Maxim Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 Hi, Today I was offered a free car, while others may have turned and ran, its my first free car so I need some advice. Its a 1992 Loyale w/ a 1.8L EFI motor, 130K miles automatic 2wd sedan and its white. I ran some circles in the parking lot and it seemed like a nifty piece of machinery. The engine bay is amazing, I've never seen anything like it. A spare tire in the front !! The boxer engine! How have I missed out on these marvels before? Its condition somewhat reflects the price, the car sat for over a year and has some rust issues. Namely the front fenders need replacing but the rest of the body has some sharp edges. In addition there is an exhaust leak and one of the head lights is down and was filled with water. This contribulted to it not being able to pass NJ inspection. So what should I do with it? Fixing is an option but I don't want to throw money down some pit considering I don't need a daily driver and I don't think my parents want it in their backyard. Whats the easiest free way to fix the exhaust leak? Since its my first free car I don't really want to sell it but how much would one bring? Anything else I am missing? Some secret Subaru magic? Also, how does one get the key out of the ignition if it is stuck? Thank you for your help! Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrach Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 Find the closest pull a part wrecking yard; exhaust parts that are usable are cheap. Also the front fenders are easy to replace and are under $30 each at a pull a part yard. You can likely repair both the exhaust and fenders for under $100 and less than three hours time. Good luck with your nice find. If you're needing parts, I can likely pull everything you need and ship it to you, but it'll cost you more. There are others here on the Board that can do the same for you. Hi, Today I was offered a free car, while others may have turned and ran, its my first free car so I need some advice. Its a 1992 Loyale w/ a 1.8L EFI motor, 130K miles automatic 2wd sedan and its white. I ran some circles in the parking lot and it seemed like a nifty piece of machinery. The engine bay is amazing, I've never seen anything like it. A spare tire in the front !! The boxer engine! How have I missed out on these marvels before? Its condition somewhat reflects the price, the car sat for over a year and has some rust issues. Namely the front fenders need replacing but the rest of the body has some sharp edges. In addition there is an exhaust leak and one of the head lights is down and was filled with water. This contribulted to it not being able to pass NJ inspection. So what should I do with it? Fixing is an option but I don't want to throw money down some pit considering I don't need a daily driver and I don't think my parents want it in their backyard. Whats the easiest free way to fix the exhaust leak? Since its my first free car I don't really want to sell it but how much would one bring? Anything else I am missing? Some secret Subaru magic? Also, how does one get the key out of the ignition if it is stuck? Thank you for your help! Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 Free Subaru? I know exactly what you should do with it! Lift, D/R tranny, 4WD conversion, Swampers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted July 29, 2005 Author Share Posted July 29, 2005 How hard and how much $$ is it to put in 4wd and a manual tranny? Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 It's relatively easy, in that most of the parts will bolt right up. I believe MorganM has done the conversion on his wagon. Sedan is similar. As far as cost, it just depends on how cheap you can get the parts. A junkyard transmission can be as cheap as $75, or you can do like me and have one cleaned and resealed and pay quite a bit more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[HTi]Johnson Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 well a 5 spd dual range tranny can be anywhere from free to $150 (i wouldn't pay more than that) It's a pretty easy swap...if you have some mechanical know how. I converted my GL-10 from an AT to 5spd dual range. I was lucky though, XSNRG (a board member) was cool and sold me all the stuff I needed for $200. for the conversion you'll need Tranny Driveshaft fly wheel (flywheel to crank bolts and pressure plate bolts too) Clutch kit tranny crossmember the center console all the shift linkage and hardware and about 6 solid hours of work. Oh yeah, we're all here to help you if you need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorganM Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 So in NJ you have to pass inspection to legaly register it to drive on the road? That would be my first and foremost concern. How much money and time is it going to cost to just pass inspection. 4WD conversion isnt really 'easy'. Its not very technical; but its A LOT of work. You'll need way more than the parts listed above. That's JUST for the 4WD Dual Range tranny. You'll also need the COMPLETE rear end.... the rear main subframe and everything that's attached to it. Rust will only compound the amount of time and labor to complete this conversion. The last 'free' Subaru I got proved to me that nothing in life is free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[HTi]Johnson Posted July 29, 2005 Share Posted July 29, 2005 oh...i forgot he mentioned 2wd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted July 29, 2005 Author Share Posted July 29, 2005 Hello, I went and looked at this thing in the daylight and I am bringing it home tomorrow. Car failed NJ inspection because of sharp edges on the rusty parts, one taillight is out and one of the hibeams doesn't work. The exhaust leak prevented the car from being smogged which is the biggest worry. Though it doesn't smoke which is always a good sign. The check engine light is on, is there anyway to pull the code? I have an OBDII reader but I don't think it will do me much good. The interior is pretty nice all the power stuff works and the AC blows cold air which is good considering its R12. In the trunk I found a fuel filter, a set of brand new front pads and an empty vodka bottle. The owner also gave me a Haynes manual and the origional owners manual. Overall my impression of the car is much better then when I first saw it. What is typical gas milage on these cars. I drive about 35 miles to and from school so if I can get something a little more economical it would be a significant plus. I WILL POST PICTURES THIS WEEKEND! Thank you for your help! Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted July 29, 2005 Author Share Posted July 29, 2005 Ohh yea one more thing. The oil pressure gauge is shot. Whats the best way of trouble shooting it? Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subieluvr Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 Black electrical tape will fix the check engine light. As for the exhaust leak, depends on where it is at. You might be able to goto an auto parts store and pick-up an exhaust patch kit. If your having a water in the headlights problem, take them out and dry them with a hairdryer then find something to reseal them. Hope this helps a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted July 30, 2005 Author Share Posted July 30, 2005 NJ DMV Stormtroopers will notice the tape on the check engine light and fail my car during inspection Exhaust leak turns out to be right after the muffler its a pretty big hole though. I'll work on the lights thanks for the tips I'll try to have some pics up soon/ Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxim Posted August 11, 2005 Author Share Posted August 11, 2005 Hello, I AM FINALY OUT OF SCHOOL FOR THE SUMMER YEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! Anyways, now I can focus on actually learning something. I took some pictures of the Subie. Where I last left it isn't the best place to take pictures although it is getting a little sun which is more then I've gotten in the past month Anyways, as soon as I can scrape up some money I'm heading to a junkyard. There is one where rt46 and rt80 intersect in North Jersey. Anyone know how much they charge for a fender? Also, the ignition lock has a tendency not to turn when I put the key in. After some fidgeting with it the key turns fine but then I can't get the key out easily. If I play with it some more the key comes out and the cycle starts all over. Is there a way to fix that? The muffler hole is pretty big and not in two good of a place but it must be fixed for smogging. Can I weld this with MIG? I know of one I could probably borrow. If not anyother suggestions, it doesn't look like it would tape up. I couldn't get a good picture of this but the rear fenders are starting to go and I see some weatherstripping (?) hanging off. How would I fix that? THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP! Maxim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jupp24 Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 Looks like the muffler could use a little muffler bandage. You should be able to find a variety of exhaust patching stuff at an auto parts store. As for the fenders... I know someone with an 81 Tercel who cut off the rustiest parts, sanded the edges and then riveted sheet metal to it. Then he pounded it out to the original shape. Alot of work, but it looks pretty badass now. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbone Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 The fenders are easy to replace, takes about a hour each if you've never done it before. The ign lock is another story. You might try some grafite, it comes in a small tube. It might work for a little while, but eventually the lock will need to be rpelaced. You also might get lucky and find a muffler in the wrecking yard, I dont think the Troopers will let a patched one get by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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