery because I needed an extra set of hands to get the positive terminal off.
Can't take the battery in or go get a new one because the Saturn is in the shop. Further proof that my Eagle does not like it when I give other vehicles my attention.
You're not alone there, a couple weeks ago all three vehicles decided to puke something out faster than I could fix them, lol. The joys of owning old stuff though, once they're back up and going you can't stay mad at them :occasion14:.
Got the new battery in and the Eagle fired up right away.
Stupid license pate light will not light up though. Not sure why. Thereverendbill said he thought it sounded like it was grounding out. Tomorrow I hope to test the light just on the battery and see if it lights up.
Concentrated on the Saturn today. Had the coolant and power steering cheap. When I went to change the oil I drained the oil and then the fiasco started. I placed the drain pan I had in the wrong spot to start. got a nice oil slick on the driveway (it kind of matches the transmission stains from the motor home though). Then I went to unscrew the cap to the cartridge filter. It cross threaded and shredded itself. WIth the help of my Dad and my neighbor Jeff and a big open ended wrench we got it off. The threads look like hamburger on one side.
Was able to order a cap from autozone. They remembered me from last time with the wrench issues. He put a rush order on it, and had it shipped to store so it'd save me a few bucks.
Sometimes I think I am not cut out to work on cars. Crap is just too expensive to pay people to do sometimes though (for example, $82 & change for an oil change on the Saturn). So, the Saturn is a big paper weight until the part comes in. I pushed it to the other side of the driveway and will have to rely on the Eagle without the spare carrier. Can't do the spare carrier until I get the license plate crap figured out.
Have it all taped and ready for paint as it was already oxidizing sitting in the garage. Got Rustoleum hammer finish. Just need a small roller and I plan to get that knocked out. Had to dip into my fund for the meet at Mavericke's to get these repairs done. So I am not sure if I am going to have the money to make it now :(
Got the spare tire carrier finished up with paint last night. Did 3 coats. I had it done a couple of nights ago, but let it dry for a couple days. Last night I had to sand and repaint one little area where the paint ran, but other than that it looks great.
I tried again to get the license plate light to work with no luck. I ran into my neighbor who lives down the street who was an electrician in the army. She said she could take a look at the wiring. She said it is hard to get a good connection when wires are such different gauges at times. Hopefully I'll be able to run it over sometime this week.
Spent the day with rollguy today. Man I wish I had 1/3 of his knowledge. Rich and I went to ACE Hardware and he schooled me on soldering irons. We got what we needed. After some modification, by Rich. The license plate light is very nice. Rich showed me how to solder is, and we wired it differently. We got it soldered and shrink wrapped and it works great. Thanks Rich.
Rich put the auto body hammers I got from my wife's Grandpa to good use. He bent the metal, so the license plate and light will mount nicely to the studs the spare mounts to.
I'll have it done as soon as I can get out to Kenny's to use his drill press and drill two 5/8" holes in the bracket. Then, I need to slap some paint on it. I also found 2 spots I need to touch up on the spare tire mount. Can't wait.
Here's a shot of Rich fabricating...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3458.jpg)
Here are some pictures of Rich and my 83 Eagles. These eagles are identical in options and
color. My wife took a picture of them on her phone and texted it to friends with the caption "Lord Help me." That made me laugh.
They're twins...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3448.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3449.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3450.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3451.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3457.jpg)
Rich, I owe you one. Thank you for stopping by. I learned a lot.
you just had to get your saturn in a shot didn't you brandon :P
Quote from: thereverendbill on September 04, 2011, 11:17:54 PM
you just had to get your saturn in a shot didn't you brandon :P
Wasn't intentional. Saturn goes in to the shop tomorrow. Something my mechanic and I cannot fix.
Quote from: 83Eagle! on September 04, 2011, 10:47:59 PM
Rich put the auto body hammers I got from my wife's Grandpa to good use. He bent the metal, so the license plate and light will mount nicely to the studs the spare mounts to.
I am amazed that WE were able to cut the width of that piece of sheet metal (about 6") with that old worn out hacksaw!
Yeah I was amazed as well. I am hoping to be able to get out to Kenny's to use his drill press and bench grinder. All it'll cost me is a 5/8" metal bit. He looked and does not have one.
Cool! Thanks for sharing. I'm really looking forward to seeing all who make it to the meet.
Picture from today.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/9-7-11eagle.jpg)
got the painted spare carrier mounted, spare mounted and bolted. I also installed the license plate bracket, light and plate temporarily. It looks great I think.
I still need to do a couple things....
- Paint the license plate bracket
-repaint the mounting plate for the spare (got scratched trying to mount the wheel).
- redrill one of the license plate light screw holes (odd angle & screw won't go in)
- get another license plate bolt and 2 wing nuts.
What do you all think?
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/securedownload.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3467.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3466.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3464.jpg)
Here's the wiring for the license plate light...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3463.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3462.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3461.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/IMG_3460.jpg)
Here's a shot so you can see what it looks like lit up... (kind of)...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/securedownload2.jpg)
Lookin good! Are you going to move it closer to the car or will that hinder the hatch from opening?
It is as close as we could get it, so that it did not hinder the hatch opening. Originally he had made it closer, but we didn't account for the hatch opening in the original incarnation..
Brandon, we could use a few more photos! :rotfl:
Quote from: rollguy on September 08, 2011, 04:29:00 PM
Brandon, we could use a few more photos! :rotfl:
I am sorry. I didn't realize I took so many until I loaded the post.
I don't know if there is much thievery in your area, but you might think about putting on a hitch pin lock, and drilling one of the studs and put a padlock instead of one of the outer nuts holding on the plate bracket.
Thanks for the tip Rich. I have not figured out how to lock it all up. I want to get a locking receiver hitch pin, which I can get a number of places. I think I might get a set of locking lug nuts for the spare (which I wish I would have thought of before I bought all the other bolts).
Pigonawing and I were planning on doing the HEI upgrade this week, but I just had to shovel a ton of money into the Saturn (tires, brake switch, and redo on the radiator flush I had done a month or so ago). Then, Pigonawing taught me how to do the front brakes on the Caravan. Then, I had to do the tie rods, and tires on it too.
Eagle is on the back burner again :(
Update:
I have quite the to do list this spring.
I still have the seats and HEI conversion to install.
I also just ordered the Motorcraft carb conversion kit from GRONK this morning.
Looks like I need to find a time to do some wrenching.
Sooooooo, does this mean you've decided to keep it? :occasion14:
Yes it does mean I am going to keep it.
Although if all this doesn't make it run better that decision may change quickly.
Good luck with everything Brandon. Sounds like you're gonna be busy between school, the normal stuff around the house, & the Eagle. Hope it all works out for you.
Thanks Pat. We have sub zero wind chill right now, so nothing will be done on the eagle for awhile.
Love the push bar setup.
Quote from: Prafeston on February 13, 2012, 10:20:22 PM
Love the push bar setup.
Thanks. I believe there are still pictures of that build on here. The details were lost when a separate post was deleted.
I saw the detailed photos. Looked like a little bit of fabricating. What was it originally made for?
Quote from: Prafeston on February 13, 2012, 11:48:36 PM
I saw the detailed photos. Looked like a little bit of fabricating. What was it originally made for?
Not sure how I missed this question. The push bar is a JC Whitney one. It is a model set up for the XJ Cherokee and Ford Bronco II/Ranger (82-92).
Update: I picked up the Motorcraft set up from Kenny's yesterday. My buddy Dustin and I are planning on attacking both on Saturday.
Got the Motorcraft Upgrade done today. Took some Redneck Engineering with the help of my friend Dustin. We ran out of daylight when messing with the timing, so we didn't get the HEI upgrade done tonight. Maybe next weekend. Pictures and video of the adventure are to come.
After lunch today I headed up to my friend Dustin's place with the goal of getting both the HEI and the motorcraft upgrades done on the Eagle. We ran out of daylight to do the HEI, due to an issue with the throttle linkage. Here are some pictures and video...
Here we are taking off the Carter. Boy it was running really rich on the way up here.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4047.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4047.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4045.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4045.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4044.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4044.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4043.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4043.jpg)
Here are some pictures of the swap in progress...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4050.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4050.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4049.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4049.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4048.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4048.jpg)
Here are some shots of our work area. This is maybe an 1/8 of Dustin's shop. He has a nice place. The whole shop is heated and he has an insulated double car paint booth that doubles as a man cave/gathering place. It has AC and has appliances for food and beverages.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4054.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4054.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4053.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4053.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4052.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4052.jpg)
Next, came the adventure. We got all the lines hooked up and everything ready to go, except for the throttle linkage. The new Motorcraft did not have the little ball on the throttle for the linkage to connect to. So we tried and tried to drill it to be able to put a bolt through. No luck...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4058.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4058.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4057.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4057.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4056.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4056.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4055.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4055.jpg)
After we tried to drill it we went over to Dustin's friend Boomer's place to try his drill press; no luck with the drill press. So we improvised...
A little welding later we had a workable throttle linkage. It won't win any beauty awards, but it is functional.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4068.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4068.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4067.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4067.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4066.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4066.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4065.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4065.jpg)
Why are these stupid pictures loading in the opposite order I enter them???
And without further ado, here's the motorcraft....
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4076.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4076.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4072.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4072.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4071.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4071.jpg)
I was amazed at the difference between starting the Eagle with the Carter and starting the Eagle with the motorcraft. It is like night and day difference. I don't have to fight the old bird to get her to start anymore.
We went through and pulled out a lot of the vacuum crap. It looks so much better in the engine bay now. We also has to replace a fuel line. It was a lot of fun pulling out unneeded vacuum crap, capping stuff off and making a big pile on the shop floor.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_IMG_4080.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=IMG_4080.jpg)
I believe there is a lot more that can be eliminated, but I'll need someone who is more familiar with 258s than Dustin and I to make that happen.
I forgot to get a video of the Eagle running with the Carter. I wish I would have filmed it as I was backing it into the shop. It sounded horrible. I did get some video footage of it running after. What a difference. Working on figuring out what order the video clips go in. After I have them organized I will post them.
Here are the videos...
Click on the pictures and it will load the videos.
First start up after the swap...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_MVI_4074.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=MVI_4074.mp4)
Adjusting the throttle...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_MVI_4070.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=MVI_4070.mp4)
Here's the engine just running and reving...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_MVI_4069.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=MVI_4069.mp4)
Here's the finished engine starting up. So much more smooth of a start up than I have ever seen on this old Bird...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_MVI_4077.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=MVI_4077.mp4)
Then, we had an issue with it stalling when we tried to pull it out of the shop. So, Dustin hopped in to get a feel for it. Here he is driving the Eagle around...
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/th_MVI_4082.jpg) (http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/?action=view¤t=MVI_4082.mp4)
We bumped up the timing a little; an issue that we'll have to do again when we do the HEI upgrade I am sure. Now it runs better than I have ever seen. After Dustin got out I took it around the property-the closest to off road it has been since I have had it. Stopped to do a photo op with some of the Eagle's cousins-Dustin's collection of military 6x6s.
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/IMG_4084.jpg)
(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i268/BKJ99/Motorcraft%20Upgrade/IMG_4083.jpg)
IIRC he has five total. He has a few of the cargo trailers too. One of them he modified and made it into a 4x4 pickup. All it needs is the driveshaft he had custom made installed and it will be good to go. It had a big lift on it, and he's making a box out of a military trailer for it. He also has a city snow plow for it.
Sometime soon we're going to build one of the enclosed trucks into a mini motor home for Dustin and his family. That will be a fun build.
Lookin good brandon! Sounds good too. That's some egg cellent documentation there
Thanks Shane. It drove really nice on the way home.
:occasion14: Glad to see you got it together and running well.
Was that finished start up after doing the ECM Test too...or was that just installing the Carb and adjusting the throttle and idle? I've never had a start up that smooth on my Motorcraft even after the ECM Test. I gotta figure this out! ERRR.
That was just with the carb swap. We ran out of time to do the HEI swap. It definitely runs a lot smoother, but I think the HEI will help. Dustin said the stock distributor was inferior to the motorcraft carb.