Advice/decision

[shralp17]

Currently I own a stock 1989 62. Purchased the vehicle a year ago and it has served me well though it has its issues. Here are the list of issues.
1. I need to pop the hood to plug in the vacuum hose to engage 4 wheel drive.
2. Likes to drive to the left.
3. Left rear window doesn't work.
4. Rust is mininumal but I did find some today (due to the harsh winters here in Montana).
5. Probably need new springs.
6. Over all it is just old.
7. And it also has a starting issue in the cold but once it starts it runs fine.

My decision is do I invest my money into the 62 ie EMU suspension, bull bar, eventual engine swap, rear storage, and other expedition stuff or should I just save my money (do regular maintenance) and buy on 80. Right now I am leaning the 80 route. Here are two options.

1. Sell the 62 and buy a commuter car and save for an 80.

2. Keep the 62 and save for an 80.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Wanderlusty]

A lot of the 80's are getting to the point where they have their own laundry list of things to fix. So it is probably not a matter of buy an 80 and things will be ok.

Decide what you really want. If other than the issues, you really want a 62, then start fixing and modding.

If what you really want is an 80, start saving.

Unless the rust is extensive, I would say you probably can't make a wrong decision here.

 

[coax]

A lot of the 80's are getting to the point where they have their own laundry list of things to fix. So it is probably not a matter of buy an 80 and things will be ok.

x2. Unless you can find a rig that has been well maintained by the PO, most 80's will need a fair amount of work to get up to "expedition" quality. So plan on spending a fair bit of money and/or time baselining if you get an 80. If it doesn't need it then you just have extra money saved up.

 

[redthies]

Previous two post sum it up. You are going to have a list for the 80 as well. I think parts for the 62 may be cheaper too. I have only owned 60s, not 62s, but I bet you get better fuel economy (!!!) out of a 62 as well. If it is only minor rust, you will probably be further ahead keeping what you have.