I saw an add today for a Chevelle project car... a '66 convert to be exact! I'd love to have a convert, but something tells me this 'project' car is going to need a lot of work!! I have not looked at it yet and the ad just says 'best offer', so what I need to know is how hard are they to restore? I'm sure it will need top and associted parts, but what about finding decent body panels if it needs them? Anyone have suggestions on what to look for on a convertible to see if it's worth buying??

Thanks,
Bill C.

First thing on verts is the frame, if the frame is rotted it will set you back a quick $850 and up. I had to have a frame brought up from NC when I did my 66 convertible. Check the frame everywhere.

Check the area between the rear wheel housings behind the bottom of the back seat. This includes the floor brace whaich is quite different from hard tops and is not reproduced (supposedly).

I am in the process of "restifiying" my '66 SS right now. I do not think there are many parts that you CAN NOT find for the convertible. The hardest to find that I know of are the rear wheel housings, both inner and outer. Mine are both shot and everyone I have talked to says there is just about more work in refabbing a new repop than there is in hand building repair panels for the originals. The repop units are designed for the hardtop models and must be reworked to fit the soft top. I have a Michigan car and it is a rusty mess. But, I figure if I can salvage it and keep it on the road for another 30 years, my son will be able to give it to his son....

Look very closely at all the nooks and cranny's, if the guy says he just had new "anything" put on it, have him show you the receipt and ask if he has any before and after photos. I only say this cause I "trusted the seller" when it really should have been, "let the buyer beware."

Good Luck....I wish it was closer to me cause I might just buy it....

Mike