1997 7G Galant Low Miles

[alexbarnes313]

So I've been lurking here for a few weeks now, ever since I got my (first) Galant. A 1997 Galant ES. (Also I'm pretty sure theres no such thing as a "gold edition") Picked her up from a janky car place for $1000. Don't think he understood the worth of this thing, being that it only had 76k when I bought it. Shes now at almost 80k. When I got the title it was from like 5 states away and hadn't been altered since 2009 when it apparently had 72k miles. I guess it sat somewhere awhile and ended up at an auction before the salesman. I also believe it was owned by elderly before me because other than the outside cosmetics, the interior is immaculate.
:023: ANYWAYS, I was here to post some pics and say "Hey, I might need your help with things in the future because I'm not super mechanically intelligent."
I genuinely love this car already, I believe this is the 4g64 as well.
If you guys could suggest anything, I'm open to it all.
http://i.imgur.com/anqEdkP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/IuLaMIO.jpg

Here's a full album of pictures on imgur, look at the dents :(((
http://imgur.com/a/VLApM

[Techn0Nut1996]

Interior does look good, but like you said the outside needs a lot of work but would look great when it's all back to its straight self!

[alexbarnes313]

I guess the real question for myself right now is after the tune up do I want to start with trying to fix the body or get a CAI and exhaust set up.

[Blue3000GTguy]

Can you do the bodywork yourself? Because truth be told, I would do as much as I can by myself and then farm out the big work to a pro. being that it is a low mileage car I would suggest starting with bodywork, because cai and exhaust make it sound better, but unless it looks good people are just going to see another beat up old Mitsubishi.
Spend the time fixing issues, get the body parts you want (VR4, after market, etc) and paint it, then do badass mods. Dohc swap if it isn't already. ;)

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[alexbarnes313]

I don't have any tools at all. Are the tools for getting out dings and dents fairly affordable? Because if so I could have the tools to always fix these things, heck I'd charge my friends and get their dings out lol.
My main thing is that front piece here http://i.imgur.com/YAOcu4F.jpg
How would I find another one, I'm not even sure what to call it. Or if any other gen parts could replace it.
And then that side dent my the gas door. It's gonna be a super bi**h. http://i.imgur.com/vHwFxcX.jpg
It really has no problems right now, and cosmetics are a concern to me, but more of an afterwards thing. Like, I wouldn't mind doing cosmetics last just to have a nice little sleeper temporarily haha
That DOHC swap tho, mannnnnn maybe a year from now depending on progess. Reminds me, I saw a near perfect 3000GT today and almost cried. My gf just didn't understand.

[Blue3000GTguy]

That rear quarter panel is going to be a major issue. That's professional body man bad.
That front piece, I'm pretty sure it just unbolts and you can replace it. Body tools aren't expensive, but it's not the cost, it's the experience that's necessary to be a body guy. You can always get the tools and teach yourself, but it takes time to learn. Do literally whatever you want to the car to make it look better, no one looks twice at most midsize Japanese sedans, so if you build it to the tits it'll surprise the hell out of everyone.
I'm going to start trying to get my hands on dohc swap equipment, so the parts can be had all in one shot.
I've had so many 3000GTs in my life, I love them. Beautiful ones are really rare, my wife gets it but most people don't. Just have dreams, those cars are cheap right now. ;)

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[alexbarnes313]

You wouldn't happen to know the parts number for that front piece would you? I've found 2 pages which I think may have the part. This one kinda looks like it http://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/mitsubishi/galant/mr763046/1997-year/es-trim/2-4l-l4-gas-engine/body-cat/grille-and-components-scat/?part_name=grille&recommended=1
Or maybe something on this page http://www.mitsubishipartswarehouse.com/mitsubishi/galant/mr248636/1997-year/es-trim/2-4l-l4-gas-engine/body-cat/bumper-and-components-front-scat/?part_name=face-bar

I do work full time though, so getting the tools and teaching myself would be a little difficult, but eh maybe I could. I have big dreams for this car, and in the future I will have my hands on a 3000GT that I can baby and maintain until my death bed.
My first car ever was a lilttle 2000 Mirage...but because of that I have a never ending love for Mitsubishi.

[Techn0Nut1996]

my wife gets it

You're a lucky guy. My girlfriend is very tolerant of the addiction and even helps me wax/ work on the car when she can.

Alex (I'm assuming this is your name), like Blue said experience is everything when it comes to body work. But there's only one way to gain the experience and that's to dig right in! The first time I attempted body work was a shit show, but I learned a ton and I'm confident that the next time that I have to do it I will be much better off. As for the rear quarter panel, I see a body shop using one of those tools where they weld to the car then pull the dent out. Id pay to have that section worked out but I'm afraid it wont be too cheap..

[Blue3000GTguy]

You're a lucky guy. My girlfriend is very tolerant of the addiction and even helps me wax/ work on the car when she can.

Alex (I'm assuming this is your name), like Blue said experience is everything when it comes to body work. But there's only one way to gain the experience and that's to dig right in! The first time I attempted body work was a shit show, but I learned a ton and I'm confident that the next time that I have to do it I will be much better off. As for the rear quarter panel, I see a body shop using one of those tools where they weld to the car then pull the dent out. Id pay to have that section worked out but I'm afraid it wont be too cheap..

You have no idea dude, she's great. Deja Vu would be a scrapyard car if it weren't for her. And my Volvo would be long gone.
I'm gonna back you up here and agree that the only way to learn is to do it, but my counterpoint to that is that the rear quarter on that car is so bad, most body guys would just cut it out and replace it. The time it would take to get it right, when charged by the hour, is so much more expensive. Those rivet guns you're talking about can be had commercially for a good price, but you also need a slide hammer with the proper attachment to pull the dents. Not saying it isn't a bad idea to learn, but expect to shell out some money for tools and equipment.

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[alexbarnes313]

I posted a really long reply last night with links to what I thought I needed but apparently it never posted :o
My hard work all gone :(
Oh and yes, I go by Alex :)
But it sounds like I may get some tools and attempt doing whatever I can to it lol. As long as I don't make it worse then eh alright. I'm just almost afraid I'm dreaming /too/ big with this car. Like a few weeks ago I wrote a list out when I was bored at work lemme find it and put it up here...

Found it: Okay so laugh if you will, I've never worked on a car or wanted to work on a car this bad so some of this might be a bit much..

-Full inspection and tune up (fix or replace anything found wrong at this stage)
-New headlight casing or holo (I don't think that's possible for the 7g)
-Redo the exhaust starting at the headers
-Tint Windows
-CAI and also fix my a/c lol I keep forgetting that needs fixed. Dunno what it is, recharged it and it was kinda cold a few days and boom nothing.
-Low profile tires/wheels
-Coilovers
-Maybe I'll steal a spoiler from something at the junkyard and throw it on
-Front bumper with foglight capability
-Eventually upgrade the sound system and add interior decor lights, maybe do something with the wood finish
-TURBO :DDD
-Get the body looking not bad, as we've discussed
-Paint Job

What else should I be dreaming of?

[Techn0Nut1996]

What else should I be dreaming of?

That's a good list! As for what else its really up to you and what you want. If someone thinks your dreams for the car are too much them screw them, a clean 7G would turn a lot of heads at a car meet because hardly anyone has them in good shape anymore!

[alexbarnes313]

I already rarely see Galants around my parts. There's a few but they're all 8G.
I'm just glad I live 5 minutes from work so I can walk if she's ever temporarily out of commission.

[Blue3000GTguy]

I posted a really long reply last night with links to what I thought I needed but apparently it never posted :o
My hard work all gone :(
Oh and yes, I go by Alex :)
But it sounds like I may get some tools and attempt doing whatever I can to it lol. As long as I don't make it worse then eh alright. I'm just almost afraid I'm dreaming /too/ big with this car. Like a few weeks ago I wrote a list out when I was bored at work lemme find it and put it up here...

Found it: Okay so laugh if you will, I've never worked on a car or wanted to work on a car this bad so some of this might be a bit much..

-Full inspection and tune up (fix or replace anything found wrong at this stage)
-New headlight casing or holo (I don't think that's possible for the 7g)
-Redo the exhaust starting at the headers
-Tint Windows
-CAI and also fix my a/c lol I keep forgetting that needs fixed. Dunno what it is, recharged it and it was kinda cold a few days and boom nothing.
-Low profile tires/wheels
-Coilovers
-Maybe I'll steal a spoiler from something at the junkyard and throw it on
-Front bumper with foglight capability
-Eventually upgrade the sound system and add interior decor lights, maybe do something with the wood finish
-TURBO :DDD
-Get the body looking not bad, as we've discussed
-Paint Job

What else should I be dreaming of?

If you think your list is crazy you should see my triple build thread. Three cars. Yes sir.
Full inspection+ tune up is a damn good point on your list. I would go ahead and assume nothing has ever been changed, due to the mileage, so I would plan on having the timing belt and water pump done professionally. Spark plugs, plug wires, air and fuel filters. Pcv valve, etc. It's also a good idea to have the transmission serviced.
They make a few after market headlights for the 7g. You just have to look in the right places.
Exhaust is a good mod for any car. Same with tint and cai. If you're serious about turbo plans I would wait for the exhaust until you turbo, because you'll have to go bigger when you turbo.
Your ac probably has a leak. Pay someone to diagnose it and fix whatever the issue is yourself, and then have it pumped and charged.
Wheels, tires, and coilovers, will completely change the look of the car. Good choice.
The spoiler and bumper thing. Check the Galant VR4 parts out, they're pricey but guaranteed to look good and fit right. Sound system and woof finish choices are great quality of drive mods, but avoid the excess light deal, you'll always regret crazy stuff.
Your plan seems reasonable, and I can't wait to see what you do with the car.

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[Techn0Nut1996]

I already rarely see Galants around my parts. There's a few but they're all 8G.
I'm just glad I live 5 minutes from work so I can walk if she's ever temporarily out of commission.

Get a longboard or something similar, that's what I use to get to school so I don't put miles on my car lol.

[w/oarctic7g]

Welcome to TGC. That part in front of the hood is what I call a filler panel. It unbolts and directly interchanges 96-98. You can also use 94-95 but would have to swap bumper as well.

[alexbarnes313]

Thank you all for your input I really appreciate it. I have a good idea of where to start. It'll be a good project.
But I just ran into an issue. My left blinker is stuck on. In left, neutral, and right. Right does nothing. Hazards work. Brights and normal lights work. This lever may be bunk from what I've read. And I think 8G levers are simple and can be fixed with a screw. Not this one though. Any ideas or do I just need to order the new part? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170703/509d0d0dc70f48f7a10870b30e6c3da3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170703/c2cc7cda7356c859a62eff37bffd97d0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170703/069c60b67bf20ef28589d227e60144f2.jpg

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[Blue3000GTguy]

I don't know about fixing it, maybe a 7g owner can help you there, but if you want to replace it, the factory number is MR277924 and a replacement can be had on Rockauto for about $44+ shipping.

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[alexbarnes313]

Wish I could just fix it :(
But update: I put the column cover back on this morning and pulled the signal fuse out. No turn signals at all for the moment Yay! Lol
But now my SRS light is on, just from taking off that cover I suppose... - sigh-

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[alexbarnes313]

I thought I'd posted an update already buuuuut guess not.
The SRS light is on only because of that fuse being pulled. Currently riding around using hand signals.
Also someone almost slammed me going into employee parking at work so I had to floor it and do a wicked power slide during shift change.
😎

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[Blue3000GTguy]

For safety and responsibility's sake I urge you to replace the switch.

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[alexbarnes313]

No need to worry anymore. Got paid and ordered it with 2 day shipping. Will be here Friday guaranteed. So I just need to pop the old out and the new in.
Also I was wondering how difficult it would be to convert rear drums to discs? And when I go low pro, what size wheels would even fit? i am noobzor

[Blue3000GTguy]

No need to worry anymore. Got paid and ordered it with 2 day shipping. Will be here Friday guaranteed. So I just need to pop the old out and the new in.
Also I was wondering how difficult it would be to convert rear drums to discs? And when I go low pro, what size wheels would even fit? i am noobzor
I'm not sure about the 7g, but on the 8g it's a pretty simple affair. Just have to find the right parts.
I personally like 17s, but I'm biased. I think 18s look good if they're the right ones, but I would say 17s give better ride quality with still adding performance characteristics.

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[alexbarnes313]

So the turn signals are back! I can stop being my own pet peeve (even though I actually signaled with my arms).
Anyways, right now I'm looking for a more financial route to get the same results for now.
AND I FOUND THAT DAMN NOSE PIECE!!!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-1994-1996-MI1220101-FITS-MITSUBISHI-GALANT-REPLACEMENT-FRONT-HEADER-PANEL-/221421548721?fits=Model%3AGalant&epid=0&hash=item338dc0b4b1:g:zM4AAOxy~dNTH0Li&vxp=mtr
It doesn't say for 97-98 but it's the same so yaaaaaaas finally!
Oh yeah the cheap stuff. So instead of going straight in and doing coilovers I was thinking of saving a couple hundred and getting new struts:
https://www.amazon.com/40257-Shocks-Struts-corners-vehicle/dp/B0158W0S5Q/ref=sr_1_18?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1500152669&vehicle=1997-72-939------------5-0&sr=1-18&ymm=1997%3Amitsubishi%3Agalant&keywords=strut Dunno if these are any good...
And then simply lowering springs: https://www.amazon.com/Megan-Racing-Lowering-Springs-MR-LS-MG94/dp/B007X85NGS/ref=pd_cart_vw_1_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BM3ZRRHKGMCD89S65TVX

Currently looking for a strut bar that won't require any extra work, but the 8g vr4 bar seems promising with minimal work...

[Blue3000GTguy]

You can get the oem kybs on Rockauto for roughly the same price. I would go that way. As long as you aren't paying someone to do the work, lowering springs and new struts isn't the worst way to go. Plus you can always sell them later.

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[alexbarnes313]

SURPRISE! More to come ;) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/a620636e88eab77f4499bf4229c12bec.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/812ae37ec9adebdc284e6e0c0a507eae.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/a8db8bf283396813435a318444912266.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/be785696c6b375fcd58d5b696f62a5b1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/eee9f331ff6355a5f8e5b7a3ca6c606c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/90dc2497ddcd6cba18b3abed86170a44.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/5192694f20339e7d668979a2fff613f2.jpg

Tomorrow I redo all the little gold touches with gold plastidip and will car wash and blah blah for good pictures!
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[Blue3000GTguy]

The multiplication disease begins!

[alexbarnes313]

The multiplication disease begins!Oh no I didn't know it was a disease! Wallet, quickly, go hide!

Haha yes this G life isnt so bad after getting a donor car. Currently doing the gold plastidip. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/f66d16373c940d75257d5b2857788147.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/46ea662c9bb1a2cba39e6efc5b553261.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/6964556f72b9968f7d95d8b467bdd0fd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171216/86be5042fa59c0a20410d4f2c5a48398.jpg

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[eksz]

know this is an old post (2017) but I am surprised no one mentioned doing a 5 speed swap. Eventually that auto (assuming it is an auto because it is an ES) is going to die. I've had then die as early as 130K and last as long as 200K. The tech and knowledge section of this page has everything you need to know on how to do a swap. It also discusses all the useful mods. https://www.thegalantcenter.org/forumdisplay.php?92-7g-US-1994-1998 Good luck

[alexbarnes313]

I'm really bad at replying at stuff. Hi guys, not much has changed with the car yet. Life sure is a bitch and money isn't plentiful as we all know. Recently did valve cover gasket and can say it's still extremely clean in there at nearing 117k. Order all new motor and transmission mounts which will be done next week, they were becoming very noticeable as my driving is almost always "spirited". All 4 of my rims have been bent since I got them off the parts car. 2 months back got 4 new tires(from Walmart, and I decided to let them mount them and put em on and they stripped 3 studs and I had to make them pay an outsourced mechanic to get reimbursed and blah blah) , put the worst bent on the back, best on the front and I want to rotate them but.....so I'm going 45 minutes away to a professional who will bend them back to perfect and weld any cracks. Can only afford to do 2 at a time which is fine so I can rotate my tires lol. All in all, it's coming along. Still gotta the the jdm high rise spoiler and lowering springs. Oh yeah, and limo tinted. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/62560960949a0d248f04c4542b84875e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/30fc366088b5cf37f3911b58765c6b7d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/9f28e92c78d03312833dde213d9b29a5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/b88fc8b07d409330f6c8105f9ed5b34e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/b88adf9efada53630081604dc6b9ac4b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180614/79bf940bc233493cff1a406b4e2035ab.jpg

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