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Ok, that's misleading on purpose.
What really happened was, I got a new car. Well, another car. The incredibly reliable 1986 244DL is going to be a parts car. And the new arrival is a 1987 244DL, with an M47. Finally, one that's NOT an automatic.
SO today was a high-speed thrash to get the '86 stripped of all the items I added, but still leave it driveable, and get it delivered by 5:30 in the afternoon. I came to an agreement with the guy with the '87 at 4PM. Hmm. I have to hand it to my wife- she helped a LOT and took on a couple of serious disassembly tasks.
We pulled the CD changer, head unit, connector cable, power antenna, tach, small clock, voltmeter, turbo wheels, swapped lug nuts even, in an hour and a half. Pulled the grille, chrome oil cap, mats, 1 good door pocket and 1 left door handle and a bunch of minor items. I wish it had been on film.
That included getting 2 wheels off another car that were no good, but still held air, so the car could drive away to get parted.
So now I've got this tired example of a 5-spd 244 in the driveway... it's going to be a little work getting it into shape but it will be worth it. It's got 220K, and the shifter falls down into the hole if you release it. That makes driving very interesting. Also, the front end parts are so loose you'd swear the crossmember's going to fall out. But it'll be better soon.
The good stuff: The 87 has great paint, a nice blue cloth interior, and the driveline seems solid. The rust is minimal. A little spot at the back of the left rocker.
Why did the '86 have to go, even though it runs and drives so sweetly? Well, the paint was shot- all top surfaces were peeling/faded with spots. The transmission has been squealing for a while like a bearing was bad. The windshield is toast- with late-afternoon sun you're blind. The engine harness is REALLY crunchy. The cat broke up inside and rattles endlessly. And the floor has two LARGE holes in it. I would fix any one or two of these things. But with it needing all at once, I can't justify spending all the money on it.
And there are still the otehr projects which would have to wait.
Did I mention that I just picked up an '88 244GL? Finally running well after a tuneup and advancing the timing FIFTEEN degrees!! Wow, it was WAY off.
Ok, I guess I'll be quiet now.
Keep on Rolling.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M46- 220K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K, 88 244GL 145K
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