cheap beginners cars

[Mach2]

Hey guy I'm a teenager lookin to build my first car. I'm lookin for something cheap. I'ev thought about unusuals like 74'-82' 2nd gen camaros and different cars like that but I can't decide can you help me.

Thanks Bryce

[groovyjay]

Hey guy I'm a teenager lookin to build my first car. I'm lookin for something cheap. I'ev thought about unusuals like 74'-82' 2nd gen camaros and different cars like that but I can't decide can you help me.

Thanks Bryce

Howbout a 74-82 Corvette? Great cars to start with, decent brakes (4 wheel discs), IRS, loads and loads of go-fast-parts available...

http://c3-r.com/c3rimages/texas/txs/images/tex07055_jpg.jpg

[Hdesign]

Most of the project cars I would have suggested were mentioned in your thread on PT.com.

It really all depends on what "cheap" means to you and what you are willing to sacrifice as far as affordability, availability (cars and parts) and difficulty of modifications.

Sure, you could go with any of the obscure cars that were mentioned, it's always cool to see them given some attention. Make sure you find one with all the trim and an excellent body though, it's often tough to locate replacements, especially for a beginner.

Anyway, here's my list of favorites for the criteria I listed above:

74-up Fbodies
Fox body Mustangs/Capri
All GM G-body cars (there's tons in great shape still)
All GM X-body cars (Nova, Apollo, Ventura, Omega)(68-72 Novas are starting to climb though)
Low trim level 64-72 Buick/Olds/Pontiac A-bodies
70-72 Monte Carlos and GP (69 and up)
60s and up Mopar A bodies (parts may be harder to find)
73 and up Elcaminos
2WD trucks/suvs (small or fullsized) from GM or Ford

[Mach2]

Thanks ben. what all did gm produce in a and x bodies
cheap to me is being unusual, going to cruise night and having something that no one else is going to have.

[Hdesign]

I'm probably gonna miss some here. I'm sure everyone else can fill in the gaps or correct my mistakes.

GM A-bodies (evolved into G-bodies during the 70's):
64-77-
Chevy-Chevelle/Malibu/SS/Laguna; Elcamino/SS and Monte Carlo/SS
Buick-Skylark/Special/GS-350/GS-400/GSX/Regal
Olds-Cutlass/F-85/Supreme/442/Hurst
Pontiac-Tempest/Lemans/GTO (74 GTO is a Ventura X-body); 69-77 Grand Prix/SJ(G body); Can-Am/Grand AM

GM X-body (62-67);(68-74 are similar to 67-69 F-body platform) (75-79 are similar to 70-81 F-body platform)

Chevy-ChevyII/Nova/SS/Concourse
Buick-Apollo
Olds-Omega
Pontiac-Ventura/GTO(74)/Phoenix

GM G-body- (69 GP/70 Monte/70 Cutlass Supreme) were the first G-bodies because they were a 2 door car built on a longer A-body chassis....a "Personal Luxury" configuration.

78-87 (Only the Monte and Cutlass Classic RWD lasted until 88)

Chevy-Monte/SS/Elcamino/Malibu
Buick-Regal/T-type/Grand National/GNX
Olds-Cutlass Supreme/Salon/Brougham/442/Hurst
Pontiac-Grandprix/Aerocoupe 2+2

[[email protected]]

can't beat the fox bodies wealth of information, used parts and the pricing for the parts that go in them. I just picked up one with 96K for $1000. Needs a little work, but after I sort out what I believe is a fuel injector issue it'll be clean running. A little paint, GT40 heads and intake off an explorer, gears and nitrous and I should be deep in the 12s. That won't be a bad deal for around $4500.

[3kidsnotime]

There is a real clean Monte SS on my street for sale original paint and stickers no rust, current registration and im, older couple has it for 3500.00 cars are out there better to look local than internet.

[[email protected]]

I would try to look for a car that has a decent powerplant to begin with. In reference to the Monte, no offense hopefully taken from the GM guys here... is going to be a massive project to be able to even show a Civic SI your tail lights. The weight and 305 power plant aren't going to be great starting points. A 350 third gen camaro would be another good starting point, along with the 2nd gen. The third gen camaro will have a little more snort to play with depending on the year, with gears and a stall converter you would have a decent setup. If your looking for a stick car, they unfortunately don't come in the 350ci setup of the thirdgens.

It's always nice to start with a good motor combo, that way you only need to refresha and improve it to have a nice ride. Rather than having to pull it out and put something in it's place.

[Hdesign]

Nick brings up an undeniable point. Montes are big cars, there's no way around it. A Malibu from that generation may be a better candidate but you'll have to ditch the boat anchor 305.

Most of us know that the stock Monte SS engines left much to be desired. The smog police destroyed any hope for real performance out of that car, especially if you live in a state that has strict emissions standards like CA or MA.

Who's to say you can't transplant a GN drivetrain or a BBC? There's plenty of room. And if you really want bang for the buck, rescue a solid 500 Caddy motor from a 70-76 Eldorado, add an aluminum intake, a mild cam and upgrade the heads, mate it to a BOP Th400 and blow the doors off a ton of cars for relatively short money and get halfway decent fuel mileage. G-body specific motor mounts are available for that engine too. You'll have to upgrade the front springs due to weight increase.

[Mach2]

THANKS GUYS I'ev thought about a fox body for a long time. and i heard something about a foxbody caprice. do you guys know anything about those

[Hdesign]

You may be thinking of a Mercury Capri.....
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/dabanj6/merccapri1.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a215/dabanj6/merccapri.jpg

[3kidsnotime]

This is that monte if anyone is interested I have the number some where seems a decent car for the money.
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r194/3kidsnotime/ebayitems017.jpg

[Mach2]

To tell you the truth ben, I really duno.

[Hdesign]

Jeff, if I lived in the area, I'd already have it in my garage. Looks like a nice, straight 87 or 88. Is that interior tan or really faded burgundy? Mileage listed?

[3kidsnotime]

Ben, it is really a very clean old car just needs the paintess dent guys for a couple dings and buffing, that 20 yo paint is still nice on it. it is tan interior needs some minor attention (T-Top car) If I had ten less cars it would be in my garage as well. The nose is in killer shape also, I took a pic of it as well.
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r194/3kidsnotime/ebayitems018.jpg
Look at the original stickers also.. Very Clean!
Looking at the pics if the tax money comes in soon..........:unibrow:

[Hdesign]

Yeah, I noticed the stripes as well. Very Nice.

Even though I feel like I had about 50 G-bodies, I was totally energized by Frank's incredible work on Michael's 86. Oh what I could do to one of those cars now..heh heh heh.....:unibrow:

Hmmm...I wonder what the shipping cost would be to MA????

[3kidsnotime]

Yeah, I noticed the stripes as well. Very Nice.

Even though I feel like I had about 50 G-bodies, I was totally energized by Frank's incredible work on Michael's 86. Oh what I could do to one of those cars now..heh heh heh.....:unibrow:

Hmmm...I wonder what the shipping cost would be to MA????

Drive it!! well with gas prices today :(

[JohnnyGMachine]

I've owned 5 fox body Mustangs/Capris total - still own 2 and am about to pick up another GT to build into a show car. I've been into these since the mid 80s and can offer a lot of technical support and advise on aftermarket parts for these cars. Now these cars are by no means a rarity at a cruise night but if you want to go this direction, you could go with an 85-86 Mustang. The 79-86 fox bodies have the sunk-in headlights or are called the 4-eye cars. These cars are rarer compared to the 87-93 aeronose cars you see all the time. of all the 79-93 Mustangs, notchbacks or coupes is the most desirable body style due to it being lighter and structurally tighter due to it not having the hatchback door. They also look tougher in my opinion. ANyways, let me know if anybody needs some info or suggestions.
Here's a pic of my 85 notch that's getting a huge makeover...

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/7333140.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=3140)

Also, it's funny you mention the 5.0 and Monte SS in the same thread - one of the guys I work with has a very sweet 1984 Monte SS g-machine - 330 hp crate motor, 700R4, 17" TT2s, Baer brakes, lowered suspension. I was following him back to town a couple days ago in my 1988 GT (this is my 99% stock daily driver, 102k miles - stock except for 2.5" catback exhaust, that's it!) and he layed into it thinkin' he was gonna leave me totally in the dust. Surprisingly to him AND me I was all over his tail and he let off as I was reaching 5000 rpms in 3rd. With a stock 3.08 gear and 225 hp I could keep up with the heavy Monte and 330 hp! He wasn't real happy about that. A 3.73 gear, headers and off-road h-pipe and I think i could take him. Something to think about when picking a car or platform to start with. A 5.0 is actually a good, cheap, and fast starting point if you find a good deal.

John

[Smack_talker]

can't beat the fox bodies wealth of information, used parts and the pricing for the parts that go in them. I just picked up one with 96K for $1000. Needs a little work, but after I sort out what I believe is a fuel injector issue it'll be clean running. A little paint, GT40 heads and intake off an explorer, gears and nitrous and I should be deep in the 12s. That won't be a bad deal for around $4500.

I'll sell you this one kinda cheap. Its going on ebay soon...LMK
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/Flastangs/MVC-025F.jpg

[JohnnyGMachine]

Hey that looks clean, how many miles? Not crazy about the wheels but a set of Shelby Razors on that car would look hot! Where are you located?

J

[ProTouring442]

Now, if you want a Fox that you will not see at a local cruise-in, you could go with one of these:

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/621133215.jpg


Definitely not "cheap," but pretty cheap to work on since they are pretty much "just a Fox body."

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442

[Hdesign]

Hey that looks clean, how many miles? Not crazy about the wheels but a set of Shelby Razors on that car would look hot! Where are you located?

J


Full driveway huh John? That's what I like to see!:D I think I'd be disowned. As it is, my wife doesn't like it when I open the garage door and my mess can be seen.

I guess I'm a biased GM fan but I would say that there may be better deals to be had on similar year F-bodies compared to fox body Mustangs. This is based on what I've seen on ebay and local want ads. They can take tons of mods also. There's always a ton of fox bodies at car shows and maybe one or two Camaros.

[Smack_talker]

Hey that looks clean, how many miles? Not crazy about the wheels but a set of Shelby Razors on that car would look hot! Where are you located?

J

If your talking about the blue 90 GT. I live in Shelbyville, Tenn. The car has 63,000 miles on it. It is a pretty clean car.

[Smack_talker]

These are my favorite fox bodies.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/Flastangs/ab_12.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/Flastangs/d08c_12.jpg

[Mach2]

I think I'ev narrowed it down to a 3rd gen camaro of 86' 89' fox body coupe. thanks for all your help any more ideas would be greatly appreciated(it probally would'nt be hard to change my mind anyway HAHA).

tHANKS FOR ALL THE HELP, BRYCE :D

any body have a 68 to 70 nova for $1500 or less??????

(NOT SCARED OF FAB WORK)

[[email protected]]

I think I'ev narrowed it down to a 3rd gen camaro of 86' 89' fox body coupe. thanks for all your help any more ideas would be greatly appreciated(it probally would'nt be hard to change my mind anyway HAHA).

tHANKS FOR ALL THE HELP, BRYCE :D

any body have a 68 to 70 nova for $1500 or less??????

(NOT SCARED OF FAB WORK)
see if you can find a 90GT, always good to get speed density out of the way. decent 86s are pricey.

[Croaker]

These are my favorite fox bodies.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/Flastangs/d08c_12.jpg

I used to have an 82, although it was in nowhere near this good shape.

[Mach2]

how cool would it be to build one of these.:bow:

http://www.pontiacventura.com/ventura_images/1973ventura_pics/vCar10.jpg
Sorry haven't figured out how to put pics on yet

Thanks Bryce

[Hdesign]

Bryce, if you like Venturas, check out a 74 "GTO" ventura.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.allmusclecars.com/pontiac/74gtopf.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.allmusclecars.com/gto/1974_gto.htm&h=480&w=640&sz=149&hl=en&start=20&um=1&tbnid=0IuCt7HJaQOJ9M:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3D74%2Bgto%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26s vnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

[LateNight72]

Geeze, I forgot how much I hate fox bodies.. :omg: :D

[Mach2]

Thanks ben, Thats a neat car but I love the mail slot grille It's pretty damn cool if you ask me. where i live You're not gonna see another ventura. not even at GOODGUYS you just don't see them I'ev seen a couple of those before But NEVER a ventura.
My dad is doin a bunch of work to a guys cj7 jeep right now and i got to lookin at it and thought it'd look pretty badass pro toured, with a cummins diesel (twin turboed) in it sitin about 3 inches of the ground. Tell me you'ed go to local cruise night and see another jeep like that.

Thanks Bryce

[SteveMcqueenRules]

i think the ford maverick is one of the coolest budget cars out there. this one needs lowering but these look great and can stuff V8's
http://mustangandfords.com/featuredvehicles/mufp_0609_02_z+1972_ford_maverick+profile.jpg

[race-rodz]

Thanks ben, Thats a neat car but I love the mail slot grille It's pretty damn cool if you ask me. where i live You're not gonna see another ventura. not even at GOODGUYS you just don't see them I'ev seen a couple of those before But NEVER a ventura.
My dad is doin a bunch of work to a guys cj7 jeep right now and i got to lookin at it and thought it'd look pretty badass pro toured, with a cummins diesel (twin turboed) in it sitin about 3 inches of the ground. Tell me you'ed go to local cruise night and see another jeep like that.

Thanks Bryce


my last "job" was a 2wd CJ5, chassis works 4 link, CW front suspension, lots of body mods, 18's/20's efi 383/5spd..... sometimes trying to be different is not a good thing, i hated the thing, thought it was a waste of money, and ultimately walked away from the job because i disagreed with the mentality that it takes to come up with a project like that........ and most of my projects are WAY outside the "box", 2wd jeep is a waste IMO

i personally would lean towards the FOX body mustang, parts are readily available/ budget friendly, easy to upgrade in stages, fun to thrash, if you really want something a lil different than the typical 5.0 mustang, turn it into a saleen clone.

[MarkM66]

The problem with "cheap" bigginer cars, is they can end up being "cheap" finished cars. No resale. JMO.