newmexguy

Would agree with the earlier statements that the cars have dissipated from the yards. Don't check foreign rows that often, but it's been a LONG time since a "box" model ('85-'94) has been spotted - either on the road, or in a yard. Pulled a pair of Manual racks years ago from donors, at the time figured they'd have some value - as opposed to the more common power ones. Still have them, btw, need to get them onto a platform, where's their's exposure, where perhaps some customers are, such as giving Ebay another shot or ugh marketplace.

All the "old timey" radiator shops here (las Cruces NM) are gone. A few persist in older industrial areas E of downtown El Paso, forty miles south. There are few cheap options left. Your approach is interesting and resourceful. I've heard good things about "Maine Radiator" but suspect they too, are very spendy.

www.row52.com to locate a Donor car in a Participating Yard (most are pick a parts) You will not be able to call them and narrow it down, for a specific part. One would have to GO to said yard, and physically be there to LOOK. Most self serve yard business model revolves around scrap, and processing cars through in as little time as possible. Often 3 to 6 months, then the entire row is pulled, and scrapped. www.car-part.com to locate item via more traditional type of yard, where individual parts are often removed and inventoried. Many of these type of outfits also have EBAY store presences.

1981 was the first year for the "standardized" 17 digit VIN. Have no idea if it applied to ALL foreign cars at that time.

Wonder why they never built a Brat off the '85-'94 Box generations. Probably wouldn't have as been as collectible, though.

Neat, interesting fix!

I've heard the VT title thing or "loophole" has closed. Not an expert, however. Others have said Alabama has a "looser" process. If you had been closer, would have given you a killer deal on the '89 DL wagon carcass I finally liquidated. It had a title. Still have near complete new gasket set, plus more new for the EA 82 engines, will make a package deal if interested. Dave S.

A southern NM example would not have had any rust on the lower door seams, or rockers. But theyre all gone now. The three that were in the Ruidoso area, a while back, as a PACKAGE deal, probably were similar to this one. In terms of body condition. But was too far from the buyers, to risk it.

Guessing that one was rolled. Moss in front seat Likely weather there, is more like northern Japan, or the pacific northwest. No moss grows here in the desert! Doubt you'd find any in the outback either.

These cars are not "nose heavy". Is power steering really needed?

Nuts. NO way to run a side gig. I've never made enough selling parts to make it a primary gig, but I sure wouldn't stiff or ignore a customer like that. Simply would keep the communication lines open, and let them know it will take some time, due to primary Job committments.

Many are living for that next "thirty Pack" as well. Although Bud Light might be a little less popular right now. Darn if someone was offering a G for a pile, sitting near the Crusher, I would have chiseled off, and kept the VIN plates if there was no title.

I still have those manual racks, figured they were worth more, than power ones when these cars were in the yards a decade or more ago.

Have a pair of hubs, with turned rotors, along with cone washers and castle nuts. If you are still in need. This is EA-82 stuff. Dave S southern New Mexico (clean parts).

I have a Replacement Copper / Brass radiator. Near new, but some cosmetic defects. $40. PM if interested.