Well I went and did it! I took delivery of a 1977 Crusin wagon this morning. As I look at it in the driveway I realize I do not have a clue what to do first. I need help! The car is all there and runs well 2.3 with 4spd. The body is ok and I have no problem with that, have welder and fiberglass. Other than the basics make it stop and make it go are there any special problems I should look for? Any advice would be helpful. I had a runabout several ummm allot of years ago. I would like to update to power steering can I just add a pump and power rack? Any suggestions for the in-dash gauges?
Thanks
SlugKing
Congradulations and welcome! I would do basic PM to make sure everything is up to snuff, fluids change, brake check, lube job etc. Then I would make sure the cowl drains are clear. Years of crud can accumilate and clog the drains. I would also make sure the drains at the bottom of the doors are free and clear. Any water accumilation can cause rust. Lastly, I would look for any sign of water leaks into the car. As for PS, you would need the correct brackets for the pump and alternator. The power rack and hoses as well as the pump and oil cooler. Everything will bolt in. Please post pics of you car when you get a chance!
ditto with Tiggers previous rust -seeking advice, plus take the old door panels off and check out how bad the surface rust is inside the door- check the bottom of the door. Lube all "working" surfaces in the locks and window regulators-check or replace or clean the taillight and headlight connections, spray rust- proof primer or paint in all dark corners- You will like the quietness of new door and window seals-Your steering can't be neglected, plus new grease in ball joints and wheel bearings.Make sure you have a jack and spare.New windsheild wipers--assume the last guy who owned the car was trying to maintain it on the cheap and then refuel filters- the gas tank is probably rotten-inside---I'll think of other things too
Thanks for the help. I found some paper work that shows a gas tank was bought. The tank looks good the straps and filler tube no so good. I can only assume the sender is the old one too. The gauge works for now. I did open the doors and found some rust starting at the clips for the door seal. Thanks again. Any idea who sells the seals for the doors and while I am at it the rear door. The drivers floor under the clutch seems a little weak. Are there still replacement floor pans available?
SlugKing
Welcome Slugking! Changing from manual steering to power steering is pretty easy, if you have all of the parts, as I did this not too long ago. With power steering, dual belts are used to drive the power steering pump, alternator, and water pump, so you will need all the pulleys, including the crank pulley. The alternator mounts on a different bracket that mounts it higher as the power steering pump mounts below the alternator. For '77, there is an early style and late style power steering pump. The early style has a small diameter fill tube with corresponding cap and dipstick and uses a tapered seat on the pump and flared fittings on the PS hoses. The later has a larger diameter fill tube with a twist cap and dipstick and uses o-rings to seal the PS hoses. I tend to prefer the later because they tend not to leak as much. You could use the power steering setup from '77-'80. I'm not sure on the earlier years, as I have not worked on them. Best bet, would be to advertise for a complete converstion, with mounting hardware, from someone that is parting out a car. If they happen to have a good rack, take it, but I usually prefer to install a rebuilt rack so I don't have to mess with it. Good luck with your conversion! I like driving with the PS because of the quicker ratio and the ease of getting into a parking spot!
I have a set of indash gauges for a 77 CW. It has the plug still in the back. The wires were cut about 6 inches from the plug. If you want them make me an offer.
Tercin
Well going step by step. Thanks for the power steering advice 79panel. I found most of the parts and have them in a box. Hopefully they will get on this year. Thanks for the offer of gauges festus. I found some parts in the hollow area behind the side panels in back. Yes inside and the panel replaced!!! the gauges are there but unknown condition I will let you know. Looks like I have some more work than I thought. There was a small hole under the battery that became slightly larger than it looked. I am surprised the battery was not on the ground. Then one thing led to another and its on jack stands and half taken apart. Why not? as long as I am going to do I might as well do it well. I hope to be on the road in a few months. ( last time I said that It took a year) If anyone can think of other pitfalls I should be prepared for let me know.
Thanks for all the help.
SlugKing
for seals for doors try www.greensalescompany.com and talk to "Doc." You will find him very helpful (he also has a pinto, a '76) and this is a great web site for pinto owners. I heard of "Doc" through someone on these posts, and hope he can help you as well!