This is a project I bought about 5 years ago, and have run out of time on (need to downsize the amount of stuff I have due to likely moving a few times in the next couple years).
I took the front end apart about 3 years ago for some rust repair. One side is almost done (as shown in pictures; that's weld through primer), other side I haven't started. As for rust, there's one hole in the passenger side rocker, that's it. Underneath is solid (not clean though). Trunk is completely rust free (battery area can have rust). The cowl panel was also replaced with a superior used part due to rust.
Engine last ran about 3 years ago. Gas has gone bad, and the starter is dead (last I tried to start it, anyway), but before I took the front end apart it ran great: I did the head gasket, timing belt, idler, water pump, spark plugs, distributor rotor, thermostat, and rebuilt the carb. Alternator was also replaced (The battery terminals weren't labeled and I managed to hook the battery up backwards at one point... Think this also killed the starter). Bores looked good when I had the head off. PO said the clutch was replaced before it was parked, it felt good when I drove it. Transmission also shifted fine. Wheels are from an X1/9, and are wrapped in Khumos with less than 50mi on them (13" tires are hard to find...). I've also replaced the outside mirror, removed the front bumpers, and added parking lights / turn signals in their place. Rear bumper is in the process of being removed, but I discovered the bolt to remove the bumper shock on one side requires the fuel tank to be removed.
Interior is mostly there, but the carpet is smelly. The vinyl seats are... okay. (miata or early honda seats would be an improvement in many ways) The driver's door is missing it's door card, and it's hinges need help. The top has two patches, and the rear window is no longer transparent. However, it didn't leak when I bought the car.
One non-material issue: The title I got from MA, when I bought the car, was missing one digit from the VIN. That mistake carried over to NY. I can get it fixed, but apparently it requires getting the car insured and then registering it... So I haven't (because it's not even close to being on the road). It will take 6 weeks for the title to arrive, and I am happy to work around that. Or maybe you don't me to do that, in which case I'm happy to sign the flawed title over.
The spares: Pictured are a full set of Koni Yellows, plus over half of the components needed to rebuild the front suspension (upper and lower ball joints, plus a full set of control arm bushings). Also included are leftovers from the head gasket set (I didn't remove the manifolds or the cams from their cam boxes), plus a set of points, and a couple other things. Oh, and three different manuals, including the factory service manual.
So, to get it on the road in stock form, you would need: Finish rust prevention at least, maybe weld in another panel on the passenger side. To acquire brake pads, brake hoses, tie rods, and some hardware. Maybe do something with the springs so it doesn't ride too high, and reassemble the front end. The rear end at least needs shocks replaced. Fuel system needs to be flushed clean. New carb or carb rebuild, and starter. Fluid replacement, and it should be good.
The idea of a stock 124 is not appealing to me anymore -- the aesthetic is, mechanical reality isn't. I would love to hack this one up and fit Miata mechanicals in it, but I will not have the right alignment of time, money, and shop space to be able to undertake that project for at least 3 years by my estimation.
Pricing: So in valuing this, I tried to think of each part seperately. For the car, as it sits, plus the parts that came off it, I would like $600. With a corrected title, add $200 (due to DMV fees, insurance, hassle). For the spares, the Konis are $130 ea new, so $400 seems fair... Throw in everything else, and I'll take $600. Motivated to get rid of this before the snow flies, however.
