Going to go look at a 68 Buick GS400 Vert this weekend. I need to know what to look for specifically on this car as far as body and frame rot. Can anyone help? If i dont buy it I'll let everyone know where it is and let someone else have a crack at it. It is a decent car runs drives with a buick 455 and a new top. Can see surface rust in pics but would like to know some specific "hidden" areas to look at. I know the usual places but wondering about frame rot mostly. My last Buick was pretty much rust free so didnt have to look at it too hard. He's asking $6800. Any comments on price are welcome as well. Thanks. Steve
A good spot to check is at the base of the windshield, if you can remove the stainless trim piece that would be great, if not, look for signs of rust right at the base of the windshield. This is a common area for serious rust that is hidden. As with any convertible, check the floor boards, trunk as you most likely know.
Also check the under the rear quarters and inside lips of the wheel wells. And, check the frame... Open both doors at the same time and see if the car sags and if the doors are harder to close... Good Luck :TU:
Isnt there a specific spot to check on the rear of the frame? I've heard guys say they rust through somewhere near the wheel wells. Any ideas?
Right here... (pic #1) And, right there... (pic #2) You can see in the second picture, it is right in front of the body mount. Sorry, I wish the pictures were farther away (and higher resolution), but this is just in front of the rear wheel on the driver's side at the bend... just as George says! When I took the body off, I could lift the rear frame to my chest, and the center of the frame was on the floor! ou:
Yes. Is a true GS with correct VIN numbers. TAlked to the owner today and he says car has rust holes in about every body panel, has patches in the floors and fiberglass in trunk. He says interior is rough but serviceable. Runs and drives he says which seems to be its only redeeming quality other than the convertible top works. Is it really worth $6500 just for the GS badging and no roof? Im starting to think not. I have a beautiful mostly original 68 Skylark coupe that I could swap parts to the GS but is it worth it? I realize this is ultimately my decision but any input would be great. He has alot of the GS parts from another car but dont think they are included in the sale. Thanks. STeve
i just finished my 68 GS last year. I think you are paying too much. Tell him 2000 and you want all the parts. There are very few nos parts for this car so every part you buy will probably need work. My 2 cents. Frank
Too much by the sounds of it... Also, you need to consider the amount of work to fix it and what you will have in to it when you are done. I would start at $3600 and stand firm on $4800... max!
I figured around 3500-4000 after looking at the car. The doors are salvageble and maybe the hood. The rest is junk. Trunk, fenders, quarters, inner quarters are rotted but inners might be usable, rockers looked good. Front floors will need small patches and looks like center of trunk is rotted through but been fiberglassed. He has most if not all of the body pieces for this car. OF course all the trim is pitted. Frame was really nice on the car. It appears the one part of the car he took care of. Stating he painted it a couple times. Was an AC, bucket seats, front disc car. Top is new and car seemed to be complete. Was originally some hideous green color. Is now white. Keep the thoughts coming guys. Very much appreciated. Steve PS: Is not in Dallas, Texas.
