what car to buy?

[spdtrip]

I've mentioned im looking for a late 2nd gen z28. Well I found 2 that im
interested in here is a brief rundown on the cars.

1979 z28, auto, white with blue decals, non t-top car,newer paint, 1971 454, 350 trans,needs interior (looks just like my high school car) 7,500.00

1981 z28, auto, silver with blue decals, is a t-top car, paint looks good, 383 stroker,350 trans,interior looks good but I would change alot of it, car over all looks nice (saw in person) 8,500.00

I believe both have some newer suspension parts nothing fancy though.

what ya think?

[Paladin]

you have to reeeaally love this body style to justify throwing money at it. They produced such large numbers of these cars, their collectible value is minimal, and are not the most popular.

Hot Rod magazine just did teh pro-touring treatment on a 79 z28, with the 6.2liter 425hp e-tec motor that will supposedly meet california emissions. Hot Rod easily spent 30k on that build, to which I would ask, why not just buy a new one????

[Rhino]

I'd stick with the non-t car. As a bonus, it's the cheaper of the two.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by Paladin

you have to reeeaally love this body style to justify throwing money at it. They produced such large numbers of these cars, their collectible value is minimal, and are not the most popular.

Hot Rod magazine just did teh pro-touring treatment on a 79 z28, with the 6.2liter 425hp e-tec motor that will supposedly meet california emissions. Hot Rod easily spent 30k on that build, to which I would ask, why not just buy a new one????

These kind of ideas are shun upon around here.

[JayR]

Non T-Top car for sure!

[ironworks]

Just buy the car in the best physical shape you can afford. A rust free whatever you want is your cheapest investment. None of these cars are a great investment, buy and build what you want.

Rodger

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Is there any car that is worth the money and time thrown at, Very few......Buy the one you like and build it because you want to and enjoy it the way you want to ( no T-tops )

[spdtrip]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. trust me im not looking for the investment in one of these cars. I just think there cool. who knows maybe cause I had one in HS,or cause there not common, (as far as G-machines go).
I do like sticks, my last 3 mustangs were sticks. But they are harder to find,
and maybe time for a change. So no t-top's? are they really that bad? or is it just the majorities opinion cause of looks?

[Northeast Rod Run]

Originally Posted by spdtrip

So no t-top's? are they really that bad? or is it just the majorities opinion cause of looks?

They're really that bad

[GregWeld]

My .02 worth.... which ain't worth much.

I warn all of my friends about this all the time. Everything you do to the car costs about the same... i.e., a motor rebuild is a motor rebuild... paint is paint... upholstery etc. So I tell them to watch out for a couple things... "rare" means not popular and therefore ='s parts shortage... or high cost parts. So why do some obscure brand/model and just make your life that much harder and more expensive. Unless it's your grandfathers car and has been in the family since 1929 -- move on -- and pick something that will at least return SOME value when you either loose interest - or want something else. Being 50 grand into a car worth 15 grand is just not what you want to do. Being 50 grand in a car that will bring 35/40 is still a loss but not nearly as bad/painful.

Start with the absolute best BODY you can find.... because that's where all the money and time will go up in smoke - trying to buy some clapped out "bargain". Pay up -- WAIT -- BE PATIENT -- don't get emotional or in a hurry.

Be realistic with your skills - your friends skills - your tools - your place to store and build - and with the REAL costs of doing all this... it's double what you thought and takes 3 times as long.

Having said all that..... nothing brings more smiles per mile --- or will gather more new friends. It's a hobby. Treat it as that. Build what YOU can afford -- not what other people expect you to build.

And no t-tops.