Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

uplanderguy

Upon closer inspection, I guess the pic of the Travco you posted, andre, looks like it says "DODGE" across the front.

andre1969

One motorhome I think would be way cool to have, would be one of those FWD GMC motorhomes from the 1970's, the ones with the Toronado drivetrain. Incidentally, there was some company that was spun off from Travco that did the interiors for the GMC motorhomes.

uplanderguy

I like those GMC motorhomes too. The levelling feature seemed cool for the time, too. I remember how they had (I think) four models, based on color and interior decor, mostly...each with kind-of a hippie-sounding, two-word name IIRC. I always wished they've have used a more original taillight than the basic Chevy van taillight though. I could live with that though.

stever

@andre1969, I have a senior parks pass but those usually don't get you any break on camping. Just entrance fees (that's good though - parks fees are generally way too high as it is).

In the good old days, we'd often camp in old highway borrow pits if we weren't near a National Forest. Hard to find those spots any more.

Your Grandad's camper looks like one of those Alaskan pop-up campers. They still make them. My wife always thought we'd like a pickup camper, but if you're going to stay in a hardshell, I figure why not get a conversion van or bigger, so you can access the back while cruising down the road.

andre1969

Here's another rig I wouldn't mind having...


This is actually a screen shot from a 1973 movie called "Slither", which also prominently featured a 1972 Impala 4-door hardtop. I used to think they were purpose-built for the movie, but later found out it was a model called a Rectrans Discoverer.

About 13-14 years ago, a local park-and-sell lot had something similar for sale, except that it was built on a Chevy platform. I don't know that Rectrans ever built off of anything but Dodges, so it might not have been that brand. But it was definitely similar, with a van-ish front-end, that morphed into a full-fledge motorhome in back, and much more seamless than a Class C.

stever

Yeah, but if you just get a nondescript "van" you can sneak camp in urban areas if you need too. Walmarts, truck stops, etc. I've "camped" in hospital parking lots (clean bathrooms, cafeterias, health care near, 7 am "wake-up calls", lol) but I understand that some hospitals charge to park now in the bigger cities. 40 years ago you could pull into a college campus and use the showers in the dorms. No more.

Even something like this VW may get you rousted from a city street (but would be good for boondocking in the desert):

fintail

Regarding the MB motorhome, 15K purchase, 25K for powertrain upgrade and cosmetic needs, then sell it for 15K, good business model, no?

The 70s GM motorhomes are cool, and I know they have a cult following and can bring good money today. When I was a kid I liked motorhomes, especially the then-new futuristic Vixen and BMW-powered LeSharo models, and also the small Toyota truck based ones. I sometimes read ads for new ones, have no real interest - laying down 200K+ on a fancy one is insane, that buys a lot of hotel rooms. But all of the models and specifications are interesting in a way.

Those late run Alfa Spiders make me think of Edwina Monsoon drunk driving, which means I might have watched too much TV in the mid 90s.

I wonder how many Vanagons don't have MB style wheels retrofitted.

Michaell

fintail said:

Regarding the MB motorhome, 15K purchase, 25K for powertrain upgrade and cosmetic needs, then sell it for 15K, good business model, no?

The 70s GM motorhomes are cool, and I know they have a cult following and can bring good money today. When I was a kid I liked motorhomes, especially the then-new futuristic Vixen and BMW-powered LeSharo models, and also the small Toyota truck based ones. I sometimes read ads for new ones, have no real interest - laying down 200K+ on a fancy one is insane, that buys a lot of hotel rooms. But all of the models and specifications are interesting in a way.

Those late run Alfa Spiders make me think of Edwina Monsoon drunk driving, which means I might have watched too much TV in the mid 90s.

I wonder how many Vanagons don't have MB style wheels retrofitted.

My wife and I are big fans of hotels and B&B's. However, we've found that very few mattresses are comfortable for us, especially as we get older.

I keep telling her that a motorhome could function as a second house for us, and that we can customize the mattress to suit us perfectly.

It's been an uphill battle.

fintail

I had this project car out today, on a beautiful day in this winter that never was. Fired right up, ran fine, got lots of head turning and pointing, kids and older people seem mostly visible to notice. Probably the most unique car parked in old Bellevue, old guys in their SL63s and new driver Ferrari pilots don't get such attention:

isellhondas

Mr_Shiftright said:

OH YEAH....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141574969651?forcerRptr=true&item=141574969651&viewitem&sspagename=ADME:SS:SS:US:1120

That Alfa looks like those mods were well done but I wonder how it handles now with that much heavier engine.

The seller warned about the chance of it not being smog legal in CA. There are other states like the one I live in that are very strict. My guess would be devoid of any emission equipment and that the cats have been removed too. Still, a cool ride to be sure!

stickguy

I did see in the ad that he claims it is 45 pounds lighter. Sounds odd. Maybe it's the missing cats!

texases

Sure would be nice to see a set of pictures from below. Seller switched out the IRS for a Chevy rear axle, like to see how that was done. And that custom tube header looks, well, interesting...

Mr_Shiftright

No way it's going to smog in California as it is. Possibly it could be reregistered as a specialty built car with new VIN and examination by referee, but that's a very high hoop to jump through. I certainly wouldn't buy it if I were living in California unless it was strictly a track car or you registered it in "Yeah You Can Do That Here" Nevada next door.

isellhondas said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

OH YEAH....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141574969651?forcerRptr=true&item=141574969651&viewitem&sspagename=ADME:SS:SS:US:1120

That Alfa looks like those mods were well done but I wonder how it handles now with that much heavier engine.

The seller warned about the chance of it not being smog legal in CA. There are other states like the one I live in that are very strict. My guess would be devoid of any emission equipment and that the cats have been removed too. Still, a cool ride to be sure!

qbrozen

It appears that Alfa has been for sale and/or sold a couple of times. Guess it is not all it's cracked up to be.

http://bringatrailer.com/2013/01/09/1991-alfa-romeo-spider-v8/

stever

Barely broken in.

1982 Mercedes 300D

stickguy

That's what an MB is supposed to look like. Style, not condition.

texases

I guess cars in New Mexico come with a 'Chiliton'...

fintail

The vacuum leak and glow plug issue will make that thing annoying to drive, but it doesn't look too bad overall.

stever

Get this '91 560 SEL and use the '82 as your weekend cruiser.

Mr_Shiftright

I should say so. With the faulty glow plugs, it'll never start in cold weather, and with the vacuum system leaking, once you do get it started you won't be able to shut it off---and then, with the cooling fan not working, while you frantically try to stuff something in the air filter to choke it down, it will overheat.

Gee-- between this car and the 560SEL, you could get a privileged parking space at the New Mexico Masochist Convention

Actually none of those items are hard to fix, which makes me wonder why the seller didn't do them, since they are critical to operation of the car. I can tell you one thing---if a diesel doesn't start IMMEDIATELY when you crank it, you'd better watch out before you buy it.

fintail said:

The vacuum leak and glow plug issue will make that thing annoying to drive, but it doesn't look too bad overall.

t

stever

I'm sure there's more to the story. Finding a mechanic around here would be tough too. El Paso at least has a dealer.

danfromm

texases said:

Sure would be nice to see a set of pictures from below. Seller switched out the IRS for a Chevy rear axle, like to see how that was done. And that custom tube header looks, well, interesting...

Why do you think it has IRS? The car came with a beam axle at the rear.

texases

My mistake, thought the Alfa had IRS. Easier swap, then.

isellhondas

I REALLY like this truck but 58,500??

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/4897176203.html

I know these break the bank and it looks like it was done right but....

stickguy

That is nice. Must have cost a fortune. I'm no judge, but you do pay for quality.

xwesx

I just can't see the point of anyone paying that kind of money for something like that. I really can't.

It's not a Willys and it isn't anything special if it isn't a Willys, so what do you really have there? Maybe "unique" is highly valuable? I do like the paint scheme.

boomchek

Seller is probably trying to get the money they put in it. Unfortunately not every potential buyer will have the same taste in color or finish.

lemko

Spotted a lady driving really nice dark bronze colored early 1980s Mercedes-Benz 300SD across the street from my house today. I think she was nuts to have that beautiful ride out on a day like this. The streets a covered with salt, mud, and slush. My everyday hooptie is so filthy I walked right by it when I left work this afternoon because I didn't recognize it being that dirty.

fintail

Ugh,126s aren't exactly rustproof, either.

qbrozen

That certainly is a pretty truck. but, yeah, I agree the price is not realistic.

Mr_Shiftright

It looks really well done and it's a cut above your usual street rod. He may get a decent price if he markets it correctly and is patient. The problem with customs is that they are built to personal taste, so you need to find someone who has the same exact taste as you do. I'd guess this will eventually sell in the low to mid $40Ks.

Perfect vehicle for Barrett-Jackson

isellhondas said:

I REALLY like this truck but 58,500??

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/4897176203.html

I know these break the bank and it looks like it was done right but....

Mr_Shiftright

Well it's not a Bugatti, it's maybe a $4000 used car, so god bless her for taking it out and using it. (my two cents).

lemko said:

Spotted a lady driving really nice dark bronze colored early 1980s Mercedes-Benz 300SD across the street from my house today. I think she was nuts to have that beautiful ride out on a day like this. The streets a covered with salt, mud, and slush. My everyday hooptie is so filthy I walked right by it when I left work this afternoon because I didn't recognize it being that dirty.

stever

Car looks to be in good shape except for some damage to the dashboard.

Warren Buffett’s Customized Cadillac Sells for $122,500 (Moneybeat)

ab348

Didn't Buffett replace that Cad with a XTS?

Mr_Shiftright

The little video Girls, Inc did to promote the auction is actually pretty funny, and a good spoof on the pretentious patter of TV classic car auctions.

stever said:

Car looks to be in good shape except for some damage to the dashboard.

Warren Buffett’s Customized Cadillac Sells for $122,500 (Moneybeat)

isellhondas

Remember this Alfa Romeo?


http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=141574969651&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2565

My cousin who bought one last summer was watching this one and he watched it end.

He said it went from 9000.00 to over 19,000 in the last 20 minutes of the auction!

I looked at the bid history and it looks like bidder 22 bid himself up only to lose it at the very end.

I hope it's as nice as it looks.

stickguy

Looked like fun to me. For the money, if it was done correctly (so that it is save and the engineering works) lotta car for the money. Almost like a Cobra kit car, that you can actually drive places!

fintail

Been more than 2 months since I checked out the auto auction, so I took a peek today. The highlights (or lowlights)

Maybe the star of the show - 1983 (argued to be the best year), 230K but clean, full service book, some old documents - but hit lightly in the front, almost like a tangle with a parking barrier or something

Only 100K on it, but neglected

Vanishing

The "Millenium Edition" (I kid you not) of a Millenia, 2000 model of course

26 years old, 90K miles, probably from an estate

Not many of these still around

Pornographer's car - early build date - 5/89

This was in amazing condition compared to most

Once a very nice car, now going extinct

End of the line 1991 car, have fun keeping it going

And the rarity of the day, a diesel Corolla - I don't recall seeing one of these before. Cosmetically tired but it ran fine

texases

fin- I'm seeing a pic only from you links, no listing...?

fintail

Yes only pics - the listing just gives basic info (year and model etc), no sales price recorded. I had the pic links ready, but then decided to use text rather than post directly, in case so many would be an annoyance.

Mr_Shiftright

Well I hope they all went cheap. Was that a 300ZX? Those are pretty nice cars.

fintail

Yep, 300ZX. I always liked that design, so futuristic when new, and it aged really well.

When I was checking out the 300CD, a guy started chatting to me about it, I guess I looked credible - he had a lot of interest in it, but had no idea about value. I told him to keep it under 2K.

Mr_Shiftright

That's a ton of miles. Maybe those old diesel engines are strong but think of all that is attached to them. I'd say something like $1200 and plan to triple that amount on immediate needs. I bought two really clean good running ones with high miles and in both cases that was about my final bill to get them squared away. They served me well, though, I gotta say, once I buried another $2K or so into each of them. Of course, I did a good part of the labor.

The 300ZX is still a competent car by modern standards. That'd be a helluva buy under $2K if it ran well and looked good. It's not a bloated pimp mobile like the 280 ZX.

xwesx

That 626 looks pretty decent; only 90K miles? Crazy stuff. I see a couple of them around here still, one I know is an original-owner car, and they both had well north of 200K. One of the owners bought my '07 Outback to replace the Mazda as his daily driver (his commute is 85 miles one way from North Pole to Clear AFB). The last time I saw him a couple years back, he said that he still drives the Mazda a lot in the summer time because his wife wants to keep some of the miles of the Sube.

fintail

The MB did have some needs - drainage issue as there was water in the trunk (but zero rust anywhere that I could find), passenger door wouldn't latch right, some weatherstripping was bad. It was originally purchased in Santa Barbara, and I think spent some years in the California sun. I told the guy 2K, everything DIY, and you'll probably never run in the black. If you want to save it, do it because you like the car. He had some childhood memory of similar cars. On a positive note, paint looked original and very clean, seats were excellent.

The 300ZX, while not awful for something of its age, definitely hadn't been pampered. I didn't see what any cars went for.

Mr_Shiftright said:

That's a ton of miles.
The 300ZX is still a competent car by modern standards. That'd be a helluva buy under $2K if it ran well and looked good. It's not a bloated pimp mobile like the 280 ZX.

fintail

Yep, and now that I think of my math, 27 years old, it was an 88. A high school acquaintance had an 88, white with white wheels, definitely a period piece. I always liked the design of that era 626, very smooth and homogeneous, like a 90-93 Accord. Not a rare sight around here yet.

xwesx said:

That 626 looks pretty decent; only 90K miles? Crazy stuff. I see a couple of them around here still, one I know is an original-owner car, and they both had well north of 200K. One of the owners bought my '07 Outback to replace the Mazda as his daily driver (his commute is 85 miles one way from North Pole to Clear AFB). The last time I saw him a couple years back, he said that he still drives the Mazda a lot in the summer time because his wife wants to keep some of the miles of the Sube.

stickguy

I had a 1991 626. Same model series, but mine was a 5 door hatch LX (moonroof, alloys, etc.). Still one of my favorite cars ever. Just hated the silly mouse belts.

stever

Never buy a Michigan car, project or "pristine".

Unfortunately, the same goes for a (rural) Arizona one.

Worse than salt, brine sprayed on roads will munch your car to pieces (washingtonpost.com)

stickguy

great. I got stuck for about 2 miles the other day behind the truck spraying that crap on the road, in advance of the latest storm. I tried to not get too close. Plus I ran through the carwash the next day, so hopefully that got most of it off. Today it got warm, so there were massive puddles to splash through. So at this point, who knows what is underneath the poor car?

Can't wait for the weather to finally break so I can really do a good wash and get underneath.

boomchek

Mazda Millienia - every one I've seen come on trade have internal engine issues, I guess the Miller cycle engine is not an easy fix?