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Ken,
Nest week I will take transfers of title on 'em, them tow both to some yet to be named parking spots near home. The owner's son already informed me he disconnected the drive shafts at the rear ends to help speed up the pick up day (I think they are desperate to finally unload their $75/month garage rental!)
The wagon's engine already runs great! Better than my '69. I believe mine has some vacuum leaks, given the fact it has the double throttle plate manifold, already blanked off, but probably leaking just the same. The wagon had the Stromberg carbs, whereas mine was owner-fitted with a different head and the SU H6 models, which I prefer, but which also need a rebuilding.
I am toying with the idea of swapping out the engines, but keeping things original might be easier, if I merely undertake the carb rebuilds and seal up any intake leaks.
If I go that route, I'll look into why the wagon had failed inspection in 2001 for "frame rust". As we know, these cars are unibody, so, I still don't know exactly why it failed. I can see for myself the current owner has the entire floor area replaced, and braced, so, I can only imaging it is the rotted engine cross member that is the issue. These are thinner metal than they appear, but I have successfully welded a plate to the underside of my '69's in order to save it. This wagons has one which may be too far gone, plus I think the sedan's is also rotted a good bit.
With the sedan, which hasn't been started since parked in 1990, (when the gas went unleaded and its owner didn't want to do a valve-seat job) I will do the recommendations appearing on the 140/160 forum to pull the plugs, squirt in some lube and turn it over by hand. I think I will also try to pt a tool onto the oil pump shaft and turn it slowly with a drill. (fresh oil). I need to change other fluids, replace a cut coolant hose, and such, then I'll try starting it. It has only about 117,xxx miles on the clock. (The wagon, 330,000 plus)
I have a tale of two vehicles with cross-problems...whereas the wagon has good mechanicals, the "frame" may be shot. The sedan may not run, and the body is missing its paint, is covered in bird crap, etc. but the interior is complete, and rust limited to the usual wheel arches, spare tire wells,etc.
I responded to the classified ad because I thought these could provide some good parts for my splendid 1969 restoration candidate (114,xxx miles when bought, typical rust, though minimal, and after a little TLC on the brakes, a runner)
Now, I dunno. I hate to cannibalize something I can put back onto the road, but I sure don't have the need to restore four vehicles (including my 1978 Ford Econoline Club Wagon tow vehicle/camper van)!
I am probably paying too much for just the good parts I need for my '69, though. So, Looks like I am either making one good car out of them, or parting them out.
Right now, I need to find someplace to park them. (Free)
BTW, I do have experience at undertaking abandoned cars for rebuilding.... At a Honda junkyard some years ago I spotted a '84 244 that looked like it just had a recent tune up. It took a slight hit in the nose, and for a few hundred and free towing by the yard, it followed me home. The nest weekend, I found all the fender, grill and fascia parts I needed at another yard -- even in the same color! Drove that guy for two years before selling it at a small profit to a guy who gave it another two years of service. Good enough!
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