Thinking about this project car

[RickM]

Hello all. So I think I have agreed to buy an eagle from a guy in Denver, but I would like some advice. This is what I can tell. The car is an 81. It has no dents but the paint is shot. The plastic bumper ends are failing. The trains seals have been replaced. It has a slight valve cover leak. The PO has been working on it and was using it as a daily driver until recently. This is what I know it needs. The brake booster is out, the rear end has a noise and he thinks a wheel bearing is shot. The tires look a little iffy. Some dry rot.   The price is negotiated to $1,800.

This is the plan. Buy it. Drive it gently around Colorado for two weeks. Have it shipped to Dallas, and then do a really thorough project car effort on it over the next 4 years with my son. So really 2 questions.

1.  Is $1800 a decent price for a somewhat running and driving eagle
2. Would you take an eagle with a failing brake booster over mountain passes safely for a couple weeks?

Thanks in advance.

[DAVE]

I would check for rust if none then $1800 isn't bad
what does the failing brake booster do, should still have brakes they would just be harder to apply with out the booster

[AMC of Houston]

The "rear end has a noise" worries me.  Could be the dreaded and common broken right axle issue.

If you're in Dallas, get involved with the Dallas AMC Club.   Their Prez is an Eagle guy (among other AMC's).

[priya]

The "rear end has a noise" worries me.  Could be the dreaded and common broken right axle issue.

If the right axle was broken it wouldn't be driving, would it?  Wouldn't this result in all the power going through the rear differential to the broken right axle preventing the car from moving?

[AMC of Houston]

Sometimes they won't move; sometimes they do!   The axle fractures in the middle of the hub, where its splined onto the axle shaft.   Sometimes and somehow the axle still functions if the break is not smooth.   But it will make an absolutely dreadful noise while driving, making you think the diff is about ready to fall out!