'70 squire: back to the road

I have always liked the wagoneers. This one looks like it's in nice shape. I'm looking forward to hearing more about it.

 

Wagoneer thread is posted in general wagon discussions forum

 

I'll check it out.

 

I'm getting back after it. Does anyone know where I might find what color the brake components were painted from factory? I'm assuming either black or zinc. I'd like to know what goes where to get it looking original.

 

We had a ‘70 Squire with that same interior. Ours was creame, but I really loved that car growing up. Good luck with it. Lexol makes some nice vinyl cleaning and conditioning products. Obviously nothing to do about already rips, but moisturizing and conditioning may help what you have left more pliable, and it will clean up the 98% that’s nice really well. Can’t wait to see it in a running video!

 

Thanks! The body is pretty rusted, so I'm only doing the mechanical parts for now. I also stay pretty busy and have a tight budget, so I'm not rushed on this. Going to do it slow and done right.

 

As long as the rust isn't structural, it's not going to cause a body panel to fall off or going to cause the elements to get into the interior I'd say don't worry about it. Get the car right mechanically (which I believe is your plan) and then just drive and enjoy the heck out of it. "As-found" cars are in vogue right now. You'll probly get more attention with it looking the way it does now than if it was fully restored.

 

I agree to an extent. I want to stop the rust on the brake components. And a few suspension parts that come off will be done up. Other than that, just doing what it takes to drive it right now.

 

Yeah, you want/need it to be safe to operate. I hope it didn't seem I was suggesting otherwise.

 

No, I knew what you were getting at. I'm not too worried about the body right now. But as far as the frame and suspension goes, anything removed or exposed will be de grimmed, painted, and refurbished withing reasonable doing. The body and interior will stay like they were. And, after my wagoneer experience, I'm going to pull the engine and go through it. No machine work probably, but new bearings and rings and seals. Probably paint the engine too.

 

The ball joint and tie rod end are in good shape, but the boots are torn badly. Unfortunately, I cant find just the boots. Not sure what I'm going to do there.

 

Try Dorman's 'Help!' line...I seem to recall, there were some boots available.

 

If not available new, you could go to a junkyard and pop some joints on a newer car set to enter the crusher and get the boots off of it

 

Use a BFH to pop the stem out of the hole, if you go that way; do not use a pickle fork.

 

I'm just going to replace all of the bushings and joints in the front end. Minus steering, everything comes to $240 on rock auto. I'll degrease and pressure wash, but I figure I'll save the painting for another time. I just need it to be a driver for now. Fancy later.