New and looking at an Eagle tomorrow!

[koalrus]

I have always wanted an Eagle (ever since I saw the one and only SX/4 I have ever seen on the road years ago), and I have been reading about them and looking at ones for sale (mostly on these forums) for months. And tomorrow I am going to look at an '85 sedan.

I've talked to the seller, and he says it's been sitting for a year or so but started right up. Needs a good cleaning. Very little rust. Thinks it would probably be roadworthy if not for the tires. But it's cheap.

I'm just wondering what the big "no way you should buy that" things are that I should look out for. I want a fixer upper, but I don't want a dead end Eagle, mechanically.

And thanks in advance. I've seen how extremely helpful the members of this board and their experience can be.

-Jesse from central Indiana

[thereverendbill]

crawl under the eagle!! look at the inner and outer rockers, floorpans, trunk, and the dog legs (curved sections of frame behind the front wheels).  if there are holes or thin spots in those areas then your looking at ALOT of work and money to get it back on the road (if the doglegs are bad the car will fold in half or the drivetrain will fall to the ground).  If you would like I have some pictures of really bad doglegs that i can send ya (send me a personal message here on the forum)

[maddog]

also if it has a vinyl roof check around the rear and side windows as vinyl roofs have a nasty habit of causing some nasty rust problems there. oh and welcome to the nest.

[koalrus]

What about under the hood? I would, sooner than later, want a daily driver out of it.

And if I see really bad doglegs, should I be scared to be under the car? 

Thanks!

[JayRamb]

I like the 85-88's with true Shift on the Fly for 4x4; without stopping the car, engage the system by pulling down the lever. If you have a plastic valve cover, your first priority, an aluminum valve cover...no oil leaks. Check rail rot.

[thereverendbill]

What about under the hood? I would, sooner than later, want a daily driver out of it.

And if I see really bad doglegs, should I be scared to be under the car? 

Thanks!

the doglegs can be viewed while not looking under the car.  just look behind the front tire in the wheel well, if you see lots of rot or holes in that area the most you should walk away or maybe offer 300 bucks and keep it as a parts source for the eagle you end up buying.  Another easy way to tell if the unibody is is bad shape look at the door and fender gaps, if they are not uniform then you are looking at a parts car   

[IowaEagle]

Great advice from the others and welcome to the Nest.  Usually under the hood is the least of our worries.  Its the other areas that have been mentioned.

[koalrus]

There she is. I love it. What do you think? Not bad for $700...

The actual wheel is in the trunk (right next to the raggedy Chilton). Went to see it today but have to go back this week and trailer her home. Needs new tires definitely. Has plastic valve cover, and the guy said it leaked slowly. Then I guess I'll just see what's next. Did fire up, though, and didn't sound too bad. Interior's dirty, but in great condition. Next to no rust underneath, but yes, minimal amount near one of the rear windows.

And, as much as I would love an SX/4, I was looking for a cheaper fixer upper. I appreciate it, though!

Besides, I already love mine... 

[maddog]

that is one good looking eagle. it looks like it even has the stock marchal driving lights on it.

[koalrus]

Yeah, but right behind one of the lights, the plastic grill has a chunk broken out of it. The guy did a great job of keeping everyting, though. Any little piece of plastic or anything that has ever come off or been replaced, the original is in the trunk. Two spares, even!

I'll get some more pictures on here this coming weekend.

[Whuntmore]

Welcome to the nest.

I don't know if you know what 'Opera windows' are, but these windows are notorious for rot.  besides all the underside mentioned.   From the picture, it looks ok, but I would check this area carefully also.  But the car looks pretty good. 

[IowaEagle]

Looks like a good buy, so far, to me.  It appears you need some headlight adjusters.  Hope its only the adjusters and not the plastic buckets behind  the lamps.

[doneagle]

                 HI        Welcome to the nest ...It looks like you have got a winner there ..see how easy it is to fall for
                 one of thees cars ...most of the tine its love at first site ....good luck with her ..............Don

[Whuntmore]

Looks like a good buy, so far, to me.  It appears you need some headlight adjusters.  Hope its only the adjusters and not the plastic buckets behind  the lamps.

And if the buckets that hold the headlights is cracked, don't sweat it - I used a soldering iron to fix them.  that and the grille.  so you can easily fix them.

[brentsydlik]

soldering the plastic... now that is something i wouldnt have thought of. i like it.