This looks so legit. Mind if I ask how much you picked this up for?
$2k. Seems like a lot, but the RA29 Celica's, and TE27/37 Corollas I was looking at are selling for well above $3k for rusted out shells. And this one already has rack and pinion steering, and AE86 running gear is almost bolt on. Not to mention, within' the last two weeks, I've seen an AE86 rolling chassis (body, suspension, otherwise gutted) listed for $3k and sold the next day, and then an automatic AE86 listed for $4500 and sold the next day.
I like the look of those Starion wheels on it. I hope you intend to keep them. Any idea why just one is painted red?
I have no real explanation for the red wheel. I do know one of the previous owners was a local artist/photographer... my wife found him on Facebook. I messaged him, trying to get a little back history on the car, but he hasn't replied to my messages yet. I may seem like a nut though.
The wheels are staying for now, but I think eventually I'll want some a bit wider.
Strip it down to the shell and figure out what's usable and what needs replacing. Minor body repairs, prep and paint (very likely Lexus Starfire Pearl White).
Exterior trim is going to be the hardest stuff to find. The front grill, and headlight trim have seen better days. At least the rest of the world has these cars in abundance.
I'm undecided about the roof basket...
AE86 front suspension, brakes, etc. Rear suspension is going to stay Starlet for a while. I've already figured out what LSD I can use with the rear drive, but the rear axles are tiny, and there will definitely be no drag racing or drifting with that unit. Eventually I want to convert it over to use an IS300 or S13 independent rear suspension. Less un-sprung weight, more diff/suspension options, adjustable.
Got a buddy in Australia that's going to his local Lexus dealer to price and availability check a factory IS200 EWD (electrical wiring diagram) for me, so I can make a properly running 3SGE. I've also seen someone else with the swap use the Altezza/IS gauges, because none of the Starlet gauges will work with the signals off the ECU for the motor. But I don't know yet if I want to do that or use aftermarket gauges.
But, with two kids running around now, I don't see any of this happening quickly. Time is the most expensive part of this whole project.
My Civic, the ever reliable daily driver, is on hold indefinitely.
