WTB: Locost Donor

I've been away from GRM for awhile so I could put in time building my frame. I figured something would pop up locally and I'd get my donor to build the car. So far no dice. Now I'm calling on the GRM community, please help me find my donor!
I'm building a traditional frame so front engine, rear drive is what I'm after. I'm located in Waterloo, IA and I'm willing to travel a couple of hours to pick up the right car. I do have a trailer so driveable is not required. Budget: A couple hundred dollars. There's a bit of flexiblility in there. Thanks everyone!

I have a 92 Miata that I would sell as a donor but I am more than a couple hours away (Columbus, OH).

I have a bunch of parts: 2.0 Zetec, pinto 4 speed trans to make the zetec rwd, Fiero seats, (5) Capri II 13" rims (4x108), '77 Mustang II RAD/SR4 4 speed (could be used w/Zetec with a little work), Steering column, power steering rack, driveshaft, flywheel, clutch parts and some other misc parts.

I don't have spindles or rear axle, though.

I'm looking to get about $500 and everything is located at my house in Appleton, WI 54915

Ross

In reply to EvanB:

What kind of condition is the Miata in? I've got a buddy interning in Ohio that I've been meaning to go and see. (I'm from Illinois).

It is a 92 black and tan:
200k miles.
Trans is stuck in third gear but I have a spare one to swap in.
Lots of rust on the rear rockers and lower front fenders but the floors and underside are solid.

I have been contemplating selling some of the easily removed parts that don't affect the drivability (rear finish panel, softtop + frame, interior trim, etc) and selling it as a Locost donor or Lemons/chumpcar project.

EvanB, I replied to you in your other thread.

RossD, I'm going to hold out for a complete car for a little while long before I give up but I may come back to you. Are the pinto trans and Zetec motor really compatible? I didn't knwo they could be mated up. What vehicle are the steering rack/column, clutch parts, and diveshaft from?

In reply to stumpmj: Thats fine, no one else seems to want them either . If you google: zetec rwd swap, you'll find that they bolt in place of pretty much every ford based four cylinder since the '50s. (Except the 2.3 HSC in the Tempo that has a 6 cylinder bell pattern, and the 2.3 Lima from Mustangs, Rangers.... those have a modified version of the classic Ford 4 cylinder bellhousing pattern) The pinto transmission has a clutch disc and pressure plate and throw out arm and bearing; it's pretty complete. I do not have a specific flywheel for either a Zetec or Pinto. I'm under the impression that a zetec flywheel will fit in the pinto bellhousing, because the flywheel from the mustang II trans is too thick.

I broke a '77 Mustang II and all of the steering and other parts are from that. (I sold the axle and spindles already). It was a 2.3 Lima and 4 speed. So I have the flywheel, and all the clutch/transmission parts, including a drive shaft. The flywheel bolts up to the Zetec and the difference in the bellhousing could be overcome with a plate and some quick milling, or some cutting and some welding of two of the bolt holes.

I've discussed this on the Locostusa.com forum: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7470&start=75

Good luck with your donor car search!

I've got a 94' I'd let go for a grand if you let me keep the driver side fender and front bumper cover. Has 225k but shifts and drives really nice. I'm in Cincinnati.

EvanB: Thanks for the reply, but after thinking about it, I don't think that I would have a practical way of getting the car home.

What's with all the Miatas for sale in Ohio?

I'm interested but I'm just not will ing to drive all the way to Ohio. If you'd be willing to meet part way (say Illinois), we could take off the fender and bumper cover before loading it on my trailer. Interested?

dankspeed wrote: I've got a 94' I'd let go for a grand if you let me keep the driver side fender and front bumper cover. Has 225k but shifts and drives really nice. I'm in Cincinnati.