Ripped off on a used wagon

Comments

• skittlenips Wagonist

  September 2013

  Depending on what is wrong with it, and the condition of the body, you could make a pretty good chunk of money back.
  
  What is unfixable about it?
• capncaveman20 Band Wagon

  September 2013

  Evidently the rear end and gas tank are rusted out. only held in place by c clamps at the moment. I just got the news today, and I'm not sure what the best option will be...
• LowFlyin' Moderator

  September 2013

  I have a spare rear crossmember/ diff mount...unless the chassis mount for the crossmember is gone, it should just be a bolt in affair.
  
  Gas tank should be easy to come by as well. People part out a wagon pretty regularly on here.
• capncaveman20 Band Wagon

  September 2013

  The gas tank on the car is fine. I do not have a way to get under the car myself at the moment. I am simply relaying what the mechanic told me. Not sure what I need... that is why I came to you guys on the forum that know everything there is to know about these vehicles. What can I look for to make sure that this car is salvagable. I do not want to part it out and would love to be able to fix the problem. I understand you only have the vague information I have posted here but has anyone ran into a similar problem?
• bam-bam Council Member

  September 2013

  You'll need to be more specific about the problems you have. Nothing is "unfixable" given enough time and money, but rust is one thing I won't fool with.
  
  If the body/ floor is rusted away where the diff and tank mount, your best bet is another shell.
• rbwdriven Senior Wagonist

  September 2013

  When you bought the wagon did you actually check it out?
  
  I'm with bam-bam there are too many shells floating around for me to get a rusty one.
  
  Parting out a car takes time and money. You will not make your money instantly unless you can find somebody to buy a good amount up front. Then you are waiting on all the wanna-be's that want the part but no cash. Been there done that!
  
  Have you physically gone and looked at what your mechanic is telling you? Pictures also help when being totally vague.
  
  A lot of the guys on here have a very good understanding of what makes a wagon tick and also how kind of thing.
  
  Maybe find a local wagon guy to help look over it that is mechanically sound kind of thing versus mechanic.
• capncaveman20 Band Wagon

  September 2013

  Thanks everyone for help. I apologize for the vague description, I finally got the time this weekend to take a look at my wagon. Rust is minimal and the mechanics that I took my car to apparently just didn't want to help me. All I need to do is find Fuel tank straps and bolts to replace the cloth ratchet strap rig on there right now. Also it appears that I could use a new rear diff mounting bracket, other than that I am good to go! I actually found 3 rt4wd wagons in a local junkyard along with 4 more 2wd. I think I can find the parts that I need, they are all almost complete vehicles.
• rbwdriven Senior Wagonist

  September 2013

  Well that is good then.
  
  Yep some mechanics can't be bothered.
  
  I took mine to one years ago. I finally told him don't worry about it. It is obvious you don't want my money.
  
  I would try and get the straps off the rt wagon. Also with the j hooks, you can always put them in a vinegar solution to remove lots of the rust.
  
  I've been doing that with the rusty bolts I take off.
• capncaveman20 Band Wagon

  September 2013

  Great advice. I will do that rbwdriven. The mechanic actually told me that I needed to crush the car and went on to try and sell me one of the used vehicles he had in the parking lot...
• 3rd4ce Council Member

  September 2013

  ok i have have told my wagon should be crushed but its been going for many miles and lots of fun ..
  
  i second rbwdriven ...... try and connect with a local wagon member or at least an EF group 1988-1991 ciVic are either LOVED or HATED
  
  and we have it pulsing thru our blood..