Okay guys here's the skinny I am looking to do a new project I live in California so BOTH of these cars will have to pass smog, NOW lets take that out of the equation and go on the cars merits and potential. THIS CAR WILL BE USED AS MY DAILY DRIVER (driven AGGRESSIVELY AT TIMES)
I will be working on the car as I drive it as well, eventually the motor will be changed to an LS motor and manual trans and the pro-touring treatment!!
The 2 candidates are as follows:
1977 Caprice Aero Coupe (2-door)
It has been sitting for about 3 years the roof has some rust issues there are some places where it has rusted through BUT, the spots are in a place where it can be repaired. Around the side qtr glass someone cut the drip rails off on both sides and the side windows look "funny", and the trim cannot be replace. It has a rebuilt 305 motor installed about 4 years ago. Factory tilt pw car, the body besides the roof are in good shape. Interior needs to b replaced
The reason I considered doing one of these is because you don't see then done PT style BUT replacement parts are a little harder to find, but this screams dare to be different.
OTHER CANDIDATE:
1977 Pontiac Firebird (NON TA)
Rebuilt pontiac motor 350 trans, PW and tilt , motor sounds real good, body in good shape, needs new door hinges,needs interior (was going to change anyway), no rust and you can practically build one of these from the ground up between year one and classic industries. I don't have any little kids.
I just want to get some feedback to see what you guys think
I vote for the bird - lots of aftermarket chassis options, suspension, interior pieces, grilles, trim, projector headlights, glass, wheels, brakes, sheet metal, etc. In addition, IMO, it is a much nicer body style for a head-turning pro-touring car. Good luck with whatever you choose
The firebird has a much lower roof ht.I am 6'3" and find it hard to get comfortable in my 72 camaro.even w/the seat as low as it will go and still slide back and forth.My head still hits the under side of the roof.So if your a tall fella,I would look into the caprice.The firebird is more suited for somebody that might be shorter.
I like both choices but if I'm looking down the road and ROI (return on investment) is a factor, the Firebird gets my choice. I don't see much of a market for the Impala/Caprice like I do for the Firebird.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
New project delima/help opinion needed..
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