Finally had a day that was slightly above freezing and not wet, so I could do some work on Project Colony Park. I can’t work on the big project of fixing the rust until it is warm enough to paint, so I’m trying to fix lots of fiddly problems.
First was replacing the shocks. All four were shot and would just stay compressed and not open again. So now there are shiny new gas-charged shocks among the sea of rust.
Next I changed the bulbs in the front cornering lamps. One was broken and rusty, the other looked like it had a cataract.
With those in, the turn signal flasher went from “slow” to “one flash every two minutes.” So i bought a new heavy duty flasher and plugged it in. You know you have a POS when the flasher unit is worn out.
While under the right fender, i noticed the rubber line to the charcoal canister was dry rotted and trashed. I cut off the end so i could take it to the store to get the right size. While at the store i discovered the cut off piece had a dead spider inside.
Replacing that line i realized every other emissions and vacuum line was similarly rotted and cracking. So now i need to go back and get a bunch of every size they carry and some connectors and replace the lot of it.
Lastly i picked up a class 3 hitch for $45. It needed some minor grinding and painting of rust, but saved me $100. However despite being the correct hitch for the car, it doesn’t line up worth a damn. I am currently trying to decide between modifying the frame holes or the hitch for proper fit.
Why am i doing all this work in the cold on a $500 station wagon? Quite simply, i have fallen in love with my 32 year old heap. I bought it half as a joke, but it is my first choice to drive if it isn’t raining or snowing. And it is excellent for the 2 hour round trip to a partner’s house.