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

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,701
    I should think they would be thrilled just to have someone haul them away! $500 each....
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    "try finding one anywhere ".........where or where would I EVER find another 1964 Impala?

    Parts cars at best. Good "winter project" for someone who wants to salt his Ferrous Oxide Mining operation.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938
    edited September 2017
    A few photos from the infamous body shop that somehow gets a lot of rare valueable automobiles, and were not in La Jolla, just Hillcrest.

    I actually kind of like the car that says Buick on it. A couple of Rolls, and a Bentley.




    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    Buick is a 49 Roadmaster, like in "Rain Man".

    I actually kind of like those old Rolls-Royce Spirit/Spur in an 80s kind of way, but I don't think I would want to own one.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    fintail said:
    Buick is a 49 Roadmaster, like in "Rain Man". I actually kind of like those old Rolls-Royce Spirit/Spur in an 80s kind of way, but I don't think I would want to own one.
    “I’m a very good driver”.  

    Love that car. 

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I once flipped (for sale) a 1982 Rolls Corniche Coupe. It was a right hooker, in storage many years but very decent shape. I brought it to a good Rolls friend, we got her running, test drove it about 100 miles and all was good. I couldn't WAIT to get it off my hands as I was so nervous about it hitting an iceberg and drowning us all. I don't think I slept well for weeks.

    I sold it for a quick profit and it went to the UK, where it promptly dumped the transmission in about a month's time. Oh, well, Caveat Emptor as they say. I think the buyer still came out whole, as those transmissions were a GM unit built into a Rolls casing. So no rocket science there. I made $7000 all told but I don't think I would roll the dice again on one of those (no pun intended).
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    An 82 coupe would be a very late one, makes sense to be RHD as I don't think they were sold on this side of the pond so late - the Camargue kind of replaced it, I guess. Pretty unusual thing, and no doubt worth more back home.

    I've had a guilty pleasure fixation on Corniche cabrios for a long time, but I'd need lottery winner means to want to take such a risk. I have seen a number of ex-USA Corniche and Camargue for sale in European publications.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    If you had a good contact, like my friend who knows these cars in and out, you could probably get buy. The problem is that the parts are so damn expensive and the engineering is so complex....not GOOD...just complex--LOL!
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    The big issue is that for a nice Cornice cabrio, you'll be in for at least a 50K initial payment, and then comes the maintenance. I can have a lot more fun for 50K++ than one of those. But if I got a perfect one for free, maybe.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's those $8,000 brake jobs that hurt.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    Maybe fortunately, that's the kind of car you might drive 1000 miles in a good year, so hopefully you're only in for a brake overhaul every decade or so :)
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    1,000 miles is a LOT of miles for an older Rolls to traverse successfully without a breakdown. They are like having a raccoon as a pet.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    British: stick to linens and china -just kidding!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You know, if you maintain an old Rolls religiously, and you take it to a well-trained mechanic, and you live in a large metro area where there are parts available, and you garage it----you're still going to have trouble! :p
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    Drive it 50 miles or so every other weekend to keep the juices flowing, maybe a longer highway drive a few times a year, just like what I do in the fintail. Shouldn't have more than one bank account-stressing issue per year, right? :)

    I knew a guy who had a 67 Shadow he drove once or twice a month, kept it garaged, said it never gave him troubles - but the prior owner had the brakes/hydraulics rebuilt at considerable cost.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,493
    that seems like a good candidate for a conversion of some kind. Keep the body and interior, but swap in a Chevy drivetrain. At least the AT is already a GM part. Normal suspension pieces, and somehow (probably the toughest part) ditch hydraulics running other stuff in the car for electric pieces.

    I am sure not cheap, but maybe cheaper than rebuilding all the stock stuff, and at least it would be a 1 time cost!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • omarmanomarman Member Posts: 2,702
    Posted somewhere on this site was the best conversion for an old Rolls: Enjoy the nice leather and wood covered sitting room without all that expense and bother of trying to make it go.
    A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    That might have been me. I am a BIG fan of vintage interiors on old British luxury cars.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    I think a conversion on a Shadow or Spirit/Spur would be as crazy as rebuilding it to stock, as the cars aren't worth a fortune even when perfect. A conversion can't be cheap. I think I have seen a Shadow conversion or two over the years.

    Best bet might be to go all in and have a Corniche or a Cloud, both of which have a high depreciation floor, and if car is cosmetically excellent, one can kind of justify sinking money into it.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's not a great idea to plunk an American V8 in cars like old Rolls or old Jaguars because it destroys the one thing they did best--very smooth, quiet operation. I'm not sure those old frames could take all the torque either.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    I think a Shadow or later could take a mild smallblock, but older cars or larger engines might have issues. I am pretty sure a fintail would need a lot of reinforcement for a V8 - the car is just too light as it is, and was never made for more than an I6.

    I had mine out on the road today - as usual, the most interesting thing in the parking lot:



    Ran sweet as usual, got a thumbs up and a lot of looks.


  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Was that Lake Sammamish State Park?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    Medina - my car is at home in the ritzy areas, and free admission :)
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938
    edited September 2017
    fintail said:

    Medina - my car is at home in the ritzy areas, and free admission :)

    Do you go car shopping in the Fintail? I'd imagine car salesmen would want you to talk their ear off about it while they trick you into overpaying for that new MB. I will say attention is probably good at a car dealership, better than being completely ignored; at least if you do want some help finding something.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    Long Island Craigs

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1979-ford-rancero-gt/6333846794.html Nice for what it is. This was kind of a weird year. The stacked headlights and LTD II nose don't mesh with the pick up back

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-toyoat-tacoma-prerunner/6312944959.html Even with the rust issues, Tacos really hold their value

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-ford-thunderbird/6333829600.html If you're one of the few people that loved these when they were new, now is your chance to own one. I didn't

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1961-ford-falcon-sleeper/6297177910.html Interesting concept but long way to go

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1964-plymouth-sport-fury/6294118191.html One of these ads that you can't tell what shape it is in at this moment. A lot of work is done already to advertise it needing mechanical work

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1977-mercedes-benz-diesel/6333666593.html The old, it was running when I parked it. I assume it's not now. Parts car, right?

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-for/6324735002.html Looks like it could be a nice car if painted but bodywork that is done may be rough. Chevelles and Camaros go for a fortune here

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1969-chevelle/6330305587.html This looks like a nice driver 69 Chevelle. I'm spotting manual brakes and I hate where he put the hood pins

  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    Nerdwallet article on buying cars for $2500

    https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/loans/cheap-drivable-used-car/?utm_campaign=ct_prod&utm_source=syndication&utm_medium=wire&utm_term=anne-stanleymarketwatch-com&utm_content=438294

    Decent article. I would question the recommendation to avoid buying a salvage title car because you will have trouble selling it. If you're buying a car for 2500, you're probably the last owner anyway. I'd assume that it was repaired years ago and has been on the road, so it could end up being a bargain

    What do you think?

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,493
    Mike, if cheap, I can see it. If you know what was actually done to it.

    I really like that 69 chevelle. 350 4 speed, perfect. Cheap enough to convert to disk brakes, maybe some suspension upgrades, and a decent steering wheel! If wanna go crazy, swap in some bucket seats.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,131
    But no a/c on that nice blue one. The other one had a/c, but apparently no longer has it.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    stickguy said:

    Mike, if cheap, I can see it. If you know what was actually done to it.

    I really like that 69 chevelle. 350 4 speed, perfect. Cheap enough to convert to disk brakes, maybe some suspension upgrades, and a decent steering wheel! If wanna go crazy, swap in some bucket seats.

    Yeah stickguy, agree on both. My thinking on the salvage car is that no one is putting a car back together to sell it right away for 2500, so the car was probably repaired some time ago and has been on the road. If I was looking to spend that amount, and I was getting a car that compares for maybe 4 grand, give it a show
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    texases said:

    But no a/c on that nice blue one. The other one had a/c, but apparently no longer has it.

    Not unusual in the NorthEast but might make summer cruising less enjoyable
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,493
    Doesn't take much damage to total a cheap car either. I would worry more on a newer, expensive one.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    stickguy said:

    Doesn't take much damage to total a cheap car either. I would worry more on a newer, expensive one.

    There is a little beggars can't be choosers going on here too
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,500
    edited October 2017
    The W123 300D in those listings looks beyond redemption - I can see loads of rust, and the presence of leaves under the hood never bodes well. Kind of sad, as if the odometer is correct, it has relatively low miles for one. Outside storage in New York, don't do it.

    Salvage titles - if it is cheap and passes a trusted inspection, why not. Cars can be repaired properly, and sometimes damaged needed to make a total loss isn't really that bad.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,701
    gsemike said:

    Yeah stickguy, agree on both. My thinking on the salvage car is that no one is putting a car back together to sell it right away for 2500, so the car was probably repaired some time ago and has been on the road. If I was looking to spend that amount, and I was getting a car that compares for maybe 4 grand, give it a show

    Very much agreed! I have owned a couple of salvage cars, including one of my current vehicles, and I haven't had any issues with resale or with the vehicles themselves (as a direct result of the damage). Well, I should say "surprise issues." All old vehicles have their quirks/issues (salvage title or not!).

    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The $2500 bottom limit for a reliable used car is really pushing it in California---it's possible but not so likely. I'd agree more with the article when it says to bump it up to $3,500 for something considerably nicer.

    That Mercedes diesel needs to go to Pets Unlimited and offered for adoption with a free tetanus shot and a small processing fee. $1,800 indeed! Phsaw!
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,131
    That 300D's interior looks...contagious?
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    Re that Benz, it doesn't get any more classic than this:

    "1977 Mercedes-Benz Diesel when I parked this car it was running ,"
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It was flying when I landed it:

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,754
    gsemike said:
    Long Island Craigs https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1979-ford-rancero-gt/6333846794.html Nice for what it is. This was kind of a weird year. The stacked headlights and LTD II nose don't mesh with the pick up back https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-toyoat-tacoma-prerunner/6312944959.html Even with the rust issues, Tacos really hold their value https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-ford-thunderbird/6333829600.html If you're one of the few people that loved these when they were new, now is your chance to own one. I didn't https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1961-ford-falcon-sleeper/6297177910.html Interesting concept but long way to go https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1964-plymouth-sport-fury/6294118191.html One of these ads that you can't tell what shape it is in at this moment. A lot of work is done already to advertise it needing mechanical work https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1977-mercedes-benz-diesel/6333666593.html The old, it was running when I parked it. I assume it's not now. Parts car, right? https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-for/6324735002.html Looks like it could be a nice car if painted but bodywork that is done may be rough. Chevelles and Camaros go for a fortune here https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/1969-chevelle/6330305587.html This looks like a nice driver 69 Chevelle. I'm spotting manual brakes and I hate where he put the hood pins
    I liked the exterior looks of the retro tbird, but it failed in every other measurable aspect.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Shifty, stall or collapsed nose gear?
  • thecardoc3thecardoc3 Member Posts: 5,849
    edited October 2017
    berri said:

    Shifty, stall or collapsed nose gear?

    https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=190991

    We had a Cessna 172 stall on take off the first day the pilot owned it here. The wing collapse looked identical to that picture. Sadly the pilot and his seven year old son were both pinned by the nose crushing back into the cabin and couldn't get out before leaking fuel ignited. The wife and daughter who were in the back seat managed to get out, but suffered burns as they were trying to assist the son and father.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,131
    I thought that looked like Alaska. Sad story about the 172 stall.
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    Mr_Shiftright said:

    The $2500 bottom limit for a reliable used car is really pushing it in California---it's possible but not so likely. I'd agree more with the article when it says to bump it up to $3,500 for something considerably nicer.

    That Mercedes diesel needs to go to Pets Unlimited and offered for adoption with a free tetanus shot and a small processing fee. $1,800 indeed! Phsaw!

    I am currently driving an 04 Sienna with 136k and it really is a reliable car. I will probably move on next year because I don't need the van-ness of it that much anymore and would probably list it for 3 grand. Some things have been fixed along the way, but no check engine lights or hard starting ever. It definitely has life left in it. Wicked cold AC too
  • gsemikegsemike Member Posts: 2,422
    I will take that $2500 challenge

    I'm actually surprised at how decent these look

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2002-nissan-maxima-se-for-sale/6331658244.html Some of these Maximas can run forever and this looks pretty well kept together

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-honda-civic-lx/6334969082.html This Civic looks clean too and should last

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-scion-tc-5speed-new-motor/6331037016.html Warranty on the new used engine

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2006-hyundai-sonata-in-perfect/6329363863.html Clean looking Sonata

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-honda-civic-turbo/6302878860.html Turbo Civic with stick

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2004-mercury-grand-marquis/6331262392.html Panther

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-lexus-es300/6334844748.html Lexus

    https://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/d/2001-audi-a6-avant-quattro/6326602353.html Quattro Avant Wagon
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938
    edited October 2017
    My main concern with a salvage title would be the safety of my family and I during a collision. I have a 3-year old daughter about to turn 4. Even a good repair with 99% of structural integrity might be 1% short in a severe accident.

    I think this is, far and away, the single biggest reason and factor why vehicles with a significant accident history don't get CPO status from the manufacturers. Too much liability.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Not sure. I know more about tail-draggers. Could have been the gear, or he hit some soft turf, where a nose wheeler should never be. We used to land tail-draggers in very nasty places in AK.
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,131
    edited October 2017
    According to the FAA link it was a stall on takeoff, killing the pilot.
    I got in about 40 hours of training in Anchorage before I decided my curiosity with flying was no match for the dangers of Alaskan aviation.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Ah, too bad. Very often the wheel struts come through the fuselage cause havoc. I flew with some of the best bush pilots in Alaska but even then, there were....moments.....
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,938


    V12 MB getting ready to drag race the Ferrari. :smile: Which would be less costly to own?



    Usual cars of the week for the body shop.

    Random picture of a car where I wouldn't mind one of these:


    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Ferrari would be way more costly. Figure $2 a mile, easy, not including fuel and insurance.
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