mitchy

It is definitely a 455 - F block with C heads, 350 transmission. AC is not hooked up and there is no compressor. No idea what gears it has. Owner claims it is original engine and transmission. It seems like the motor should have more get up and go. Car is in great shape, floors, trunk, rockers have no rust.

Oldsmaniac

At this point I would say to be careful because it sounds like the seller is feeding some untruths. The car is a Cutlass not a 442 so it would have come with a 350 engine. The heads are 67 68 or 69 BB heads not used in 1970. A turbo 400 trans would have been used with the BB not the 350. To me if things are bypassed such as AC the price should drop some.

mitchy

how much should I pay?

Oldsmaniac

That is always a tough question. If it is nice as you say and is ready to go I would say 8000 but thats just my opinion.

mitchy

why doesn't the car have the omf to go with such a big motor? Do you think the engine and trans are just mi-smashed not causing it to really get up and go?

Oldsmaniac

Very hard to say why the 455 goes like a turtle...

oldcutlass

Can you post a link to it?

MDchanic

I am VERY skeptical of this car.

How do you know there is no Bondo. It's not as if you can tell by just looking at it.

Wrong engine, inappropriate transmission, sold as a model that it is not, and engine isn't performing as it should - I'd run, not walk.

Whether the seller is dumb or lying is irrelevant. Either one points to a car that is a BAD IDEA.

Move along. Nothing to see here.

- Eric

ps: not to sound like a jerk, but what is a fifteen year old doing looking at an eleven thousand dollar car?
My boy bought his first car a year and a half ago for $450, it was a stretch for him from his earnings, and I thought it was about the right price.

mitchy

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/ctd/4954844219.html Hey, I've saved a lot of money and i'm trying to get something decent, and my dads willing to help me out, and I have yet to see a car go for $450

MDchanic

You're very lucky, then. I'm glad for you.

As for car prices, the summer before last, I got my boy a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with 150K on it for $450.
It needed tires, a crank sensor, a battery, and brake lines, has a stereo, power everything, leather wheel, and cold A/C.

He's not into old cars (or car repairs, but I forced him to help ), so this was the car for him, especially since it's the car that lots of his classmates also drive.

Point being, yes, you can find good cars for low prices.





Which brings us to the present vehicle:

"two week old black paint job!
priced to go! over 22k invested!"

Pass.

There's more to this car than meets the eye.

You need to look at cars that are not already "fixed up." The cars you've been looking at have all been messed with massively, and are all massive question marks, or, as I prefer to say, "ticking timebombs."

Sorry. I'm not trying to be mean, but the less that other people have done to a car, the better it will be for you.

- Eric

mitchy

And my search continues...

VI Cutty

This guy has a dozen cars for sale - he's a dealer/flipper and probably doesn't know or care squat about this one except to make a dollar off it.

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/se...serid=27515209

Glad to hear you're moving on and still looking...and being careful about the car you finally buy.

oldcutlass

As far as being a dog, it may just be that its not tuned correctly. While I think its not a good deal at almost $12k. The seller may be open to an offer for considerably less. What was done as far as mechanical maintenance to the car? Are there any pictures available of the engine compartment and underside? If it is completely rust free that is an advantage.

I commend you for saving your money, patience, and trying to buy what you want.

mitchy

Yes go check out the other page I have pictures of the engine.

kjr442

Hello Mitchy, I sent you several pictures, and videos of the 70 cutlass I'm selling on here, and eBay. This would make a great project car for you. I wish my first car had been so clean.

oldcutlass

Didn't realize that we were still talking about the same car from page 2. Is there someone you and your dad trust that knows engines can take a look at it? There are many reasons why the 455 is not performing.

MDchanic

Mitchy, please allow me to impart to you a piece of wisdom that I received from an upperclassman when I was a freshman in college:

When you are choosing your classes, don't pick a class based on its subject, even if it is a subject you are fascinated by; choose it based on the professor who is teaching it.
Even if a class wouldn't normally interest you, if the professor is great, take it.


The same thing applies to buying a car:
Although we all have preferred makes and models, to the extent possible, do not shop for a car, shop for a seller.
A car you may never have considered, being sold by an honest person who has cared for it meticulously, will be a far better buy than the car of your dreams, sold by by a shyster.
If anything about the seller gives you the feeling that he is a "fast talker," just smile and proceed to the next car.

- Eric

mitchy

Has everybody seen the car Kjr442 is selling? Me and my dad might be interested in that one what do you guys think?

Oldsmaniac

It seems like a solid car needing some attention. Its all up to you and what you are looking for. The car does need paint and some interior work. Interior stuff can be gotten repro but a paint job these days costs a fortune. If you are looking for a project and dont mind cruising in something that isnt so glitzy then this may be the car for you. Rust is always a big concern with an old car and this one seems to have minimal rust. You should always see a car in person before buying.

mitchy

Its in Texas, so we can"t really do that but he sent me all the pictures I need, and 3 videos of him starting it and walking around it looks to be a pretty solid car. Also, I wouldn't paint it until I had some fun with it

MDchanic

It is my impression that very few people have had problems after buying from members of this site.

- Eric

Gmcdually

I have a 1972 cutlass supreme that was purchased from original owner and has been parked in a dry smoke free basement for thirty plus years . Car is completely original and has never been altered. Car is gold with saddle vinyl top. Saddle leather interior. 350 column shift, ac, . Some evidence of minor rust under vinyl top in rear, no other rust at all .At $13,000.00 might be over your budget, but if interested let me know and I can post pictures . I am located in N.C.

mitchy

So should I shoot for that one?

mitchy

That is way over my budget Gmcdually

kjr442

Let me know if I can send you any other pictures, or videos. I just want you to be happy,and feel comfortable with this car. Like I said, this is somewhat of a blank canvas for you to do what you want to with it.

mitchy

Ok

mitchy

Can anybody recommend a good shipping company with reasonable prices?

Gmcdually

your going to pa. from where ?

Magna86

Mitchy put an ad on U-ship. You include where the car is and to where you want it shipped. Measurements of the car and things like does it run/any extra parts/ does it roll or locked up etc. Never except the first bids because they are always way overpriced and from a shipping company. Look for bids from personal carriers who tow with their own trucks and trailers. I had my 66 shipped to me in CA from OR for pretty much what it would have cost me to run there and drag it home myself. Also makesure to read the shipper safisfaction rating. You will get comment from shippers on what you woudl like to pay. If you are flexible on the dates that may help also as a guy may just need to fill his trailer and will take it for less than normal. An open trailer would be cheapest for you and since the car isnt a show car you don't have to worry about ruining any paint.

mitchy

From Texas to PA.

Gmcdually

I am picking a car up in northern Maryland soon , have empty enclosed trailer from wilmington n.c. Area and can bring from here but Texas is a little to far to go and pickup . If it helps with pricing to bring it here I can bring bring rest of the way.

oldsman72

Here's a '70 Cutlass Supreme convertible outside of Philly....


http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4954039994.html

mitchy

the posting is gone, but I like hard tops though thanks for looking though.

mitchy

We had a family friend come look at it and this is their assessment,
Parts list:
4 new tires
New hoses
New belts
New wiper blades (arms are there, the rubber is rotted)
New rubber body mount bushings (poly body mounts work too, but can squeak and ride stiffer)
4 new shocks
New windshield (installed windshield has a large crack)
New brake booster (master cylinder looks to be good - booster is rusted)
New brake hoses (only hoses, brake lines look to be in OK shape on the outside)
Replace front drum brakes with disc brakes
Alternative is to re-build front drums
Rebuild rear drums
Rebuild transmission
Alternative would be to replace transmission

Other things include:
Replace entire vehicle wiring harness (engine, chassis, etc.)
Could use a Painless Wiring harness (either universal or model/year specific)
Alternative would be to use a model correct wiring harness from another manufacturer
All original sockets appear to be in place, so could be re-used (integrated into the new harness)
Replace tail-light lenses on both driver & passenger side
Housings appear to be OK, lenses are cracked/missing pieces on the sides
The lights all show red (no white) in the back
Replace front grille pieces (driver & passenger)
Kevin showed me the two replacement pieces he was including with the vehicle, he said they are difficult to find and not re-manufactured/sold new
Windshield washer pump motor housing was cracked, but wiper motor worked
This looks like it is a single combined unit wiper motor + washer fluid pump
Windshield washer fluid tank
New headliner
Headliner is sagging/detached from roof in the back
I had to hold the cloth up to see behind me when I was backing up
You could remove the headliner (SAVE THE METAL BOWS) to start with, it is not a piece of safety equipment
Seats could be re-upholstered when you decide you are ready
Rear package tray seems OK, but will need to be re-covered (eventually)
Radio is missing
Speakers
Air conditioning (new unit wired/plumbed into the existing AC ductwork)
There is a crack in the steering wheel (standard for a car this old when the plastic shrinks around the wire core. This could be repaired/filled with JB Weld and painted to match.


Car needs about $6,000 dollars worth of work to be safe to become a daily driver. What should be the price for this car?(if it's sounds worthy of buying)

oldcutlass

Which car are we talking about now?

mitchy

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/cto/4964981077.html
this one

Gmcdually

$4,500.00 for car $6,000.00 making road worthy , $1,200.00 shipping , you are at $11,500.00 .My opinion is there is a better car out there

mitchy

we found a shipping company that will do it for 550,but I get the point

Convertcrazed

Are you the sold pending payment?........most of the items your inspector found, are normal wear items and it's a sign that car has been sitting awhile? It runs and is a west coast minimal rust car Hard to find out here in the east........You would just need to do the bear necessity's to get her on the road and enjoy while you fix her up like I said before, Kevin is a very honest and upstanding guy and your not looking for a project then maybe you should keep looking.......anyway IMO I would see if he would take less??? Maybe 3k and another 3k.....your on the road? Leaves you 4k for paint,trans and int?
Just my 2cents
Good Luck!
Eric M
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...4500-00-a.html

tru-blue 442

Doesn't that car belong to Kevin, kjr442?
Answered my own question. Kev's a good guy, good luck with it if you decide to take it.