I recently acquired a 83 gl hatchback 4mt d/r with the specialized rims(not the factory steels). Needs a battery, has a coolant leak, no rear window and some minor body damage. Didn't pay a thing for it and the guy I got it from says it runs great. Being a poor college student, are there any parts on it that I can use on my 93 loyale 5mt p/b 4wd(daily driver)? Having dual range would be awesome, but I'd like to keep the 5 speed. Is there any way that this is possible without taking my loyale out of service for more than a weekend? I wouldn't mind turning the hatch into my offroading toy, but don't have much in the way of money to even register it. Any ideas or suggestions?

sell the rims, put on clear plastic, "collision wrap" comes to mind, have fun

if it runs well, hang on to it!!

 

plexi-glass and plenty of silicone caulking can do wonders for a busted rear window. have done it myself more than once. needs to be thin enough to bend into the window well, but not so thin that it will break easily...(as another thought - a guy i used to work with used the heavy clear vinyl that can be bought at a fabric store to "replace" a busted rear window. used silicone then the vinyl, then tacked everything down with thin wood strips and sheet metal screws! wasnt pretty, but it worked)

 

minor body damage - depends on what it is - as long as all lights are working, and you arent getting wet inside...wouldnt worry about it.

 

Wish somebody would give me a Subie!!

if money is an issue, i'd leave the projects on the back burner. no point in creating possible problems and costs that aren't necessary. get on top of things then start playing. i'd vote for you to keep two running vehicles as is for now. sorry to sound like your mom.

 

you could get a swap done in the weekend if you don't run into issues. have all the stuff out of the donor car and ready to go before you pull the one on your daily driver.