I am going to be looking at a 67 this weekend and hopefully will be making the purchase. Does anyone have any tips for what I should be looking for to avoid buying a complete nightmare. And maybe ways to locate rust and bondo without having to strip off the paint.

Any suggestions or tips that have helped others when buying would be great.

Thanks

Sit tight, there will be plenty of tips posted here.

WELCOME to the BEST site on the net. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I've used soft refrigerator magnets to detect body filler.

I also recommend a trip to your local library or bookstore, there is plenty of material out there and it is a vast topic.

Bookstore is a good idea, what would the topic be? Would you find buying tips in a restoration book?

Check everything.
Look for rust in the most common locations (around wheel wells, rear windows, FLOORBOARDS, cowl, etc.)
If it's supposed to be an SS or original big block, check all of the numbers, including the VIN on the block.
You can find almost anything about rust or numbers on here, using the search function.

Originally posted by gbt1976:
Any suggestions or tips that have helped others when buying would be great. Spend as much time between now and then surfing this website and these forums. Read this. (http://www.chevelles.com/shop/index.shtml)

Are you looking for a project or a "done" car? If you are looking for a project, do you have a good idea of what you are getting yourself into? What are your skills, what is the budget? Take your budget and triple it, at least.

If the car is advertised as an SS, "numbers matching", etc. the asking price will reflect the desireability of these things. Educate yourself via this website on how to spot a fake. There are lot's of fakes out there.

If all else fails, come back to this site, tell us where you are located, offer someone a beer or two to look at the car with you. There are a ton of solid folks here, I bet someone would offer to help.

Make sure to open the trunk and look under the package tray, or as some describe as the hat rack, speaker area. This area is quick to spot rust from the rear glass. Small pin holes etc. Also look under the steering wheel and closely around the fuse box area. most rust will appear if the front window has leaked in the past. Check the numbers like mentioned above. So many things can effect the out come of the vehicle purchase. The main thing is do not get in a hurry. Think things out. Its your money. Make sure its what you want or willing to work on and repair. Remember,a project is really never over! Good luck and keep us posted.

Originally posted by gbt1976:
Bookstore is a good idea, what would the topic be? Would you find buying tips in a restoration book? Some resto books have chapters on searching for a project car and how to inspect one. I have even seen entire books devoted to the subject. They are usually general and address all used cars, not just classics.

You can look for leaks, color and smell of fluids (including exhaust), body alignement.

I think the biggest concern should be any sign of rust.

And make sure the title is in order.

Best to take an experienced buyer with you,, make sure you see it on a lift,, there are 1500 ways to get scammed,, alot of them mentioned above,, timing be way retarded so not to here a knock in the motor, ball bearing in the vacume advance line also to retard timing,,, no smoke oil is another good one,, cause the stuff works,, but easily detected,, its clear on the dip stick,,,, again there are alotta ways to get smoked,,, Good Luck

I spent 6 years looking and saving to find what I wanted. Along the way I researched, talked to a lot of experienced car guys, and looked at dozens of cars.

Most important thing is to do your homework and be patient.