[Dawson]

Hi, new here, found a Fiesta I want. It's an '80, doesn't seem to have any options, but I don't really know what was optional yet. No A/C, and lots of empty switch holes, and no tach. I think it's a base model. I stopped to look at it because I thought it was a Civic. [paranoid] I'm going to make an offer on it next week, I was told it ran, but we'll see bout that. [burnout]

Here's a couple pics, the body is in good shape other than those (damn welded on [mad]) front fenders. There's spare parts inside including a new headlight bucket and trim.

The side marker lamp is inside the car too.

According to the plates and insurance information I could find, it's been off the road for about 20 years. [V] I'm hoping I can pick it up for cheap and turn it into a little classic rice rocket. Or in this case, kraut rocket. []

 

[Corvair]

As a Fiesta owner and having restored a car before, all I can say is NO. Please no, don't buy it. It's a money pit and no matter what shape you get it into, it will still be worth $750. You see collector cars (Fiesta's aren't and will never be) all the time for something like this, $10,000, $18,000 invested. They are telling the truth. Always buy the best you can find. It's cheaper that way. You want a fun project car, try a Corvair! You won't be able to find parts for a Fiesta. The Corvair, well I can get a rebuild kit for the washers!

 

[Dawson]

Well I don't like Corvairs, never have. I hate Chevy in fact, I've had a few and I think they're crap. This little car is awesome and I'm not trying to restore it or make it a collector car. I just want something different that I can make stand out. I've owned cars before that were nearly impossible to find parts for, I used to have an '83 Tercel 4wd wagon, hell even the Legend I have now is difficult to find parts for. That never stopped me. I'm not going to do much to this car, bigger wheels/tires, bumper delete, strip the interior, I have some black leather MR2 seats I'm thinking about throwing in it, either that or some gray cloth Escort seats I have, fix up the body a little, and just drive the crap out of it.


I was looking to get a new car anyways, the cars I was looking for was either a Previa, 1st generation Odyssey, 1st gen Mazda MPV, 1st gen CR-V, Honda Element, 1st generation Trans Sport, or a Volvo 240DL. Considering this will do 3x the mileage of any of those on their best day, plus I can pretty much drive it anywhere without seeing another one (which is one thing I love about my Legend, I hate pulling up next to myself at a stop sign) and it's something I can have a little fun with.


If I really wanted a classic, I'd go find myself a nice P1800, or a 60's Mustang.

 

[viney266]

welcome to The Fly...If you know how to do your own work you could have fun.

Make sure the motor is free and works well

assume that all the exhaust will be rusted apart and need replaced. And obviously check for major body rot.

If you have some cool seats, looks like you will need em

Just keep in mind, as corvair said. IT"ll be work!

 

[Dawson]

Well I got up under it and knocked around on as much of the body as I could reach, everything felt very solid except for a spot in the very corner of the drivers foot well. The muffler looks good, as does the tail pipe, couldn't see much else of the exhaust. The front frame rails were solid, even the fenders are solid, it's just surface rust. The seat covers are literally disintegrating but the red vinyl under them is not that bad really. I have some gray cloth seats from a '93 Escort I junked that are minty. I have the 5spd out of that too, I was thinking of grabbing a Zetec and throwing them in there. I know it's going to be a lot of work, but I'm good at doing it all myself, should be a fun project!

 

[Tom]

Welcome to the forum. Its going to be an amazing project puting the Zetec should you pick it up.

 

[viney266]

A zetec in that light little car would be quick!!! Now you"re talkin'!

 

[Corvair]

A few things about Corvairs. They only have the Chevy bowtie emblem on the car. No where does it say Chevrolet! It's the only Chevy I've owned. Been waiting for a Chevy worth buying. Still waiting. It is a really fun car to drive. Engine in rear, no power steering, doesn't need it. Great feel. I parked it next to a Mustang a few times, it's looks so much lower and wider than the Mustang, it makes it look like a Falcon. Oh, they are Ford Falcons.

 

[Dawson]

Yes yes I know all about the Corvair. I have a friend with a '63 turbo Monza spider or something like that. He has several, you've probably heard of him, CORVAIRWILD on youtube? Honestly they're just not my thing, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good one! I'd just much rather have something like this!

 

[tukaniRAY]

Interesting find. I would love to take one of those bodies and build a Zetec engine in it.

If you have the time and know-how ... why not make it a fun little project car.

Welcome to the forum and good luck if you decide to tackle it.

-Ray-