Trip -
Welcome to EM! Maybe plastic-clad S-Series/L-Series/Ions(aka proto-Cobalts) would be lest rusty in the rust belt. The Ford ZX2 is a good option. The Mercury Cougar comes with the same engine but weighs 400 lbs more. In terms of stripping it clean, look at what bensenvill did to his Cougar :
(bensenvill says)
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...all-11583.html
CarloSW2