matrixops

I have come across another possible subaru to purchase, but I am not sure whether or not it is worth it. Here is the information I have: 1988 GL Wagon, 4wd, 5spd manual 170k single owner, no rust new cv shaft and alternator. $1000 cash I am tempted since three showed up today, and were all gone before I could get in touch with the owner. What do the USMB members think of this price? The KBB of this is 1350 or so, so if it is good condition it might be worth it. Thanks in advance for your opinions. MatrixOps

All I can say is "Wow"....that suby wagon took a whole lot of air, and survived. Heck, I wonder how many jumps it survived before something finally broke. M.....O..

An 85 4wd D/DR wagon just popped up for sale here locally for $200. The current owner states that the tranny is cracked, which he was told by the mechanic he takes it to. Is it common for DR tranny's to crack, and if so where is the place where they commonly crack? Just so I know where to look for the crack. I am hoping to take a look at the vehicle tonight. Thanks in advance for any information you may have. matrixops

Nice stuff there. Great looking Wagon. Must find a way to move back to CO!!!! MatrixOps

I would have to agree with Northwet on his thinking about the fast idle linking causing it to rev when the choke is opened manually. This issue with the hitachi carbs is not a new one, so I go to thinking about alternatives. Since it is possible to put a webber 32/36 on the manifold, could it not also be possible to put a small tbi unit on it? One with the same mounting dimensions as the weber? Just an idea. Edit: After a quick search, it looks as though the ea81 fuel injection idea is already solved with ea82 spfi conversion....note to self, search first, comment second. MatrixOps

I'd really love to buy it, but it is a little out of my price range. MatrixOps

After coming within millimeters of finally getting a second subaru (1981 GL Sedan), I get sideswiped by, you'll never guess, a "former salvage" title. Now I know some of you may have purchased a vehicle with this type of title, but my experience with this is that it is a bad idea. So, now I am looking again, and on orders from the wife, once my truck sells, I have to find a car. And she indicates that if I don't find a subaru she would want me to buy a ... a .... a.....I hate to say this......a honda. Imagine my disdain for this, but a car will be needed in short order once the truck is gone. So, anyone in the midwest KCK/MO area....let me know of any Sub's that might be for sale. I am having very little luck finding any that aren't complete basket cases. Thanks for reading my sad story. MatrixOps

McBrat, Thanks for the sloppy shifter fix article, I am definitely going to be addressing that on my GL. As for the short shift modification, I would have to agree with luvmybrat, in asking for a bit more detail. Once again, thanx. MatrixOps

thx for all the replies, it has been quite informative. I went by and drove the car today, it is in pretty decent condition. Very clean and quiet running engine. No odd tappings/knocks at all. Pulls strong in all gears up to 3rd, but seems to catch a bit when shifting down from 3rd to second when decelerating. I didn't get a chance to drive it on the highway so 4th and 5th weren't tested. The shift linkage has quite a bit of play although a skilled hand can find the gears without much problem. It does need a tune up as indicated by a brief hesitation upon acceleration. The odometer shows 163k miles, which made the strength of the engine feel odd to me. Which brings me to a question: if the sedan was a flat towed vehicle, would the towed mileage show on the odometer? I am not completely familiar with how the speedometer/odometer is connected. I have heard of some vehicles that when flat towed actually register speed and mileage. The body is in fair condition, with some oxidization of the paint (black) and some cancer on the drivers side rear door and both rocker panels near the rear wheel wells. This brings up another question: anyone know of a good source for rocker panel patch panels? And/Or where I could get ahold of a front bumper if need be? The custom/home made tow bar bumper is on the vehicle right now and looks pretty cheeseball. I surveyed the under carriage, and didn't notice any other rust on the pan. The only operational deficiency I could find with the car is that the muffler is gone. A quick search on the internet at parts dealers indicates that this would cost $75 to purchase. The gentleman who owns the vehicle came down to $450 while I was visiting with him, but from considering information found on this board I probably wouldn't feel comfortable offering him more than $300 with the cancer and needed exhaust repairs. Is there anything else in particular I should look at on this vehicle prior to making an offer? Thanks for all of the help. MatrixOps

Thx McBrat, Your response has brought up a question though. I looked at the 1981 model year brochures linked to on the front page, and although it didn't specify, did the 81 GL Sedan come in 4wd? Or is that a stupid question? I am wondering because they do show 4wd Wagon and Hatch models in the brochure, but not coupe/sedan 4wd models. Just curious. I talked to the retired gentleman who owns it and will be stopping by to see it this afternoon. MatrixOps

I recently located an ad for an 81 Sedan locally, and I am wondering what the vehicle may be valued at. I haven't looked at it yet, but let's assume that it is in fair to good condition and runs well. If that is the case, is $600 too much? I know that a lot of you have more experience buying and selling in the early subaru market. Thanks MatrixOps

Glenn, Thanks for the tip. I will take a look at it tonight. MatrixOps

I've owned my outback for about a year now, and I seem to have a problem with the rear wiper motor pulling too much current. I can only guess that the motor is going out. Or perhaps it just needs maintenance. Either way, I need to consider replacing it. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to find one of these online for a decent price? Or perhaps suggestions on cleaning/oiling? If that is even possible. Thanks matrixops

That is some pretty cool footage. I especially like the in-car with the wiper blade stuck. LOL MatrixOps

Also, reading through the article by McBrat about swapping a 85-89 5speed D/R into an 80-84 body style vehilce. I am sort of confused. Is an 80 GL 1600 considered and ea81? Granted the usage of ea81,ea82,...etc. is a bit confusing to me. I am a noob to the USMB lingo. The answer to that question will also clear up quite a few other part's questions I have. But hey, if I can find the donor parts from a wrecked vehicle perhaps it would be possible. There is a substantial, not large, subaru base here. I may need to start calling the salvage yards to check on availability of parts. I have also spotted a hatch of the same style which looks to be solid (mostly rust free). I may have to speak with the owner on that one as well. Thanks for the responses. MatrixOps

I am currently looking at an 80 GL 1600 with a manual transmission. I have read through the article written by MorganM, and I am pretty sure that I can physically do the conversion. I removed and installed many a tranny/transfer on other 4wd's. Along with other miscelaneous mechanical work. I am wondering if anyone has performed this conversion? Would it be worth it or should I look for one that has 4wd already? Also, is the 80 GL with the 1600 engine so rare that it would be cost prohibitive to get parts for? Granted, given that there were models with 1800 during that year, so perhaps a swap wouldn't be out of the picture. All opinions will be read. M.....O..