Gentleman,I am looking at a 1983 rust free car that came from California then to pittsburgh and sat in a garage for 17 yrs.Motor and trany is out of car.They have a new crate motor there and used tranny.Seller firm on 1500. Knowing that the car is in parts plus needs a clutch among other i am sure, do you think it will be worth purchasing.The paint has dust coverd but no dents and paint looks good..
thanks for any help lenny66

 

True rust free cars are kind of rare but worth it IMHO. As long as you know what you are getting into. Not everybody can stomach buying something they will spend more on before they can drive it but that is what makes us "special" not to mention that is usually where the good deals are.

 

You can find a good running 3rd gen for $1500 that you can enjoy now, I would pass on that car.

 

steve87ta and 4valvemach your input is very helpfull and appreciated. I am going to have to look this over very carefully to see what may be missing & try and get him to drop in price if it happens it happens thanks again..........lenny66

 

steve87ta and 4valvemach your input is very helpfull and appreciated. I am going to have to look this over very carefully to see what may be missing & try and get him to drop in price if it happens it happens thanks again..........lenny66

 

for 1500 dollars with a rust free body and a brand new crate engine, do you know what engine they have? the crate motor alone might be worth more than a good to go rolling drivable car... I would say if the crate engine is an attention grabber, go for it... now-a-days, these cars are turning into project cars, such as a weekend WOOHOO getaway driver vehicle... buy it build, and enjoy the weekend...

 

KNBlazer...I appreciate your opinion. The crate motor is a 305 4bbl with a 5 speed trany.I would imagine the carb will need rebuilt or replaced after it sat for so long.......thanks again lenny66

 

oh man, they're giving you a boat anchor... ... well without pictures, at this point I would pass, unless there are upgrades on the vehicle... new interior, steering and suspension have been upgraded? ... I would not shell out 1500 dollars for a shell unless it was a GTA

 

Thanks for your help I was kind of thinking that myself,but was eager to start on a toy.

 

Have you looked on craigslist for something better ,I search it with trans am,gta,firebird and formula.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/1639404452.html

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/1675293042.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1672596167.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1655519940.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1641148819.html

 

Thank you 4valve I really appreciate your time and research. I will continue to look,checking othher models opens up more doors.

 

i dunno if itll help you but i bought my 90 firebird which is in the middle of a 350 swap currently for like 300dollars on ebay a few yrs ago cause it wasnt running and it needed a little but it was all there and together....personally i would look for something complete to start with just so you know exactly what your getting into.

 

Thanxs 90firebird5.7, your rite I think I am going to take a pass on this car I like the fact it has no body damage at all and a new crate motor,but the question is why was it never completed 17 yrs later. Plus 17 yrs. later most likely needs new seals and gaskets.

 

I would keep looking. $1500 for a shell seems a bit high. Maybe if the crate motor was a 350.

 

I live here in the midwest and its very hard to find a rust free car around here. Maybe not in other parts of the country but definately around here. 1500 is not a bad price for a car that will need little to no body work. My guess is it wouldnt take a whole lot of $ to get that going. I know the car isnt rare but to get a rust free car, a stick shift, and a crate motor with it are three positives that must be considered. I respect all of the other opinions but this is my 2 cents.

Kevin

 

I thank everone but I chose to decline on it. Though the motor and body was in great shape,sitting for 17years and parts missing gave me a concern. Plus the emmisions needs to be up to snuff and the interior was toast.

 

Not everyone has the stomach to finish somebodies unfinished project, I agree with Kev though that is where the deals are.

It has cost me about 2 to 3 grand for parts and paint. Cost greatly depends on your abilities...
They are like a new car though. New paint, tires, motor and trans and way more fun to drive than most new econo boxes!