Posted the other day that I picked up a 2002 base in a trade deal with a broken, blown apart Midlands transmission. Current long term plan is to do a six speed swap, but have several projects in front of this one, so i expect this to be going on for some time (years if based off my other projects). Thought I would put a build thread together, more to help me have one area for the photos I take.

So first notable post of progress made was to pull it off the trailer and get it down to my work area, which was extra fun with no steering, and get the parts pulled out of the interior and separated.

Next plan of action is to do a basic detail and start researching the swap.

 

Picked up a Seal Skin Supreme Car cover to help keep the elements out while I get parts. Hoping its a good one and lasts. So far, I'm please with it. They say it has a lifetime warranty and protects against extreme weather (rain, sun, snow and hail).



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Not much luck on parts locally so far, but I'm not in a rush. Been thinking about maybe getting a donor car from Copart, unless one shows up locally, as I have a few locations in and around me.

Has anyone ever bought from them and can speak to the experience?

 

After searching around for a parts car at a reasonable price, a friend messaged me and said he was getting ready to trade in his Mini and asked if I was interested in purchasing it.

Well, $500 later, I purchased my parts car...or so I thought.

Wondering now if this running parts car is actually nicer than the car I purchased this parts car for. lol

2006 Solar Red Metallic, six speed with 222,xxx miles, with slight damage in the rear. As I understand it, this is a limited run color. Seems to be running fine, and if I go through and do all the maintenance and timing belt etc, might have a great runnings S. Finding a color matched bumper and hatch in the junkyard might be a bit tough though.

I'll post some more pictures once I get it off the trailer and cleaned up a bit.