My *new* car...

[Don Solo]

I said I didn't want to let this dream die, and I meant it. 2 days ago I bought a car off one of my friends: an 86 Accord hatchback that looks like this (but not nearly in as good condition... I think I mentioned it in here already).

It only cost me about $96.87 (paid $100 and found a lot of change in it), and it runs fairly well - but it needs some clutch work and the CVs replaced. My mom's new husband has done that sort of work before on the same type of car with is son; he says he can do it again so I should be set. For now, I'm just going to register it non-op to work with.

I've already taken the emblems off, started sanding down a few spots and bought some real cheap paint to try out first. I've got a vague idea how I want it to end (based primarily off the H-Wing):



Of course it needs some blasters, and with my job at a sheet metal shop I'm sure some needless panels will be added on eventualy. I'm not sure if it will have any emblems, and if so which ones (Rebel or Jedi?). But I'm going to have fun... oh yes... much fun

[Don Solo]

And just like that, my project is gone.

Yesterday I sold it off to pick-a-part for $100... after it sat untouched in the garage for about 10 months. I had started working on it; just nothing critical. Fixed the dents, gave it a test coat with spraypaints... but I didn't get around to the engine. So now that we have to move out and into our own apartment I couldn't justify holding on any longer. So off it went, after a year long layover in our garage.

I hope that someday - when it's more attainable - I can finally try my hand at a carfighter... but for now, it's a dream deferred.

[Darth Marmalade]

Well, poop!

Very sorry that you had to abandon that project. I hope you can get a new one off the ground soon! Do you have a car that you drive? Can that one be given the carfighter treatment, even in some small way?

And best of luck with the move, and the new apartment. Moving is a pain, but a new place can be good.

[Don Solo]

I've got my '97 Tacoma that I don't want to geek out too much... but I did put this decal in the back window less than a month after I bought it:

...other than that, it's pretty standard. I can't think of any way to make it look good as a carfighter, because I don't want to go all out on a paint job like I would have if I had my old truck. I'm happy with minor non-SW mods to it. So for the time being I will be focusing on "responsible" stuff (like our new apartment)... but eventually I know my nerdly urges will overcome me. Given enough time and space I know I could build what I really want - but those two items are in short supply.

BTW - your car rocks, and it'd be great to see the toy museum sometime (but as I live all the way over in CA it's an unlikely possibility). Keep the updates on yours flowing, as I still watch this site

[Darth Marmalade]

That window sticker is brilliant! I appreciate subtlety, even if I don't practice it much.

Rocks, huh? Thanks! Positive feedback also rocks!

Yeah, it's a big continent between our two coasts. I'm hoping to make it to Celebration 4, but I don't think I'll be able to bring the car. I drove to CA earlier this year, but in our 2003 Eurovan that's still under warranty. Them physicists really need to get going on teleportation -- one quantum particle across a room is a start, but only just. In any case, Museum visitors are always welcome, so if you do find yourself in the Baltimore area, stop on by!

And again, best wishes on the move!