My long awaited Eagle - A project in the works

[macdude443]

I've wanted one of these cars since I was a kid and saw one in Back to the Future.  I'm 23 now (maybe still a kid) and already have my dream car.  I think that's a goal few people can attain.  The vehicle is a 1982 SX/4.  The following is what it needs/what I'd like to do:

- Rust repair.  Floors have a bit of rust and a hold here and there.
- Fresh carpet.  Front carpet is shot.  Rear seems ok.
- Motorcraft 2100 mod.  It's got a TBI in it now, but I'd rather have a carb.
- Transmission.  This wasn't supposed to be a problem, whether the previous owner knew it or not.. she needs a tranny (or a major adjustment)
- Rear window and sunroof leak.  New seals or some sealant.
- New window channels and sweeps.
- Paint job!

Here are some photos of the car a few days after I got it home:













Floor rust


Roof surface rust


Quarter window rust


Trim needs to be re-painted as well.  Looks like a home black-out job.

[eaglefreek]

Glad you found her. Is there a reason you don't like the TBI? Was the throttle rod AKA kickdown rod connected to the throttle body? If not this could have lead to the demise of the transmission or be the source of your problems. What's the transmission doing?

[macdude443]

Glad you found her. Is there a reason you don't like the TBI? Was the throttle rod AKA kickdown rod connected to the throttle body? If not this could have lead to the demise of the transmission or be the source of your problems. What's the transmission doing?

The TBI seems to work fine, but the way it's wired scares me to death.  Bare wiring left and right, no labels.  I also like that if a carb has an issue, I feel like I can track it down easier.  If a computer acts up, I don't know where to start.  The throttle linkage is connected.  I was told the throttle body is a GM WD1(?).  If you go to the transmission shop section I have a thread called "SX/4 lousy shifting" that'll explain the issue.

Other things to do: The gauge cluster in the center console will be removed.  I need a place for my sunglasses and cassettes.  I was given two sports seats in good shape and the original radio panel.  They will be put in down the road.  In the past few weeks I've bought an original AM/FM AMC stereo, new windshield wiper mechanics (the originals had a ton of play and would smack the trim) and an interior driver door handle as my spring was broken.  Also picked up a set of Eagle fenders and an Eagle egg crate grille.  Thanks to sleepsundercars and thereverendbill for the help with the car and parts thus far!

[macdude443]

I was lucky enough to find a garage to store her in over the winter.  It's heated and free of charge, no less.  This will allow me to keep going with the work that needs to be done.

Here are some shots of what was done this past weekend:

The winter dwelling.. you can see where I tried my hand at some naval jelly, sealer primer and rustoleum on the fender.


Goodbye seats!


Goodbye smelly, rotten carpet!


Passenger side:


Driver's side, with a bondo'd hole:


Rust hole behind passenger seat:


Same hole, different angle:


Bad area cut out of driver's side:


Friend welding in a patch:


First patch installed:


I began scraping off the old tar-like coating on the passenger's side.  It looks as though most of it did it's job.


My plan is to evapo-rust all the remaining surface rust once the holes are cut and patched.  I will then rough up the rest and use a spray-can epoxy primer on the entire floor.  It will be painted black and covered with 3M rubberized undercoating.  I may put some Penetrol under the primer.. but I think that might be redundant?  Thoughts?

The underside will be epoxy primered or Penetrol'd as well, followed by Waxoyl.  I don't plan to drive the car in the snow or rain.  I want it to last a LONG time.

[GRONK]

I'd be willing to bet you could sell the TBI and have enough for the carb conversion and the dist upgrade.

I still love the SX/4.  Man those are cool!!!

[jim]

I bet you could also sell the rally guages.

[macdude443]

The rally gauges are not original, but I have considered selling the tbi.

[macdude443]

What exactly would I remove to lose the tbi?  I imagine the TBI, mounting plate and computer.  But what about the sensors?  Do I remove and plug the oxygen and MAP sensors?

[rollguy]

I will be following this one closely.  Looks like you have everything under control!

[macdude443]

Thanks!  It may take a while.  I don't have a huge budget.  But in the end it'll be worth the wait.

[Baskinator]

Are you in PA? Maybe I could recruit your friend to weld my floors haha! Looks great, keep up the good work.

[GRONK]

MAP sensor - gone
O2 - gone
Computer - gone
electric fuel pump - gone (or add a regulator)

The Motorcrat only needs 3psi and a linkage.  2 vacuum lines and you're done.

[macdude443]

Are you in PA? Maybe I could recruit your friend to weld my floors haha! Looks great, keep up the good work.

Thanks!  I am.  I just posted that in your thread.    I live in central PA now, but next time I'm back east with the Eagle we'll have to meet up.

[rohnk]

Very nice project car. You have inspired me for when I start in on my SX/4 (Road Trip). I did notice the front grill though, I have never seen one like that before. I like it with the AMC logo.

[eagleman]

Keep it up! Looks like a fun project but also a lot of work! But will be well worth it in the end.