So, not having a daily driver, I hunted around for a mid-80s model full-size Ford Bronco or Chevy Blazer, something both with four-wheel drive and big enough to haul the kids around, should I need to do so. After much searching, I ended up buying a 1977 Dodge Ramcharger. VERY used, as you might imagine. In fact, here's a pic of her:
She's not too bad. She actually runs pretty well, all things considered. I'm still working on getting her tuned right. Someone had actually wired the choke wide open. I don't know if you know anything about cars, but the choke exists on carbureted engines to help start the engine when the engine and/or air temperature is cold. Basic chemistry says that it's more difficult to mix more atomized fuel into cold air. Without enough fuel, the engine obviously can't run. Enter the choke; this is basically a plate over the carburetor throat will close when the temperature is cold, thus allowing less air into the engine. This makes the air-fuel mixture richer (i.e., higher proportion of fuel to air in the mix) and helps the engine get going. Now, this is NOT the most efficient way for the engine to run; a rich mixture wastes fuel and increases emissions. So as the engine warms up, the choke is designed to slowly open wider and wider, until the choke plate gets to its normal, wide-open position. If the choke is wired open so that it can never close, as someone had done before I got the truck, it makes it VERY difficult to start when cold. So I removed the wires and repaired the choke. Then I did some basic tuning, checked the timing, reset the fast-idle speed (a higher RPM idle that is used when the choke is operating; the higher speed helps the engine warm up faster) and the curb idle (normal RPM idle speed), and reset the idle mixture on the carburetor. I think I've got it right, but I won't know for sure until I spend a little more time driving her. Over the next few days, I'll be able to know if she likes the settings. If not, it will be time for some more tuning. I also still need to check the spark plugs and make sure they're OK. New spark plug wires wouldn't hurt, either, but I can do that later.
This is also all very important because I have to get the emissions checked before I can register the truck. Colorado gives you temporary plates for 60 days to get this done, so I'm not in a huge rush. However, there might be some more work/parts/money involved in getting her in shape to pass. I'm hoping not much, but you know how bureaucrats are, especially when coupled with mechanics.
There is a great deal of good news from this decision. First, I got the truck for a mere $1300. Second, I can get a license plate that's good for 5 years (FIVE YEARS!!) and pay the sales tax, all for about $270. That's right; five years' registration on this vehicle is half the cost of one year's registration on the FJ. Not a bad trade. Even insurance is cheaper, as I'll be saving about $23 a month. The only drawback, in fact, is gas. No 31-year-old engine will ever beat a brand-new one in terms of efficiency, and this case is no different. I don't have any hard data yet, but I can tell I'll be using more gas. The Ramcharger's tank is about 30 gallons (compared to the FJ's 19 gallons) and I know I'm using it a little quicker. Hopefully, I can do all the tuning and everything properly so that it won't be so bad. But an older, bigger, carbureted engine in a heavier car always translates to lower mileage. Eh....trade-offs.
It's a ton of fun to work on, because the engine and drivetrain are relatively simple. Also, since it's an old truck, it's one of the truly old-school design where you can open the hood, crawl inside the engine compartment along with the engine, then close the hood and still sit comfortably while you tinker. Yes, it really is that big. While working on the choke and adjusting the carburetor, I sat on the fender and rested my feet on the wheel-well and engine mounts with the engine running while I made the necessary adjustments. The Haynes manual doesn't fail, as usual; it provides nearly everything a weekend mechanic needs to do most repair jobs successfully.
Anyway, she's a good girl and has done splendidly for me to this point. I don't treat her roughly and probably won't have any need to, so I'm hoping she'll do well for me for quite some time to come.
Oh, and the absolute best part; like all Broncos/Blazers/Ramchargers of the late-70s-through-80s era, the top comes off. The Ramcharger goes a little further, though; while the Bronco and Blazer only removed the rear top, leaving the cockpit area completely covered, the Ramcharger removes the entire top and adds in a full roll bar for protection. So you get the full convertible experience, whether you're in the front seat or the back. See the top-left pic, the red and white Ramcharger towing the boat, to get the idea:
Click on the above pic to see a larger version, by the way. That pic is straight from the Dodge marketing brochure for the 1977 Ramcharger. If you have any doubts, check out both the fashion of the girl and the fabric of the rear bench seat she's sitting on, in the bottom-righthand picture on the same page. Ugh.
Thanks for reading along.
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