Hi everyone, just had an offer to buy an 85 rangie. Not knowing anything about them Iam asking here for help and your honest opinion of this model. What size v8 motor? what problems mechanical and electrical and body wise. Slight rust on rear window frame and bottom of right door pillar (between front and rear door on right side) Price is $1500 as is no rego. Reckon a reasonable buy for some town work and beach work. many thanks for your advice. Bob H















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Bob H

The 1985 is:

• 3.5 litre V8 petrol
• carburettor engine
• 5 speed LT77 manual or 3 speed Tf727 automatic
• no quarter windows on the front doors
• later instrument binnacle (speedo + tacho)
• seat belts out of "B" pillar (not part of seat)
• reclining seats
• first of HiLine models (grey trim) also base model manual windows etc (camel colour trim)
• Later style hubs, accept the alloys from all models up to Disco II/p38a.
• Non-ventilated disc brakes.

Won't say anything about price. regarding the rust. You can replace the whole side ladder panel in about a weekends work. Most of the tailgates of that model will have rust in the upper tailgate. There is a replacement made in aluminium,previously Maxidrive soon to be MR automotive made.

Diana

__________________

Why procrastinate today?
When I can put it off until tomorrow!
REMLR-240
2 X 80"
3 X SIIB
3 X RRc
& SIII FFR 30-146
No. 5 Trailer ?ARN

I sold an '85 hi-line about 7 years ago for about $2000...There are so many around now. Also, twin stromberg carbs or the dodgy holley conversion - no thanks.

Thanks Diana, seems to be the base model as it has manual windows. Also twin carbs, look like SUs. Your opinion re a reasonable buy or not? Bob H

Depends on the general condition of the rest of the car, 85 was a good year if its been maintained, 3spd TF727 auto although a bit sluggish is bulletproof LT77 5 Spd manual if it hasnt been replaced will probably be close to worn out. $1500 is not a lot for a whole lot of car but you have to weigh up the cost to get it registered and any repairs required. Check the sills and front floor pans as these rust out if its had a leaking heater core or had beach use.
Advise your location so forum members can offer some localised support.

good luck.

Hi Lonerangie, Im in the Redcliffe area of Brisbane. Sills and floor area seem to be reasonable for its age. Will check more later when I go to see the vechile for myself. V8 may be thirsty though. Many thanks, Bob H

I like the '85 - I have 2 myself, am planning to keep my modified now 4.6efi Hiline daily driver for as long as I can and restoring the other Hiline as a standard unit, possibly swapping the 727 for an LT77 but no decision on that.

They are somewhat underpowered and having one on LPG is an option to seriously consider.

Jim Pearl is on Russell Island and another RRc enthusiast there are lots up SEQ. As others have said be careful with vehicles that have had a lot of beach work the chassis may have gone.

Diana

__________________

Why procrastinate today?
When I can put it off until tomorrow!
REMLR-240
2 X 80"
3 X SIIB
3 X RRc
& SIII FFR 30-146
No. 5 Trailer ?ARN