Keep it or Start over??

[gr8bryt]

What up peeps!? I'm back in the 240 scene after a long hiatus. I picked up an s13 hatch with a blown piston for $200 a few years ago. I had it stored at my mothers house because the apartment complex where I used to live wouldn't allow me to keep it there.

The car has rust basically everywhere after sitting outside for 3 years uncovered. I'm planning a LSx swap and so essentially I'm looking reworking 98% of the car. My question to you all is should I invest the time and money to get the bodywork done, or should I just junk this one and buy another car? I had already planned on a long-term project w/ this car and I don't have cash on hand to make a new purchase, I would have to save the money either route I take. Thanks in advance.

[Heavy]

without seeing pictures its hard to judge. If its as bad as you say it is then I would sell it and find a clean rust free shell from the south.

[gr8bryt]

Well, I'm not an expert, it could all be superficial. Of course there is plenty of rust where the wing is, and all the suspension components look pretty coated as well. My knowledge of auto repair is somewhat limited, I know some of the basics. All of the tires are dry-rotted and the front two are flat. I have to use my Camry and a tow strap to pull it out of my garage, and when I'm done I use a couple of pallet planks between the two front bumpers and push it back in. I'll try to get some pics up pending good weather over the next couple of days.

As far as finding a shell, it seems hatchbacks are not that plentiful. I've looked through the classifieds on here as well as other websites. I did find a shell in Spartanburg, SC for $600, but I'm not sure if the seller still has it. I can't really justify spending a lot of money when all I want is a shell.

[DA 240]

Well I was in a similar situation, but I ended up gutting the car, repairing all damage. Overall I would have to say I'm happy I took that route as opposed to buy something that looks nice on the outside/inside. When you strip a car down that far you can find all the hidden surprises that you might not find otherwise.

[gr8bryt]

I hear what you're saying DA and that's all well and good. Even if I did find something, I would more than likely still have to hire someone to do the work. Unfortunately I don't know how to weld, I'm not really good at diagnosing needed repairs, nor do I have a whole lot of experience doing major work on the car like a lot of the folks in these forums. I love cars, but I'm not the most experienced repair guy.

[DA 240]

I hear what you're saying DA and that's all well and good. Even if I did find something, I would more than likely still have to hire someone to do the work. Unfortunately I don't know how to weld, I'm not really good at diagnosing needed repairs, nor do I have a whole lot of experience doing major work on the car like a lot of the folks in these forums. I love cars, but I'm not the most experienced repair guy.

When I started working on cars I wasn't either. My 240 was the first car I had completely stripped and put back together. I merely learned by doing because I've never had a single day of formal training on auto repair or anyone to teach me. I found there's enough info on the web or in books books that can get you about 90% of the way.

[gr8bryt]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm pondering it still, so I guess we'll see how deep the rabbit hole goes.