The beautiful state of Arizona has brought me two things. A new home and unfortunately for my girlfriend the recent (as in 4/18) procurement of a 1978 Subaru GL Wagon 4WD. Now I should start that I have never in my 25 years of life seen one of these, but looking for a new 4cyl daily driver I was fortunate enough to come across this beauty for a firm price of 900$. Now to me this is quite a bit of change but after weighing the pros and cons came to the conclusion that I could let this vehicle go to no one but myself.
The Good: little rust, two new rear tires, new battery, I do believe working AC, original motor and trams with 44,000 miles on her. Not sure if she was rolled over 100,000 or not but I bought it from the second owner and he states that they are original miles. Based on the little wear on the vehicle I want to believe him. Am able to start her with starting fluid. She looks pretty as sin.
The Bad: electrical gremlin found today. No fuel from the pump and after removal found no juice to the power supply or a few of the fuses. Needs two new front tires.
The Ugly: cracked windshield and the fact that my girlfriend somehow doesn't like this little gem.
To continue on with this little rampage I'll go on... I have little vehicle maintenance experience minus basic tune-ups and tire changes. I'm doing this project with little money and a Haynes manual which I'm happy to say that for the first time since its printing in 1987 this copy is now the proud owner of many grease stains after only the first day.
I'm looking to make this a daily driver with the help of my Haynes and hopefully some of the generous advice from the folks here on the message board. I'm currently down near the border and if you happen to find yourself this way a classic car who needs some love and endless cold beers await you.
Now it's back to the car and one more cold beer because I'm quite positive she's not going to fix herself.
I'll post pics as soon as I figure out how.
-Dave S.
Edited by Sub78, 12 March 2013 - 08:19 PM.
