Best Model??? --(Andy)

[old forum]

Hi, I have just a touch over $3000, I am looking to buy a gemini soon, trade in my sh*tbox
What model Would u reccomend??? i would also like to add extractors, 2 1/2inch exhaust etc, How much is that?
If i spend 1500 on the gem what condition would i be looking at???

ANDY

[old forum]

For $1500 your gemini should be fairly nice, you would expect the car to have a few shortcomings and with a gemini it usually falls into one of two categories, driveline or body.

All things considered you would be a lunatic to buy a gemini because of it's motor, it is always best to operate the other way, find a rust free (search like a lunatic for hidden bogwork) or low rust shell with a good paintjob and a nice interior (not necessarily nice in the showcar sense, but preferably black with not too many cracks on the dashboard etc).

Well model is a hard one, if you prefer the commodore shaped gemini, go for a late 1984 TG Sl/X and try and find one with recoil rear seat belts. If you prefer the early shape, then go for a 1979 TD with RTS and leading trailing drums rather than duo-servo drums. If you want a coupe then naturally go for a TD. If you want a wagon then go for a late TG or if you want a TD style wagon then go for a TD.

I would suggest inspecting every gemini in the trading post between $500 and $1500, judge them primarily on body condition, then on suspension(no where nearly as important) and also the rest of the driveline, that is gearbox and diff. 2 1/2 inch exhaust is maybe even a little too large but within reason, with extractors from an exhaust shop, around $300-$350.

[old forum]

Coupe! The TX-TD coupe looks killer - TD's probably the best mechanically - superior suspension with RTS and the Salisbury diff. Some people feel the TD looks better too, however, my TD panelvan came standard with round headlights (as all base model vans and sedans did) and I think that's cool too.

Alternatively, a TD wagon or van might be your thing. The van is certainly the rarest Gemini but is also the rarest one to find in good nick too. It's not that hard to find a Grandma TD sedan, moderately hard to find a Grandma TD coupe - but what Grandma buys a TD van???

I agree with Adam, the best of the Isuzu-designed TE-TG Geminis is the TG, although TEs can look good, but they've got to be absolutely spot-on perfect to look good, I think. TGs have a smoother, less cluttered look.

Naaah, stuff all that - spend $1500-$2000 on a pristine 1964 Isuzu Bellett - now THEY'RE tough.