1502 Update - Arrival

"Tripper" (tripe46) 01/04/2019 at 13:30 • Filed to: None

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All is well that ends well. The driver arrived around 8:30 last night, we got it off the truck and I went for a spin around the neighborhood with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. I stopped back at the house, paid the driver, and my wife came out and hopped in the passenger seat. It is an analog masterpiece!

Things of note:

It’s easier to drive than I expected

It is low like I may need to make some modifications to the entrance of my driveway low.

The seats are great

It wreaks like gas when you have the heat on, I’m thinking just a tad more than a 44 year old car should.

Things that will need to be addressed quickly :

The seat belts - I’m pretty sure it won’t pass PA inspection with 4 point harnesses

Passenger side mirror - it does not exist, nor did it ever. There isn’t even a place for it. This is likely another inspection issue. Mirrors are not cheap and I’ll have to drill into the door to mount it. I’m thinking about getting a suction cup mirror and slapping it on just to pass inspection.

Battery - The seller said that it’s brand new, but I have had to jump the car every time I want to start it. Maybe it just needs a full charge but I’m thinking it will need to be replaced.

The ignition cylinder - it’s loose enough that I have to hold the back of it when starting the car. Honestly the whole center console is pretty janky. Automotive electrical systems are my specialty when it comes to wrenching so this will be an easy fix.

My first big project will be to refinish the console and replace the felt covered metal panels with a nice wood panel similar to what I’ve done with the console in the ranger.

I only had time to snap one crappy picture on my way out the door this morning, but my wife and child are away this weekend so I will have plenty of time to clean and tinker!

I’m overjoyed to have the car, and relieved that the situation is over. After I click post I’m calling the tag place to check on the status of the US title and license plate.

Happy Friday!

random001 > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:33

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This is a pretty car.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:36

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Awesome color and glad it all worked out! Looks similar to an A lfa green I saw a while ago

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:38

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As for the mirrors most state regulation only require two rear facing mirrors. it wasn’t that long ago that even in the US you could buy a new car with no passenger side mirror.

Varies state to state but it mostly likely isn’t a problem. Especially on an older car that should be grandfathered in even if the laws have changed.

Glad everything worked! That really is a great looking car. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:38

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Some 4 point harnesses with a red push button release are actually DOT legal however you likely won’t pass inspection if the original belts have been removed.

Kiltedpadre > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:39

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I’m glad to see it finally arrived.

If the car never had a passenger side mirror  you may not need one. I believe you’re only required to add one if you do some sort of modification to where you can no longer use the interior rear view mirror.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:39

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Congrats!  Quite the saga and I am glad to hear the fun part is just beginning.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:42

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It looks glorious. Congrats!!! 

Sovande > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:42

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Looks fun! I would think you will be fine with no mirror if one was never on the vehicle. Below is from the PA inspection book.

Can you get it tagged as historic or antique and avoid the inspection?

(iv) Outside rearview mirrors, with a minimum reflective surface as described in § 175.68 (relating to mirrors), are not installed on both sides of the vehicle if a certificate of exemption for a sun screening device or other material has been issued by the Department. See § 175.264 (relating to mirrors). A vehicle for which a certificate of exemption has been issued for medical reasons may be equipped with only a left outside rearview mirror, unless originally equipped with an outside rearview mirror on both sides of the vehicle.

(v) The mirrors, if originally so equipped, are missing.

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:43

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Wow, gorgeous car. I want to see that hunk of a 4-banger motor please, thank you.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2019 at 13:43

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General rule of thumb is that they can't force you to modify your car from stock in order to pass inspection. As this car was not factory equipped with a passenger mirror it shouldn't be an issue for inspection (though you may have to prove it wasn't there from the factory to the inspector if they want to be a jerk about it) 

ihm96 > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:44

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Dont drill a mirror in! You dont need it legally or for function either really in that car. I had my Corvair and it passed PA inspection just fine. My Z3 actually lost the glass at one point and it was okay. The drivers one is more important anyway because of the blind spot.

Can’t wait to see her in person at some point hopefully. Awesome car and awesome news man!

$kaycog > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:45

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FINALLY!!!  Love the color!

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:46

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Awesome! I’m happy to see it finally in your hands! It looks awesome! Did you note any of the stalling issues the other guy noted over the phone?

As for the mirror, I remember growing up in the Netherlands and frequently seeing cars without passenger side mirrors, I imagine that was common here too for a time. Maybe you won’t have to do anything if it comes like that from the factory?

CaptDale - is secretly British > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:48

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Fuck yes!! Congratulation ! Well worth all the headaches I am sure

Urambo Tauro > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:50

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Oh thank God. I mean the fun is just beginning, but at least that part i s over with. Whew.

facw > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2019 at 13:58

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Yep, the passenger mirror was an option on the last-gen Tercel:

(doesn’t seem that long ago to me, but may just be a sign I’m getting old)

In any event, I’d be very surprised if the car needs to be modified to pass inspection.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 13:58

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Congrats on finally having it home! It looks great too!

Tripper > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2019 at 13:59

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Thanks, and good to know. PA is a commonwealth and real stupid when it comes to this stuff. They’re the reason I can’t get a temp tag when almost any other state would give me one. Hopefully they’ll let it slide. I know my inde shop wont sweat it if they don’t have to.

Tripper > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/04/2019 at 13:59

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The guy who will be inspecting this is a super cool dude, he wont sweat it unless he absolutely has to.

TysMagic > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:00

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This is incredibly satisfying !!! So glad it made it finally.

WilliamsSW > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:01

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The battery may have run down a bit on the boat- or it’s not getting charged properly?

I don’t know Pennsylvania, but it seems odd to me that a missing passenger mirror would be an inspection issue - those were optional on many lower end cars well into the 1990's, maybe even unavailable on some.

Definitely deal with the gas smell and 4 point harnesses sooner rather than later - glad you’re loving it!!

Tripper > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/04/2019 at 14:01

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Yep, original belts are not there:( most likely due to the installation of the OMP buckets .

Tripper > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 01/04/2019 at 14:02

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Thanks!

Tripper > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/04/2019 at 14:02

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Thank you!

Tripper > Sovande 01/04/2019 at 14:05

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Awesome thanks for that. I decided not to get an antique or classic tag because of driving/mileage restrictions at least until I see how much I’m going to be driving it.

Cars with classic tags still have to pass inspection.

Cars with antique tags don’t but you’re only allowed to drive during the day.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/04/2019 at 14:06

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I’ll get some good pics this weekend

Tripper > ihm96 01/04/2019 at 14:06

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Awesome, thanks!

Tripper > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/04/2019 at 14:08

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It stalls out until it warms up, then it’s fine. When it get’s inspected at my inde shop I ‘m going to have them tune the carbs and it should be worked out after that.

Yea other oppos are saying that I don’t have to do anything about the mirror if the car didn’t come with it originally.

Tripper > CaptDale - is secretly British 01/04/2019 at 14:09

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Thank you! And yes, it’s all worth it now.

AuthiCooper1300 > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:10

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That colour is fabulous. Congratulations!

Probably it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to fit a passenger mirror anyway - people on the road don’t respect older cars, and in the US yours must feel tiny.

You should contact s o m e v e n d o r in an RHD market t o f i n d a m a t c h i n g o n e . T r y Jaymic in the UK.

I n c i d e n t a l l y , t h a t m i r r o r h o u s i n g w a s also u s e d i n t h e f i r st E 2 1 s . I d u n n o w h e t h er t h e p e d e s t a l i s a l s o t h e s a m e , h o w e v e r .

RallyWrench > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:15

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So rad!!!! I was wondering yesterday how the process was going, congratulations! Stoked it’s finally in your hands and that  you’ll have some tinker time. Does your state inspection require a passenger mirror even if the car wasn’t built with one? I mean, my ‘96 Nissan pickup doesn’t have one from the factory. We don’t have such inspections, but I’d be surprised if they made you do that. Enjoy!

Chuckles > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:16

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Congrats! If I’m lucky, maybe I'll see you driving somewhere around PA with a huge grin on your face.

Sovande > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:17

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Ah, gotcha.

Tripper > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer 01/04/2019 at 14:18

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Thank you!

Tripper > TysMagic 01/04/2019 at 14:18

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Me too!

Tripper > WilliamsSW 01/04/2019 at 14:20

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Charging could be an issue. The only jumper cables I had access to were a super cheap pair that melted as soon as I tried to start the 02. Probably just shitty 12ga cables, but could be something else. Yea I’m not sure about the gas smell, this is my first car with a carburetor , but it seems excessive.

functionoverfashion > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:28

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Congratulations!!

I can’t wait to see more.

Definitely check out the gas smell, I’ve had various carbureted vehicles, boats, etc. and if you’re smelling raw gas, something ’s not quite right. When I first got my truck it was puking gas from the fuel bowl gasket on the carb - nowhere else . A quick r&r with a fresh gasket and it’s been fine since.

But man, that thing looks amazing and I can’t wait to see more of it. Enjoy!!

JeepJeremy > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:29

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Post more pics ASAP! That is an awesome car!!!!

SnowShark > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:32

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Well done! I’ve been waiting two months already for a custom couch from Seattle :(

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:32

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Yay! Time for some ABBA!!!

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:37

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Sounds like you are off to a good start of 1502 ownership.

Cé hé sin > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 14:41

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Had you the choke out? Carburetted engines are horribly rich when cold and  you could easily get a smell.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > facw 01/04/2019 at 14:54

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same with t he base model Civic up to 95!

facw > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2019 at 14:56

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Toyota sold that Tercel up until ‘99, though I don’t know if they made the passenger mirror standard at some point during that time.

Svend > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 15:24

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Congratulations. Great to hear she made her way safely and finally in the end. 

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 15:58

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Sweet!

For mirrors, you might take a look at some stuff from the racecar world. You can probably find something small, sturdy and easy to mount that will aesthetically work well with the car.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/advcat.asp?CategoryID=MIRRORS

Tripper > Chuckles 01/04/2019 at 15:59

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I’m outside of Philadelphia on the main line. I’ll be driving it daily unless the weather is really bad!

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:00

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WOOOOOO!!!

Tripper > functionoverfashion 01/04/2019 at 16:02

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Thank you and good tip! I noticed a spot of what I guessed was oil on the driveway and just figured “old bmw” but now that you mention it the carb filters seemed a little damp and that is definitely the area where the smell is coming from. I could smell it a little even this morning when I poked my head in to snap that picture

Tripper > JeepJeremy 01/04/2019 at 16:03

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It’s dirty from transport. Hoping to get it cleaned up and take some pics this weekend!

Tripper > Cé hé sin 01/04/2019 at 16:05

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The manual choke isn’t hooked up. The previous owner changed over to an electric fuel pump after adding the twin Webers. That could definitely be it it was really cold last night

Tripper > Svend 01/04/2019 at 16:06

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Thank you!

Chuckles > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:08

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Nice. Until the age of 7 I lived in Ardmore, but now I’m up north in Allentown. I still have family i n that area though so I'll be on the lookout.

Tripper > Chuckles 01/04/2019 at 16:09

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Oh cool, I go up to trexler to ride my mountain bike but I’ll be in the Ranger if I’m doing that haha

Chuckles > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:12

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I think a bike rack on that BMW wouldn't look too bad.

Cé hé sin > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:12

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So it has an automatic choke? Or are you depending on pumping the pedal a few times? You’ll get the same horribly rich mixture for a bit and a smelly exhaust.

If the smell of fuel doesn’t go away fairly quickly you can start worrying!

Tripper > Chuckles 01/04/2019 at 16:20

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Yea I’m considering it. It’s more the roads to get to Trexler, this car is Loooooow. 

Tripper > Cé hé sin 01/04/2019 at 16:22

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Pumping that pedal! What’s fairly quickly? The battery is dead so we had to crank the piss out of it to get it to start the first time. Then I took it on two short laps around the neighborhood about a mile, and it was still stinking pretty bad. After that I put it in the drive way, let it sit for about an hour and tried to start it a bunch more times to no avail (dead battery).

Chuckles > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:24

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Are you talking about the Trexler Game Preserve? If so, yeah. Not to mention one of the roads involves fording a creek.

Cé hé sin > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 16:30

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That long doesn’t sound good, no.

Tripper > Chuckles 01/04/2019 at 16:32

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Yep. Haha

Tripper > Cé hé sin 01/04/2019 at 16:36

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hmm well I’m convinced now more than ever that it was fuel and not oil I spotted on the driveway last night. I’ll have a look when I get home and get it started tonight.

shop-teacher > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 18:04

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Fantastic :)

MM54 > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 19:19

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You’ll be fine without the passenger’s mirror since it clearly never had one (used to live in PA, have a car without passenger mirror that regularly passed inspection).

Trunk Impaired 318 > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 19:51

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Awesome!

Passenger sidev iew mirror shouldn’t be an issue. Dad’s 1602 never had one, still doesn’t and hasn’t had any issues getting inspected in NY for the past 33 years . I highly doubt PA is going to give you any trouble especially since it never came with one.

functionoverfashion > Tripper 01/04/2019 at 20:53

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Yup, you get used to smells like that, but only in the sense that “oh that’s just some oil burning” vs. “ooh that’s raw gas, gotta find the source... “Is that a normal smell?”

I mean, I am sure your time with this car will be a good bit different than my experiences with old trucks, but still. You get to be aware of different kinds of things than with modern cars. 

Tripper > functionoverfashion 01/04/2019 at 21:34

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I just drove it around some more which was amazing. I’m a bachelor for the weekend and what perfect timing because all I want to do is dick around with this car.

I wouldn’t call the smell, raw gas. it’s more like I smell like I have been using the leaf blower all day after I get out of it, haha.

In any case, as soon as I get the tag I’m taking it to my inde shop to inspect and give it a quick once over. I’m sure they’ll tell me if there is a problem.

also I had a look at what is dripping in the driveway...its not slippery or slimy like oil and it dosent smell like anything...it has to be something though because the spot that was there last night is still there ... I’m stumped at the moment

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Tripper 01/06/2019 at 08:01

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So happy it’s made it and all is (mostly) well! :D

Looking forward to seeing more about this green beast in the coming months! :P

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 01/07/2019 at 09:04

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I think this is a the beginning of a beautiful friendship.