1996 eclipse gst convertible...is it worth it?

[John Miller]

Hello fellow dsm fans!

I am currently considering picking up an other dsm 1. because I need more parts for my car and 2. it is cheap. The car at question is a 150k 1996 eclipse gs-t spyder auto trans. The body is relatively rust free, but it has a rattle can paint job and looks awful. The convertible top is ripped, but not beyond some stiching to fix. The engine underwent a "complete service" 3 years ago or 40k miles ago. Motor is stock minus some cheap airfilter. It runs and drives well, but the gasket around the water pump is leaking pretty bad, but other then that it is a running and driving dsm. He says he is willing to sell it for 700 which I think is reasonable. I'm thinking to use the turbo/intercooler for my current dsm project (1997 eclipse gst), but when I have the funds, then rebuild the convertible to something cool. Do you guys think this is worth it or should I pass?

 

[motomattx]

Its easily worth that.

 

[John Miller]

Its easily worth that.

That's what I was thinking

 

[ThunderChild]

Indeed, I'd buy it

 

[DevineAstral]

As a spyder owner, I would highly recommend them. Food for thought, though, you may be able to replace the canvas top on them, but the convertible hardware is hard to come by.! Unlike the interior of the hatchbacks, rear seats and panels are hard to source, and if it’s anything like the top on mine.(my #2 bow has a broken bracket that I’ll most likely have to get custom made.) you will be strapped for parts for the roof. But considering the price isn’t that bad and that Atleast MOST of any year eclipse parts are usable I would do it.

 

[Evolving_sti]

As a spyder owner, I would highly recommend them. Food for thought, though, you may be able to replace the canvas top on them, but the convertible hardware is hard to come by.! Unlike the interior of the hatchbacks, rear seats and panels are hard to source, and if it’s anything like the top on mine.(my #2 bow has a broken bracket that I’ll most likely have to get custom made.) you will be strapped for parts for the roof. But considering the price isn’t that bad and that Atleast MOST of any year eclipse parts are usable I would do it.

When I bought my spyder, both sides snapped on me. I bought these and have been problem free since.
http://www.topsdown.com/1996-1999-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Spyder-convertible-frame-repair-kit-p1098.html

 

[spyderdrifter]

A running, driving, turbo DSM for only $700, and mainly has just cosmetic and convenience issues, take that deal all day....

 

[Widgmaster]

Sounds like a very good buy. Is there any way you could post a pick of this top you say can be repaired with a little stitching ... Obviously your talking about hand stitching . The top would have to come off the frame to sew it on a sewing machine.

 

[midwestmopar]

so if you buy it I'd be interested in the engine if you aren't planning on using it! youre not too far from me, id make that road trip haha

 

[John Miller]

Sounds like a very good buy. Is there any way you could post a pick of this top you say can be repaired with a little stitching ... Obviously your talking about hand stitching . The top would have to come off the frame to sew it on a sewing machine.

The add doesn't really have any clear pictures of it, but I'll go take a look at it in the next few days and then post some better pics.

 

[John Miller]

so if you buy it I'd be interested in the engine if you aren't planning on using it! youre not too far from me, id make that road trip haha

I'll have to see if I want to sell the motor. I'm looking for a daily driver and now that it is almost summer time, I might just end up repainting the car and make it look nice.

 

[John Miller]

As a spyder owner, I would highly recommend them. Food for thought, though, you may be able to replace the canvas top on them, but the convertible hardware is hard to come by.! Unlike the interior of the hatchbacks, rear seats and panels are hard to source, and if it’s anything like the top on mine.(my #2 bow has a broken bracket that I’ll most likely have to get custom made.) you will be strapped for parts for the roof. But considering the price isn’t that bad and that Atleast MOST of any year eclipse parts are usable I would do it.

I was a bit concerned about finding parts for a spyder, but I agree that for 700 it would be a good buy. I'm thinking possibly making a custom roll bar/cage and then maybe buy a generic convertible soft top fabric and make like a hard top/ soft top? Idk

 

[Evolving_sti]

Carbonetics is getting ready to make hardtops for the spyder shortly. But that's prolly waaaays out.

 

[John Miller]

Carbonetics is getting ready to make hardtops for the spyder shortly. But that's prolly waaaays out.

Not to mention expensive......

 

[KDittoe]

I paid $800 for my 98 GS-T Spyder, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I replaced the top myself with a new one, it only took me about 10 hours total and it looks great. If it has a bad paint job you can always dip the car for a few hundred dollars.

 

[John Miller]

I paid $800 for my 98 GS-T Spyder, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I replaced the top myself with a new one, it only took me about 10 hours total and it looks great. If it has a bad paint job you can always dip the car for a few hundred dollars.

I'm a little skeptical with plastidipping, but I guess it wouldn't be that bad.

 

[DevineAstral]

When I bought my spyder, both sides snapped on me. I bought these and have been problem free since.
http://www.topsdown.com/1996-1999-Mitsubishi-Eclipse-Spyder-convertible-frame-repair-kit-p1098.html

Bro, I’ve been looking for a year to find this part. you’re a friggin life saver dude.!!

 

[DevineAstral]

I'm a little skeptical with plastidipping, but I guess it wouldn't be that bad.

Plastidip isn’t all that bad and actually can hold up. Now yes, it may appear to be “textured” and can somewhat be a pain to remove, but it’s a decent alternative to rough looking paint and you can be creative about it with different colors and such. I sprayed my 96’s side skirts and door caps 3-4 years ago and it’s still holding strong.(though faded compared to when I first put it on.)

 

[DevineAstral]

Not to mention expensive......

There’s a price to pay to be unique, especially for a new one of a kind item but I can’t see it being more than a grand for the fiberglass version and people spend that much on hoods or wheels alone. Lol.

 

[Bud92gsx]

For that kind of money I'd buy it too. Even if its broken and u use it for parts. You could still part ot out n get your money back

 

[Evolving_sti]

There’s a price to pay to be unique, especially for a new one of a kind item but I can’t see it being more than a grand for the fiberglass version and people spend that much on hoods or wheels alone. Lol.

I would def look into the hardtop

 

[John Miller]

There’s a price to pay to be unique, especially for a new one of a kind item but I can’t see it being more than a grand for the fiberglass version and people spend that much on hoods or wheels alone. Lol.

If a fiber glass one is produced, let me know!

 

[John Miller]

Gonna go look at the car tonight!!! will post pics in the next few days if I purchase it.

 

[DevineAstral]

If a fiber glass one is produced, let me know!

They WILL be doing to versions. Carbon fiber and fiberglass.

 

[jinscho]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat.. the tops are relatively easy to replace (I did mine a couple months ago, did a full write-up here on tuners for it as well). There's nothing better than cruising around in the summer in a 2G Spyder..