The Restoration starts!- '80 Eagle Turbo Diesel

[rollguy]

Here are some photos of '80 Eagle Turbo Diesel. I will post the progress of the restoration as it happens. We were able to get it started to drive it on and off the trailer, but a LOT of smoke!. It has not run for about 6 months, so I will need to drain the fuel and replace it. It also has the battery mounted above the rear axle (bad place), so I will need to re-locate it. I had to put shorter cables on it and set a battery on the engine to get it started (could not close the hood). The oil filters are mounted in the battery tray, so I will re-locate them and put the battery (Optima) where it belongs!

[IowaEagle]

So do you know if the battery was there from the factory or were some mods made later in life?

[rollguy]

I was told that the car was done that way from the factory (Specialized Automotive Engineering)

[IowaEagle]

OK -- I am guessing things are pretty cramped in the engine compartment.

[rollguy]

Yes, but with some creative fabricating, I should be able to get everything in the engine compartment. I don't like the idea of having the battery just above the rear end, and 10' long battery cables running along the underside of the car..

[IowaEagle]

I don't blame you.

[rollguy]

I will be looking for some parts (mostly interior) to fix and restore the old bird.  The Interior color is tan with chocolate brown carpet. The dash is leather brown color.I will know more  later when I get into it, but the things I know are needed are as follows:
Headliner (actually just the fabric- the cardboard piece is intact)
Headliner Trim pieces
Padded Dash
Inside Door Handle plastic in-set thingey
Leather Material to re-upholster the Seats
I have many parts to trade if anyone has an '80 parts car. I know it will be harder to find parts in the color I need, but this is the best place to find them if they exist.

[eagle88]

It looks to be in a lot better shape than the previous photos of it.  Maybe some more of the interior.

[rollguy]

Yes, the Exterior is in nice shape, and NO RUST!.  It will need a lot of work though, I am sure it will be worth it. I need to find some engine parts as well, and I think I am on the right track. I have joined the VMDiesel yahoo group. I am sure I will be able to find everything I need there.

[IowaEagle]

And, you will add a little bit of history to their site.

[rollguy]

     I contacted the President of the local AMO Chapter in Colorado today. We talked about the Convention in July. I told him that I would like to bring the Turbo Diesel Eagle to the Convention if I got it restored (or at least drivable) by July. He said it they would be very happy to have it there. Lord willing, I will be there with the Turbo Diesel Eagle!
    I will post more photos as I work on it, as I know we all like photos!

[BenM]

    I will post more photos as I work on it, as I know we all like photos!

Yes. Many of the engine and transmission, please.

[rollguy]

Sorry, I have not had time or a warm day to work on the restoration. Besides, I just got a 1982  2 door Mercedes 300 D (Turbo Diesel) today (only 300 Bucks!). I wanted to learn more about Diesels before takeling the Eagle. It looks like this car will help me, as it has the same Bosch Injection System. I can post photos (even though it is not an Eagle) if anybody would like.

[malcolmm]

sounds good to me. we all need to learn as much as we can, so teach as you learn. Lots of pics!!!!

[83Eagle!]

Yeah show us what you learn.  I don't really know anything about Diesel engines myself.