New to me 1983 Brat!

[BBerry4430]

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.

[BratRod]

Glad to see #5 is alive, hah!

[snofool]

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

[BBerry4430]

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.  

[scole665]

Looking good! Keep up the good work.

[BBerry4430]

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, 2013 by BBerry4430

[1982gl4]

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.

[BBerry4430]

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.  

[BBerry4430]

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?  

[turbosubarubrat]

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