Finally

[mriz]

My friend who has a 1978 ,parked for 7yrs and a rolled over 1977 for 12 years. He always had dreams of restoring the 78 and using the 77 for some parts. Well today he told me I can strip the 77 complete to use for my 77. The dash is not cracked even when exposed to the weather for that long. I plan to fight the mice for the wiring harness (unmolested) to copy it and replace my bomb squad special harness.I will catalogue and keep most of the parts .The body is beyond salvage ,sunk up to the doors in the backyard.What shape do you think engine and driveline would be in after all those years???

[Bambikiller240]

Condensation could have left enough moisture in the cylinders to promote a fair amount of rust on the cylinder walls. Trans would probably be less affected by this since at least part of the gears and bearings are soaking in gear oil.

Now that you have the parts from the 77, what is your friend going to do with the 78? Any chance you could pry it away from him too? More parts, some for eBay, some for yourself. Could be a profitable deal.

[mriz]

He still has hopes of buying a 78 in good condition so it may take another 5 years or so to get that one. Any parts I just don't use I'll keep around in case anyone (club member)needs the odd bracket/bolt or whatever . It will take awhile to strip and sort through it all and see what I need and can store. Trying to sell the wife on the engine block coffee table and 5spd nightstand with matching strut tower lamps idea !