[markfromark]

Obvious from the pics it isn't a complete clone, but curious to see what you all think this might be worth. The current owner is reportedly the third owner.

Some of the things he has told me about the car are:

- 4-bolt 350 GM Crate w/ apx 2,000 miles
- carb is 750 Edelbrock
- new tires
- newly rebuilt Muncie 4-speed
- new internal parts on rear end (no details on what was replaced) w/ 4.11 gears and posi (12-bolt)
- lots of suspension/steering replaced (power steering)
- body has some hail damage, but not severe
- some rust behind wheel wells
- rear seat is original and in good condition
- front seats are new buckets, but still has front bench seat as well
- new carpet
- original A/C car; still has A/C components, but not installed
- trunk is solid, but as you can see has some rust
- brake warning light stays on, but brakes work just fine

Here are some pictures:

Thanks in advance....................Mark

 

[bobj_70]

Like i said Mark, it'll need work, but looks decent to me. I'm curious about other opinions on it though, i'll be around :thumbsup:

edit: i just noticed he doesn't include pics of this 'hail damage' hmmm

 

[markfromark]

Anybody else? I'm planning to go see/drive the car on Thursday or Friday this week.

 

[bigskycountry]

Doesnt look like more than a 5k car to me. Someone is going to have some time, and cash into the bodywork/ paint.

 

[JNorton]

Wasn't this one on Ebay or Craigs for like 15K? Maybe I'm thinking of a different one.

 

[markfromark]

Doesnt look like more than a 5k car to me. Someone is going to have some time, and cash into the bodywork/ paint.

Interesting... I would have guessed the motor, transmission, and rear end to be worth close to that much on their own (if they are what he has described).

Thanks for the input from everyone so far.

 

[bigskycountry]

Interesting... I would have guessed the motor, transmission, and rear end to be worth close to that much on their own (if they are what he has described).

Thanks for the input from everyone so far.

My estimate is based upon the fact that someone will have at least another 8k doing repairs on this car.This will bring you into the 13-15k range when completed, with a purchase price of 5k. I would have guessed more if the body was more solid, it clearly is not. Also the competion of selling a car in the 12-15k market right now is fierce. You can buy one already done,(big block, four speed,12 bolt, nice paint,) for what you will have into this car. Not trying to discourage you, if you like the color, and want a driver/project by all means do what you want to do, and you can spend the money as you get it, and take your time with it. :thumbsup: What are they asking for it?

 

[markfromark]

Just to be clear, I wasn't arguing... just surprised at that number. I was expecting to hear somewhere between $7,500 and $8,500... but I dunno, so that's why I'm asking for you guys to chime in...:yes:

He's asking $9,800 for the car.

EDIT: I'm not looking for a car to fix up and sell, I'm looking for a car to drive and enjoy. My first car, back in 1981, was a '71 Chevelle Malibu. My son is 19 now and is a big Chevelle fan, too. So I'm looking for something we can both drive and enjoy, and both work on along the way. Ten grand is my limit on what I can spend right now, so that's the market where I'm shopping.

Thanks again for the responses!

 

[markfromark]

Saw and drove the car today...

THE BAD
- Several hail dents across the hood/top/trunk
- Rust behind all 4 wheels
- 4.11 gears are no fun for hwy driving
- Dash is cracked

THE GOOD
- Headliner is great
- Door panels are good
- Everything appears to work (lights, blinkers, wipers, etc)
- A/C isn't hooked up and working, but it is set up for air and he says he has all the parts
- Carpet is like new, but definitely not a professional installation
- Motor is tight and sounds really good
- Transmission is a factory reman with the tag still on it
- Body is straight with the exception of one small crease in passenger door, plus the above mentioned damage
- Drives great; rides smooth

I know there's a lot of work (and money) to do on this car, but I'm really tempted because it appears to be mechanically sound. My budget won't handle a nicer, finished car. If I could pick out any Chevelle I wanted this wouldn't be the one... but considering the available funds I have and what I've been able to find that is available, I'm leaning toward making an offer.

I haven't completely made up my mind, so I'm gonna study on it at least thru the night. Am I making a mistake on this car if I pull the trigger?

 

[bobj_70]

I say go for it if you have the resources to fix the rust and body problems. :thumbsup:

 

[markfromark]

Well, I don't have the funds to buy the car and also get someone to do the body work and paint. I'd have to do some of it myself (which I'd look forward to) and hire the parts done that I can't do. That would realistically be most of it. Is $5,000 a reasonable number to expect for body work and paint?

How much am I looking at to swap out the 4.11 gears for something more highway-friendly?

EDIT: Oh yeah... it has disc brakes on the front, and rebuilt drum brakes on the back.

 

[savage71chevelless]

Mark, if you are looking for a nice driver quality paint job that you can take to a local cruise in, and don't need major panels replaced, just some patch panels, then 5k is very much realistic here in NC, and I am sure in Arkansas as well.

I agree with you, the 4.11's would have to go. I love the 3.31's in my 71 SS. If I were you I would shoot for a gear ratio in that range, great street performance, and great on the highway. A new set of gears will run you a few hundred. I would probably look at Summit, you can get a good deal there. As far as labor, I am not sure, but I would guess add another few hundred there too.

 

[72mike]

Mark,

Looks like a pretty nice car. You don't see many '72's with a 4-speed. The buckets and disc brakes are also nice.

I had the opposite issue with my '72 as far as gears go. My car came with a 2.73 rear...great for the highway, but kinda' doggy around town. I got lucky when a friend gave me a complete rear end with a 3.55 gear. The 3.55 made all the difference in the world and seems to me to be a good compromise for cruising and performance. I'd say it's possible to get your body and paint work done for $5K, but you are going to have to do some of your own work to hit that number. Hiring someone to do all the body work your car needs and painting it with good paint materials could easily run $8K - $10K. If you can do most of the body work yourself, I think you can put a serious dent in those numbers.

My guess is that it will cost $600 - $750 (parts/labor) to get the rear gear changed if you pull the rear end housing out of the car yourself and take it to someone to have the gear installed and set up correctly. A good gear set and an rear end overhaul kit will easily run about $300 by itself.

Hope this helps.

Take care,
Mike

 

[Jim Mac]

I bet if you throw a ad out that your looking to trade that rearend for a posi in the 3's you may get lucky. just make sure you get to test drive the rearend your trading for. jim

 

[bigskycountry]

5K for bodywork/paint is possible, considering that you would probably end up doing some of the work yourself. Possibly some disassembly,reassambly, stripping, maybe some of the patchwork. Most shops will work with you, and come up with an agreeable price based on your prep, along with their labor, and materials.

 

[SLOPAR]

Seems like a high price in this market but if you are willing to get your hands dirty I see a ton of things you can do to the car with some simple labor and up the ante on the value of it. The carpet installation is no big deal. These things you can work around. It comes down to the same thing we see over and over. The body. If you are truly inspired to take a whack at paint and body then what the heck. Beware that not all body shops are willing to split up the work on a car. That is a whole different issue but just keep that in mind. The A/C pieces not being on the car and functioning just means that you are taking a shot in the dark as to what is good and bad so don't let the seller rope you into the install it and go deal. The rear is no biggie. I think you can find someone to barter what you want since the 4:11's will entice somebody. Good looking car with 3 pedals to boot. If you get it welcome to the world of musclecars without a slush box. Ain't nothing like it.

 

[Bunz-T]

You got two of the most expensive fixes that are in question.

1. Non Functional A/C More times than not $1000 to blow cold

2. Paint/Body Do not lull yourself to sleep on this. IT WILL ALWAYS WORSE THAN YOU THINK.

Cars like this can be the biggest traps in the world. It is too easy to convince yourself that the problems are easy to overcome. Do what you like but be real honest with yourself on expectations and what it will cost to get it as you want it.

 

[markfromark]

To be honest, I don't really care about the a/c... The body work is doable, but I hear ya on it always being more/worse than what is expected.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Malibulvr]

I wouldn't go more then 8k for that car, looks nice and mechanically solid. You should offer 7500 or 8k and see what he says, good luck!

 

[oktunes]

Looks like the basis of a nice car. Drivetrain mostly done and new, interior pretty nice. New 350 plus it's a 4 spd. Being a 4 spd car adds over a thousand in value to me. A rebuilt Muncie is $700 or more by itself. You are left with doing boy and paint work. For me it is the esiest part and I would jump right in. If the car can be bought for $9000, I'd be happy. I'd figure $5000 for body and paint, if I did it myself and it needed panels. $3000 if it doesn't need panels. Doing it all yourself and you have under $15, that sounds pretty good for a chevelle 4 sp that is done.