Five Popular Retro Mitsubishi Vehicle Restoration Projects
Mitsubishi is a name well-known in the automotive industry for reliability and value. It has been since 1917, when the brand released its first car, the Model-A. You'd know best; after all, you're the proud owner of a classic.
Whether that's an older model, a "barn find" like a Mitsubishi Tredia or a Mitsubishi Cordia from the 1980s, or a newer but discontinued model, a "junkyard treasure" like a Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 1990s, a Mitsubishi Lancer from the 2000s, or even a Mitsubishi Galant from the 2010s, it deserves to be kept up (or brought back up to spec) as befits any vintage vehicle. If you're looking for ideas for a restoration project, we've got a few -- and the parts and accessories you need to get things off the ground.
Here are five places to start, for five Mitsubishi models equally popular over the years.
Five Mitsubishi Models That are Prime Prospects for Restoration
1. Mitsubishi Starion
If you know the Starion, then you know it's an iconic rear-wheel-drive Mitsubishi sports car of the mid- to late 1980s -- one cool sports coupe with a hatchback, with a limited slip differential, a MacPherson strut suspension, and sway bars, all standard. If you drive one, unless it's a model from 1988 or 1989, it's unlikely that it's got the Sports Handling Package (SHP), which was optional and included both front and rear adjustable strut assemblies and wider wheels. Luckily, these mods are pretty straightforward to do yourself, and you can get the struts and wheels you need for the job right here.
2. Mitsubishi Sigma
A front-wheel-drive, hardtop sedan variant of the Mitsubishi Galant, the Sigma was only available for two model years during the Galant line's fifth generation: 1989 and 1990. That not only makes the car rare. It also makes finding parts for, say, bringing current the 142-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to its four-speed automatic transmission a lot tougher. There's a straightforward solution, though: shop engine parts like turbochargers, cold air intakes, and performance air filters with us. They'll not only help get the car you love back up to speed. They can also add more power, plus a little extra torque on top of the engine's 168 pound-feet.
3. Mitsubishi Montero
The Montero of, say, the early 1980s, was a full-size, body-on-frame SUV, but over three generations in the US, it became a unibody crossover. If your model's not as recent, then there's a good chance that the perks of its day -- the adjustable shocks, for example, the manual transmission, or even the rack-and-pinion steering -- aren't as widely available. Don't worry; we've got the suspension & steering and powertrain parts you need to transform it into something a little more contemporary.
4. Mitsubishi 3000GT
As much of a speed-demon of a 1990s sports car as the celebrated 3000GT was, you can't get its active aero package anymore, and worse, the model wasn't without a few common problems -- with the transmission, for example, or the transfer case, or even the drivetrain. Some issues still persist to this day; if you've noticed any, we've got the replacement parts you need covered. And if you're looking to improve the car's aerodynamics on top of that, we carry everything from spoilers and wings to things like splitters, diffusers, and hoods.
5. Mitsubishi Van
What was commonly called the "Van" -- a windowless cargo van of 1987, appearing during the third generation of what was elsewhere called the Mitsubishi Delica -- only ran until 1990, and soon after, in 1992, the Mitsubishi Expo LRV replaced it. In short, the model's hard to find, but if you've got one, know that it's got serious prospects for van life conversion. Consider adding, for instance, cargo accessories like cargo trays, cargo nets, and a roof rack to haul the week's groceries, camp stuff and other outdoor gear, remote work equipment, and more.
Shop Classic Parts & Accessories and More at Mitsubishi Motors North America
Everything we stock is OEM -- genuine Mitsubishi, of the top quality you're used to, and with a fitment guarantee you may not get from some aftermarket parts and accessories. Most even include manufacturer warranties, and they won't void yours -- meaning they won't put you on the hook for other, more expensive repairs that your coverage may have otherwise take care of.
Need help with install? Feel free to get in touch with a Mitsubishi dealer. And once the ride you love's restored, upgraded, and modernized, it'll be back on the road wowing onlookers in no time.