In Spring, 2018, two tremors will shake my automotive world. My daughter will graduate from the mega-bucks private university that has made me eat Ramen for four years. And the lease on my 2015 Jeep Renegade will end. When the ground stops trembling from those events, I will have $12K stashed and will need a daily driver. An A-body or perhaps a C-body will be that car.
Let's get this much out of the way...
Yeah, I know no upgrade will make it as safe as a '98 Civic. Yeah, I know even a solid example that is aggressively undercoated will be toast before three to four years(if that). Yeah, I'm aware of the reliability challenge for a guy who is a dynamite RN but has zero aptitude and experience with a wrench. But look, everyone...I figure the government is going to make us all sit smiley-faced in self-driving cars before too long. I had a ball before my kids started college running about (in succession) in a '64 Dart, a '60 Studebaker Lark, and a '77 LeBaron. I loathe the Jeep and anything built after 1990. I have seven years to go before retirement (six in Spring, 2018). And I have all of four miles to traverse to the hospital I work at. The thought of returning to vintage Mopar sustains me through tough days at work. So, with no further ado, I am tapping your collective experience and wisdom.
I want to find out what would be the first three things you'd do to make it safer and more reliable. I figure on spending enough to get a solid-bodied and solid running number 3 car. Don't mind more doors at all. Probably can't do a 2-door anyway, since that $12K is all I have budgeted to get going, including the car's selling price. I don't get too worked up if originality has gone away like Madonna's virginity. From what I've seen just as a lurker, I already figure on:
1. Converting to disc brakes,
2. Electronic ignition,
3. Better headlghts/3rd brake light (paging Daniel Stern),
4. Boiling out or replacing the fuel tank, replacing fuel pump, fuel and brake lines/hoses/etc.
5. Installing shoulder belts, maybe a seat swap for head rests, Scat Procar or Sebring convertible seats.
You may agree those are essentials.. But what would you consider highly desirable beyond these? I see things like Hotchkis TVS kits and Holley Spitfire fuel injection, and everything looks wonderful! But I dunno! If you are so inclined, give me the three things you would do after what I listed. I truly appreciate all responses.