Gas Cap and o-ring

12 September, 2012

I ordered new seats and few other bits and bobs that are just cosmetic.  Since I know I want to replace these items I just did it.

While I'm awaiting those things I'm doing a bit of troubleshooting to find my fuel leak, or whatever is creating that gas smell.  The gas cap doesn't appear to be making a good seal, and when I checked the fuel sender on the tank (had the seats out anyway) the existing o-ring is the wrong size and appears ineffective.

So I went to my local parts place and got replacements.  No leaks at all and that gasoline smell is gone.  Plus the engine runs just a tad smoother, probably because there is pressure in the tank and not suction from the fuel pump.

I think I've figured out  why there is no air coming out of the heater.  The switches (off vs heat vs defrost) work off vacuum.  I found what appears to be a vacuum hose not connected to anything under the hood.  Another future project...

The engine seems to run a bit hot.  After yesterday's short ride (15 minutes) I moved the license plate from the grille to the front bumber and the heat coming off the hood / grille was almost unbearable.  It was a cool day here yesterday, high only 78.  The coolant is circulating because the radiator and hoses are hot.  Probably okay until next Spring, but something to look into.  The temp gauge doesn't work, always says COLD, but that should be an easy fix once I figure out the wires.  The hot engine may explain why it feels so hot behind the firewall.

In the meantime...she's running and she's on the road.

Thanks for looking...

Brakes are better

I don't like working on brakes.  I must admit it is a bit satisfying once done, knowing the work was done right and all, but before and during the process I just don't like brake work.

So since she needed an oil change (well, just to make me feel better) I took her to my local mechanic (he gets all the really hard stuff) and asked him to check the brakes, change the oil, check for leaks (okay, I know of a couple) and look at the steering.  Essentially a good once-over.

He brings in his specialist who only works 3 days a week and only works on old vehicles.  His "old school" guy.  Brakes were way out of adjustment, all the way around.  E-brake not working at all, fluids low all around, leaks in main bearing seal and around transmission.  I'd need to get some parts (he doesn't source antique parts) and most of what he was telling me went right over my head.

Good news in the near term is that the brakes work real well, no pulling and based on adjustments everything feels much better.

That means I can now get her tagged and titled!

Thanks for looking...

So what have I gotten myself into?!

August, 2012

After getting the girl home I had to assess what I've got before just jumping in and driving.  Some Jeepers do just that and while many are just fine some get themselves into some trouble.

My uncle always just jumped in, pumped the gas and pulled the choke.  Started her up and then went.  But then again he'd had 40 years with her and knew every wheeze and squeak she had.

I also had to get her titled and tagged so I could take her to a shop and have some assessment done...you know, things like brakes and steering.  The good news is she's technically historic, or antique, and therefore doesn't require emissions testing.  No way she'd pass that!

After a good check of fluids (she WAS driven onto and off of the trailer) I took her for an easy drive around the 'hood.  Brakes are wonky.  Pulls to the left...then the right...then back left again.  A hard stomp on them and she's all over the place.

Wanders about on straight roads.  The steering needs some attention.

Noisy around the transmission and/or transfer case.  Vibrates a bit as well.

Fuel gauge doesn't work, nor does the temp gauge.  I've read this is a common problem.  Lots of orange overspray as well.  Lights sort of work...turn signals don't and neither do the emergency flashers.  Brake lights work.

And the gas smell.  Obviously a leak somewhere.

Under the hood...the battery tray is barely together.  Okay, it's not.  I'm just kidding myself.

No mirrors on outside...let's see, according to the factory photo I have here, she should have just the one on the left, and it's rectangular, not round (pre-1968) or square (post 1973).

You know, I'll just pretend that's the Old Girl coming off the production line...

Cosmetics:  Look at this door handle:

That's an easy fix.

Seats are falling apart.  The seat covers are falling apart as well, actually they may be only thing holding seat cushions together...have to find new seats if I'm going to drive her.

No grab handle on the dash.  Just the holes.

The rear cross member (or is that a bumper?) is rusting away.  Lots of holes that aren't supposed to be there.  The draw bar is starting to come apart due to rust (and there's lots of paint on the rust).

Note there isn't a "4 wheel drive" logo on the tailgate.  Where will I get the stencil?

Well, time to start putting things together, and finding a reputable place to buy parts.

The FUN begins!

Thanks for looking...

The Old Girl is mine!

7th August, 2012

She was originally my uncle's Jeep.  He got her back in 1970 when he was quite young as something to have fun with.  She likely never went more than 50 miles from central Maine where he lives.  

She DID spent lots of time in bogs, along logging trails and generally "in the woods".  I understand a few empty beer cans have been known to rattle around behind those seats in the cargo area!

My brother and I both have connections to her but during very different times.  I've driven her a bit (maybe my Grandfather's red one more?) and so has my brother.  Seven or more years apart given we both have memories of doing that during our high school years and that's the difference in age...

The running joke between us, and the whole family participated, was which one of us would get it and how we'd determine that: arm wresting, sprints, or cards it didn't matter because in the end it came down to who had the time and inclination to treat her right.

So on the 7th of August, after we agreed I could have it and my uncle and I agreed on the price I jumped in the truck and got up to Maine before either one changed their minds!  Talk about exciting; I looked forward to the trip all the way up and then driving her when I got home.  While my uncle was quite at home jumping in and just going, I wanted a good look over her because some things about her just weren't right.  So I didn't drive her while in Maine but waited until I got her home.

That's when all the "fun" started.

Thanks for looking...