value of rusty longhood

dmcummins · 07-15-2009, 06:20 AM

I went to look at a 71 targa yesterday full of hope that it was a gem. After a drive out to the country hoping for a barn find, I find the targa behind the barn with a tarp over it.

It had been parked there for around 7-8 years. It was an original green car that had been repainted guards red. The interior is as you would expect, no pockets and cracked dash, nothing worth saving.

Now of coarse for the rust. The front pan was solid, but one fender had holes that you could see through, the other looked OK but I didn't look real hard. The targa top had a hole in it and I guess the old blue tarp didn't do a great job of keeping the rain out. I pushed with my finger on the rear floorboard and it went through

. Also the rear spring plate area had rusted away on the bottom on the same side. The car was sitting pretty low to the ground so it was hard to look under it much. The doors had the rust bubbles along the bottom also.

So I made him an offer as I have a 71 coupe roller and could possibly salvage a few parts. I assume it still has its original motor, it was a 71 motor, not running. Its on steel wheels, I'm sure there are a few other parts that are worth something.

He is thinking my offer over, It wasn't much but its such a pain cutting an old car up and getting rid of the junk that is worthless.

So do I hope he takes my offer, or am I nuts even thinking about it.

ossiblue · 07-15-2009, 08:14 AM

From your brief description, the image in my mind's eye is of a car that has very little potential outside of some parts and only you know what parts are worth the effort. Without seeing any part of the car, I'd say you offered a very low price for a good reason and if he doesn't accept it, so be it. I interpreted your "or am I nuts even thinking about it," as a comment of doubt that he would accept your offer. No, you are not nuts--you offered what it is worth to you and that's all that matters.

Sunroof · 07-15-2009, 08:43 AM

Sad, another potential survivor lost to the elements! You did not specify your offer, but I would imagine you formulated from what could be salvaged as worthwhile for the price. It might be a good deal afterall if the parts you need are salvageable. Remember, you can always sell the leftoevers that have any chance of restoration here on PP. Someone is always willing to rebuild a steering rack, restore a fuel tank or make good use of other components you might deem as "junk"....................

On the contrary, your rather wise to make an offer.

Bob
73.5T

dmcummins · 07-15-2009, 01:26 PM

I bought a 69t a couple of years ago for $750. I got my money's worth in parts, but it was a pain salvaging the parts, selling them, mailing them. Then when your done you just have junk that you have to get rid of. I don't think I really made much when you calculate the time and trouble.

The only thing this one has going for it is I have the 71 roller that it would be nice to have the same year engine and trans to start with, but I have to assume they are nothing more than cores.

My offer wasn't so low that he said he wouldn't consider it. I don't think he had seen the car for a while and didn't realize it was that rusty.

dmcummins · 08-31-2009, 05:19 PM

I bought the car today. While it was up on the trailer I got a better look at the bottom. It really wasn't that bad. The passenger side rear floorboard area is rusted from the leak. but the rest of the floorboard and rocker look good. The rear springplate areas are rusted on the bottom, so that isn't good, but the rest looks OK. The car is now sitting about 7 miles from my house, I blew a tire on the trailer and didn't have a spare. I was able to pull it off the road and leave it at someones house that my wife happens to know, so Im not worried about that.

I'll post some pics when I get it home. I may just try and save it. It probably does still have the original motor and trans. I also noticed that it has weber carbs, were they still using them in 71?

BK911 · BK911's Garage

The 71s were zeniths.

Rust at the spring plate would have sent me running, but I am a chicken! Sounds like you will be pretty busy.

The 2.2T motors are the least desirable of that era. But you can 'easily' drop in 2.4 crank and rods and have a nice high compression 2.4T engine.

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

Presumably you got the whole car for what the Webers are worth (assuming good throttle shafts) that makes the rest gravy. But what you describe is not based on the kind of thorough inspection you need to determine the salvageability of the car. Rockers and other chassis members rust from the inside out -- especially when stored as this car was, over a moisture-retaining surface.

You did fine, but the decision to rebuild or part out requires more thorough inspection.

dmcummins · 09-01-2009, 10:30 AM

I'll post some pics in the tech section. I'll admit I didn't do much of an inspection, but I do know the last two owners and I figure I'll take a chance.

I don't know the condition of the shafts, but the car was running fine 9 years ago. Someone tried to steal the car and cut some of the wires I guess trying to get it started. That owner (who I also know) sold it to my other friend and he hauled it out to his mom's place with the intention of getting it running again. Well he never did anything and it got hit in the door while it was sitting.

If nothing else, I can use alot of the parts off this car for my 71 coupe.