What "project" car to buy?

[Twoblackmarks...]

I do not know what car to buy, maybe some input?

I am thinking of a 70-72 cutlass With retro pro touring/mild trans-am racing look, With an Olds 455, that seems to me to be, really manly and somewhat different than the usual stuff. But maybe a bit "big" and hard to get light without ribbing it? I think a 455 would be sweet out of the turns With torque everywhere But a 455 maybe would not like running around a track for very long...

And then a G-body would be much cheaper to buy, and I can abuse it without feeling as guilty And a Chevy engine is Nice for both the economy and speed. I have had a 87`442 before and miss it. (With an 350 Olds

And an Third gen F-body is a real smart Choice for performance, a bit pricey again compared to a G-body. (I live in Norway) But they are sweet loking if done right.

And then you have even more dollar cars like first gen Camaros and Firebirds thats a good Choice and cool cars, but very pricey, I have to buy parts too

The car will be a summer daily-driver and see track use, not an all-out car. But gradually upgraded With brakes and chassi stuff and such, and probably end up as an Money pit anyway

Tha last car I had was a 72 Camaro With a 454 and then I kinda fell in love With cubic inches.. Thats were the 455 idea comes from

[Twoblackmarks...]

By the way, my car now is an Golf 2 GTI 16v.. I have not had an american car for ca 2+ years.. I have always had an american car, but I bought a Place to live and such so I had to save some Money. But it is about time I get a REAL car again

[Rick D]

Well as I just sold a car and got right back into another car let share my deal with you.

First I'm a paint and body guy by trade, so replacing sheet metal is not a big deal for me. That being said when I went looking for my new project I wanted the most complete running driving car with little to no rust I could get within my budget ($8500) for the car. Once my old car was picked up I started looking hard, I ended up getting a 73 Camaro that will require no panel replacement, a couple of small patches but that's it, full interior and runs and drives great.

My point is you seem like your kind of in the same place as I was, not looking to jump into a full on build just mess with as you go?? Get the most complete car you can within your budget for the car. Then budget different areas of the car, brakes, wheels, engine. As for which one I would leave it open as to what kind and or brand you want, unless you really do not like a certain brand? Set your price for the car and start looking at everything, just because its an olds doesn't mean you can't put an lsx in it. I've seen lots of customers come in in the past with a shell and a few parts and think they are going to get it painted and finished for 20k. It's all the little parts that add up real fast.

Hope this helps some!

[Twoblackmarks...]

Originally Posted by Rick D

Well as I just sold a car and got right back into another car let share my deal with you.

First I'm a paint and body guy by trade, so replacing sheet metal is not a big deal for me. That being said when I went looking for my new project I wanted the most complete running driving car with little to no rust I could get within my budget ($8500) for the car. Once my old car was picked up I started looking hard, I ended up getting a 73 Camaro that will require no panel replacement, a couple of small patches but that's it, full interior and runs and drives great.

My point is you seem like your kind of in the same place as I was, not looking to jump into a full on build just mess with as you go?? Get the most complete car you can within your budget for the car. Then budget different areas of the car, brakes, wheels, engine. As for which one I would leave it open as to what kind and or brand you want, unless you really do not like a certain brand? Set your price for the car and start looking at everything, just because its an olds doesn't mean you can't put an lsx in it. I've seen lots of customers come in in the past with a shell and a few parts and think they are going to get it painted and finished for 20k. It's all the little parts that add up real fast.

Hope this helps some!

Yes, you kinda nailed it there, I like to have a car With an as Nice body and paint as possible since I am not a body and Paint guy, the rest I can fix, but I want a running car, so as I can as you say do "one thing at a time" and most stuff Is not missing Gradually making it faster, and maybe bigger Projects on the car in the Winter time.

I am open for most brands, but do like GM for some reason, but I feel this hunger for a car, I WANT one, but cant decide, the good thing is that the Budget is only getting bigger the longer it takes to find "the right one"

[Twoblackmarks...]

By the way, nice looking Camaro Rick, I had the same front minus the bumper "horns" or what they are called. The "horns" looks kinda good too, better than without i think.