Father and Son 1983 SX/4 Project

[kevindpm61]

We got a lot of things done today. I'm happy with the progress that my son and I made. Got the right front suspension installed along with a new CV shaft. I need to bend a new hard brake line before the rotor and disc brake caliper is installed.
We drained and refilled the transfer case,drained the tranny and installed a new filter, and pulled the radiator to have it cleaned out. Pitman and idler arms were also installed.
Next week it's time to get the driver side suspension installed.I have some driver's side floor pan rust to repair and that should be it for welding. We need to install new door hinge bushings and repair the driver's inside door handle.

[kevindpm61]

It was not as productive of a weekend as I had hoped it would be. I was planning on getting the driver's side suspension assembled along with the steering linkage. The driver's side spring did not want to cooperate. I am using a spring compressor from Advanced Auto that just doesn't seem to cut the mustard. I managed to get the passenger side compressed and installed the other week, but no success on the driver's side. Looks like I will need to find a better spring compressor than the single screw unit with offset hooks. I'm open to any suggestions for a safer and better spring compressor.
The steering linkage went on without a hitch.

[amcfool1]

a guy on www.theamc forum sells the correct spring compressor for amc.  check it out in the suspension section, also one on ebay .gz

[kevindpm61]

 I hate spending the money on a tool that I probably will never use again but.............I get a little nervous working around a compressed spring that could potentially slip off and go flying. I ordered the AMC specific compressor today. Hopefully, it will arrive before the weekend.

[kevindpm61]

The spring compressor is suppose to arrive by Thursday but I've decided to take a break from working on the SX/4 this weekend. I think that I want to have some fun driving my new toy..... 2013 BMW 335is with a 6 speed manual tranny.

[Prafeston]

You are not the typical Eagle driver! Nice toy!

[kevindpm61]

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for AMC's. I've owned a 1970 Gremlin, a 1975 Gremlin and a 1983 Spirit GT. Someday, I would love to have a 1970 AMX 390 with the Shadow Mask. Isuspect that my wife and I are going through a mutual midlife crisis. Her 2008 Altima was showing it's age and we both wanted a manual transmission car. The convertible top was icing on the cake!

[vangremlin]

That BMW is almost as nice as an Eagle 

[Prafeston]

That BMW is almost as nice as an Eagle 

Haha, he should have gone with a Sundancer if it wanted a convertible!

[kevindpm61]

The new decal came in the mail the other day for the horn button. The button was missing a plastic allen screw so I decided to replace all of them with real metal screws. The center emblem was cracked and nasty looking. Vangremlin gave me the address of a place he used and we were able to come up with a pretty good replica of the original. I also thought that I would throw in some vintage pictures of my former AMC rides. 

[kevindpm61]

1983 Spirit GT

[vangremlin]

That center cap looks really good.  That outfit does good work for a decent price.  I need to find some other need I might have to order from them again!!

Thanks for the vintage AMC photos!  Both very cool!

[kevindpm61]

We made good progress on the Eagle today. Installed the re-cored radiator and fan shroud. Also got most of the driver's side suspension installed. I must say the the correct coil spring compressor made installation a snap........and much safer!
Next week, I hope to get the disc brakes installed. I need to fabricate new hard lines from the flexible hose on both sides. I still need to get that one pesky nut off the exhaust manifold before we install the CV shaft and the front drive shaft.

[vangremlin]

Wow everything is looking really good!

[kevindpm61]

I'm pleased with how the car is coming along. I wish it would go faster but after working 60 hours a week on my day job, I only have one morning the weekend to get greasy.  I am anxious to see how she drives after all is said and done.