I realize there are many many variable but let me throw a few out there and see what you think.

I would like a car that meets this criteria to be a daily/nice weather driver

1971-72
v8 350
black interior
not concerned with numbers matching
doesnt need to be original
i expect to replace brake lines, fuel lines, hoses, most anything that would wear over time, probably some interior work, needs solid floors

few items that would be nice: bucket seats,console

The reason for buying is i want something to work on although i have no intention of doing a frame off resto and would prefer to drive while i fix her up.

Could i get a good base to start with by spending $5-8k ?

thanks

Ed

("i have no intention of doing a frame off resto")
I said that about 11 years ago and now I am just finishing my Frame Off Resto, LOL. Sorry I can't help you with your question but your statement was funny, really.

I spent $1500 on my '71 when I bought it. I'd consider it a good "base." It needs some body work. I've got $2500 or so on it so far.

You'll get a LOT more car if you don't mind a 4 door....

Car #1- Buy it cheap, then end up spending $$$ to get it to where you are happy with the end result. You'll look back and think "dang, I should have spent more $$$ up front so I didn't have to do this much work to it". Car #2- Spent $$$ to buy it and now I'm still dumping $$$ into it to make it how I want. Car #3- Barrett Jackson, just the way I wanted it, but dang...$$$$$$$. :clonk:

Knowing what you want before you buy the car is the hardest part sometimes. Knowing what it will need is sometimes even harder. Look at that inexpensive car carefully. There's always a reason why it's inexpensive.

Whew! Confused? :confused:

I am trying to do mine for 10k after the price of the car. That's buying what I can local, and special parts from site vendors. Biggest expense I know for sure will be complete floor, qtrs, wheel houses. I'll weld myself and paint at home.... fingers crossed.

I spent $12K for this one 3 months ago. Has new paint, never been rusty (documented Cali car) new seat covers and carpet, new wheels and tires, 350/350. Still needs all the stainless polished out, dash restored, suspension/brakes have never been touched, motor/tranny are original but work well. I've seen them a little cheaper, but not much. Good luck in your search,

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w191/quikcoupe/72%20Chevelle%20SS/1.jpg

Be patient, be informed, and yes you can spend 5-8k and find exactly what you are looking for in a solid car, that you can drive and slowly fix up.

Cheaper to buy it then build it, I always say & believe this but never follow this advise myself. :(

LK

""The reason for buying is i want something to work on although i have no intention of doing a frame off resto and would prefer to drive while i fix her up.""

"Could i get a good base to start with by spending $5-8k ?"


Honest answer is NO. As every day passes every part one needs gets more expensive to the point most folks can't afford it, assuming you have good basic stock to start with.

Just start with the basics, the cost of bondo, grits, welders, books, parts and the cost of divorce after spending 17 days looking for the correct water pump will kill you.

My debit column is now past $30K. I was smart and I named my car after my wife and she is still enthusiastic to spend $$ on "Marlene" .

I think it is very irresponsible of many senior members to encourage youngsters to purchase vehicles that are way beyond the skills or $$$ for those youngsters to achieve the shiny models we show off. In most cases the $$ are not available to purchase a good project car. They do NOT make good daily drivers!

Get a HONDA

The other problem is that with time most young folks have lost the involvement with "Detroit"! SBC, HEMI, BBC, and the September unveiling of "BRAND NEW" car models. I remember in the late fifties and early sixties peeking through the soaped showroom windows at the blinding shiny chrome that was to be the next car the old man may buy.

When was the last person you spoke to that was excited with the introduction of the latest Honda or Toyota Model year???

The real truth is that any person that has the desire to resourect a classic car needs love, and $$$ and more $$$.

$5 -$8 grand will just start the debt pit.

5-8K will probably get you a car, but the bigger question will be how much more money you will have to sink into it after the purchase.

I think it is very irresponsible of many senior members to encourage youngsters to purchase vehicles that are way beyond the skills or $$$ for those youngsters to achieve the shiny models we show off.

I also think it's very irresponsible to think that just becasue someone only wants to spend $5-8k they must be young or cant afford more.

Contrary to your belief, i havent been called a youngster in over 40 years. I also have a very nice six figure salary that would allow me to purchase most chevelles on the market if that was my desire, but it's not.

Kids are in college, too much time on my hands and want to take a not so nice car, fix it up and drive the crap out of it.

I just sold a car that was 25years old, pristine condition with 6,000 miles on it and i hated it, there wasnt one thing to mess with that didnt ruin it's originality.

Bring on some rust, faded panels, ripped interior.....it's time for this "youngster" to get dirty and spend some money !!! I will tell you like i tell my kids, when i die your gonna have one helluva garage sale because im spendin all my money !!!


$5 -$8 grand will just start the debt pit.

Tell me something i dont know,I have over $25k in my duck hunting boat, if i do one thing good it's spend money on toys.

Wizards 11, you just proved what I said. This is a high $$$ hobby that is difficult to afford.

Got Honda???:hurray:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q46/1goatboy/DSCN2260.jpg

Very true. I paid $2300.00 for mine and have kept it cheap so far. Installed new PST front end, $500, new cam and lifters comp he262 $150.00, tires $350.00, headers $25 used, flowmaster complete exhaust $400.00 ebay, 4" Fiberglas hood $200 used. Still needs some bodywork and paint and decent rims.

It never ends but such a sweet addiction!! :beers:

wizard11, I just read and re-read your response and what is the car you hated and dumped for $25K.

I assure you that I and every member on TC are really glad that you have the 6 figure lifestyle.

I'm retired so that takes me out of the play....

There's a bunch of guys here that lost their jobs in the present economy. Can you tell them about your garage sale, they're looking for big hearted spenders like you.

Have a good day. Help a VET Usa or CDN. Body parts don't have a border!!!

Love my army:hurray::beers:

You're right yankeerodder, it never ends. Nice ride, just push the pedal and say "Sorry" after.

Like it a lot!

wizard11, I just read and re-read your response and what is the car you hated and dumped for $25K.

You better slow down and read it for a third time if thats the conclusion you came to......;)

wizard11 didn't say he hated the car. he said he hated not being able to work on it. that is something I can relate to. I used to have a Camaro I used to crawl over, under, and into and even tho there were times I cussed at the car, I really was proud of the end product of my labor.

Ed, I would think you'd be in a better position on a car like this if you found something similar to Cruizin SS's car. Sheet metal, body work and paint can become a black hole real fast. It will be easier on you and your wallet if you can find a car with the body and paint done. The underhood, underneath and interior are much easier to restore or upgrade at your leisure, while still enjoying the car. The more money spent up front for a better car, may be the way for you to go. Good luck hunting!!!:thumbsup:

"

I think it is very irresponsible of many senior members to encourage youngsters to purchase vehicles that are way beyond the skills or $$$ for those youngsters to achieve the shiny models we show off. In most cases the $$ are not available to purchase a good project car. They do NOT make good daily drivers!

Get a HONDA

The real truth is that any person that has the desire to resourect a classic car needs love, and $$$ and more $$$.

$5 -$8 grand will just start the debt pit.

Ok, ok. Stop the presses, hold the phone. I spent $1500 on my '71 Chevelle. So far after all I've got for it I have about $2500 in it. I need just a few more parts to complete the four speed conversion. I will have a running/driveable '71 Chevelle with a 350 and a four speed for under $3k. Sure it needs a bit of work. It's got some of the rust monster, some bondo hiding in places. But I would consider it a very solid start, especially considering what I paid for it.

Also, I have priced just about everything I will need to complete the restoration myself. I've priced about $15k in parts. Even with a $5-$10k "gotcha" window that is still $25k. Sure that is a lot of money I don't have at the moment. But that is not much compared to the guys who pay to have everything done on their car. My car may not look as good as a #1 show car when/if it's done. But at least i will be able to take pride knowing I've done all of it myself. The one exception is the engine machine work.

Thanks, but no thanks, on that Honda advice. I love Chevelles, just like I do most any other classic American cars. I'm not going to give up on that just because I don't have the money to build one of the "shiney models you guys show off." It's not all about having a show car. I've finally come to appreciate all the time and effort that goes into a top notch correct restoration. But I am still the same person that believes every car is built to be driven.

I drive a '70 Chevelle on a daily basis. You won't get one complaint from me. Mechanically it drives pretty much just like it did when it was new. So I will leave it up to myself to decide what is ,and what isn't, a good daily driver.