I know this is the Third Gen boards, but I have a question on a Second Gen. I'm looking at purchasing one. Not sure on the exact year, color is blue. Interior looks to be black leather. It sat for about 2-3 months for sale next to a Chevelle. It then was gone and I was sad not to see it every day. Later that week my g/f and I saw our friend driving it around town. He was "test driving" it for 2 days to see if he liked it. It sounds great, looks to drive great, etc. It definitely sounds like it has a cam. It has exhaust. It's a 305 from what I am told, again not sure what's on it. The body looks to be in great condition, though I haven't really looked it over yet.

So here's my question... What do I look for on a car of this age? Rust obviously, but are there certain places to look? Under the carpet in the rear? Floorboards, etc.? The guy wants $1500 for it... So I'm basically at the point where, no matter what, I'm going to buy it... unless the rust is overwhelming or the frame is bent.

 

what year is it?? Trans Am?? Check out Welcome to Trans Am Country!, they are dedicated to secondgen firebirds/trans am's.

 

The guy who was test driving it called it a "Fireturd" but I'm pretty damn sure it's a Camaro. I don't think he knows what he's talking about. Not sure on the year either. Thanks for the link!

 

The 2nd gen cars are prone to rust - rear quarters, doors, the rear subframe where the leaf springs connect - major spot underneath.
Trunk pan....if the weather stripping is gone, water and condensation wreak havoc
Check the car over well - uinderhood cowl area, the A piller where it meet the front cowl (corner of the dash pad) especially if it has t-tops...
It's an old american car
-Andrew

 

To keep this thread 3rd gen related, I'll list some things that both the 2nd and 3rd gen share for problems when it comes to buying one.

Obviously rust. Check the floors, rockers, quarters, etc. Check for bondo too.

Oil leaks... old V8s are prone to it (all old motors are haha)

Any other leaks (power steering, radiator, etc)

Brakes

Sloppy suspension (ball joints, struts, shocks, etc)

Um... horrible wiring done by many owners (ugh I HATE THAT)

Plus it depends on the price too. For $1500 if you get a running driving classic car, that isn't too bad... long as it isn't rotted out!

 

Sagging doors due to worn hinges. Rattles creaks due to being a Subframe car unlike the 3rd gens which are more of a unitized body the second gen cars had a subframe under the front of the cars which bolted to the unitized back half of the car. The "subframe" on a third gen is more of an engine cradle. The second gen dash will crack and since it is one big piece of vinyl it is costly to replace. The reproductions ones are of questioinable quality and it costs about $600 to have the orignial recovered. You could go with a hard plastic "cover" which glues in place but it is not quite right.

 

Or get one of those JCWhitney carpet covers with your name embroidered on it LOL

 

Thanks again everyone. The car runs and drives REAL well from what I've seen of it on the road. It sounds very strong and definitely sounds great with the cam in there. I figure for $1500 no matter what, it's almost worth buying it.

I'll get more info when I go to check it out