New guy with 1988 Eagle Wagon

[amarshall]

I've been lurking here for a couple months, but thought it was time to break the silence and introduce myself and show off my new project.  I recently bought a 1988 Eagle Wagon on FleaBay, based on just a few fuzzy pictures!  My wife wasn't too excited, but she has learned to just shake her head and laugh at my crazy projects.  Thank goodness!

Here are a couple shots right after I got it to my place in Florida.





It starts and runs, but needs some maintenance.  The radiator looked like it had just come up from the bottom of the ocean.  Can't believe it held pressure.



Really needs some deep cleaning inside, but most of it is in great shape.  Only the driver's seat has a few tears, and of course the headliner is sagging.



I'm looking forward to this project, and will likely start a separate thread about my progress.  I've already been reading up all over the forum, and really appreciate all the info that's been shared.  Good to be here!

[amcfool1]

welcome, and nice eagle! you already have the aluminum valve cover, came stock in 88, last year for AMC. Looks like you may need a new radiator soon though. good luck, gz

[mudkicker715]

Welcome to the den

[vangremlin]

Welcome!  Good looking Eagle!

[eaglebeek]

If you decide to replace that radiator you can use an aluminum radiator from a CJ-7. Please see this link:http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=42945.0;topicseen for detailed information

[Prafeston]

Welcome to the cult! Here have some coolaid!

[amarshall]

Thanks for the welcome, everybody.  I've been working on the eagle the past few weeks, already making some progress (and a big mess in the garage).  I've been through the cooling system, and that old radiator was so bad the cooling fins turned to dust when I touched them.  I can't believe it was holding pressure.   Eaglebeek, thanks for the tip about the CJ7 radiator.  I had found that info, but in the end decided I wanted a true bolt-in option, though it was about double the cost.

I loaded up on parts from my new favorite website, RockAuto.  It's crazy how low the prices are on some of that stuff.  I've done belts, radiator hoses, a heater hose, and my heater control valve was frozen solid.  I did figure out the option to use the plastic Cherokee valve.  Been through the ignition too, new dizzy cap, rotor, and plugs.  Got a lot more to do though, including suspension bushings, etc, etc.

I'm just trying to resist getting too deep into a restoration.  My Eagle is plenty nice for what I've got planned - an overlanding rig for longer trips across the country.  It's solid underneath and has good bones, so I need to stay focused on getting it reliable first, not pretty.

I have been taking lots of pictures, so I'll start a new thread to show the build soon.