General 130k miles what you think needs overhauled

[Harllequin]

The car I have just got has 130K on it. I'm not daunted by any mechanical work so I was wondering just what might be a good idea to replace / overhaul. I know it has had a timming belt in the last few month but other than that i'm not sure what to look out for to be done.

Any advice would be most welcome.

PS it's a 1990 4X4

Thanks in advance folks

Darren

 

[pandafan]

Hi Harllequin,
Congratulations on your choice my friend.
How easy/stiff is the Dog-clutch ?....What colour is the oil ?...are there any 'Knocks' on full-lock ? (wheel bearings are one of the most expensive Panda-bits at circa£48 each)...any hesitation when you put your foot down ?.
Unless you have documented proof that the rear hubs and front disks have been replaced, I recommend that you replace them... this is surprisingly cheap at present (but not for long; so do it now, if needed).
If you have any real worries about your' inspired purchase (a bargain), please call,

 

[Harllequin]

Ok as a runner. Not a clue
As for the 4X4 At rest the lever pulls and pushes grand no resistance.

Oil from the Rocker cover Hell yes. not a patch of gleaming metal in sight. Just lovely black sludge

<edit> The oil colour is a caramel colour. Nice to see in that milage car.
A bit of black sludge / crisp around the filler hole though.

There is a deff knock comming from the box at low rev tickover. Not sure on that yet. might be engine mount or something to do with the front pipe being shot.

Hubs and disks replaced. Prolly not a chance.

I have been makeing a list of stuff to order for tommorow. So far from an, in the dark inspection I have: -

2 rear shockers.
1 Drivers side rear break cylinder
several sheets of metal (welding)
Front exhaust down pipe.
Rocker cover gasket and instant gasket.

Anyway 2 days worth of 14 hour shifts are going to kill any chance of an early restoration.
So come sunday i hope to have the old rear shockers off and replaced, the rocker cover gasket replaced and the breaks sorted. From that i'll post more info and the first of my before and after pics

One thing I have to say though is this. Her Who Must Be Obayed (now refered too as HWMBO) made a grand job of sitting in it, as it was towed home. Excellent job for her first time towed. However i think she will never forgive me.

Anyway I always say.

The follys a man regrets most. Are the ones he didn't commit when he had the chance.

Darren

 

[Steven]

Very true, if you can take pictures and update us on the restoration that would be great!

 

[pandafan]

Hello again................all sounds good with your project so far; congratulations !; please keep us informed.

 

[John H]

I have been makeing a list of stuff to order for tommorow. So far from an, in the dark inspection I have: -

2 rear shockers.
1 Drivers side rear break cylinder
several sheets of metal (welding)
Front exhaust down pipe.
Rocker cover gasket and instant gasket.

Darren

IMHO, do the welding and bodywork first.
If you get through that OK - the metal is very thin, and little bubbles will turn into huge holes - then do the mechanicals.

FWIW, the engine will go forever, more or less - with oil and filter, and coolant changes - but I can't speak for the 4x4 bits, as I have no experience of them.


Good luck with it.


John H

P.S. the downpipe might have broken due to sloppy or broken engine mountings (rear one most likely).

 

[Harllequin]

Thanks for the advice. I was going to get it through its test first then i can at least drive it legally to the garage I have access too for the weilding. Not a fun prospect doing it outside this time of year

From the pre MOT it had there isnt much to be done.

The bodywork is mainly for fun. Playing with angle grinder and welding plant has to be the best way to chill out

Pics hopefully will be following tommorow once I'm at home in the light.

I'll start a new topic then

 

[Steven]

Like John says, welding a Panda isn't easy. You can burn straight through before you even know it!