Hi, my name is Joe and I'm addicted to my Eclipse.

Over a year ago now I bought a 95 Eclipse GS for $400.
I really haven't had a job or situation where I've been able to work on it heavily until recently.
It's got a ton of under body rust, the engine bay is full of oil and dirt, and the carpets are dirty as hell...but man do I love this car.

I feel that the engine doesn't run as well as it should, but it's got 150k on it and I know for a fact the idiot before me did not take very good care of her.

So far I've changed oils, fluids, a couple gaskets, spark plugs, and cleaned it all up, except for the engine bay.
I work about 10 blocks from my house so soon, I think I'll finally pull my engine and clean it up completely.
My goal is to rebuild the engine nearly entirely. I've found most of my timing replacement parts for around $200.
I have a gasket kit with most of what I need. Fuel filter and exhaust are next.

Other than the engine needing a rebuild, the worst part about the car is the body rust.
The hood, front bumper, and driver side front fender are all beyond repair.
The car originally came with rocker panels I believe, because it has the clip holes all over the bottom edge of the body. I never saw the rocker panels when I bought the car, and new ones are very expensive.
Honestly though, I would much rather not have rocker panels and stick with the RS style body.
Obviously I need to fill the holes and bondo it up before paint, but there is one major issue that I need a bit of help with.







Now obviously you see what I mean by the idiot who owned it before me.
The body behind the rocker panels is destroyed. I've found a guy who says his scrap yard has both rear panels I need, plus a front fender, all shipped for 350. Now here's the real question...can I even replace the rear panels because it appears to me that it's welded directly to the rest of the body. I really only need to replace the bottom area behind where the rocker panels would be...it sounds like I'd be doing a lot of cutting and welding to make it work...unless someone has good news for me? =)

My step dad tells me the car isn't worth putting any money into, but I look at it this way...I paid $400 for the whole thing, put about $300 into it so far, and willing to spend about $1000 - $2000 to make it what I want. I think $2500 for a near mint, rebuilt Eclipse GS, looking and sounding exactly like I want... is a pretty good deal.

Please let me know about the panels and if my 2 grand budget is feasible for a total rebuild.

Thank you!

ZOM said:

My step dad tells me the car isn't worth putting any money into

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I hate to be "that guy" but I'm going to have to agree with your step dad on this...judging by your lengthy thread, I'm going to assume you're actually serious and not trolling everyone. Sell that junk for (hopefully) a profit and put that money toward a 4g63. Sometimes the truth hurts...but you'll thank yourself later.

Don't worry, you won't be the only one I'm sure. Maybe rebuilding the engine isn't necessary but I probably will repaint it and fix the obvious issues. Nobody's going to buy it looking like this...I bought it because my previous car was totally dead and I needed to get to work the next day.

Any ideas on a quick fix for the rear fenders?

My .02...

Keep looking and haul that one across the scales, or sell it to recoup your money.

I've had a couple dsms. Save yourself the time and money. Even you said your willing to spend 2500 on it when you can get a clean complete car with that money.

well it's going to take me a year to save up that much but I do agree, a 4g63 car with a stick sure would be nice

and plus, I'm still pretty new to working on cars, especially body work and paint. This gives me plenty of learning opportunity to prepare for a real DSM.

30 years of wrenching tells me you should sell that car. Ive been where you are. Dont do it.

Well, I do plan on getting a GSX at some point, but for now, my GS is coming along nicely so far.

Spend the money on a 4g63.

I'm not gonna get a 4g63 for 200 bucks, and this is my daily driver. I'm definitely not going to be driving in a shitty looking car. I don't make nearly enough money to save quickly enough to get a five grand car. Ultimately, the nicer my GS is, the more money I could sell it for, not to mention plenty of experience working on these kinds of things.

depending on where you work (been on the low end before) it may take you a while to get to a dream car.

this one definitely isnt work sinking a bunch of money into, but if you can (cost effectively) get it running better and looking better, then flip it for some cash, do it.

i see huge cancer holes in it, and that to me, unless you do body work like mad man, is grounds for junking it. i understand you need to get to work, but i drive an 89 sentra to work, 1 hour one way, while cars are being worked on. its ugly, cost me 500 bux, and gets 40 mpg...and i dont give a fark.

throwing money down a sinkhole will not get you anywhere, take if from experience. drive it while you can, with as little input as possible, and save some cash for a worthwhile project.

good luck!