Wagon #2 and update

Hi everyone,
I have already wrote an introduction about myself and our original wagon called "Roadmaster from PA", and that wagon is doing very good and I have really enjoyed driving it since I got my permit. I got a cover for the winter to put on it since it does not go out very much with all the snow and salt. We have flushed the cooling system and serviced many other areas before the winter sets in. It does need the heater core to be replaced, any tips on that? During these repairs it needed a new battery, we went out to where my dad's old shop to buy a battery. There is also a wholesale car lot next door where we bought our wagon about ten years ago, so after getting the battery we took a walk around the lot to look at the cars. In the back corner was another Roadmaster Wagon!! It is a 1995 Buick Roadmaster Limited with the red CLOTH heated seats. I know these were not very common but how rare are they? About a week later we are driving it home, it has 61000 original miles and aside from a little rust it is in pristine condition. We believe it has been sitting for a long time, the interior was a little musty, and the floors and inner fenders are scaling. The driver side quarter panel is rusted in the center at the bottom, I think this is caused from a leak in the roof rack? This car does not have a towing package like our other one, it is a little strange to ride in without the mechanical fan sound. The white paint turned out perfect after a good waxing, it had a layer of mold and dirt protecting it. We have already flushed the cooling system, changed the oil, and lubed up the front end. A transmission and rear end servicing are also in the future. Anything else that should be changed after sitting? Our driveway is getting full now with five cars and a motorcycle, we are hoping to build a carport onto our garage for the Roadmasters. I hope everyone has a great Holiday. -James

Hi James,

That sounds like another good find. I'm partial to white be sure you stop the rust from eating the whole car wire brush the bad spots and coat them with POR 15 I've used it for years with great results. Jeff

Welcome James,sounds like you already have the wagon bug so start building that XL carport!

If you decide to replace the rusted parts, and you need quarter panels, sometimes they show up in the yards in the south without rust. The can be carefully cut, and shipped by Greyhound to minimize shipping costs.

The only real difficulty in replacing the heater core is the hidden screw on firewall side of the drip pan. You did not say what year your first wagon is. If it is a 91-93, the quick disconnects on the heater core are at best not quick, and usually you have to be a contortionist to get them off. It is possible though, because I have done it. I believe the 94-96 cars have regular hose clamps. You have to remove the elbow on the drain to get the pan out. Make sure it is back in place when you install the pan, or you will have water on the floor when you run the AC. There are a number of threads on the particulars of removal and installation.

If you are going to do a lot of your own work, get an FSM. It will make your work a lot easier.

If the heater core is plugged, you can unplug it by running a can of C L R into the radiator for ten minutes. Drain and refill with fresh antifreeze. I took my car into a shop one time and they didn't want to mess with taking the heatercore out. They unplugged it by doing this and I had good heat.

if you are going to remove the heater core, take out the passenger seat first. only 6 bolts/nuts and it gives you ALOT more space to work with. That mystery screw by the firewall, I never put it back in as you don't really need it .

Sprocket wrote:

if you are going to remove the heater core, take out the passenger seat first.  only 6 bolts/nuts and it gives you ALOT more space to work with.  That mystery screw by the firewall, I never put it back in as you don't really need it .

Agreed! One other thing, I am sure John forgot; get a piece of cardboard to put down. If you don't you will be feeling those 6 bolts from the seat.

Tom

bamalongroof wrote:

Hi James,

That sounds like another good find. I'm partial to white be sure you stop the rust from eating the whole car wire brush the bad spots and coat them with POR 15 I've used it for years with great results. Jeff

Thank you very much, yes once spring time comes around we will be tackling the rust. Luckily the worst spots are not beyond help.
Thanks for the advice,
James

Flasheroo wrote:

Welcome James,sounds like you already have the wagon bug so start building that XL carport!

Haha!!! Thank you!

Fred Kiehl wrote:

If you decide to replace the rusted parts, and you need quarter panels, sometimes they show up in the yards in the south without rust. The can be carefully cut, and shipped by Greyhound to minimize shipping costs.

The only real difficulty in replacing the heater core is the hidden screw on firewall side of the drip pan. You did not say what year your first wagon is. If it is a 91-93, the quick disconnects on the heater core are at best not quick, and usually you have to be a contortionist to get them off. It is possible though, because I have done it. I believe the 94-96 cars have regular hose clamps. You have to remove the elbow on the drain to get the pan out. Make sure it is back in place when you install the pan, or you will have water on the floor when you run the AC. There are a number of threads on the particulars of removal and installation.

If you are going to do a lot of your own work, get an FSM. It will make your work a lot easier.

Thank you for all of the advice, I really appreciate it. The rusted quarter panel is not that bad, it is replaceable, thank you for the offer though. Also my first wagon is a 1995 as well.

stationedwagon wrote:

If the heater core is plugged, you can unplug it by running a can of C L R into the radiator for ten minutes. Drain and refill with fresh antifreeze. I took my car into a shop one time and they didn't want to mess with taking the heatercore out. They unplugged it by doing this and I had good heat.

Wow that is very interesting. We try to unclog it with the flush that you can buy at the store.
Thanks for the advice!

Sprocket wrote:

if you are going to remove the heater core, take out the passenger seat first.  only 6 bolts/nuts and it gives you ALOT more space to work with.  That mystery screw by the firewall, I never put it back in as you don't really need it .

Yes I have heard that a lot based on what I have read. Thank you!