Would you purchase for $1000 o.b.o.?

[primered54]

I ran across this '63 Olds 98 Hardtop. The owner is asking $1000 for it. I've been kinda lookin' for a car for the wife for a while now that would need a little love, but not become an all out project. It's a 4 door, which I am kinda okay with since it is a hardtop. I'm thinking of it lowered, with supremes, shaved, and a nice paint job.

Check out the pics at http://photos.yahoo.com/primered54

Whatdya think? Worth it, I am skeptical of some of the rust. I may go check it out this weekend.

Here's some extra details from the listing:"This is a 1963 Olds 98. I am the 2nd owner, bought to restore, but have too many other projects. When I bought it I was told it was all original, but discovered that the radiator had been modified so I don't know for sure that it's all original. It has a 394cu V8 and automatic transmission.

I have receipts for engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, brakes, master cylinder,radiator recore, new alternator and tires. Things that I know don't work include power seats, parking brake, and radio. Car has rust spots and will need to be repainted. Interior is in reasonale condition for age and the back seat still has the plastic cover that was originally installed when new. Please keep in mind that this is an 41 year old original condition car and expect it to be in that condition

Vehicle is sold as is with no warranty. I'd like a deposit within 5 days and balance before pickup.Car will need to be picked up within 10 days of sale closing. This car will need to be picked up, cannot be driven as battery is dead. I have the title in my possession"

Doesn't quite look like a recently rebuilt engine, either!

Let me know what you guys think, thanks!

[zman]

Doesn't sound like a bad deal to me. You could always offer $800 for it...

[DrJ]

Anything that isn't jackknifed/wrecked, runs, and stops without having to put your feet through holes in the floor to do it is worth $1000.

[40StudeDude]

Looks like most of the rust on the body is just surface...the trunk full of crap mite be a problem: What's under it?

Pull up the floor mats/carpet in the interior and check the floors...in NC, the humidity could hide a lot of rot.

All in all, the car looks straight and well worth the $1000 he's asking...but I'm like eveyone else, offer less...see how bad he wants to get rid of it.

Take a battery with you...see if it will start and run!!!

R-

[caddyman65]

Why couldnt you put in a new battery and then drive it home? It makes me wonder if theres more to it than that

[lownrusty]

No!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif whats up Todd, sent you a pm. Paul

[Zapato]

IF its worth $1000- to you buy it, but before you throw away extra money offer him half and see where you end up at. First rule is never set a price as everyone will figure there's dicker room, and will want to pay less. Its always better if you can get the buyer to throw a price out first. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[willowbilly3]

That steering wheel alone is worth a hundred and if you get sick of the car you can always shove that 394 into an old coupe.

[SwitchBlade327]

check the floors, if they're not too rusty (they will be somewhat rusty, dontcha love nc?) then give him what he wants. I paid more than that for my POS 4door HT, AND it had been HIT in the back....If this post is still around later I'll try to find a pic....gotta go see about another rusty pile of shit up the road.....

[True]

Hey,
I have a 64 88 more door hardtop and a 64 vert (in the painting/shaving process), they are the coolest cars! Ride like air and the 394 is bulletproof. I say jump right on it. The 88s are four wheel coils so easy to lower (not sure if the rears are different on the 98s).
True

[porknbeaner]

And I thought I had some ugly cars. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously, anything that runs is worth a grand around here.
He says you can't drive it home because it needs a battery, if you can go look at it take a battery with you and see if it will turn over.
Doesn't look like it is rusted completely away, if my lady wanted an Olds for a driver I'd probably do it.

[Big A]

Buy it for $750, ship it to me, I'll shampoo the shit out of it and sell it for 4-5 grand.

[Rocket Scientist Chris]

From the pics, it looks like there's a good chance of rust in the cowl and under the windshield. The interior looks like it's suffering from body leaks. If you get the car, plan on pulling all of the glass out and fixing the little rust holes. $1000 isn't too bad considering the car looks complete and does have some cool options (power vent windows!). But, here in the New Orleans area, you'd be lucky to get $600 for a car in similar shape. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Jive-Bomber]

Todd-

I've fallen for this trap many times-
I justify a "cheap" car purchase: "I'm only going to lower it, shave some stuff, caps. It will only be a couple hundred bucks." You'll end up fixing rust, electrical bugs, and replacing something mechanical every week for a month until you have so much $$ into it that you want to push it off a cliff.

Whats the moral of the story? Don't buy an old car for ANY price unless you really, really WANT that car. Then the $$$ won't matter.

jay

[Big A]

I shit you not...

http://www.trader.ca/Search/Details.asp?adid=3702824&ads=3702824%7C&awatch=1

[Deyomatic]

I'm always skeptical of the guys that put "sold as is, no warranty" in their ads. "No shit? Really? I thought you ALWAYS got a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty with any private sale car purchase."
Whenever I see this I assume that there is something REALLY wrong with it and they only put it in the ad to cover their ass. You know, something like the tranny was shot so they made new gears for it out of oak and the car is going to get 20 feet out of the driveway and be dead. You know, stuff like that.

[40StudeDude]

Not really..In ColoRODo, if you don't put "sold as is" or add "no warranty's" on your bill of sale, the purchaser has 72 hours to change his mind...that's why most people spell it out...NO way I'd guarantee ANY used car!

R-

[luckystiff]

i like the car and all but i would say offer him half and go from there. when i bought my buick it was in similar shape and a 2dr hardtop for $400 and i drove it home and drove it pretty much just as i got it for 3 years or so. as you've seen it i've got about 4-5grand in it total. that includes a grand worth of all new brakes and nearly a grand for tranny rebuild. and $750 for supremes. the rest went to me paying someone else to do body work because my job at the time didn't give me time to do it and then paint supplies. i wish that other one around here that i told you about at HRW(right) had worked out but it was sold. the guy said the guy who got it may want ot sell it as he couldn't find a nailhead for it and it had no drivetrain. i may try and call the guy again if you want and see if it's for sale again. i've been tempted but am also trying to get the cash together to pull my 401 and rebuild it so $$'s tight. remember this was a 2dr hardtop for $200 -motor. hell if you just want a driver for the wife i was offered a free buick 350 and trans. i'll try and call the guy today. but back to the olds. i like 'em it fits my ideas well. have you seen donnie's(lownslow) olds i think i have a pic if so i'll post it at the end of this. take a battery if it will crank and run good maybe go as high as 800. if not 400-500 would be as high as i personally would go on it. and yes these hummid area cars love to have hidden rot. i think there's a coupla more things in this area that might fit your likings and it's only a coupla hours away...ken....

[lownslow]

wow ken,
that is an old pic......looks like a 4x4 there ......if i could post pics i would with it bagged.....shit the top isn't even flaked yet in that shot.........oldsmobiles rule..........i will email ya a newer pic.......donnie

[Big Dirty]

D.R.
Dude, save your money and bag the '54 or start on that roadster of yours, That thing seems like it may be a headache. Do you have the roadster out there with you? If so, what's the plan with that?

Dirty

[primered54]

I love all the feedback... keep it comin'! I'll probably check it out this weekend and let you guys know what I decide. I agree... the low ball offer always is a good starting point. I like 2 doors more, but I've seen some awesome more-door hardtops too!

Big Dirty, I don't have my roadster out here... it's still at gordini's. I think I might get him some cash soon to get a rollin' chassis together and ship it out to me. And yes, I'd love to bag the '54... all in time!

[SanDiegoJoe]

looks like alot of work for something that is not a project.

[lownslow]

never mind guys ......coby posted for me .........thanks dude

[Church]

Here's lownslow's ride bagged and flaked.

[Church]

Nother...

[Anderson]

Buy that fucker.

[TheRev]

HELL...i'd offer him 4oo.oo and keep it for parts!!!!
The 394 is a great motor with lots of old school gidgets and gadgets still around.
My fathers old C/A,1926-ford rpu,that he had back in the 70's went nines with 394,tri power,and hydromatic!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Not to mention that nifty little headlight dodad on the dash,i want that http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SamIyam]

I agree with Rev.

It's a four door... which is a parts car.

Save the motor and trans, sell the front clip, rear bumper dash... and then look for a two door that is similarly priced.

Sam.

[Gotgas]

[ QUOTE ]
Buy it for $750, ship it to me, I'll shampoo the shit out of it and sell it for 4-5 grand.

[/ QUOTE ]
LOL, sounds like I need to start shining up every old turd here in N TX and ship them up north for all the morons to buy. No offense to any morons here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I can find you three of those by this time tomorrow in that same condition and price. Hell, I might even get lucky and stumble across a 2dr HT. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[primered54]

thanks for the feedback everyone... I just don't see too many early '60s olds around these days for sale. I'll probably check it out and bring a battery... I don't wanna pay asking price, but who does!

Lownslow, your ride is freakin' cool! Luv it! That's exactly how I'd do it (paint, body, wheels)... it looks simply great!

I'll let you guys know what happens soon. Thanks again!

[Kustm52]

I would tend to agree that if it is not something that you really want, it will just eat up time and money better spent on other projects....I can give great advice, just can't follow it.

Went to look at a similiar deal a few years back...'62 Buick 4-dr hdtp. Asking $1500, surface rust, hadn't been cranked in ages, sitting in an apartment complex parking lot. Took a battery, got it fired, had a bad skip, power steering didn't work, exhaust leaks like crazy. Took it around the block, tried to do a little bargaining. Said no thanks to his offer, started taking out my battery...guy says "give me 300 and get that thing out of here!". Well who could refuse that deal...still got it, don't need it, hate to part with it...

Brian

[Roothawg]

nope.

[19Fordy]

No, but if you have room too store it for fre, BUY IT for $500 and then part it out. There are not people waiting in line to buy that car. Spending $$$$ on a 4 door like that is a bad move.It's a money pit. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[unclescooby]

[unclescooby]

I've had this caddy on HAMB for a few days with no takers at $1500 and it has $1300 in new tranny in it. You can do better for your money than what you are looking at I think. Lots of two doors out there worth more when finished. But there are some great parts on that car. Just my half cent worth.

[bufordtjustice]

Gese scoob, I wish you lived near me, I would be interested then. Something about an old caddy winking at me http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif When I look at it I see a similar before version of that kickass John D'Agostino caddy.

Greg

[BigJim394]

This thread brings to mind the Bottle Rockets song:

1000 Dollar Car

A thousand dollar car it ain't worth nothin'
A thousand dollar car it ain't worth shit
Might as well take your thousand dollars
And set fire to it
A thousand dollar car ain't worth a dime
You lose your thousand dollars every time

Oh why did I ever buy
A thousand dollar car

A thousand dollar car is gonna let you down
More than it's ever gonna get you around
Replace your gaskets and paint over your rust
You'll still end up with something that you'll never trust
A thousand dollar car's life was through
'Bout fifty thousand miles before it got to you

Oh why did I ever buy
A thousand dollar car

A thousand dollar car ain't gonna roll
Until you put at least another thousand in the hole
Sink your money in it , and there you are
The owner of a two thousand dollar thousand dollar car


If you only got a thousand dollars
You might as well buy a good guitar
Learn how to play, it'll get you farther
Than any old thousand dollar car
If a thousand dollar car was to worth a damn
Then why would anybody ever spend ten grand

Oh why did I ever buy
A thousand dollar car

[unclescooby]

Buford T Justice...what a kick ass user name. I wish you were near me too cause I'd love to sell it! But the point was just that there is still a lot of this out there right now. I also love big block 67-68 Cougars and just bought a 67 GT 390 4V car for $2300 and drove it home with a nice body and the good wheels. Not much is bringing any money right now so it is a great time to buy and a lousy time to sell. I think you are going to find something really great in that price range still....but that 394 would look good in sooooo many things...

[J'st Wandering]

Lowball him a price. It is not a fast moving item. The price is $1000/OBO. When I list OBO, I am saying, "Make me an offer". I bought a Studebaker a year or two ago. He was asking $2500 in the ad, I bought it for $600. If it runs, offer half. Figure out what the parts are worth to you. Neal

[rev616]

id buy it,but then again its just because i would love to have the power windows,seats,and the autotronic eye thingy for my 64 wagon