|
I knew something was wrong
as soon as I pulled out onto the street. The truck just wouldn't
accelerate. Mind you, at 52 HP, you can measure the 0-60 time on a
Rabbit Diesel with a calendar. This was different; the truck was
really sluggish and the whole truck vibrated. That it wouldn't break
40 MPH on a hill made the 9-mile run down I-84 an adventure to say the
least. Looks like diagnosing what at first appeared to be an exhaust
leak but is now obviously some sort of dead cylinder will be the first
priority, before any cosmetics or restoration steps. |
|
Click on picture for the "Before" Gallery |
Dead cylinder not withstanding, the truck is
pretty solid shape. While it can't currently get out of its own way,
the truck does turn and stop reasonably well. The front struts and
rear shocks are past their prime, but do hold up the corners well enough
that replacing them is a lower priority.
Overspray on certain parts of the exterior shows that the truck has been
repainted at least once. Rust is just starting to take hold in spots
on the A-pillars, just below the rear window, the passenger inner fender,
and a couple other minor spots. The rear bumper is rotted through, as
is the missing spare tire carrier. The truck also shows evidence of a
previous ball joint failure. The wheel well on the driver's side front
fender has some damage from a tire hitting it, and the pinch weld on the
rocker panel under the driver's door. |
|
The interior, while showing its age, is again
in pretty good shape. The good news is that the dashboard, which would
normally be cracked and discolored at this point, is in excellent, almost
new condition. The gauges work, including the clock, as to all the
lights. The truck was retrofitted with a trio of aftermarket gauges,
including oil pressure, coolant temperature, and curiously enough a boost
gauge. Since the truck isn't turbocharged, the boost gauge is a bit of
a mystery. The not
so good news is that while the headliner backing is still there, the headliner
itself is not. Since this is installed under the windshield and rear
windows, I will have to coordinate replacing it with replacing the broken
windshield. The seats, while in good shape, are faded to grey.
The dash bezel has been drilled and cut for switches, and is cracked where
it attaches to the dashboard. I've sourced a replacement for the seats
and the bezel, though I will utilize the current bezel with an aftermarket
radio until I can pick up a stock AM/FM radio, hopefully with cassette.
Also in need of replacement is the bearing for the bottom of the steering
column, which has dropped out of its housing and now rests at the top of the
universal joint above the firewall.
The interior and exterior clean up and
restoration will have to wait. There is slight matter of a sick
sounding (.wav file) and poorly performing
engine to address. Is the problem one or more clogged filters?
Worn out fuel injectors? Something else? Stay tuned for Part 2,
where we'll find out. |