I feel a ratter shovel nose project coming on..........
My vision:
Obviously get the Rona mechanically sound....... then:
- lowered
- tidy up the bodywork to your satisfaction.....
- cheap flat or satin paint job...... you could go black although that is a bit too common these days......
- paint the rims...... pillar box red is a bit over done too (although I did it, but 3 years ago now on my Corty).... maybe flat grey
- new or 2nd hand tyres if the ones on there are shagged
- whitewalls on the tyres..... or portawalls available in different widths
- set of decent hubcaps (ie the original centrecaps)
- cool old rugs to cover the seats if they are in need of repair and you don't want to shell for a retrim
- set of fender mirrors (eBay can help there although mostly they are not to my taste as I like the genuine jap ones best)
- visor for above front screen (unlikely to find an original but can have a brand new all metal one made for $300)
- venetian blind for inside back window (same as above, but will cost between $200 and $240)
- polish the crap out of all the chrome even if the chrome on there is not in the best condition........ make it look as good as possible
- as many period correct accessories as possible (ie grille badges, drivers window shield which I forget what they are called, bumper over-riders etc etc)
- some sort of faded motif on driver's and passenger door...... perhaps a period correct version of a Japanese taxi sign..... amazing what signwriter's can do
- tidy up the interior but no need for perfection...... clean those windows to perfection though
Then........ sit back and admire your one of a kind ratter RT40 that will turn more heads than you can believe, was a hell of a lot of fun to create.... and..... didn't cost you a fortune.
Well that's what I would do anyway.