Pontiac project is it worth it? I found a 67 Tempest wagon for sale in my local area and they only want $600 for it. It's a 326 2speed (not running),air condition, power steering, power brakes. It's rusty. The floor needs to be re-done from front to back and the doors and quarters aren't much better. Is it worth it? Thanks Joe
It depends. If you like the car and enjoy it indeed it is worth it. If you want to fix it to flip it and make a killing, it's not right for you. Wagons are fun though and can be very enjoyable. I'd personally pick it up as long as you know what you are getting into and can do most of the work (body work aside) yourself. Btw, have any pics?
i bought a non-running '52 chrysler wagon for $500. it needs much the same work as yours. i've not regretted it one bit....so far, and realize it'll be a project that may last a while.
It all depends on your talent (and time, and $$$). Something you're gonna have to decide upon. For me, that would be too much of a project (rust repairs too involved), so I'm gonna have to spend more money when I get my project. But if that kind of stuff doesn't scare 'ya, go for it. Personally, looking at vehicles out there, in my opinion the best value are the ones in the $1,500 - $5,000 range. Driver's, minimal rust, but maybe need an engine / trans soon, upholstery redone, paint, etc. They look 'tired' but all the stuff is there.....
As parts, pieces and trim are getting next to near impossible to find for wagons, I'd have to agree with Krash. My Clown Wagon pictured below, very minimal rust and 99% complete, how ever the couple pieces missing I knew from the start that I'll probobly never EVER find them. If your truley devoted then any wagon can be brout back to life...it may take years and some members can verify this But you must think good and hard about it.
I'd buy as nice a car as you can possibly afford. It's very rewarding to restore a car, but also very expensive... The better the condition, the less you'll spend in the long run. If $500 is what you have, then go for it! A little at a time, you can rebuild it. But if you already have the $$$, I'd search for a completed car unless you really have your heart set on a project...
I'm in the process of restoring a 1963 Ranchero. It's a small car and it was a driver before we started. We got a real good deal on paint and body work, a good deal from the upholstery guy and a good deal on the wheels. We are upgrading the induction to four barrel. New glass and bumpers (expensive and hard to find for a 63 Ranchero) and the rest of the trim we are buffing out. Already had it in the fam, so no cost for the car Paint and body work $3750.00 Interior: $1200.00 (remember its a two seater) Tires and wheels $ 1250.00 Windshield $400.00 Bumpers $840.00 (that's total cost for both) Four barrel upgrade $500.00 $7940.00 plus a bunch of misc bits. I'd say we're close to 9 grand right now. And it was a driver when we started. Not trying to discourage you, just point out the fact that everything costs $$$$ I love to save old stuff too, regardless of the condition. My $300 78 F-250 crew cab ended up being about a $5000.00 rig, and I did that one on the super-duper cheap.
I think I'm going to pass on this one and save for something a little more sound. Here is the link for the car. http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/pts/1781893313.html Thanks for the input everyone
A wise decision, I think, jfire. If there is as much rust as you have described it could be a lifetime project. The price should, in this case, likely reflect the shape it is in. Projects can sometimes be fun but rust is never fun.
You know if a guy from Michigan is saying it is very rusty then it is probably pretty bad. There is a good chance there are also frame issues with that car. In my opinion, don't be afraid to travel down south for a good starter car. It is a little more of a pain, but the reduction in rust is very much worth it.
I agree that it was a wise decision. My daily driver is currently a '67 Tempest and I can attest to the fact that parts are tough to come by. I'd already talked to the guy about this one and while I'd love to save all of them, I don't think this is a good candidate unless you're a good metal worker and have some extra time and $$.. If you are set on a 66/67 Tempest wagon, it might be worth it to pick up as a parts car till you find the driver version..
