Last fall, I had the opportunity to buy three gen II Civics for $100 each.
One is an '81 with a great body but bad engine.
The second is an '83 that was heavily vandalized but has a good engine/automatic. Got it started and in spite of having a totally broken windshield, it ran and all the instruments worked. Tranny is strong as well.
The third is an '82 automatic that I've chosen to refurb for another daily driver. It last ran in 1983. Didn't take take much to get it running and then I set out to take care of the little things to make it roadworthy. Replaced the front struts, alternator/regulator, tires and attempted to bleed the brakes with minimal success but no replacement of parts.
Got to drive it down a back road yesterday and it shifts great, has plenti of stamina and rides nice 'n quiet. The drive revealed that one of the front axles is noisy, but I scored a rebuilt pair on eBay for $50 including shipping yesterday. I also have all the parts to completely rebuild the brakes and will set on that next week.
Damned... I now have six Civics!
Life is good.
JT
(Who's waiting for the price of gas to go to $5 per gallon!)