Brown Betty ('86 AMC Eagle)

[acfortier]

Following this thread: 

I picked up an '86 AMC Eagle for $1000. VIN is 2CCCK3859GB705482 (not sure if a build sheet is possible for this? @eaglescout526), and has 129,695 on the clock. Fairly clean for an old vehicle that's been in MA it's whole life, but def. needs some love.

 

4.2L/258 cu. in. I6

3-spd TF998

Select Drive 2WD/4WD maybe NP128 (open diff.)? Unclear if all '86 were open diffs

Power locks/windows that don't work

Missing radio, custom/oversized speakers--someone used Romex to power a sub in the trunk, lol

Front headlight bezels were chopped up to allow for those fog lights (have extras in the back)

Air ride shocks (who knows if they even work/hold?)

 

Just really looking to "restore" it to a daily driving condition, and not much else to it. Maybe lift, but probably keep it stock for now.

 

PO was nice enough to give me 6 (!!) extra doors in case I want to swap over to crank windows. I'm hoping I can fix up the electrics for the power windows/locks. I've already got a laundry to-do list:

 

Immediate/required for inspection (yay MA) and drivability:

* Tires. Currently sitting on extremely dry rotted ones. I think they're 225/75R15s. Stock size is 195/75R15, which they don't make anymore. Optional size was 215/65R15, not much in that size either. Thinking of either picking up a set of turbines (if I can find them local, shouldn't be too hard) and doing 215/75R15 size, which gives me some all-terrain options and should fit nicely without a lift/spacers.

* Will need new wipers. Not sure if there's a conversion to a newer style hook rather than the pin.

* Have even checked any of the lights/markers. Hopefully they're all in working condition.

* Transmission needs a rebuild. Had to nearly floor it to get it to move slightly, and that was after shifting from N to D just to get it to engage. It was also leaking like a sieve when we checked it out the first time, so not sure what's up with that. Maybe I'll do it by myself... Maybe not.

* From the previous thread, needs rockers + one of the leaf spring shackles replaced. Not going to be easy or cheap. Luckily I sourced rockers from http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/amc.html for $69 each + $40 shipping, which isn't bad at all.

* Needs a serious cleaning. You can probably smell it through the pictures

* A light pressure wash and a buff, and this thing would probably look pretty good. Love the brown color.

* 4WD definitely doesn't work--the vacuum lines are wrapped up and sitting on top of the A/C compressor currently. Couldn't see where they were supposed to go while checking it out underneath without jacking it up, but shouldn't be hard to find.

 

That's about all for now!

 

Price list:

Purchase - $1000

Wiper arms - $79.94

Wheels - $175

Wheel center caps (4) + lug nuts - $175.66

(4) refurb'd wheels - $708.06

Repair manual - $89.89

Tax, title, reg. - $197.50

Replacement rockers - $190

A999/32RH from '92 YJ - Free!

Trans filter - $9.21

Trans overhaul kit (seals) - $49.11

Rear main, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket - $72.05

NP128 from JY - $150

6AN lines for trans cooler - $67.01

U-joints, radiator hoses, oil drain plug, TC seals, speedo cable - $150.02

Mopar 4269956AB tranny seal - $26.13

Replacement headlamp buckets - $155

215/65R16 General Grabber A/TX - $697 - $100 rebate = $597

Oil dipstick tube - $80.03
CRT Performance W1218 HEI distributor for Jeep 258 with Packard 8mm wires - $91.65

Trans fluid, NSS pigtail - $148.47

NSS, starter - $153.20

Headlights - $39.84

Cluster - $85

Headlights, plugs, radiator flush - $84.09

RF parking light lens - $43

-------------------------------------

Total: $4616.85

[eaglescout526]

20 minutes ago, acfortier said:

picked up an '86 AMC Eagle for $1000. VIN is 2CCCK3859GB705482 (not sure if a build sheet is possible for this? @eaglescout526), and has 129,695 on the clock. Fairly clean for an old vehicle that's been in MA it's whole life, but def. needs some love.

I would abso-fricken-lutely run your VIN. I ran @89 MJ just for giggles to see if it would show up in Chrysler and sadly it doesn’t. Sucks too. 
 

 

But hey. Looks like hell of a project!

[The86manche]

I might be able to source you a oe radio if you want one

[acfortier]

9 hours ago, eaglescout526 said:

I would abso-fricken-lutely run your VIN. I ran @89 MJ just for giggles to see if it would show up in Chrysler and sadly it doesn’t. Sucks too. 
 

 

But hey. Looks like hell of a project!

Dang, that’s too bad!

9 hours ago, The86manche said:

I might be able to source you a oe radio if you want one

Definitely! LMK what you find

[acfortier]

Forgot to add, it currently needs an exhaust. It’s cut off right now next to the transfer case, on the drivers side, and sounds pretty mean. But I think it’s supposed to come down the passenger side?

[89 MJ]

Following! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions on the car

[The86manche]

4 hours ago, acfortier said:

Dang, that’s too bad!

Definitely! LMK what you find

Yeah! I know where there's an eagle/spirit hanging out in a yard,  Untouched

[89 MJ]

I’ll get pics of the exhaust on mine later. It goes from the driver side, to the passenger side, and back to the driver side. 

[acfortier]

5 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

I’ll get pics of the exhaust on mine later. It goes from the driver side, to the passenger side, and back to the driver side. 

Thanks, that'll be helpful--I'll probably end up dropping it off to an exhaust shop to put on something custom anyways, but can't hurt.

 

Trying to figure out what I want to do about wheels. I found a set of 16" alloys from a ZJ TSi which look kinda neat, and I think they'd look good on the Eagle. Here's a picture from Google of the rims:

 

 

Thinking of wrapping them with some General Grabber AT/X in 215/70R16. The set I found on FB has them wrapped in Hankook 235/70R16, which is good enough to get me rolling. $200 for the set... But it's a decent drive. I'll probably end up snagging them.

 

The windshield wipers were extremely beat, so I purchased some Dorman replacements for a later model Cherokee/Grand Cherokee in hopes that they'll fit (I think they'll be find).

Fronts - 42586

Rear - 42587

[The86manche]

3 hours ago, acfortier said:

Thanks, that'll be helpful--I'll probably end up dropping it off to an exhaust shop to put on something custom anyways, but can't hurt.

 

Trying to figure out what I want to do about wheels. I found a set of 16" alloys from a ZJ TSi which look kinda neat, and I think they'd look good on the Eagle. Here's a picture from Google of the rims:

 

 

Thinking of wrapping them with some General Grabber AT/X in 215/70R16. The set I found on FB has them wrapped in Hankook 235/70R16, which is good enough to get me rolling. $200 for the set... But it's a decent drive. I'll probably end up snagging them.

 

The windshield wipers were extremely beat, so I purchased some Dorman replacements for a later model Cherokee/Grand Cherokee in hopes that they'll fit (I think they'll be find).

Fronts - 42586

Rear - 42587

What part of mass are you in? I know of a tsi in a yard in billerica that had the wheels last I saw. 

[acfortier]

10 hours ago, The86manche said:

What part of mass are you in? I know of a tsi in a yard in billerica that had the wheels last I saw. 

Worcester. Any idea how much they want? Billerica isn't too far. These wheels look pretty close to what used to come stock, and they were really the only decent set available on FB.

 

 

I stumbled across this site, and I might have to give them a call to see if they have any of those sets. Worth a shot, and the price isn't too steep.

 

https://www.wheelcollision.com/store/AMC-EAGLE.htm?fbclid=IwAR1YNIdLhzagsDGs6hNTgWoVyy0wcNkGujrE6syqq2hfoXxsENNtXxWSaeI

[The86manche]

This is the jeep. Last I saw the wheels were still there. I can go see this Saturday while I grab the radio. And I don't remember what they wanted.. 50 per wheel

[acfortier]

10 minutes ago, The86manche said:

This is the jeep. Last I saw the wheels were still there. I can go see this Saturday while I grab the radio. And I don't remember what they wanted.. 50 per wheel

I'm picking up a set for $175 today, assuming they aren't in extremely poor condition. If I end up passing on the set, I'll let you know. Thanks again for snagging the radio.

[acfortier]

Picked up the set of rims, they're going to need to be refinished, badly. Also, didn't have center caps, so went and tried to hunt down some of the OEM ones for them. $40 a pop... sigh.

 

Also bought some new lug nuts for this as well. I'll be updating my money spent totals in the first post.

[acfortier]

Well, getting wheels refinished is an outrageously expensive business. Quotes in my area are anywhere from $200-$250 per wheel. There seems to be a company in PA that will do it for $165/wheel, but would have to ship them.

 

While searching around, I found 3 refurbished ones online for $160/ea shipped. Decided to bite the bullet (since I know I wouldn't be happy with the current set I bought). Still need to either buy a 4th or get one of these ones I already have refurbed. It seems that either way, it'll be the same price.

 

Also got a quote for $1500 for the rebuilt tranny, waiting on others to get back to me. Hard pass... bought the ATSG manual from Amazon to see if it's something I want to tackle on my own.

[The86manche]

Here's a big ol photo dump of my findings. I managed to get out to the yard early.

So it's a concord not an eagle but it's pretty close. And pretty complete. I did find the radio too!and I went and checked out the tsi they still had. All but 1 rim was picked. Oddly enough it's the spare tire that got left behind.

If you want it. Not perfect but much easier to refinish.

[acfortier]

On 8/5/2022 at 3:51 PM, The86manche said:

Here's a big ol photo dump of my findings. I managed to get out to the yard early.

So it's a concord not an eagle but it's pretty close. And pretty complete. I did find the radio too!and I went and checked out the tsi they still had. All but 1 rim was picked. Oddly enough it's the spare tire that got left behind.

If you want it. Not perfect but much easier to refinish.

Nice! I'll def. take the radio, all set on the wheels for now. I may have to make a trip to this JY, if you don't mind sharing--there are probably other odds and ends that I'll need as I go along.

 

Took the time to pressure wash the grime off of it, and it looked pretty good. Actually polished the hood and it started to shine nicely and felt smooth. I unfortunately didn't snag any pictures, but I'll get some next time.

 

Buyer mistake #1 -- not checking the engine oil. I'm actually surprised it evaded myself and my stepdad, it's usually the first thing we check. Well, lo and behold, there's no dipstick. There's just a plug in where the dipstick is supposed to go. Sourcing one seems to be a PITA, so I may have to get crafty. You'd think that there would be enough aftermarket for the CJs that are still on the road with the 258 in them, but I guess not. Crown had a part # but it seems to be discontinued.

 

Also, coolant overflow was empty--pulled the radiator cap and didn't see any fluid. So, started it up and poured a tiny bit in the radiator until it was full. However, I think I've got a stuck closed thermostat--radiator stayed ice cold while the bypass was hot. Temp gauge on the cluster was at the top end of the green section near H, so that'll have to be replaced. But, no fluid was leaking out, so that's a plus. There's a OMIX 4.2L coolant kit that has a couple of hoses, clamps and a t-stat that I may try to use--the upper radiator hose is some generic flex piece.

 

Checked all of the lights, everything works. Someone, at one point, hacked up the headlight bezels to put in these offroad lights, and did a horrible job. I think there's a backing piece that I'll need to snag.

[acfortier]

Thinking about picking up a repair manual... @89 MJ do you happen to have one? Is this the right one? https://www.ebay.com/itm/401502740721

[The86manche]

13 hours ago, acfortier said:

Nice! I'll def. take the radio, all set on the wheels for now. I may have to make a trip to this JY, if you don't mind sharing--there are probably other odds and ends that I'll need as I go along.

 

Took the time to pressure wash the grime off of it, and it looked pretty good. Actually polished the hood and it started to shine nicely and felt smooth. I unfortunately didn't snag any pictures, but I'll get some next time.

 

Buyer mistake #1 -- not checking the engine oil. I'm actually surprised it evaded myself and my stepdad, it's usually the first thing we check. Well, lo and behold, there's no dipstick. There's just a plug in where the dipstick is supposed to go. Sourcing one seems to be a PITA, so I may have to get crafty. You'd think that there would be enough aftermarket for the CJs that are still on the road with the 258 in them, but I guess not. Crown had a part # but it seems to be discontinued.

 

Also, coolant overflow was empty--pulled the radiator cap and didn't see any fluid. So, started it up and poured a tiny bit in the radiator until it was full. However, I think I've got a stuck closed thermostat--radiator stayed ice cold while the bypass was hot. Temp gauge on the cluster was at the top end of the green section near H, so that'll have to be replaced. But, no fluid was leaking out, so that's a plus. There's a OMIX 4.2L coolant kit that has a couple of hoses, clamps and a t-stat that I may try to use--the upper radiator hose is some generic flex piece.

 

Checked all of the lights, everything works. Someone, at one point, hacked up the headlight bezels to put in these offroad lights, and did a horrible job. I think there's a backing piece that I'll need to snag.

Alright! I did even test it. Took the casing off and blew it out with a can of air. And put power to it. I believe it works. The speaker wires were getting power and everywhere else too. So it's a good one! Sadly the bulb inside is blown and it's a specific one. And it didn't come with any nobs either. Those are either gone of buried under leaves in the floorboard of the car.

The car resides in jacks used auto parts in billerica mass. It's tricky to get to cause it's in the trees with a few other old cars. They also have a squished amc spirit too you could probably find the misc pieces you need for like radio nobs and such.

I think the concord had a complete nose but I don't remember. It's stuck between a tree and another car. Tight space lol but the engine is there so the district should be there as well!

[The86manche]

Oh yeah, and the radio only cost a whopping $20!

[89 MJ]

6 hours ago, acfortier said:

Thinking about picking up a repair manual... @89 MJ do you happen to have one? Is this the right one? https://www.ebay.com/itm/401502740721

I do not have a repair manual, so no help here

[acfortier]

Ordered that repair manual, hopefully it'll be the right one/useful. Also got tags for it! Ordered some rockers from that company up in Canada. Talked about buying a lift with my stepdad, so will probably wait to do that until we drop the transmission to see what's going on.

 

In other news, looks like a yard somewhat close to me got an 87 Eagle the other day--hopefully I can pick some of the smaller parts of it for mine once they have it inventoried.

[Pete M]

would it be prudent to also grab some crash parts?  i.e. how rare are taillights for these things? 

[acfortier]

6 minutes ago, Pete M said:

would it be prudent to also grab some crash parts?  i.e. how rare are taillights for these things? 

Yeah, probably. They've got to be decently rare, at this point. I have one extra one, probably grab a few others. Trim parts, side markers, headlight bezels, etc. are all on the list for me, same with smaller interior parts.

[89 MJ]

Sorry about the delay, but here are exhaust pics. It routes just behind the bellhousing to the passenger side, the goes under the driveshaft near the rear end and out the driver side.