I've got a decision to make. Just bought a '84 non running Westy for $750
Ca. Guy has replaced gas tank rad clutch brakes bearings, cooling hoses, CV
joints and did a bunch of body work (rust at the side service fittings)
welded in new metal.

Engine is out of a California '86.
He spent his summer holidays doing all this work and when the engine
wouldn't work right he just walked away from it.

The engine hasn't been run in months and it smoked white like crazy when I
got it running, and I might be wrong but heard a not-very-loud knock that
made me wonder main bearings (Didn't sound like con rod). But then, I don't
know what these things are supposed to sound like.

It has some kind of big secondary heater underneath it - what is that?

Don't remember seeing a propane tank.

Seats upgraded to nice cloth captain's chairs.

The dirty side is pretty corroded - you can tell this came from upcountry
and the land of salt. Body is clean and straight although it needs paint.

Dash is rough and carpets - phooey. Poptop great.

My dilemma now is whether to gut this beast or fix it up. I still have my
'80 Riviera which is in fabulous condition, but I don't like the conversion
-cabinets too small, very basic interior, fixed vinyl seats, no tables and
more cramped. I could swap the whole interior of this Westy into my AC and
be happy, although I wouldn't have the 50% increase in Hp. Certainly it
would be a much cleaner, lower mileage vehicle. Or I could pull up my
sleeves and fix up the Westy and sell the Riviera.

I have a prejudice against rust, even if it's all under the car, but we just
want a rig to travel across the continent for a year, after that it can fall
apart.

Comments, suggestions?