What have you done to your wagon lately? (Let's keep the thread going!)

Helped my padawan mechanic tune up his '87 Grand Marq, then tackled the idle stall problem. Found the TPS to be 'stuck' at 1.25V or so, even when I removed the sensor from the mounting. Replaced it, and now it idles without stalling, and the 5.0's power is back, so we'll see if the MPG raises.

 

65 Rambler American 330 wagon got some needed attention.
New clutch and trans synchros. Door locks fixed, can now lock it.
Found and fixed electrical issues; tail lights and dash lights are back, temp gauge working.
Done last year - brakes, shocks, suspension bushings, Hollywood Flipper wheel covers, convert to dual exhaust.
Wish list - front seat redo, carpets, sound system, larger fan for summer idling.

 

Replaced the differential fluid and put a gasket on it. (It previously had silicone instead of a gasket.) Used Amsoil Severe Gear 75w90 oil, as is recommended. I have no idea what the oil I took out was, except it was thicker when cold than the Amsoil fluid. No clanking or anything of the sort while driving the 55-65 miles.

Yes I torqued the bolts to 25 Ft Pounds in a star pattern, multiple times. Fret not.

 

I too recently replaced the diff oil in mine. The stuff that came out was blacker than black. My diff doesn't have removable plate, or drain plug, just a single filler. I used a small hand operated vacuum pump to drain out all that I could, and filled it with lovely new honey coloured diff oil. I put in a bit more than I took out also, until it reached the point where it flowed from the fill hole. 120 mile round trip soon after, no problems, but not necessarily any difference i could hear, but its has to better off for it.

I have also removed the power steering pump and bracket to try and find a leak. Seems like it has been leaking for a while as there was a fair amount of gunk all over the place. I can see any perceptible holes, I am thinking possibly he rubber hose is a bit dated and lost its flex where it attaches to the back of the reservoir, and may be leaking there. I have also taken the chance to re spray the pump housing and the bracket.

EDIT- I reckon I have found the leak, the fluid seems to accumulate (see arrow on pic) so perhaps it is to do with the way the front plate seems to be screwed into the housing. It looks like it is threaded. Any thoughts?

Cheers
Dave

 

Yeah, I don't know if this is a thing for power steering pumps but is there a special dye you could put in the fluid to find with an ultraviolet light to see where the leak is?

 

Thanks mate, a bit of digging, and some other info I have found a gasket kit, and as all things, they wear out over time. I reckon I'll order a kit and see how that goes.

cheers

 

Good move you guys to replace diff oil. Hoping gasket kit takes care of power steering.
Was at upholstery shop today regarding 65 Rambler American wagon. Picked out two vinyl colors for tuck-n-roll and a carpet. Made down payment to order material and start job in mid April.

 

Dude, do you own Boeing or something?

 

After springing a leak in the heater core a while back, I have taken the box out. (Awaiting part being shipped from the States) Next on the list... investigate non working right hand turn indicator on dash. To achieve that, removed steering wheel, then dash cluster, labeling individual wires as I went, and learning lots about wiring colours and electrics, and previous owners who had done some wire cutting, poor connecting and shabby repairing of wires.. Bulbs etc replaced. (Pic showing before I took all the switches/levers off

Removed non working clock, took to clock shop, was quoted $90 AUD to look into it, and possibly $200 or more for possible fix, depending on what they find. Decided ornamental use of clock will be OK.

Removed non working radio, took to old radio shop. I found out that it is actually working, but due to the fact the speaker wires had been cut, and the radio light wire too, I had assumed it was dead. So a possible $250 or more rebuild is more than likely going to be a $150 phone/ipod wiring into existing hardware, maintaining original appearances.

Ebay search (refereed by a champion on FCA forum) shows I can get new quartz clock for existing housing. On the list for sometime later, pending $$.

Removed rear view mirror, roof mount and sun visors. Remove rust and crap from those and respray mirror back and roof mount. The mount is the same silver metal colour, didn't have anything to go by for the back of the mirror, so it's now the same as the center mount. I reckon it looks OK.

Removed all of the washer, wiper, headlight switches etc to remove 50 yrs of built up crap. Cleaned, lubed and serviced all parts, including levers and the actual 'buttons' on the end.

Found out my cig lighter is actually 67, and found a guy in Aus that has a 66 available. Nice, easy win there.

You tube video's about fixing cracked steering wheels. Add this job to my list.

Realise that in my recent power steering fix, I have fixed one leak at the front (previously listed above) but now have a small one from the threaded nut hose at the back. Add this job to my list.

Make physio and chriopractor appointment after spending many hours, upside down under the front dash, lying across trans tunnel.

Put all back together and do some driving. Remind self why we love old cars!!

Actually, I have really enjoyed it, and have learnt a lot about my wagon, and I have a bit of time off work to do so.

Good times.

Cheers

 

No Chiropractor needed, it sounds you've actually learned a few new yoga moves...

 

So whilst I had dash out, disassembled that to clean and dust also. It gave the opportunity to repaint needles, as well as re spray the black internal frame, both look reallt good for a simple spray can job! And am now in the process of 'polishing' the clear plastic cover to remove dirt and minor scratches. It's looking really good too.

Then in the 'possibly a step too far' category, I tried to rub just a few marks off the speedo background. This in turn removed a slight layer of oxidised paint, making it nice and shiny, but leaving the rest of the dash a duller black. I reckon I'll persist while its in parts, may as well now!.

 

Enjoyed your write-up and pics. Thanks for sharing the details. Good job, stay with it !
Under dash work appeals less to me as the years go by. Is its own kind of adventure.

 

I agree, nice writing and pictures to go with it.
As I think back of the times I laid under a dash I don't think there will be anymore guage repair work for me.
Also looking at the dashes of newer cars, it appears hopeless to even replace dash lights in most.

 

Impressive!

 

Thanks everyone!

It may not make a big difference to the everyday person, but this guy who sits behind that dash is pretty happy with himself!! Haha

Just putting it all back in the car this morning, small gremlin in that the wipers work (yay) but won't turn off. (Boo). Out it all comes again.

Update - I pulled the switch apart, cleaned and 'serviced' the contacts etc. Then upon re installing, I noticed a loose wire from the cluster plug to the harness. Either way, it's sorted now, and she is back on the road this arvo.