WTB - Muscle Car (Pontiac, Chevrolet)

[greg86z28]

Originally Posted by the427king

1963-1967 C2 Corvette You should probably take this off your list,10-15K wont get you anything close to a complete car

Yeah I wouldn't think so either but I figure I'll just keep my list complete.

I'd take things less than complete as well for the higher end models (LS6, C2 Corvette, Z28, etc)

[WILMASBOYL78]

Given the scope of the budget you described, I don't think you are going to find anything on the list you have presented. If your goal is to enjoy the process of building a car and have fun driving it...why not consider a clone or tribute approach. Try and find a base model Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, Lemans, Skylark, Cutlass, Firebird, etc...preferably one that has decent sheet metal and interior, and then build from there.

Even with this approach you will have to be a 'patient shopper'...$10k - $15k is not a lot of money for a car today. Be careful not to get a car needing major metal work...it will sink your budget and your enthusiasm for the project. Even with a good starting point the end product will probably cost a little more than you have budgeted, but it can be done over time, with upgrades along the way.

There are lots of websites you can research for prices like Craiglist, Ebay, etc...maybe even your local papers. If there are 'car guys' in your neighborhood, look to them for help...they may even know of a reasonably priced car that will fit the bill. Take your time and don't rush it....and of course use the SYC folks here for opinions on cars you find...there are a lot of helpful people here.

Good luck.

wilma

[greg86z28]

Thanks for all the input guys!

Just to clarify, I've got the resources (and wife approval) and patience (I'm ok with a 3-5 year project) to do a frame off and deal with rust repair, including frame work. It would just need to be the right car. My budget is simply to purchase the car. I fully expect to spend another 20,000-30,000 to restore the vehicle after purchase. I plan on doing everything myself, metal work, mechanical and body/paint. If I can't do something (i.e. Machining the block), I hope to pay someone who will do it and let me be around/help.

Does this seem like a good plan? I've been looking now for about 2 weeks (and lurked for awhile last summer with no intention of buying) so I appreciate everyone's advice. I'm new to the game, born in the late 80s!

Greg

Originally Posted by WILMASBOYL78

Given the scope of the budget you described, I don't think you are going to find anything on the list you have presented. If your goal is to enjoy the process of building a car and have fun driving it...why not consider a clone or tribute approach. Try and find a base model Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, Lemans, Skylark, Cutlass, Firebird, etc...preferably one that has decent sheet metal and interior, and then build from there.

Even with this approach you will have to be a 'patient shopper'...$10k - $15k is not a lot of money for a car today. Be careful not to get a car needing major metal work...it will sink your budget and your enthusiasm for the project. Even with a good starting point the end product will probably cost a little more than you have budgeted, but it can be done over time, with upgrades along the way.

There are lots of websites you can research for prices like Craiglist, Ebay, etc...maybe even your local papers. If there are 'car guys' in your neighborhood, look to them for help...they may even know of a reasonably priced car that will fit the bill. Take your time and don't rush it....and of course use the SYC folks here for opinions on cars you find...there are a lot of helpful people here.

Good luck.

wilma

[GTO_DON]

In all honesty Greg,I think your whole post is unrealistic. Nobody is going to sell you a early trans am or L78,LS6 or any hi perf car needing work for that little. The only way that will happen is if you live and breath on craigslist and hope your the first one who sees the ad and runs like he'll to beat all the vultures out who lurk everyday. It can happen and I wish you luck.. Maybe do yourself a favor and go for a cleaner lesser model that you can enjoy today. Trust me, I've been restoring cars for a longtime. Your in for alot of ups and downs.