New member to the family

[mach1mustang351]

Well guys I kind of went the other direction.  I had my thread where i was testing the waters on selling my big wagon and I went and got this today.... well I have a title and gave him money.  Still working on a transportation plan. 

Sigh... I guess I cant help myself

[Prafeston]

Looks a little rough, but it's a sport with the spoiler and a sunroof. Not a bad start. Hope you picked it up cheap! No engine? Looks like someone just left all the vacuum lines! Usually we like to go the other route and leave the engine and remove the vac lines!

[rollguy]

It's even got the bumper corners!   They are probably worth more than the rest of the car!

[mach1mustang351]

I got it pretty cheap.  It needs and engine but it is all there.  The pics look rough but I strategically spit on a couple pannels to see what paint looked like under the dirt, grime etc, and it actually came back pretty darn well.  Maybe ll the sitting and dirt actually worked to mummify the paint and perserve it.  I regret buying it because I have so little time but after seeing it I couldn't help myself.  I'm hoping to make this one a driver and REALLY hoping I dont get crazy again and try and lift it.  I've always wanted a 2 door.   

[eagleman]

It may be a little rough but with a little elbow grease you may be really surprised. I personally don't think it looks to bad. Good for you.

[mach1mustang351]

It may be a little rough but with a little elbow grease you may be really surprised. I personally don't think it looks to bad. Good for you.

I appreciate the support.  I looked at it a little closer on Friday once the tow company brought it to my home.  I cleaned the top of one of the fenders and the paint came back pretty well.  I also found some rot in the rockers I didn't see when I checked it out.  I wasn't able to crawl under it, I used the reach under and feel method.  I'm sure I would have bought it anyway.  I guess i get to use my fab skills later on.  I was reading through priya's thread for inspiration.  I think I will have to rely on my plastic covers to save the cosmetics of the repair  

I have $300 into it and I already had someone mention the bumper corners as  being valuable.  I have a ways to go before I mad a bad decision.

[Baskinator]

Hey, are those stock Marchal fog lights? If so, they're worth around $200 or so without the covers and in good shape. I'd love a pair for my own SX/4. Looks like it came with the full sport deal, so I'm assuming it probably has the gauge package too. If all else fails, every one of those sport options is worth something to someone on here.

Priya's repairs are excellent, but don't be fooled. She had free access to some very expensive, large equipment, as well as a mechanic for a husband, so professional work is to be expected. That being said, I'm sure she also put in MANY hours over the several year project, and her welding skills are definitely above average.

I love those SX/4s, that looks like a sweet start to an even sweeter project.

However, I suggest you inspect the underbody thoroughly. Rockers could be the least of your problems. Ask me how I know

[vangremlin]

Just found this thread.  That car looks pretty sweeeeeet to me.  Should be a fun project for you, have an egg for rescuing it.

[priya]

Priya's repairs are excellent, but don't be fooled. She had free access to some very expensive, large equipment, as well as a mechanic for a husband, so professional work is to be expected. That being said, I'm sure she also put in MANY hours over the several year project, and her welding skills are definitely above average.

Thanks Baskinator.  Having the proper equipment was key.  I conservatively estimate 1500 hours in the project, but that included interior and mechanical as well.  I don't think the welding is really that difficult to pick up, its necessary to have a good mig welder and an auto darkening helmet is a huge help.  I also found it to be a big help to have a trouble light aimed at the area to be welded so you can see clearly where you want to start the weld before you begin.  I struggled for years with a bargain basement mig before realizing it wasn't me that was the problem, but the mig.  Once I got the properly performing mig I almost immediately started producing acceptable welds.  I think if a beginner  gets a good mig and advice from an experienced welder and a chance to observe him/her doing sheet metal welding (or even reads an instruction book on how to weld sheet metal) with a couple of  hours practice doing lap and butt welds on scrap sheet metal one can be ready to do their own sheet metal replacement on their project car.   

[mach1mustang351]

Hey, are those stock Marchal fog lights? If so, they're worth around $200 or so without the covers and in good shape. I'd love a pair for my own SX/4. Looks like it came with the full sport deal, so I'm assuming it probably has the gauge package too. If all else fails, every one of those sport options is worth something to someone on here.

Priya's repairs are excellent, but don't be fooled. She had free access to some very expensive, large equipment, as well as a mechanic for a husband, so professional work is to be expected. That being said, I'm sure she also put in MANY hours over the several year project, and her welding skills are definitely above average.

I love those SX/4s, that looks like a sweet start to an even sweeter project.

However, I suggest you inspect the underbody thoroughly. Rockers could be the least of your problems. Ask me how I know

I was shocked at how complete it was for the price.  The interior is intact and all the "sport" stuff is there.  Gauges and all.  I have even had an offer on it already. 

Thanks for the support team.  I have experience welding and fabricating along with auto body experience but, like Priya said, there is a major time investment in fixing those kinds of issues properly....and unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I like to do things right in one shot.  I have a senior project to finish this month so I wont be doign much car work but maybe next month we get a build thread. 

 

[Baskinator]

Let's just say that when I finally reveal my weld work on here, everyone will have a renewed appreciation for priya's repairs lol 

And mine did not go quick (or easy) either, despite somewhat of a rush. Have fun with it!

[rohnk]

Just posting to follow this thread. I've saved an SX4 recently as well so we all need to stick together. If you need parts at some point, hit me up. I have lots of interior stuff. We can probably work out trades.

[mach1mustang351]

Some one help me!!!! I just found a CL ad up her in AK for 5 wagons..... someone be the voice of reason here and help me to not make a bad choice.

[rollguy]

Some one help me!!!! I just found a CL ad up her in AK for 5 wagons..... someone be the voice of reason here and help me to not make a bad choice.

Sounds like the northern most sanctuary in the making!

[Prafeston]

Depends on the price and how much spare cash you have to assess whether it is a bad idea or not!