I looked at the first of the two possibilities this weekend. It was an '81 SX/4 with the sport package. The current owner has fixed multiple rust spots on the body, but the driver's side front quarter panel probably just needs to be replaced (see picture below). I couldn't find any obvious rust on the frame, but the extensive history of body rust concerns me a bit. The engine sounded great though and only has 25,000 miles on a rebuild. I didn't get a chance to drive it because it's on blocks while the owner was doing the body work.
It seems like a decent car, but I have a couple questions. First, what are the odds are that there is undiscovered structural rust given that there was/is so much body rust? Also, am I likely to find a replacement quarter panel?
I'm looking at an '83 SX/4 this coming Sunday, the ad didn't mention whether it was a sport or not and it didn't have the fog lights so I'm guessing not. I talked to the owner and he said it needs a front CV joint replaced and has a spot of rust on the tail gate but it otherwise in great shape. He also mentioned that he replaced the electronically controlled carburetor with an older version that was more reliable and not electronic. I didn't know there were electronically controlled carburetors, but is that something that's commonly done, or is likely to mess anything up?
I had trouble finding any available SX/4s and I'm planning to do a decent amount of work, whether that ends up being maintenance or upgrades, so I don't mind a worn car I'm just trying to make sure I don't get one that is unsaveable. I appreciate any advice or thoughts.
Topic: New SX/4 owner (hopefully) (Read 2980 times)