Dballer and other classic car people, what would you do???

[Daeo]

As some of you know I've had my eye on a 67 428 ram air firebird. Anyway I went to test drive it today. The car drove really stong. I looked the car over from top to bottom and it looked very good. No rust anywhere on the car at all. And also no signs of bondo or putty anywhere.

So what's my problem? They claim that the car was a frame up restoration and the engine was rebuilt. But they don't have any receipts. Most people that are knowledgeable about classic muscle cars tell me to get receipts. They're asking 16,500 for the car. If my mechanic tells me the car is in good condition engine wise should I still take the car? What should I offer for the car? Any help will be appreciated...

 

[HumorMe]

Is this place/person, you are buying this car from, a broker for classic cars or are they just a dealer? It seems that they would have all of that information together before they put the car up for sale. Can you find out the previous owner(s) of the car and find out how to get in touch with him for proof of frame off restoration? When you are spending this kind of money on classic cars, it's common practice and courtesy to have all of the receipts handy. The car looks great from the pictures but close in person inspection is a must. Take all of the safeguard precautions you need if they are not willing to work with you. dballer can probably be more specific about the price for a car like this.

A little hint, if you haven't done it already....take a small magnet and place it on certain areas that might be the most suspect place for bondo and see if the magnet sticks.

If you are willing to spend a certain amount of money, say like 15,000 - 15,500, start lower than that and work your way towards your top price. I know you said earlier that you are not a "matching numbers guy" but that still has to be taken into account for the value of the car if it isn't a matching numbers car.

Are you going to show the car any in car shows?

Good luck and keep us up to date if you purchase it! Thanks!

 

[VicTusDeuS]

Does it look like it was completely restored? I would match numbers anyway just to make sure. It if looks brand new you know something had to be done to it cause unless the thing was covered up in a barn for the last 35 years I doubt it would look that good.

Check the quality of the work done to it though, was the body done correctly, is there any runs in the paint (macco paint job) etc etc. Bring a small magnet with you just to make sure with the bondo. Hows the block look, is it painted or orignal.

I know a kid who took his GTO to a macco...What a mess. He shouldve just kept the car as is...

 

[dballer]

That is a hard call. What we need to find out is who did the resto work? Then talk to the guy who did the work. Do a little networking and find out if the owner and the resto people are friends. That might be why there are not papers on it.

 

[VicTusDeuS]

Now if you said it was a 1969 Ram Air Trans Am then I would be skeptical. There are very few of those around and if I came across One I would mortgage the thing. Someone told me that the original Ram Airs now go for 180,000.00..A rare find indeed

 

[Daeo]

Is this place/person, you are buying this car from, a broker for classic cars or are they just a dealer? It seems that they would have all of that information together before they put the car up for sale. Can you find out the previous owner(s) of the car and find out how to get in touch with him for proof of frame off restoration? When you are spending this kind of money on classic cars, it's common practice and courtesy to have all of the receipts handy. The car looks great from the pictures but close in person inspection is a must. Take all of the safeguard precautions you need if they are not willing to work with you. dballer can probably be more specific about the price for a car like this.

A little hint, if you haven't done it already....take a small magnet and place it on certain areas that might be the most suspect place for bondo and see if the magnet sticks.

If you are willing to spend a certain amount of money, say like 15,000 - 15,500, start lower than that and work your way towards your top price. I know you said earlier that you are not a "matching numbers guy" but that still has to be taken into account for the value of the car if it isn't a matching numbers car.

Are you going to show the car any in car shows?

Good luck and keep us up to date if you purchase it! Thanks!

It's a dealer. They gave me the previous owners name, but the son of a bitch moved. And he's unlisted in the phone book now.

I did the magnet trick already. There's no rust anywhere as far as I checked and was told. And I inspected pretty thouroughly.

Not planning on entering any car show as of yet. But it has crossed my mind...

 

[Daeo]

Does it look like it was completely restored? I would match numbers anyway just to make sure. It if looks brand new you know something had to be done to it cause unless the thing was covered up in a barn for the last 35 years I doubt it would look that good.

Check the quality of the work done to it though, was the body done correctly, is there any runs in the paint (macco paint job) etc etc. Bring a small magnet with you just to make sure with the bondo. Hows the block look, is it painted or orignal.

I know a kid who took his GTO to a macco...What a mess. He shouldve just kept the car as is...

It looks like it was completely restored. The interior is all brand new. I know for sure the numbers don't match. The engine is a 68' engine, whereas the car is a 67'. They told me that much. The paint job is nice. There was only one spot by the back window where it looked like the paint was messed up a little bit. The engine block is original, not painted. Looks like a engine from 68' . Definetly wasn't show ready...

 

[VicTusDeuS]

If you got something that beautiful especially a firebird show it off. There are many sites on the web you can check out but check your PM. I have the AOL screename of a guy who is an expert in firebirds/trans ams. He might know something or point you to someone who might be able to help you..

 

[Daeo]

That is a hard call. What we need to find out is who did the resto work? Then talk to the guy who did the work. Do a little networking and find out if the owner and the resto people are friends. That might be why there are not papers on it.

I have the guys name and previous address. I've had a hell of a time finding this guy though. There's no trace of him at all now. I've used every people search engine on the net just about...

 

[VicTusDeuS]

DAEO check your PMS