I've been pulling my Sawtooth XL (see the build link in signature below) with my 2008 Subaru Outback LL Bean 3.0R. While the Outback is up to it, the trailer makes the brakes work a little too hard, and the engine will heat up on uphill grades. So when I spied this bad boy on Craigs List in Fairbanks for only $5K with all parts necessary for repair and paint included, I decided to go take a look.
It was a salvage, and after looking it over and letting it run a bit, I decided to tackle it.
With a $25 trip permit, I drove it to my son's home and started by getting rid of the doors. What should have been an hour project turned into more than that of course, as the right passenger door was locked shut by the accident. After peeling down the skin, I was able to unlock it, and the fun began.
The fender came off after learning about the various types (three) of plastic fasteners holding the fender structure (all four pieces) together. In other words, an hour and a half.
The "new doors went on easily, but only after I drove it to the windshield shop (Badger Glass, $275 installed) and had a new battery installed at Alaska Battery. Then we hung the doors.
In looking at the fender, I realized the inner fender was a little crinkled. I thought, Heck, I can straighten that! I couldn't, so I drove it back to Anchorage (another $25 trip permit) to start ordering parts.
The truck ran great. All electrical accessories seem to be working, i.e. mirrors, windows, door locks, auto start, and wipers. I did have to replace the LED headlight bulbs, because, (a) one didn't work, and (b) they were the wrong bulb. I am also missing the bulb socket for the right front marker/signal light. That is the only piece keeping me from being able to re-title it as a reconstructed vehicle. It's on order, so perhaps later this week I can get it titled and insured and start driving it.
It was a salvage, and after looking it over and letting it run a bit, I decided to tackle it.
With a $25 trip permit, I drove it to my son's home and started by getting rid of the doors. What should have been an hour project turned into more than that of course, as the right passenger door was locked shut by the accident. After peeling down the skin, I was able to unlock it, and the fun began.
The fender came off after learning about the various types (three) of plastic fasteners holding the fender structure (all four pieces) together. In other words, an hour and a half.
The "new doors went on easily, but only after I drove it to the windshield shop (Badger Glass, $275 installed) and had a new battery installed at Alaska Battery. Then we hung the doors.
In looking at the fender, I realized the inner fender was a little crinkled. I thought, Heck, I can straighten that! I couldn't, so I drove it back to Anchorage (another $25 trip permit) to start ordering parts.
The truck ran great. All electrical accessories seem to be working, i.e. mirrors, windows, door locks, auto start, and wipers. I did have to replace the LED headlight bulbs, because, (a) one didn't work, and (b) they were the wrong bulb. I am also missing the bulb socket for the right front marker/signal light. That is the only piece keeping me from being able to re-title it as a reconstructed vehicle. It's on order, so perhaps later this week I can get it titled and insured and start driving it.
