Okay, it's obviously far from new.  But it's new to me!  I've had an 82 and a ratty 86, but this 83 is easily the most solid one I've owned yet.  I have a few mechanical bugs to work out, such as a tune up and cleaning the carb, as well as some rust issues that need sorted out (but nothing too terrible), but this single owner Brat was picked up for a mere 900.  I'm thrilled.  I've named it Johnny #5.  If you don't get the reference, you need to brush up on your 80s movies.

Glad to see #5 is alive, hah!

No disassemble Johnny 5. Unless it's to make him better! Good luck.

Here's Johnny #5 after a lot of clean-up, some paint, rust treatment, and sanding.  Johnny 5 is still alive!  Of course all I'm doing is hiding a lot of ugly subframe rust, but at least it looks good enough on the outside to keep me motivated.  

Looking good! Keep up the good work.

Now with some 14" pugs.  I painted them white for the rally look.  Looks phenomenal.  Last update of the exterior for a while, though.  Once I get some money saved up I'll start replacing the subframe.  

Edited August 25, 201312 yr by BBerry4430

Looks great well worth saving! If it makes you feel better, it is in way better shape than some of the ones I have started with.

Thanks!  I really like it - not as much as an 82 that I had for a while.  But this is a great car and I'm just happy to have saved it.  

Well, the question of whether to keep the 3AT or swap in a manual has been rendered moot.  Another 3AT has given up the ghost.  Lost 3rd gear.  Nursed it home about 20 miles away, though.  So no complaints from me.  

I know the popular thing to do is swap in the 5MT D/R, but the 4MT D/R is considerable easier, right?  What all will I need for that, aside from transmission, pedals, interior console?  

you will need a clutch kit, flywheel, and a drive line if i remember right.