Owning both a Ford & Mazda

[Aheroicrevolt]

I have owned a 94 Ford escort wagon for quite a few years now. I bought it in a pinch for $300 when my current car took a dive on me. This has been the most dependable reliable car I've ever had lol. Its amazing. It just never quits. I did blow the headgasket, but being a mechanic, i had it changed in a few hours and back on the road. Since then not a single issue.

I am looking at buying a 2003 Mazda Protege5 for my wife, she has always loved them and loves driving a manual. Problem here in MIchigan is that they rust out very badly. So finding one in decent condition in my price range is difficult. I was hoping someone on here had a wagon to get rid of that needs a bit of work but is low on body rust. I will be popping in and out of the for sale forums.

Thanks for listening! I have alot of experience with Ford Focus, Ford Escort, Toyota Supra and Subaru's if anyone has questions.

William Clawson

[FE3-323]

dont do it!!! owning a Protege 5 myself (being in the rust belt) i highly discourage you from buying one. post 95 the materials mazda used got ****tier & ****tier.
short of a miata i can't see myself purchasing any newer mazda ever again(until i see some real improvements)

[Aheroicrevolt]

Well I picked up a Protege5 with a blown headgasket (so i think) and a rusted out exhaust. Rear quarters are rusty and theres a spot on the floor thats soft....
but for $800 I liked the project. Im trying to figure out how to fix the floor. Should i use some aluminum bend it in the shape of the floor pan put some sealer on it and then run some sheet metal screws through the top under the carpet? That seems the most legit way without cutting and welding.....
which cutting and welding arent a big deal either

As for the quarter panels....i know they make patch panels for about $30 but Im sure Ide easily be looking at $1000 after chopping cutting welding sanding prepping priming painting clearing....lol

[FE3-323]

for structural sake. weld in a new floorpan piece and seal it up at the weld joints afterwords really well