CruisingTheLand’s Build (1 Viewer)

[CruisingTheLand]

Starting a build thread to document my progress and hopefully help any others that come after me with what works and what doesn’t.

I purchased this 2003 w/ 193k from the second owner (had for 100k) in August for $13,500. It was the Mom-Mobile for the owner of a reputable local auto shop who had recently upgraded to a 200 series. A year or two ago the paint and interior were completely redone and I could tell it had been well taken care of, but I let that blind me to some of the rust spots that in retrospect I should have been more concerned about. Oh well, live and learn, one snapped bolt at a time. One of my main projects will be to clean up and slow the rust spread so that this thing lasts for another 300k.

Goals are reliable DD, camping adventures with the kids, and just something to tinker on (adult legos!)
Original Ad pics:

It’s usual adventure format:

 

[CruisingTheLand]

First big item was 90k service. Since I could get away with keeping it disassembled in the garage for a few days, I took my time and only ordered new parts for those that failed inspection. Final damage was timing belt, water pump, TB pulleys, fan bracket, and the serpentine idler pulley. Also did heater tees & associated hoses along with both radiator hoses. Last service was at 110k but the belt looked great. Water Pump had been weeping for a long time though.

Other stuff since I picked it up: new IK20TT plugs and coil boots, oil change, PCV & hoses, external sensor TPMS

 

[LXKevin]

Show your rust bro!

 

[CruisingTheLand]

Show your rust bro!

NSFW

Nothing on the frame looks even like its weakened things, just the welds mostly. Even the notorious rear crossmember spot passes the hammer test.

Also, is there a way to resize pictures and not have them flip upside down?

 

[D21FJ60]

clean for a VA car

 

[CruisingTheLand]

Beginning the process of fixing a badly done windshield job. Looks like the installer went with the weight-reducing “no rivets OR screws” approach and just hooped a bunch of adhesive on everything. Nothing has leaked to my knowledge and it doesn’t look like rust has set in, but the wind noise was annoying. Plus it didn’t look very good.

Not sure if I’ll be able to reuse the molding as it is a little warped.

Also, can anyone comment on how normal it is to see the windshield adhesive on the inside of the A pillar? I’d like to avoid replacing the whole windshield but it seems like this was gooped on extra thick.

 

[MountaineerLC]

Welcome and nice looking Cruiser! The rust doesn't look too bad with the exception of what appears to be a rotted through rocker panel.

 

[CruisingTheLand]

Got the windshield cleaned up. No rust to speak of. Some holes were bored out to 6mm so had to use larger rivets. I shelled out for new molding and was amazed at how much more supple the rubber was.

 

[CruisingTheLand]

Drove 1000mi in 2 days from one beach to another. First big trip so I was happy it was uneventful. Seem to have a minor pull to the right that an alignment might fix.

 

[MongooseGA]

I like the all-white look.

I grew up in VB and still go back pretty regularly. What area are you in?

 

[CruisingTheLand]

Thanks! I’m up in Little Neck

 

[1UZJ80N60]

Are you still in the area? We are meeting monthly.