Hey all, just stumbled onto the site looking for info on the 79 Chrysler Lebaron Town & Country I just bought. Sorry I dont hav pics to post yet. It has already caused a couple fights between me and the ol' lady. Guess she just doesn't appriciate the beauty of a wood panel station wagon. Any info or advice on getting this thing on the road would be appriciated. It has sat since 83 and only has 8,000 mi on it. Would also like any suggestions on where to find parts for this car. Thanks, Ryan
Welcome Ryan. Starting an old engine parked for so long is a process. Pull the coil wire and the spark plugs. I'm assuming you've checked all the fluids. Smell the tranny dipstick for burnt tranny oil. Squirt some oil (2 or three squirts) in each cylinder's plug hole, and crank the engine for about 30 seconds. Clean and gap the plugs, install them and reconnect the wires. Then start it up. Keep your foot on the brake, after the idle levels out, and change gears from Park and through all of them to relube the clutch packs in the tranny. Test the brakes and move the car back and forth to see if the tranny valve body is fine, and the rest is clean-up and restoration.
Ryan ! Tbird is right, it will grow on her. I had the same problem with my SWMBO, and she even didn't like american cars at all!! And Norman: thanks! That is a really nice and short step-by-step procedure. I was actually wondering about that.
I planned on dropping the fuel tank to check the condition of the inside. Figure I may have to have it boiled out. Anyone have any experience with restoring old, rusted tank. Is it wise to have one coated on the inside if rust is present? thanks, Ryan
If it looks like its going to eat through, you might get quotes to reline the tank after having it tanked. Also the sending unit might need replacement. It might actually be cheaper to get a new tank and sender. Here's a DIY article: http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Removing_rust_from_a_gas_tank Tank and Sender suppliers: http://www.transferflow.com/index.html http://www.quantaproducts.com/home.asp Spectra make the tanks for some of Quanta Products lines: http://www.spectrapremium.com/spectra.html http://www.fuelsender.com/services.html For rodding but also offers synthetic, as well as metal, tanks: http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm
Take her shopping and let her fill up the back of wagon after that she will love it however you may not have any money left for gas
You guys are funny...Thanks for the tips and links Norman. It'll be a project I'm sure. I'll post some pics soon. Ryan
look at it this way....its almost easier to find a new girl than a good woodie to the home for wayward wagons
Definately drain the fuel tank. I'd replace the fuel lines too. Especially the rubber fuel line section up front. Replace all the belts and hoses. Flush out the old coolant. You may need to change the oil several times. Replace the tires no matter how good they look. They may only have 8,000 miles on them, but they are dry rotted and will quickly come apart after just a few dozen miles. The 79s had the "Lean burn" fuel system. Thats the stupid box attached to the aircleaner. It might be ok, but many gave owners problems over time as the electronics didn't hold up well exposed to the heat near the manifold like that. A sure sign you have a bad one is the idle will be erratic. But while you are under the hood check as many vacuum lines as possible. Vacuum leaks of course will cause alot of problems too. Watch out for any leaks from the heater core after you get the car up and running. Sometimes when the coolant sits in the heater core for long periods stationary it will eat away at things. Speaking of eating..... Look for mice damage. Chewed wires. Examine the headliner and under the dash too. I can't image the spark plugs would be fouled at 8,000 miles, but it wouldn't hurt to take a look. For alot of this stuff, the condition will have alot to do with the garage environment during the storage. Rodents, moisture, high heat, etc. But once you get it up and running you will have a very sweet wagon! The 1978-1981 Chrysler Town and Country wagons were very classy looking. The styling is best described as "Flashy-traditional". They are a good size and easy to drive. The only downfalls are the lack of a third seat in the way-back and fuel economy more on par with a larger wagon. But we don't buy these cars for economy do we? Here are some pictures for inspiration.... Ok, now let's see yours!
