[nmarshall-no]

I know that asking for a large amount of general advice can be dangerous around here but....

I have a 1982 60 with 196k miles on it. She leaks pretty good from all the usual spots, front wheels, rear end, transmission, oil pan, possibly rear main(although the clutch is strong and was redone 30k ago). I can hear that the motor is wearing out, valves tapping, worn cam, exhaust leaks, small vacuum leaks. just passable oil pressure. The AC is out completely and it's hot this summer. The rain gutter is gone and now rusting off. (this is the only rust). Ect. Ect.

I stopped the power steering rebuild madness and got a brand new pump, I live in New Orleans LA, so I took off the air pump, and capped the appropriate hoses. I also had the springs redone (1.5" lift and added spring) and the front tie rod ends (broke one once while driving on the street) - the leaking pump killed all of the driver side ends and a motor mount.

The question is as posed, should I cut my losses now and start with a new rig, or start the process of repairing (restoring) my own rig? (front wheels quoted 1200.00 for full knuckle rebuild, 700 for rear end) I am attached emotionally like most to my truck,(I am the second owner), but I'm also old enough to know what I'm in for with this one or even another. I don't do any real off-road driving but she is a work horse and my main ride.

I do pine for a diesel rig sometimes and thought of a conversion but I'm not 100% sold on it.

Thanks in advance.

[sirenmoses]

wow. for the $$ you were quoted you could get a good lowish miles SW reduced rust rig, and keep yours for parts.

or, you could do like kevin rowland and completely rebuild yours into an All-Americas touring rig, if ya gots the chops...

i'm so attached to my first 60 that i'm keeping it in the family: trading to BIL for gubs & ammo....

[nmarshall-no]

Maybe 2 are better than one anyway.

[Mace]

Well, most likely, the new one will need the front and rear bearings replaced anyway..


It's up to you. If the rust is the major issue, then start over. Rust sucks. If it is mechanical stuff, a new one won't necessarily be any better.

[beaufort-fj60]

I'd say keep the rusty one and practice fixing it while looking for a nice rust free one. There are some really nice ones popping up for sale.

[nmarshall-no]

thanks gents, I think I'll start with the front end.