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I am super surprised that you re-installed the rear marker lights into the rear quarter panel and didn't just delete them since they weren't installed at the factory but were installed during federalization.
But great job on the save!!
I wanted to do this initially, however that would have required bodywork and paint on the left quarter panel as well. Overall I'm happy with the results, especially how well the paint matches the rest of the car. This isn't a factory color I don't think, and had to use the gas cap cover to get it analyzed to find a similar color. I believe the color code was a 2008 Toyota color.
Doing some repairs! Here are a few photos for you. I had to remove the passenger side cam tower as it was leaking large amounts of oil onto the exhaust manifold. I was worried about removing it as it sounded difficult to do when in the car, but having the cam end plate off made it easy - you just slide it out through the front. Upon inspecting the cam and tappets everything seems in good condition. Just got to clean and reseal everything! I have the engine almost completely back together, but have at least an hours worth of work left and then it will hopefully be back on the road!
Apparently this car caught fire with the last owner in Minnesota. I just purchased it (pick up tomorrow) and plan to do a full restoration. I'll document everything here! - Stay tuned.
Here are some pics of the 1985 US Donor car. I bought it for $1,200 without an engine because the guy was going to put in an LS1. I was planning to restore it back to original, but have instead decided to use it as a donor car for this restoration. It just so happens that a 1985 has ABS and dual ignition modules just like the Euro 1984, so I am hoping the swap (interior, front body and engine compartment items) will be straightforward.
IF I were to take a project like this on, I would swap the euro engine and tranny into the 85. I would go on the hunt just to find a new engine. I admire you for taking on this challenge, but the TIME and money investment doesn't seem wise given there are easier projects to be had. I can point you to an 85 euro manual that just needs a new camshaft for $3800 and is in way better condition than what you are starting out with....
Point well taken. I'm going to clean it up and take pics tomorrow to see what I am starting with. My assumption at this point is that the engine is largely fine.
Well, she's too far gone. What really did it for me was the interior. Lots of fire damage inside. Sad to see another rare Euro go...
As expected, the engine looks OK. I don't see any substantive mechanical damage. In addition to the drivetrain, I'll also be able to save the front seats, center console, Steering wheel, relay panel, doors, right fender, fuel system, rear bumper, hatch and rear quarter glass seals.
08-04-2014, 01:55 PM
