Hey guys I need opinion on a 73 Buick Centurion I just got I posted over on centurion website but not alot going on over there. I trying to decide if I want to keep or sell it I'll list some of problems 1.top motor needs replacing 2. exhaust leak 3. rust in the quaters 4. carb needs rebuilding 5. speedometer clicks (noise coming from dash) Here's the picture
What do you mean just got it? If you just bought it why do you want to sell it? Get an estimate to have the body work done and have the whole car painted. If it fits with what you want to have into the car just do it. They are nice cars.
Pass on this car. It looks bad with repect to rust and it will be much worse when you really get into trying to repair it. There are many better cars out there.
Keep it. Vintage Detroit iron is appreciating, especially ragtops. If you can't help but sell it, wait for the spring, around March and eBay it. Sell it to someone who can do what you would do to restore her. But that said, that rust isn't that bad. A good sheet metal expert should be able to get you fixed up. And it's not like it's so bad that you have to take care of it right now. As for new paint, well, you already know that's going to run bucks for a good job. But something to save for while you enjoy the car in the mean time. Interior looks good, maybe with a set of decent heads and an intake/carb combo you could have a great driver. Plenty of guys and gals on here and eBay, along with your friendly neighborhood junk yard that will sell you what you need. You already have the road wheels, which make the car look 300% better no matter what, and the body is one of the best colors ever for that car. My 74 is the same color and I can't drive the car anywhere without 2-3 people complimenting it, sometimes offering to buy it. Keep it, fix the motor, and drive the wheels off it. At the very least it will drive your neighbors - who likely have some boring car(s), or worse, a hybrid, NUTS. Tell you what, I've got a pair of 455 heads you can have for the shipping. Bought them for $75 thinking I might use them in my 430 build up but then used the original heads instead. Most likely you'll need to have these gone through with a good 3-angle job and new springs, guides, etc, but if you can't find any where you are I am happy to help out. Let me know. Keep it! Drive it! Fix it up! :beers2:
Oh, one more thing. Believe '73 was the last year the Centurion was made, which would only add to the intrinsic value. Keep it!
Cole I did explain it on the Centurion website for you. I will paste the same explaination I posted on the Centurion site a few days ago. Cole the reason why there is not so much action there is because there are just not that many Centurions produced as you may not be aware of. Anyway hope you read my post here and it should help you. I have a site here that sells every thinkable part for our convertible sizzer tops. http://www.hydroe.com/Buick_Century_...bre_Parts.html There is a smal bare metal relay with a wire clip at the bottom. Not sure but this may be your problem as it runs in-line with the electric motor. It is attached near the electric motor, which is behind the upper part of the rear seat. http://www.hydroe.com/PP_Relay__1971_1972_1973_197.html The site has a photo of it. It sells here for $50 bucks. I have delt with this company Hydro-Electric on two occassions and had no problems, they were even helpful on the phone. Price wise? Well you may find the parts cheaper. I know there must be other companies out there, but at least you have one definite parts source here. You may also try e-bay there may be a part with a "buy it now" Anyway the electric motor from this company sells new for $410. I find that steep. I would ask on this site or search the e-bay listings. I have seen working used ones for as low as $100. Also it would be a wise decision to pick up the 2 extra (rt & lt) cables for the top. They are blue in color and run from the motor to the gear boxes. They look like speedo cables. Problem is if one should break and you are far from home... Big Problem! Your top will be stuck in the position it's in when the cable broke. They are very easy to install with just pliers and a screw drive needed. I got spares from a parts car, you can find good used ones pretty cheap on e-bay or one of the many used car parts sites, or Hemmings and it can be from any GM full size convertible 1971 thru 1974 (maybe up to 1976 not sure) Keep them in the trunk in a small box with tools, spare relay, I even keep my spare top motor in there. You never know... Oh and get a small hydrolic jack for those flats, I only use my bumper jack for shows . I don't find them too safe and they can screw up your bumper.
Hey Cole, Idle thought: The car looks driveable and possibly inspectable, for the cost of the top motor you could drive it around for awhile and see if you like it or not. I'd hate to see you give it up after paying what must've been a reasonable price and then a few yrs. later be like ou: . give it a shot.
Thanks guys for all the help the car runs pretty good as is and I just might keep it and drive it for a while. I still own a 68 skylark convertible (needs total restoration) and 68 GS(parting out)
