Repair-It

I am coming to some real realizations here. I am finding that I am not willing to buy a car that I haven't been able to test drive first. Maybe that is crazy, but I have a real hard time investing even $2,500 plus probably $1,000 in shipping for what seems to be a pretty clean body and interior. There are a few things here and there, rust above passenger window, no HVAC, cracked dash, questionable running condition, only because I haven't driven it. This could be a real problem for me if I am serious about buying one of these because finding one of these with little rust around here is getting pretty difficult, especially in my price range.

My problem, which may not be your problem, is that I wouldn't want the pleasure of discovering all of the hacks, cut wiring, etc., that someone may have done along the way, "because racecar." It idles at 1,600 rpm, but probably because it dies when you put it in gear with a lower idle, not because it has an 8,500 rpm cam. That's not hotrod, that's just broken.

You can have working HVAC in a daily driver that runs high 9s. There is no reason to live without it on something that probably runs 13s. Yes, your plan would be to re-do the powertrain in time. But I'd rather start with something closer to stock, and do the way I want, rather than start with someone else's project.

I agree - buying something as close to stock as possible is best. You don't want to buy someone else's problems.

Bob wrote:I agree - buying something as close to stock as possible is best. You don't want to buy someone else's problems.

Yes!!! Unless, of course, it is super cheap. Which this isn't.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5394392360.html Stock example. Appears to have something going on rust-wise in the final pic.

Bob wrote:http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5394392360.html Stock example. Appears to have something going on rust-wise in the final pic.

Looks like passenger side in front of the rear wheel. Also there are no other shots of the passenger side.

Here are 2, 1 of which is out of my price range. I hope to look at it this weekend if possible:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/5398227029.html

This one is really exactly what I would like to end up with, without painted rims:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5396962057.html

billgiacheri wrote:Here are 2, 1 of which is out of my price range. I hope to look at it this weekend if possible:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/5398227029.html

great running condition

Runs out good, on trailer for unrelated reason.

kevm14 wrote:

billgiacheri wrote:Here are 2, 1 of which is out of my price range. I hope to look at it this weekend if possible:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/5398227029.html

great running condition

Runs out good, on trailer for unrelated reason.

Ha! I'd be interested to see how "original" everything actually is.

Things to watch for on "original" SS's: (Ask me how I know about these)
- Aftermarket air cleaner w/improperly hookup up breathers
- Aftermarket valve covers w/improperly hookup up breathers
- Not running the OEM computer-controlled quadrajet (also see if you can manually set fast idle for fun: key on engine off, two full quick depresses of throttle, crank)
- Bypassed/missing AIR injection system
- Non-functional A/C. "Just needs a charge"
- Non-functional speedometer
- Missing the fan clutch-equipped mechanical fan and shroud or other cooling system "mods"
- CEL for any reason. Jump pins A/B on DLC to flash out codes http://www.troublecodes.net/gm/. You should always see code 12 (key-on, no RPM).
- Non-working gauges or aftermarket replacement gauges
- Bypassed/blocked off EGR
- No catalytic converter
- Headers (there were CARB-legal headers which retained AIR injection and OEM cat, which are OK)
- SPID (underside of trunk lid)
- Make sure it's a real SS (Z65 + L69 + F41 + something else? can't remember. The first one should suffice).
- See if it has limited slip (G80)

None of the engine stuff really matters and as long as it drives, really doesn't affect the value for Bill. He may want to fix those things, depending.

This car appears to be a good deal.