I bought 2 first gens from 250 mi away. The two drives in my SUV were a project in themselves. The craiglist pictures and accuracy, as well as the phone calls did not match up, but after driving that far, it wasn't enough to throw it all away. I knew between the two of them I had a working car.
My 1981 Hatch needed a new trans (5th gear and reverse were out). New CV boots, brakes fixed (neither front nor rear worked), interior overhaul. The previous owner put a lot of work into it, but it was mostly mediocre quality work. I am a bit worried, as he said he rebuilt the engine, head and carb. Though it does idle once warmed up.
My 1980 Sedan needed a new Master Clutch Cylinder, Starter, Fuel Pump, Battery, Distributor and who knows what else. Though the brakes work great and the tranny seemed to shift smooth, I just couldn't get it to fire up. It looks like this will be the donor. Then I will see whether to part it out or restore it with a different motor/trans. (Thinking about a plug in electric conversion)
First things first. Get one of them working. This past weekend I dropped the trans on the hatch. Hoping to swap them next weekend, and put the wheels, rotors, lines and calipers from the sedan onto the hatch. Bleed the brakes and take it for a test spin. Wish me luck!
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