Hello guys, this is my first post. I previously had a 1983 TA, and am now looking into a 91 Formula. Went to go look at it today.. the car feels pretty good, and its pretty straight with the exception of a dent in the front fender where it meets the fron bumper, and the bumper is pushed sorta down, in front of the headlight, almost like a higher car backed over it. 145k on the motor, 204k on the car. My question is, is there anything in particular I should check out, and also, how hard it is to repair the front bumper, it isnt cracked or split, just pushed in. I am really hoping to get the car, just want to make sure I am covering all the bases.

Thanks!

 

Here's a couple pics.. let me know what you think!

 

the nose is really hard to find, so if it has to be replaced keep that in mind.

if the nose is not damaged, none of the mounting tabs broken ect, it may just be an issue with the support. The piece that goes from the nose to the radiator support could have moved, or the triangular support from the lower radiator support to the upper nose suppost could be bent/broken.

Most importantly, look for RUST! Get under the car and check the floors out really reall well, all aroudn the car, when the rear wheel wells, behind the tire and around the entiore well. These things are norotious for bad rust/rot and if the car is full of it, its almost worthless.

Check the door sill for rust, and check all the body lines make sure they are even and no evidence of an accident that pushed things together.

thats a lot of miles, so figure the trans may need work as well as the rest of the cars mechanical parts.

It took my almost 4 years to find a good solid 91-92 for a decent price.

if all that checks out, and the price is right, go for it.

 

I saw that car on Craigslist.com and was considering checking it out. Definitely check out the bottom of the car and even under the carpet if you have a way to check. The weakest points will be the floor pans and the suspension components after 200k+ miles and NJ road salt.

~Matt

 

i wouldnt worry to much if the suspension is rusts, its all replaceable, but the floors are a much larger issue of they are rotted. Dont forge to check the rear cargo pan, and the lower radiator support.

 

The undercarriage is in very nice shape.. especially considering the mileage. I suspect the car was garaged most of its life. Everything checks out, feels good and I am going for it.. Picking up the title today, and hopefully driving it home tomorrow! Its been some time since I was an F-Body owner, and it feels good to be BACK!! Thanks for the input, I hope to get to know everyone on here!
Chris
'91 Formula T-5

 

Good luck with the car and don't be a stranger. Let us know how it goes.

~Matt

 

good luck

 

Good luck with the car.

 

Hey Man: I posted a link to this ad on nythirdgen...seems like a nice car and good luck w/it. I had an issue w/my front bumper when i got as well and the local body shop was able to fix the hole in it. Let me know if you need any body shop recommendations..the guy i deal w/is very reasonably priced and does great work.

 

I picked the car up on friday, so far so good... There is an issue in the rear, but im in the process of figuring out what it is. Runs great, drives good, so I am happy so far! As far as a body guy, I would love some suggestions, especially from a board member, so def let me know who your guy is, and where he is located. Thanks everyone, and I will keep you all posted on the cars progress!