brumby build ideas + L series possible

[half-fix]

My partner has herself a 84 red targa topped brumby, its getting a bit on the tired, side rust in doors, windscreen leaks. The steering clunks, the exhaust makes a strange sound as the drive shaft spins doing 60+ and the clear coat has peeled and red paint oxidised on about 1/3 of the car. So got a budget of about 5-7k considered the ea82T less work putting the engine in, she would like keyless entry as well. Just considering if she should just get a newer car and letting me have the brumby to "work on"

I might be coming into possession of a mint condition white L-series wagon with the engine being cooked the only issue with it. (Previous owner drove it with no water in it...) it still has books and the rear curtain no dents or rust. Was thinking maybe putting the targa top in the wagon?

Just fishing for ideas comments before making any choices. Would like to take which ever i choose offroad nothing extreme and maybe a little beach work.

[spambo]

My advise........
Buy your missus a STANDARD late model car, that way when something goes wrong she cannot blame you and you can blame the dodgey car manufacturer.
Seriously though doing cars up takes lots of time and more money than you anticipate 5/7 k would pick up a nice forester or liberty which as you said leaves the brumby for you to tinker with. this is the way i would go
good luck....................

[El_Freddo]

If you're good with a spanner: replace the engine in the mint L series with another known good one - make this the daily driver.

The brumby: Fix up the body work first then go from there with engines etc. Always fix up the body as this is THE most important component of any car!
As for engine choices if you're wanting a turbo engine I'd be looking at a WRX half cut. Its a tried and tested formula that works well with a crossbred conversion. If you're looking at offroading it - at which point I'd make the brumby the daily driver and start setting up the L for offroad/touring...

Which ever you're looking at offroading at least a 2 inch lift is a good start. Then you can start looking at larger tyres and kitting out your subi to make offroad touring a simple and enjoyable outing every time

But this is my advice - I'd love a targa brumby to do a WRX conversion on

Cheers

Bennie

[half-fix]

Thanks for that, and getting the newer car is the better idea gives me the brumby to play with, but might still get that L series as I won't have to deal with serious rust. Any good ways for preventing the rust from starting in them? Like taking all the panels off and painting (tarring?) as I would like it to last as an offroader/camper