I am new to the site so be patient! I have found a 69 chevelle Malibu with a 350/350 auto. 10 bolt open rear. Body is said to be solid. Interior is complete. Column shift, but he has put the pedals in to be a manual. floors are solid and trunk is solid. all the glass is there, doors open and close solid with hardware. started installing disk brakes, has vacuum installed as well. Says he has everything to make it a ss clone. Has been in a barn for 8+ years. Body has a ton of paint. Some hail dimples and lower rear quarters are rotted. Asking $2,800. Is this a good find? Thanks

Mike

It might be if we had some pictures to help us out. It's very hard to determine value from a description. Offhand it doesn't sound bad but can't say without pictures.

I would almost think for $2800, I would buy it. But pictures are always helpful.

I am going to try and take a look this evening and take some picture. Not sure how well the photos will turn out, the guy said the car is in the barn and it is kind of dark in the barn. Sounds like he has many extra parts that he will throw in just to get ride of stuff. Spoke with the guy last night and he mentioned minor hail dimples on the roof and rotted lower rear quarters. Any thing you guys think I should look for in particular? Thanks.

Mike

How about looking for a rotten frame, see if it runs, does it need brakes, how's the tranny, does all the wiring work, check the body mounts, does it overheat, any fluid leaks,. It's like everything else in this world,,what are ur expectations? How much work do you want to incur, how much money do you want to have invest into the car. What is ur goal here?

The car could be worth twice what ur willing to pay,,but that isn't much good to you if it's more work than you want or can handle.

Good Luck !

If the quarters are rusted through, chances are the trunk and passenger floors have issues too regardless of what the seller says. Also, check the doors, trunklid and hood for rust at the seams.

Well, I am heading to take a look at the car in about 1 hour. Thanks everyone for the info on what to look for. I spoke to the guy with the car about 20 minutes ago and the latest info he gave me was that the entire interior is intact, dash pad has a crack, all the door trim/pads are there, wiring is all complete and the engine compartment is clean. So, with all of the info in hand, hopefully this one will pan out and I will have pictures of my possible find!

Mike

Herb396, you are so true on the last comment. I am looking to find a good "project" car. Something that needs frame off, but not a complete f#@%-story! I am fortunate to have a buddy who is mechanic and an owner of a "hop-up" shop and wants me to get the car just as bad I want to find one! Feed him some beer and he will wrench all day!

Well, I purchased my first Chevelle! I got what I think is a great deal. Frame was in great condition, light surface rust which wont take much to remove. Interior is all there. Floors and trunk are rock solid. Still has original carpet in it. Don't get me wrong, it is a project, but is in great shape for $2,500. The guy is giving me an extra trunk lid and I believe an extra front bumper. The odometer reads 9,000 miles, but I am not sure on how to read into that. The car is packed full of parts, but that is what I expected. Been sitting in the barn for 18 years and has a clear title. Picking it up on Tuesday so I will post pictures as soon as it gets home!

Mike

Right on, Mike- Love the '69. Let's see some pics....

pictures?

Jim,

Just waiting to hear that the trailer is free tomorrow and hopefully will be picking up the car tomorrow as well. Once I get the car, I will be taking plenty of pictures. After that, I will have plenty of questions and plenty of pictures. My buddy is already drooling at taking the 350 and stroking it into a 383 with cams, heads, intake and a thirsty carb!

Mike

So the car is home and the process has started. I have removed all of the spare parts from the inside of the car, gutted the engine compartment for engine and trans removal on friday and removed front bumper. Once the engine is removed, I will begin taking the body apart. The guy threw in some nice extra parts, dash with gauges, visors, chrome parts, bezels, heater core with controls, etc. I have found two spots that I may need help with, top of windshield post corner has a rot through the size of a jelly bean on both sides and a rot spot where the battery tray was. Any advice on the top post spots? As for the quarter panels that rusted, they are the size of a football. Thinking of investing in a wire feed welder. As for the engine, I think we are going to go with a 383 stroker with all of the goodies. Well, here are a few pics of what I am working on. Wife is complaining that it smells like a barn. Told her you would also if you sat in a barn for 18 years!!!

Tried to post picture, but can get it to work. Sorry.

Mike

Sounds like a decent start, Can't wait to see the pics.

LK