new (to me) car

[rcmd80]

wondering what direction to take..........bought a 72 spider, needs a lot of work, transmission needs a rebuild rear quarter panels do not have a lot of metal in them, top has some rips electricals are questional ......wipers inop, auto fan switch inop....has a on off switch which operates the fan........but a lot of good things..engine compression 150+_ 3 all cllinders...no cracks in the dash...good seats minimal floor rust(havent found any).......have been enjoying it for the month we have had it (400 mi) ......wondering whether to just enjoy it as is with minor repairs or a full resto some day (the rear quarters scare me).............any opinions............thanks......Ron

[SLOSpider]

I find it best to find one in good shape and pay more rather than do a full restoration on one. I bought a 75 that I thought was ok but have replaced the shock towers, complete front suspension, shocks and still needs some body work and a few rust spots fixed. I wished I would have just saved up for a nicer one. Brian

[narfire]

Ask yourself what kind of money do you have in it. Perhaps drive it as is and if another similar car comes up with lousey mechanicals and a good body,consider trying to build one from two. Several including myself have gone that route and as a matter of fact am currently looking for a pre 79 body at the moment with no rust. Several here have restored the body while holding down a full time job and I have to tip my hat to them for their perceverance, it is not a short term project.
If you don't have the body-work skill set,perhaps drive as is and save to see what comes up over the next several months or more. I'd think $1000.00 or perhaps a bit less should get a decent frame but the drivability might not be great.
Saying that, some here have had incredable fortune in finding a car that was cheap and a good cut wax and some fiddling about and they were good to go, a real "barn find"
good luck, they are easy cars to sort mechanically,the rust issues can be a challenge.