Bugdewde's '73 Vega

[peterpan]

go with the standard it will be more fun to drive

[djv8ga]

Don't the automatic cars have lower gears?

[bugdewde]

Don't the automatic cars have lower gears?

Seller said his dad swapped in a different gear or rear for fuel mileage. We didn't know what it was........

[v6buick]

That's well worth the money.

Ben

[peterpan]

i ment the tranny i think standards are more fun


i found the valance peice but it the passenger side

[djv8ga]

Don't the automatic cars have lower gears?

Seller said his dad swapped in a different gear or rear for fuel mileage. We didn't know what it was........

I see.

[T-FATTY]

Worth every penny!

[Yenkoboy]

Don't even think you paid to much, How often do you see a no rust solid color 71-3 Vega complete at any Price. Geat buy!


Mark

[bugdewde]

Got the Vega running!!!!!!
I hooked a battery to it via jumper cables because I didn't have a side post battery.
Checked the electrics a bit and tried to start it. Cranked but no start.
Listened for fuel pump in tank.... nothing.
Hooked up an in-line fuel pump from my old '72...... got fuel to the carb in spurts only.... wouldn't fill the carb (no fuel pumped by the accelerator pump.).
Added about a gallon of fuel to the tank and the in-line pump worked.......
Started engine and let it run..... but wouldn't idle(old gas maybe).
Raised the idle and let it run for a while to burn off the oil etc that had accumulated on the exhuast.
No exhaust smoke but the engine bay sure did......
Got to temperature and then I unhooked the in-line fuel pump...... it seems to run on the in-tank pump now..... not sure. May just be drawing via the carb's vacuum.
Is it possible this thing was only very low on fuel????????
More later.

By the way........... the glass pack sounds cool!!!!!!!!!

[HotfootGT]

Told ya you would have it running by Christmas. Congrats!

[bugdewde]

Went for a test drive tonight. Put about 25 miles on it before hitting the interstate for some 60-70 mph speeds.

First off..... the trans is a power glide. 2 speeds..... YUCK! Hate it. Eventually, I took 1st gear to 4500 rpm and the shift to drive dropped to around 2700. Can you say a DOG.

Secondly, it won't idle when in gear or coming to a stop.... like the torque converter is locked up. Annoying.

Thirdly, I haven't determined the rear gear yet. 70 mph gets about 3300 rpm.

Fourth...... The engine runs pretty good. Has a rough idle but there is no real bad noises coming from the engine compartment. Some new plugs and wires and maybe a cap and rotor (H.E.I. distributor) are on the next list of things to do.

Clock works.... as well as the cigarette lighter.... The dome light works when you open the passenger side door but not with the switch or the driver's door.
The 8-track player seems to not be hooked up.... but there are speakers under the dash... as well as in the dash and the rear.

[vegafrog]

That is just too cool, so we going to take them up to Somerset this Spring?

[djv8ga]

Can't believe the clock works. Some people have all the luck.

[bugdewde]

That is just too cool, so we going to take them up to Somerset this Spring?

Yes..... and Cleveland..... and Chattanooga.... and just about everywhere I can. I really miss having a driveable Vega. I just drove it 40 miles to Knoxville and back tonight. Love this car...... not the power glide so much.... but I love the car.

[bugdewde]

List of threads specific to the '73 Vega.............

Swapping out the 2-speed automatic in favor of the Borg Warner T-50 5-speed: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=22715
Video ---5-speed test drive: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=23133
Spare 140 sleeved long block: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23356
'73 Astre grille installed on Vega: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=22954
Blown head gasket: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=24291
Video--- Rebuilt head test drive: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=24510
2300 Q&A: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=22105
Leaking oil pressure sender: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26347
Paint detailing: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=25746
Seized water pump: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=28570