Buying New Celica - What should I look for?, In hopes to convert to GT-Four eventually Options

[Selly_Kuhman]

I have had a Silv 96' Anniversary Ed. 5-Speed ST Celica for years and sadly lost it last year (RIP), before I was able to do the GT-Four conversion I was planning on. I didn't know 100% if I should do it based on how hard/expensive it would be for someone who doesn't mod/fix cars as a hobby. Although I thought I may ask some things before I look into getting another 6g Celica, since that has been my goal for years now which I never got around to doing.

I am good with my hands, and would love to take on this project, but I have nowhere to work on the car where I live. I have read tons of forum threads and posts, and feel a bit overwhelmed by how complicated this looks for an amateur like myself. Hopefully I'm getting myself worried for nothing...hopefully... I'd be happy if anyone can help me out with any one of these questions!


-Jay


What's the mileage I should be looking for on a new Celica?


What's the price range I should expect to look for? (I live in NY)


If I get an automatic, does that make me a pussy? (I know it does, but is there anyone who has a gt4 auto)


What year's / trim does the GT-Four conversion work with? eg. ST, GT, Convertible? (Is there a combo that it is easiest/cheaper for)


What are the parts needed to convert the hood, bumper and spoiler?


How much do the parts cost individually?


Where would I be able to acquire these parts?


Who would be able to do the conversion?


How much would labor cost around to install them?



Here's a few I found that are semi-close to me. Would be grateful if anyone knew of any others in my area for sale.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...57640&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...68893&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/ve...87383&Log=0

[Selly_Kuhman]

Thanks! Yeah, I def missed having the Celica for a year.

On the way back from CT, I was letting my friend drive the car, while I was driving his. We stopped by NYC on the way back to get some food. At one point in slow moving traffic when I was driving behind him, I heard this younger guy say "AHH and old Celica!" Then ran up to the window and started talking to my friend about it. Then I heard his friend yell to him "Ask em' how much was it?!"

Then yesterday when I went to register the car at the DMV, the woman I was dealing with at the counter was like "OH a Celica!" Then she went on to say how she had an 82' Celica which had a truck engine in it and she would beat everyone in races back then. She was looking for another Celica also, and knew all the ones on CL and Autotrader that I was looking at. Then on the way out of the DMV I saw a MK4 Supra in the parking lot. Only see like 3 of those a year if I'm lucky.

Anyways, my plans for conversion are now backed up with all the unforeseen repair costs, so I am just looking to do some cheaper upgrades for the time being. First on the list, I'm going to try plastidip metalizer on my rims which are beat to hell. Then going to attempt the red-out on the tails. Will post progress in case anyone else on a tight budget is looking to do some cost efficient cosmetic changes.

This post has been edited by Selly_Kuhman: Sep 17, 2014 - 5:29 PM