I am thinking about buying an '85 GSL-SE. I drove the car and looked it over. The interior looks amazing. I have seen cars only a few years old with more wear. I notice that when turning the wheek, its whines quite a bit approaching, and at full lock. Is it right to say that the steering pump is about done? When in gear, there is a noise coming from the transmission. When i depress the clutch, the noise goes away? Is this a clutch issue. The last question has to do with the bumper covers. Are they suppose to have some play to them? I notice that they do move around some and also can be pulled a little from the car.
Thanks

 

PS reservoir may just need topped off, otherwise a rebuilt pump is over 100 from Black Dragon. If you buy the car, change the manual tranny fluid to 50% gear lube and 50% ATF. As far as the bumper covers, check the plastic rivets.

 

No and FB/SE expert but I've certainly heard steering box motors make some racket when cranked hard, so does that doom the box???? others here my know for sure, but any good autoshop or better yet a front-end shop locally can judge this better by actually looking at it - always a good idea anyway to get basics examined by a good mech.

Tranny noise sounds like a noisy clutch throw-out bearing. $20 part that you can likely continue to live with if the noise doesn't drive you insane. Does not affect tranny or its condition - unless it completely fails. Only option is replacement = tranny-out.

Bumper flex? well they ARE plastic and they are designed to flex some in an accident. Leave it to FB owners here to address. My SA has steel bumpers...

'luck with the purchase - sounds like it might be a nice RX
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Go back and bring some hand tools with you. Remove the storage bins and check underneath near the fender seams for rust. These cars are prone to rust there. I thought my car was in great shape too until I removed the bins and saw how bad it was. If it's really bad then I would suggest a prompt trip to a body shop to have the metal replaced, or walk away. That section is attached to the rear upper control arm and it can be ripped apart if it's weak enough.

The bumper covers should be able to flex a little bit, but for them to be able to move around is not normal. They should be firmly attached, and it sounds like they might just have some double sided tape holding them on.

 

go for it .........sounds like a nicwe car