Our old faithful Montero/Raider is dying...

[jjjtronics]

It is that time when we have to decide to either pour money, or bury an old tool.
This little wagon has been with us for over 15 years, never ever ever let us down, it was all fun and work.
But the little engine is dying, it spits oil tru the carb, has #4 cyl compression under 50psi, and brakes are starting to stick, so it wont go over 35mph now.
I can not let it go, my kids grew up with it, which they call La Servi, because it has a servicar like window on each side.
Without a doubt, the most capable and reliable truck I ever had.
I am collecting force to either sell it, or fixing it, which will probably take more than what its worth moneywise. If I consider the love for it, it priceless to us.
What would you do ?

[garagenc]

Fix it unless the repair parts are tooo expensive.

[tsubaki]

I'm a big advocate of reviving the dead when it comes to vehicles.
BUT, where I'm at, we have a lot of room to play with in getting new or used parts and even cannibalizing another suitable vehicle to keep the monster running. Don't know if you have that luxury.

[jjjtronics]

Parts for this little trucks are hard to find.
I am considering getting a Jeep, like a 98-99 coil springed Wrangler with an I 6.
I have a dream of an epic end to this truck, out of honor, like a donation, or perhaps burning it like they do to the dead in India, that way its soul will stay with us, jejeje
The kids already have given up on it, but I think I will wash it, shine it, make a good photo of it with us in front, and keep the photo on a frame in the house as a loving memory.
This truck was my house and only vehicle left when I divorced, I slept on it many times, it was my only left material possesion, and it never quit on me when I had nothing left on my pocket. Now it has become the symbol of my second-wind, my lucky charm.
I think I will end up keeping it.

[randlemanboater]

Hey Juan, get together a parts list, I'll see whats available, we have tons of junk yards around here. Maybe I can ship you what you need to get her going again.

[nipper]

Your boys are of driving age, right? Keep her, fix her up with the boys helping you, then when it is all set to go, surprise the boys by handing them the keys and you get that Jeep.

[cfelton]

Id drop a remaned motor in it, replace or rebuild all the brake cylinders and master cyl and ride her somemore. Maybe if the bottom end of your motor is still good you can get by with a rebuilt head!

[bradford]

Keep her. Even if you have to get something else to drive you'll find the parts at the right price eventually.

[jjjtronics]

THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT GUYS !!!
I decided to fix it. I will pull the engine out and see whats loose in there.
I am sure I will end up reboring the block and cutting the shafts, and also installing a webber/holley progressive carb which I now will help.
I will let you guys know if I need something. I am sure I will need a gasket set, timing chain and gears, and the oversize bearings and pistons.
Thanks a lot again.
I WILL POST PICTURES OF THE PROGRESSSSSS !!!

[tsubaki]

Dang, all that work, reminds me of my teenage years with cars.

[phatdaddy]

I would go ahead and get rid of it

that way somebody in a week or two will say " Aw man, I had one just like it in the back yard you could have had."

that's the way my luck goes

good luck with the rebuild...............

[jjjtronics]

Hey Phat, I know, it has happened to me, spending $2000 to get it fix, and then find one that an old Grany is selling, like new, no rust, 35k miles, and if she likes you, she will say, "Ohhh, just give me whatever you think is fair, I don`t know how much it`s worth, what about 100 dollars ?"
jejeje
But I hope I can teach my kids to be more mathematical and less sentimental.