Ok guys i need some serious advice.....

I recently picked up an 88' T/A 5-speed with a 350 TBI. (yes, its a 350 i checked the block, the trannie is out of a 305 though)
This car is in SERIOUS need of restoration to make it viable. The motor is in good condition, as is the clutch and trannie. 60K miles on the motor, 100K on the trannie....and -169K- on the car!

There in lies the root of my problem though. Let me list what needs to be done....
Car is primered, wing cracked.
interior is shot (missing pieces, some ive already replaced, headliner sagging, some gauges dont work though i found replacements already)
Suspension is shot beyond belief (loud POP crack sound when turning fully left, proably bad wheel bearings, shocks/struts are completly wasted all the way around.)
Dead tires...i mean DEAD. I cannot even get traction on the road at 40mph in 4th gear. 1st gear? Hah i look like im burning out of every stop light.
Car has to held at throttle on cold day, wont idle otherwise until it gets warmer (cold start valve i suppoes)
Needs every piece of weather stripping known to man on this thing. I mean they are ALLLLL rotted out.
Electrical gremlins everywhere. Turn signals i had to rewire off the rears because the front wouldnt work otherwise.
WILL NOT pass smog in CA where i live because the last owner decided that smog equipment, 02 sensors and the such were not needed. I mean im lacking even a CAT right now...
Its also a TBI


So, is this car worthy of restoring....or should i just dump it off asap? Im looking at either a Buick Grand National (HA if i can find one) or a 69 Ford F-250 Ranger with 460 BB.

I love chevys and 3rd gens especialy, but this looks like it may not be worth the investment. HELP!

 

It comes down to personal taste. If money is an issue, throwing it into the thirdgen may not be the best route. However, if that's the car you want to drive the most, then it should be worth every penny to you when you invest in it.

 

maybe pull off the good and buy a roller in the area and swap all the parts into that? possibly a nicer car with a blown/missing motor or trans. then send yours off to the junker

 

i purchased a 88 iroc in ct with a bad trans for $600,in alot better shape than that. i m sure theres many more around.that ppl give up on.
you mention restore, if the body is great,and you got some time and cash,id restore what you got.theres all kinds of parts for these, and have fun doing a restore.