I have found an unfinished 65 GS hard top project in eastern PA that may be for sale. I am not sure what a reasonable offer would be for this car. Here are the details as I know them: Currently has a 1976 455 and ST 400 in place with a spun bearing ( the owner wants to keep the 455). Rebuilt #s matching 400 (401) LR short block by Scotty G. comes with it. Chrome valve covers and oil pan. It has the original air cleaner. Fresh Heads by Carmen F. in a box. Most new parts including a cam needed to finish the engine NK coded 65 ST 300 and converter with build date 2 weeks after build week on firewall (Original?) Original rear with rebuilt 3.42 carrier. All other original parts (radiator, mounts, manifolds, driveshaft, exhaust system, springs, console) needed to return it to original 65 GS condition. Correct intake and carburetor. All trim seems to be there. Relatively new front suspension parts. Frame is boxed and solid. Body is in good condition with minimal rust. It needs some small patches and another coat of flame red paint, but seems solid. Floor panels need replacing, but are included. Interior has white buckets and is in decent shape, but it needs a headliner. Trunk floor has one area needing a patch, but it will not need any panels. Bumpers and grille will need a replacement or a re-chrome. What would be a fair price for this car, and would anyone else be interested if I find that I am not? Thanks - Cheryl
Engine Bay: What is reasonable to offer for this car? I think I would like to secure it! Thanks - Cheryl
Great question! I will be looking at a resto project like this one soon, less engine goodies and more arizona body, but still a quandry(sic!) what to offer... Do not want to offend with low price, but what is it worth without assembly and other hard work? It is a 3-speed coupe that the original owner is trying to have restored...he has had problems with body shops and finding parts. I have those in spades! Well, maybe not parts, but Carmen is a phone call away. Got to see the thing first. Cheryl, this one looks like a good one, great color combo,1k of Carmen heads and 3.42! Must be Posi, Right? Good luck,
That is the problem. The car was not discussed as for sale. I was picking up some parts. This car was there, and I asked if it would be all right to take some pictures. The owner was happy to tell me about it, the plans he has for the 455 and the plan to restore the original drive-train. The Faso heads have a fresh valve job and new springs, but are not the big valve heads. The rear is a posi, but the 3.08 carrier was replaced with a rebuilt 3.42 carrier. It was obvious to me that the owner had more vehicle projects then one person could handle. I thought an offer might be appreciated since it has been sitting untouched for three years already. But, what would be a reasonable offer to rescue this car from rusting in peace? Thanks - Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, As a 'car' it's hard to put a price on it....as it still needs alot of work. The value is in the the parts and rebuilt components. He does have alot invested in some quality parts....the short block and heads, especially....maybe $3k just there. A rebuilt 3.42 rear (with new gears?)....an easy $400 to duplicate. And he probably only paid $1200 for the car....so his total investment, not counting the 455 swap, is in the neighborhood of $6k-$7k, at least. That said, I think a purchase price around $4k would be a fair deal for you, and a resonable loss for him. For a low offer, start with what you feel he has invested in the engine and rear, he might just throw in the rest (of the car) for free!..... Look at what the car will require $$ wise to complete it.... then decide if it is worth it. I assume you do your own body and paint work? (as I do) That keeps the total $$ investment down. Replacing the chrome could be an easy $1k....Replacing the interior, another $1k...if it needs everything. You may be better off buying a car from the west coast with a good body, and nice chrome. It would be alot less work.
Rob, 3.42's do seem odd, now that you mention it. I thought all BOP 8.2 inch rears were similar....upto 71 or so when they went to the 8.5 inch rear. Richmond offers 3.55 gears for the 8.2, about $250. Required carrier is the 3.23 and up for those (I think). Ted, Rust free cars are a bonus. In my opinion, A car with a rust free body would be worth around $3k, if it's complete. If the chrome is very nice, add 1k, if interior is mint, add 1k, and if the drivetrain if good as is, add 1k. Good paint, another 1k. .....just a ballpark way to guesstimate.... It really depends on how much you want to spend on a restored car, and how much of the work you can do yourself. Body and paint are high dollar labor items....much of the other work is pretty straight foreward..... I have to admit it's been awhile since I put some serious restoration $$ into my cars.....I do everything myself, so I could be waaay off on what it costs nowadays....Of course, if it was on e-bay, the price might be 2x as much!
Thanks Thanks for the replies people. I will check out the rear situation and see if the owner will sell. If it checks out , I might start a little lower then Walt suggested in order to have some room to move up. Walt, I do my own bodywork as well, but have not painted in more then 10 years. A lot has changed concerning paint in that time, and I am just getting caught up. Thanks for the tip on the supplied air system. I picked one up from Autobodystore.com . It is here now, and I am ready to try some epoxy based paints (after primer and sealer). The locals here like the Dupont 2 stage system. I can't remember the name off hand, but I did write it down somewhere????? Cheryl
AuburnGear offers a variety of posi ratios for '64-'71 GM 8.2" 10 bolt rears. Might be one of those... http://www.auburngear.com/aftermarket/products/differentials/default.asp?page=ps - Z
Mystery Solved - Case Closed! The owner was confused as to the original gear replaced. It is simply a rebuilt 3.08 carrier. He also said it was not for sale as it wold be worth more together then apart. Who knows when that day will be? :moonu: Cheryl
