ZOM
Probationary Member
- 7
- 0
- Jun 14, 2014
-
Corn Field,
Iowa
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!
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.
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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!