Finally got my JNC (sort of): '84 GL 4WD wagon

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:29 pm

The motorcycle is down for about a year while I save the money for a complete engine rebuild. So I needed a car, and fast. I saw an ad on craigslist for an '84 Subaru GL 4WD wagon with 283k miles on it for $895. I went to drive it this morning and was impressed. Despite so many miles, the car was in good condition inside and out. There's a crease in the body you can see in the photo and it's missing a trim piece, but those don't bother me. The engine is very stout, the brakes are good, and everything works. So I bought it. My only real complaint is how cramped the interior is. My left shoulder and arm were right up against the door. It's a small price to pay, though. I have no plans for the car other than keeping it running. It's going to be a commuter car for the work trip between Auburn and Redmond in Washington. It'll certainly get better mileage than the 8-12 mpg I'm getting from my '79 GMC pickup with a 454ci V8.

john · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:22 pm

Lincoln Stax wrote:

My only real complaint is how cramped the interior is. My left shoulder and arm were right up against the door.

Welcome to the world of JNCs.

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:36 pm

datsunfreak wrote:

Lincoln Stax wrote:

My only real complaint is how cramped the interior is. My left shoulder and arm were right up against the door.

Welcome to the world of JNCs.

Yeah, it really drove home the fact that most Japanese drivers aren't 6'0'' and 270 lbs. Still, this is my first Subie, so I'm pretty stoked to have it.

ben · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:56 pm

Congrats. Welcome to the club, at last

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:34 pm

Did you notice it has a roof rack? That makes me cool and shit, right? When do the chick come running?

bajasoobnut · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:50 pm

well then congrats and I had no issues with my 83 when I had it, I am 6'4" tall and about 260ish so I know what you mean for room, but hey I have a 76 that is smaller than that and I fit in there alright

If you need parts just let me know, there are a couple places up there that are good to goto for subaru specific service and parts. Including Aarons auto wrecking which is a subaru only yard

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:38 pm

Thanks for the info. I just looked them up. They're only about a half mile from my bike shop, Jim's Southend Motorcycle. I'll be sure to update this thread if I ever need any help.

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 12:41 am

I forgot to mention, but it does have the 4-speed manual and the 1800cc engine, which, if I've done my research right, is the EA81.

bajasoobnut · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:21 am

yep all of that is correct, and if you get over there tell Zap that Baja says hi

ben · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:50 pm

Lincoln Stax wrote:

When do the chick come running?

You laugh, but the Cressida wagon got a thumbs up from someone with the XX chromosome the other day. In a Lorinser Benz no less!

john · **Posted:** Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:52 pm

ben wrote:

You laugh, but the Cressida wagon got a thumbs up from someone with the XX chromosome the other day. In a Lorinser Benz no less!

Yeah, that was a dude.

ben · **Posted:** Fri Feb 12, 2010 11:11 pm

datsunfreak wrote:

ben wrote:

You laugh, but the Cressida wagon got a thumbs up from someone with the XX chromosome the other day. In a Lorinser Benz no less!

Yeah, that was a dude.

If she looked the way she did I'd still hit it

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Tue Jun 08, 2010 6:52 pm

I haven't been driving my Subie because I've been letting my roommate use it. I've been driving his old GMC pickup instead. He's got a much longer commute than me, so it made sense for him to drive the 28 mpg GL and I drive the 8 mpg truck (454 cubic inches of All-American manhood.) But he's finally bought a much newer car for himself and I can drive my Subaru. The only problem is that it has 297k miles on it. The engine goes through oil like Graham Chapman drank gin, and the valves rattle like BBs in a coffee can. So I'm thinking a new engine is in order. Just for giggles, can the H-6 fit inside a Leone?

john · **Posted:** Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:37 pm

Lincoln Stax wrote:

So I'm thinking a new engine is in order. Just for giggles, can the H-6 fit inside a Leone?

With enough money and enough time... :twisted:

tkmedia · **Posted:** Thu Jun 10, 2010 4:17 pm

Lincoln Stax wrote:

TMy only real complaint is how cramped the interior is. My left shoulder and arm were right up against the door.

only solution is to drive with your elbow out the window.

bajasoobnut · **Posted:** Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:56 pm

Stax, is the front of the engine soaked in oil? If so then the front main seal is gone and while at it reseal the oil pump too, those are the 2 main areas that leak oil. Also the valves might need adjustment cause they might be solid lifters.

Lincoln Stax · **Posted:** Tue Sep 07, 2010 7:54 pm

bajasoobnut wrote:

Stax, is the front of the engine soaked in oil? If so then the front main seal is gone and while at it reseal the oil pump too, those are the 2 main areas that leak oil. Also the valves might need adjustment cause they might be solid lifters.

Wow, have I been away from the forum that long that I only just now saw this? Thanks for the info, and I'll check it out. The car clunks rhythmically when I pull away. I'm thinking the CV joints are probably shot.

Finally got my JNC (sort of): '84 GL 4WD wagon

Who is online