[bunny]

Hows it going guys? I'm wondering if I should buy this Chevelle or not. I'm not too keane on cars and such. Only know how to drive them, but i'm getting interested in them. I've been searching the internet for a bit and finally found a chevelle in my price range. Not sure if I bit off more then I can chew.

The car is yellow with black vinyl top and black interior. It has a 307 small block with a TH-350 transmission. 111,000miles For $4,900.

The car does have some problems with it. First of all it needs a new control arm bushing. Also it has rust under the vinyl top and a 1/2" hole in the trunk. The bumper chrome needs replacing sometime and the windshield is cracked.

I'm wondering how much would the control arm bushings cost to replace? And if the price he is asking is decent or not.(I'm getting into muscle cars for the first time)

The car does not have factory air-conditioning so how much would that cost also.

Exchanging e-mails the seller also told me that the motor does smoke from time to time. The smoke is blueish when it does smoke. Wonder what that could be?

Well thanks guys for your time. Hopefully I'll find out some more information about it.

Heres a picture of the car. I have other pictures I can e-mail people to see how bad the rust is.

 

[Cameano]

Welcome to Team Chevelle!

A/C systems can be had for about $900 for the kits, then installation fees, unless you can do it yourself. Still has to be evacuated and charged, probably best to have that done, as they can find leaks before charging it, and check afterwards, too.

Blue smoke is oil burning. If it smokes when you get on the gas, most likely rings. If it smokes when you're off the gas, letting the engine brake, or upon startup, suspect valve guides.

If it needs one bushing, it most likely needs them all. Having it done can be costly, but doing most of the work yourself can be done with a few tools and a lot of patience. This site is a great resource for information. Very few questions that haven't been asked or answered over the years, right here. Use the search option to look stuff up, and if you can't find anything, ask away.

Car looks decent, but you always need to make an offer. At a price like that, the seller most likely want's/needs $4500 for it. He's giving you some room to make your offer. FWIW, the way I see it, most private buyer/seller deals tend to round off on the $XX,500 or $XX,000 mark. Nice yellow, my El Camino will be that color someday, if I ever get it finished.

 

[136679ss]

Bunny, If you take a few minutes to fill out your profile; I am sure there is/are one or more members near your location who would be willing to take a look at the car for you and give you a little more insite on what it may need. It's always nice to know who, and where the persons we are talking to are from. That being said, I was quoted 650 to do full front end bushings, while my car was completely disassembled in a body shop, with me providing the bushings. I can do it myself, and at that price I will be; just would have been easier without a front end. The vintage air system runs 900-1000 depending on supplier, without installation. Good luck and welcome to the greatest chevelle site on the net. Jason.

 

[ckc 189]

I bought new polyurathane bushings for about $80 the other day and I am half way done replacing them now. Its not to hard to do it yourself although it'll probably be a lot harder with an engine and all the fenders on. My 70 doesnt have any of the front end on right now so its a lot easier.

 

[Adman]

I think 4500 sounds good, after all, if it is the rings, then you'l need to take the engine out/apart/replace it. No point in keeping the 307 unless you're going to restore it. If there's a hole in the trunk than that could be some money to get fixed. I don't know because I've haven't had any body work done.

Do you have any interior shots? I just don't like that it could be the rings, because thats going to be a nice little project.

 

[daveseitz]

If the body is sound it is worth it to me. If the engine has issues like the smoke and such, a crate engine would be a fast and easy replacement. For example a 330hp 350ci engine can be had for $2400 or a lower hp engine had for less.

 

[bunny]

Wow. Thanks for the fast response guys!! This car seems to be what i'm looking for. I just spoke with the owner and he talked about how the blue smoke is inconsistent so he is not sure exactly when it does it. It has done it during idle but not all the time and not very much at a time. It sounds better then what I imagined. This week i'm heading up and test driving it.

The owner said that I could test drive it but the front control arm bushing is rusted badly. Could it be possible to drive through a whole state to deliver the car or should I get the bushing replaced where the car is currently located.

Thanks again guys for the replys. I appreciate it!

 

[ejrempel]

If the body is good, and I mean GOOD, then a car can be worth whatever it takes to buy it. But, if it is just average, or a little rusty, well, the jury is out. Don't want the car too much, and have a good body guy/mechanic put it on a hoist and have it gone over. You will be happy you did.

 

[LeoP]

bunny, Is the car in Md? There lots of Chevelle members here in Md and I am sure someone could go with you to look at/test drive it. Let us know.

WELCOME to the BEST site on the net.

 

[RacnJsn95]

Offer the guy $3500 cash.

 

[bunny]

LeoP: Ya, the car is located in Hagerstown MD. I wouldn't have someone come up with me and check it over. I have no idea what i'm really doing, but still very optimistic. Its the control arm bushings that are worrying me..

RacnJsn95: The best offer is set at $4,500. I do have a feeling if I drive up there and can pay $4,000 cash in hand that might be sufficent.

Thanks chevelles.com!!!

 

[LeoP]

We have a member in Hagerstown, Professor SS lives there, aka Rick Smith. Look up his email address and get in touch with him, I'm sure he would help.

 

[ss3964spd]

Bunny,

Check that control arm bushing very closely. The actual bushings don't rust out - they wear out (the rubber deteriorates). What does sometimes rust/break is lower control arm rear attachment point on the frame. If that's what is actually "rusted badly" it would require welding the frame and would almost certainly be dangerous to drive.

Since you are relatively unfamiliar with these cars do whatever you can to enlist the help of a member or two here - have someone look at the car with you.

Dan

 

[sntjohn]

Bunny,
The car seems a reasonable investment at the $4k price range if the body is sound. Mechanical work is usually not a show-stopper if you find a good frame/body; engines, trannys, axles, suspensions can all be readily replaced, repaired, or restored. But be honest with yourself before you take the plunge--do you have the means--both financial and mechanical--to do necessary work? Do you have a place to work? And the tools/equipment?
If you are willing, and love the idea of spending quality time with yourself and a 3,500-pound hungry baby, welcome to the fold. Have fun and good luck.
.....Doug