I am told the head gasket is blown and it does seem like that is likely the case. Oil has oozed down around most of the engine and the radiator is mostly empty. The car sat too long with a poorly wired stereo so the battery is now about dead. At some point someone had tried to break into the passenger side door but only succeeded in bending the metal and busting the key slot out. The handle still functions fine but it needs a new locking mechanism and some body work. There are some minor areas of surface rust here and there but nothing that has eaten through.
Amazing all of the chrome trim is still good and there are only a few of the plastic trim pieces that will need replacing. The interior is alright and all of the original parts are there minus the back seat dash. Most of the upholstery is in need of repair or replacing but the carpet is pretty decent. Somehow all of the glass is also in good shape with no significant chips and no cracks at all. It has all of its original wheels and is only missing one of the chrome rings from the rim walls.
I believe that it was coated with some kind of rust protection (almost like a rhino lining) along the whole underside and even inside the trunk. This must have been done at the factory as some kind of option or maybe a special order – I had no idea they did that back then. Regardless, it was done properly and it has saved many parts from being rusted away.
Tucked away inside the garage we can begin the process! First things first, out with the battery and get it on a changer to hopefully save what little life it might have.
I would be surprised if it really comes back to life but it should work for the first few starts and test drives.
The head gasket set is not due in until later in the week and I need to pick up some jack stands and Simple Green cleaner before I can go much further. Here are the before pictures:
Grubby engine
Dumb thief
Some of the worst rust
Wheels look good overall
I guess I closed the door too hard
Let the fun begin!!
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