PizzaBaby

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I know this is like 7 years old at this point, but having this resource with a similarly weighted bike to my newest acquisition is amazing! My previous owner replaced the bumper with a 4x4 wooden post, so I was going to be looking at a bumper remodel with my rebuild, but this resource is amazing as I want to be able to bring my new bike as my companion. (Besides my dog that is!) so thank you again for this, will be stashing it for future use.

So in Early June I bought an 85 Dolphin, did the research on the axles, and decided to go for it on this $3,000 buy. Figuring I would have some damage to repair, I truly did not realize that the entire house was rotten. My mechanic gave me a decent tune up, and it seemed to be doing fine, until I really started to get into the remodel. I completely took the thing apart. I think the only original pieces will be the seats, the dash, and some wrought iron from the decoration. With the demolition work that was happening, I occasionally turned over the engine to hear that beautiful 22re purr. Eventually I had to start charging the car with my turbo engine if I wanted it to start. and that's when I started to notice the engine fixes that my mechanic missed, and I am now questioning. On top of doing a complete house rebuild from the chassis up, I think I need a new alternator (starter is new), I'm going to need to update my leaf springs (shocks are new from prev owner), I'm going to need to replace the fuel sending unit (gas gauge doesn't work), and the exhaust doesn't pass smog, and I didn't realize that the previous owner had been using a fluid to fudge the results, but there are obvious holes in the exhaust system I did not see when I purchased. I guess I really just came in here for some help, or encouragement. I won't be able to start work on it again until March, and its had me thinking is it worth it? do I attempt to see just the stripped machine to someone for some money to recoup my losses, allowing myself to have the space for another project, that isn't in as deep of water, or do I carry on? for those of you still active, What would you do? would you rebuild your entire rig, or just get another one? one with more horsepower, weight capabilities etc? I liked the idea of the 85 22re because I knew it would be a rig I could learn mechanics on, really take my life into my own hands, get dirty, and learn. I've always wanted to learn, and newer machines are too complicated at 22re's really have the books & forums to set you up for some great DIY. I just think the more I rest on not moving forward, the bigger the project seems, and I'm beginning to feel overwhelm and question if it really is worth it. I'm probably looking at $6000 to get the engine and chassis up to the snuff I want it at (with paid labor), and not to mention the $10,000 I had allotted myself to have a really nice build. Any advice / thoughts for a pal that just saw stars & a fun project?

So I've been scouring the internet, this forum, and so many others looking for images of what a stock 1985 22re engine bay looks like! I just can't Find ANYTHING that helps me. On top of not being able to diagnose why my motor decided to just stop starting. It isn't the battery, that hovers between 12.4-13.5 amps on my meter, the starter is brand spanking new, and idk, guess it could be the alternator?? It turns on all the lights, things like that, it starts when I jump it, but even after letting it idle in my drive for 15 min or so, she still doesn't start after I shut it off. IM BUMMED My alternator is pretty disgusting looking, as there is evidence from the previous owners mismanagment of an oil leak. so I'm hoping it's not the cause of the failure. It was running just fine until I parked it, and took the whole house apart. (didn't expect that, it just had to happen once I realized the level of rot I had gotten myself into). ALL IN ALL, I'm just looking for some folks to maybe share what their engine bay's look like from 1985 that haven't been all modified to heck like the internet likes to show me. The Hayes Manual isn't really helpful, and I'm waiting for my chilton to come in the mail. DETAIL ON STARTING ISSUE: All lights come on, but not A/C or Heater... I don't have a stereo so I can't do the AM radio check. Once I go to turn it over I hear a single click and a high pitched sound for the length of my cranking on the ignition. When I Jump it with my cute lil turbo engine soul, it kicks right up all the blowers work, there isn't any weird squealing sound.

I know this post in 2 years old, But STILL, great looking cab! I'm curious because I have this issue in mine: Did you have nasty tacky glue under that delicious shag carpet? mine is from 85 and has gnarly glue that I'm just not in the mood to really try stupid hard to scrape out, I'm wondering if you managed to find an easy way to accomplish this removal, or if your carpet was just screwed into the body without glue. Because mine had BOTH! I also have a dolphin, not a sunraider, so that could also make a difference.