we picked up an 80 AMC spirit  2wd for my buddy yesterday. paid 25 bucks for it, and it runs. no seats, only fumes in the tank, and a locking gascap thats stuck. also knocks off when its hot, the shifter has nine miles of play in it, and if theres anything not wore out on the chassis, id be shocked. right now, hes out behind the barn feeding a pressure washer with hot water and castrol superclean. we've got enough grease off to figure out its a 258, and theres no rust. more than that will require wire brushes and a putty knife. maybe a neighborhood kid that wants to make 50 bucks and get so dirty his mom throws him out.
we've got a bunch of parts left over fropm other projects, like 15X7 steel wheels off a cop car diplomat, stereo equipment, springs off a dakota R/T, wiring harnesses, a nitrous plate system, 8 inch out of a 66 mustang,corvette sport seats, etc. we're planning on using as much of the present parts as we can adapt, but arent afraid to spend money if we have to.  
we also have acess to a running jeep cherokee, 2WD 4.0 HO 5 speed. been rolled, hard. hundred bucks. so the five speed and 4.0 fulie may find theyre way in eventually. depends on budget.
my questions are:
1. brakes. disc front, drum rear. both puny. what do i look under for a swap? going to go with 4 wheel disc, so a whole rear end swap isnt out of the question, as long as it fits.
2. any idea where i can get, or make stiffer and lower leaves for the back?
3. anyone know what the stock coil height, diameter and rate was? we'll need to lower it about 2 more inches from where its already sagged to, and stiffen it. a lot.
4. and lastly, ADDCO makes a 1 1/8 front bar, 3/4 rear for a 79 spirit, but not an 80. whats the difference? will they fit?

the overall goal is a daily drivable, reliable, fun car. daily transportation, thats cheap and not too much to miss if its ever wrecked.  
i remember there was a guy in the RSE a while back that ran a Spirit, but i cant find the article, and its not online that i know of. anyone know what he was running as far as chassis and brakes?

Michael  

Dude, 25 bucks?

Like, $25.00?

It'd make my dreams come true if you gutted it, sprayed the interior with bed liner, got some offroad washable seats, steelie wheels, flat black side pipes, and race tires.  I'll pay for the pictures.  

gotta love cheap cars, dont you?

steelie wheels: yes. Side pipes: does exhaust exitig through the rocker count?
Race tires: when we know its ready, we'll bolt some hoosiers on it and take it to an open track day.

this car is really quite neat.
im getting excited about an AMC spirit. a frigging SPIRIT!!! whats wrong with me?

Michael