should i even consider buying this car? *long*

[beandip]

I would definatly get another openion , did the source of the openion offer to buy the car from you ?? The thing here is this , if you can find a body shop that does custom work, they will be the better source for repair and a experienced openion . Not to deminish the person that you talked to , but there are so many "body shops" that are just pannel replacers and not skilled in true body work actually forming sheet metal and doing the replacement needed when working on these cars. As Kmack has said , if you really love the car , repair it but dont do it for an investment. If you look at it that way you will be able to make a better decision. Some times the cost of repair of severe rust damage is too much and maby it would be better to replace the car with one that is in better shape. I saw one on e-bay last night that wint for $1800.00 I couldent believe it . It was in Col. now it mey have had problems too ,but there are cars out there that are vary much worth saving . The one you have may be one . By all means do some checking . As time goes on I believe the value of these car is deffinately going to increse because they are becoming fewer at an astonishing rate. Just 3 yrs ago I would see Z cars that early ones almost every day . Now its more like 2 in a month. In 1961 I sold my '32 Ford 3 window for $350.00 right now it would be worth $45,000. easy. The car to bring this kind of $ has to be show ready . The same with the Zs . Right now where could you buy a really fine sports car , for under $10K save the car if you can if the numbers work. Good luck , Gary P.S. The parts are available and not too costly like Kamack said.

[Daniel]

The carbs/intake and air cleaner will get your $200.00 back if you go that route.The fix it and she decides if she wants or not is alright too if thats your deal. A word of caution I have seen before.The time comes for the switch and the owner that had the car sit for years can't find the title.In most states you can't even give it to a junk yard without that. If you like working on 240's you have HOURS of enjoyment.Also get the deal in writing.Hate for you to get it fixed,something happen to her(hopenot!!)and her family want her car back. Have Fun!! Daniel

[beandip]

if working on the car and the owner is going to pay the cost of repair or sell the repaired car to the mechanic. I think that they should arrive at a present value , then the mechanic should keep track of his costs and labor and keep the owner informed on what he finds as the repair goes on and needs to be agreed upon by the owner , before further work is done . This should be documented , for both parties benifit .That way when the project is completed , in either way . The value or cost can be determined. Obviously the Z after repairs are done , will be worth more . This I think would protect both parties , and the owner should set a limit to what she wants to put into the repairs. If something were to happen to the owner the estate would have to pay off the repair costs. thats my 2cts

[clutchdust]

daniel, here in nevada, i can just put a mechanics lein on it if things got nasty. i can't really see that happening but if it did, that would be an option. then nobody could sell the car.

right now i don't know if i would want the car even when it's running. after all, i've never driven a Z so how would i know? i mean i like the shape and the looks and i've definately seen some good looking ones but i really don't know what they're like. can't imagine it NOT being fun though.

[beandip]

That is unless you already have a XK-E

[derk]

Sounds like you do a whole bunch of labor for free if she then takes the completed car for the cost of repairs.

I'd buy it outright now.

[clutchdust]

beandip: not an XKE, 3rd gen 'vette. i'm considering this just because i need something sporty to drive on the street and the vette is so far beyond that now it just hurts.:devious:

derk, the initial deal is $5/hr since i'm not an automobile mechanic, plus i'm doing this as a personal favor to her. she needs help getting back on her feet since she just lost her job in socal and had to move back here to get things straight.

[Mike]

Hi guys... I had to clean up a bit in here..... Sorry 'bout that. Things went downhill when you stopped talking about the car and about the "situation" instead...