Wade1's build thread

Wade1 · Sep 26, 2009

Figured I'd go ahead and start a build thread on my car. It's currently an 88 hatchback with a 2.3 automatic in it. I paid $475 for it.

Right now I'm not really sure what my plans are. I've got a 302 and a 5spd that I'm thinking about throwing in it. Perhaps doing 5 lug swap, and running some newer model wheels on it.

View attachment 244381
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View attachment 244383

The floor pans have a little rust in them, but I believe they can be cleaned up, it's not all the way through anywhere. It does have a couple of the stress cracks, which need to be welded up.

I'm looking forward to working on it and bringing it back. The car looks like it's had a rough life. I'll keep this thread updated with my progress. Any advice or comments are greatly appreciated.

TwoToneHatch · Sep 26, 2009

Good Luck with it. Should be a fun project for sure

Shaolin Crane · Sep 26, 2009

just get in there and do it, my car started about the same spot yours is in, you can do it

cornfused · Sep 26, 2009

Stress cracks?

Where are they located? do you have pictures of them?

Shaolin Crane · Sep 26, 2009

near these spots?

i had to fix my share of stress cracks as well

Wade1 · Sep 27, 2009

Yep, looks like the exact same spots.

MahFiVeOh · Sep 27, 2009

Mine had the same cracks also.Had them welded up and added some sub frame connectors while they were at it.

hsean · Sep 27, 2009

man they all crack right there mine is small all i had to do is weld it back up

Shaolin Crane · Sep 27, 2009

yeah weld em up and add some subframes and you are good to go

Wade1 · Sep 29, 2009

The car had some rust in the floorpans, but it looked like it could be cleaned up. The weird thing is that the rust looked like it was coming up from underneath the paint. The paint would be bubbled up and when I ran a putty knife across it, it would flake off and show the rust.

After I scraped a lot of the bubbled paint/rust mixture off I saw it, small holes in the floor pan.

Here are some pics:
View attachment 244036
View attachment 244037
View attachment 244038

I've seen pictures of a lot worse, but I've never done this type of repair before. Luckily, I know a good welder that I may be able to have help. It looks like the section in front of the rear seat is what needs to be replaced.

I've thought about just scrapping the project and selling everything, but I know that a car with rust in the floor pans probably won't bring anything but scrap prices. Also, I feel bad for the car, it looks like it's had a rough life and deserves to be brought back. I hate it but I have a soft spot for these cars.

hsean · Sep 29, 2009

:QUOTE=Wade1;8024281]The car had some rust in the floorpans, but it looked like it could be cleaned up. The weird thing is that the rust looked like it was coming up from underneath the paint. The paint would be bubbled up and when I ran a putty knife across it, it would flake off and show the rust.

After I scraped a lot of the bubbled paint/rust mixture off I saw it, small holes in the floor pan.

Here are some pics:
View attachment 244024
View attachment 244025
View attachment 244026

I've seen pictures of a lot worse, but I've never done this type of repair before. Luckily, I know a good welder that I may be able to have help. It looks like the section in front of the rear seat is what needs to be replaced.

I've thought about just scrapping the project and selling everything, but I know that a car with rust in the floor pans probably won't bring anything but scrap prices. Also, I feel bad for the car, it looks like it's had a rough life and deserves to be brought back. I hate it but I have a soft spot for these cars.[/QUOTE]

that is an easy fix i had used a welder at work 20 years ago and i was able to get going with it without missing a beat.it really is easy and that car is definately salvageable.take your time and and cut out the areas that need replacing . i have a process thread going as well and am getting ready to post a few pics.don't get discouraged my motivation is my wife who thinks i'll never get it done.

Wade1 · Oct 4, 2009

Thanks for the reply. I've still been going back and forth over replacing the floor pan or just selling the car and trying to get another shell at some point.

The main thing that stops me is that I don't believe I'll get hardly anything for the car.

hsean · Oct 4, 2009

Wade1 said:
Thanks for the reply. I've still been going back and forth over replacing the floor pan or just selling the car and trying to get another shell at some point.

The main thing that stops me is that I don't believe I'll get hardly anything for the car.

thats the thing when they are torn down like that they don't fetch alot so i would hold on to it .i had a buddy who sandblasted mine and that is the best way to really see what in your for.replacing the floorpans won't that hard if you go that route either .good luck

1991notchbackLX · Oct 4, 2009

what condition is the trunk pan, frame rails, and shock towers?

Wade1 · Oct 4, 2009

Everything else looks good, it's just this one section in the floor pan. The other side has some rust in the floor pan, but the sheet metal is still good. It just needs to be cleaned up.

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