XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) Hello, I just picked up Zap's 83 Turbo Brat last weekend. I did the rear brakes, front axles, rear shaft u-joints, and tightened up the front radius arms (they were falling off) to make it safe to drive. It runs and drives great now. The frame is solid front to back including the rear shock mounts. There is some rust though and that's where I would like your opinions. The front cowl and both pillars are pretty bad. Water pours directly down inside the dash on to the floor through the cowl vents. This thing must have been a real swamp inside when Zap picked it up. I have it dried out now. Here are some pictures. You can see where somebody tried foam insulation or something as a temporary fix. I know the right way to fix this is probably pull the dash, fenders, and doors for a further damage appraisal. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks for any input or advice. (Click thumbnails for larger pics) -Jeff Edited February 5, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratman18 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I say definitely pull everything off it and thoroughly clean it up and repair any and all rust you can find. Try to weld in patches if needed and use as little Bondo as possible because that will just allow it to rust further. It is definitely worth saving. So I would park it and take off anything that might be hiding any rust. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) There are several projects ahead of this one and I'll have to keep it drivable for the short term until I am ready to tear it down and do it right. That would be the time to do the heater core too. I was wondering if I could pull the cowl and wiper trans, sandblast the area the best I can, use some rust converter and then maybe fiberglass it. Would that buy me some time or is it just a waste of effort? Space is pretty tight in there without cutting it all apart. I just want to keep the inside dry for now. Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratman18 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I would like to start on that right now. The problem is timing. There are several projects ahead of this one and I'd like to keep it drivable for the short term until I am ready to tear it down and do it right. That would be the time to do the heater core too. I was wondering if I could pull the cowl and wiper trans, sandblast the area the best I can, use some rust converter and then maybe fiberglass it. Would that buy me some time or is it just a waste of effort? Space is pretty tight in there without cutting it all apart. I personally say its a waste of time but that's just me. I've always said that "rust never sleeps" so I would put that on the front burner if possible. If it isn't taken care of fairly soon, it's just going to get worse. I have actually never seen one rust that bad in that area, but that's because I live in Mains so we have all the rust on the underside of the body! In reality if you tear into it and fix it, it shouldn't actually take too long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheinen74 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) hope you looked it over good before you made a commitment. the pict showed a rust bucket, repainted terribly green with rustout after a repaint. i wish you luck but there were many other better non rusted cars for sale this brat may not be worth anything to save. if ypu looked it over and thought the price was good, then so be it. i saw cancer all over it, would have advised against myself at all cost unless you HAd to have it, Edited January 17, 2009 by bheinen74 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) Ya, my bad I could have looked it over better. I didn't even think the cowl would be that rusted out. I was looking at the frame, front and rear, shock mounts, radius arm mounts, ect. Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratman18 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Ya, my bad I could have looked it over better. I didn't even think the cowl would be that rusted out. I was looking at the frame, front and rear, shock mounts, radius arm mounts, ect. I might also put a regular EA81 carb or spfi motor in it and resell it as is. I could at least keep the engine/turbo and all the dash and wiring for my 83 GL Wagon. It doesn't have near the rust that this thing has. I still say that since it has a good body other wise, than you should save it. But I would definitely address the issue ASAP. If not you can send it to me with out a motor or tranny!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperBrat Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Those pics make me even prouder that my 85 Brat is 100% Rust Free !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheinen74 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 its a serious cancer attraction RUST bucket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) I imagine Eric wanted out of it pretty badly or he would have fixed it up himself. At least he isn't stuck with it now. I'm not blaming him either. He gave me every chance to check it out for myself and I missed it. I'll have to do something with it. Thanks for your opinions. -Jeff Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baccaruda Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 This would be difficult but the best option IMO. With that much rust you'd have to do a full ground-up restoration with a parts Brat available for body panels... or in which to swap the turbo stuff Of course the recipient vehicle should receive a 5-speed swap too... Get a 1983 FSM so you have all of the wiring info and take out the ENTIRETY of all the wiring harness. You'll also have to take the gas tank and probably all of the fuel plumbing. My next suggestion? Put it all in an EA81 hatchback :cool: Thered aren't many of THOSE around with turbos; only one that I know of In my opinion, restoring the body would be an exercise in futility. If you get serious about doing the "total turbo transplant" there will be enough information on this board to make it viable. MTFBWY! keep the engine/turbo and all the dash and wiring for my 83 GL Wagon. It doesn't have near the rust that this thing has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) I already have a Nice Rust free silver 83 GL 4x4 Wagon with an EA81 and a D/R 5 speed. The car runs great but the engine needs a rebuild. I could do that swap with what I have. I could put an SPFI EA81 back in the brat and sell it. I would end up with a really nice Turbo EA81 SW. [EDIT] Not worth the time and trouble Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Abides Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Well you know i hate wasteing cars and love restoring them. You could always remove the goodies, lift it and beat the crap out of it. No offence but i havent seen to bad of pictures yet. How about a shot further away. If you want to give it away i could take it off your hands. I dont mind rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) I can't just give it away. It drives really nice now, even with the old 4 speed in it. Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Abides Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Jesus man. I just saw the rest of the pics. Rip off the goodies and wheel the crap out of it. Thats alot of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry DeMoss Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I think it is funny to see rust from the west coast area compared to the stuff the east coasters can fix up. I grew up around the salt water in Alaska and rust was prevalent, you can fix it properly if you just take your time. POR-15 is where its at with rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) I had never seen POR 15 until now. Perhaps I'll pick up a pint and try it. I still think I can get to most of it through the cowl. I'll take pictures of the progress made if there is any interest. Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subiemech85 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Knowing what we do know about it now, what do you think it is worth in this condition? -Jeff 11/79 ski wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Thats not too crazy bad. Find a car in the junkyard with a decent body and cut it apart for the pieces you need. I know Flowmatered87GL had a '82 Brat that was horrifying since it lived on the Oregon coast its whole life. He spend a good chunk of time and used sheetmetal from a donor car that he cut up to fix it, but it was decent when he sold it. His was a wheeler though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratman18 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Yeah compared to most of the old vehicles I see that are restored it's really not that bad! You should have seen mine when I started! It took a lot of work and welding but it's pretty much solid now. And I know you guys have all seen ettev's Brat! And cobcob is going through it right now. Your Brat is structurally sound! It's just a few places and if you take care of it fairly soon, It will be fine and no one will be able to tell the difference! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Abides Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I guess it depends on ones ability. Heres mine and luckly its all surface rust which i can handle. But if it were any type of cutting and welding i wouldnt have the tools or the talent. You need to know what you can and cant do and then go from there. Im sure you would have lots of help and encouragement of others on here if you were to restore. I thought i noticed some rust spots in your brat tops area as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSubaruJunkie Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 (edited) You can't compare that brat to a pristine brat. TO get that brat to pristine condition, you would need to tear it apart and rebuild it. That alone will reduce its value. Edited January 17, 2009 by TheSubaruJunkie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bratman18 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Man you guys are picky!! I paid 2500 for mine and then I had to weld in new floors and then the year after I had to put new rockers in it, and a new wheel well! That is not structural damage! It would be a lot easier to fix then mine was! If you don't think so, give it to me and I'll fix it! I'd love to have one that was even in that good of shape! You guys are spoiled out there in the west! I know that it isn't perfect and it's gonna need some work but if it just gets done then it will be fine and last a long time as long as it is taken care of properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 (edited) The running gear and the back end is what really makes it for me. It drives REALLY nicely with only some minor repairs. I have a plan to seal off and stop the interior water leaks that I will start on this week. The dash will still have to come all the way out to clean everything up and treat the inside properly. I plan to make it nice and drive it. The green might have to go though. Thanks Again Eric, I wasn't ever pointing any fingers at you. I could have looked it over a little better but then I might not have bought it, and I'm still glad I did. I still would like to find a nicer tailgate if anyone has one for sale. -Jeff Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XT6 Magic Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 (edited) Well after reading all of the posts on here from people with diverse skills I figured I had better make this a priority and bring it inside the shop at work. I pulled the dash, heater and evap core cases for a better look. Removing the hood and hinges made it easier to work out to the ends of the cowl area. Most of the damage was from the cowl area rusting through and the wiring harness grommets on both sides were leaking badly also. There was also some leakage from the right lower corner of the windshield. Compared to what some of you are dealing with this is nothing. I have seen some REAL pictures of rust on here since buying the Brat:eek: It's water tight now. I cut the rusted sections out of the cowl made paper templates and rebuilt the cowl area with Por-15 and Sea-Glass mat. It worked great. It looks fine and will probably out last me. I'm going to replace the heater core and tighten the gauge nuts on the back of the cluster before the dash goes back in early next week. As for the pillars the Sea-Glass mat and Por-15 from behind really made a big difference. Once I get it out of the shop and the weather gets a little better I'll pull both doors and finish it up. -Jeff Edited February 2, 2009 by XT6 Magic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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