The plot thickens?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
The plot thickens?
Well, after all of the advice on the SWC I had originally asked about Saturday, I decided to email the seller that evening to basically explain my reservations about the car. I can not help but love it, with the exception of the front end. Here is pretty much what I told him:
XXXXX,
I posted your pics on a forum to ask what they thought about the front end issue. I have to say I was shocked by the answers I was given. A few said the car was worth $20-25K, and a few said short of doing a frame off to check the frame and see what was causing the front end fit (and misaligned fender lines where they meet the doors, which I had overlooked) they would not buy the car at any price. Most also questioned how the quality of work that was done could be performed (especially given your experience with body work) and not have corrected this unless there was some significant issues with the rest of the car, which I have to admit I am curious about as well . I guess I am trying to ask what the reasons for this could be, as I certainly do not want to buy the car, decide I can not live with the misalignments, and then have to pour $10K (their conservative estimate for a new 1 piece front end (assuming that is all it would take) to make it right. Can you help me with this?
I did not hear anything and assumed he possibly had just not checked his email, and was going to wait another day or so before I called or emailed him again, as I do not have any intentions of just not talking with him further about this, because, as some of you mentioned, you never know if he might go lower on the price, or if I might decide to buy it anyway. Well, tonight I get an email from him, no words, just this:
I emailed him back to ask if these were old pics of the repair, or if these are pics he took today. I am guessing the latter, since the surrounding items look just as they did a few days ago when I got some fresh pics and the trees outside look to be in this season. So the question is:
What does this mean???
XXXXX,
I posted your pics on a forum to ask what they thought about the front end issue. I have to say I was shocked by the answers I was given. A few said the car was worth $20-25K, and a few said short of doing a frame off to check the frame and see what was causing the front end fit (and misaligned fender lines where they meet the doors, which I had overlooked) they would not buy the car at any price. Most also questioned how the quality of work that was done could be performed (especially given your experience with body work) and not have corrected this unless there was some significant issues with the rest of the car, which I have to admit I am curious about as well . I guess I am trying to ask what the reasons for this could be, as I certainly do not want to buy the car, decide I can not live with the misalignments, and then have to pour $10K (their conservative estimate for a new 1 piece front end (assuming that is all it would take) to make it right. Can you help me with this?
I did not hear anything and assumed he possibly had just not checked his email, and was going to wait another day or so before I called or emailed him again, as I do not have any intentions of just not talking with him further about this, because, as some of you mentioned, you never know if he might go lower on the price, or if I might decide to buy it anyway. Well, tonight I get an email from him, no words, just this:
I emailed him back to ask if these were old pics of the repair, or if these are pics he took today. I am guessing the latter, since the surrounding items look just as they did a few days ago when I got some fresh pics and the trees outside look to be in this season. So the question is:
What does this mean???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,305
Likes: 9
From: Mason, MI
Did you ask him ahead of time about posting pictures of his car on a public forum?
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by Tossin
Did you ask him ahead of time about posting pictures of his car on a public forum?
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
or down, and does this change the general feeling about the situation from the other thread.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by Frank 'N' Vette
He, or someone is fixing the shadow line! Send him a link to the forum discussion, let him address the objections.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
Originally Posted by Tossin
Did you ask him ahead of time about posting pictures of his car on a public forum?
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
I, for one, would be rather pissed off if someone did that without asking. That might explain his lack of text in the e-mail.
It seems he realizes there is a problem and is trying to correct them. Good for the seller regardless if you buy it or not it will be a nicer car in the end. BTW I would still pass on the car.. Dave
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by youwish2bme
It seems he realizes there is a problem and is trying to correct them. Good for the seller regardless if you buy it or not it will be a nicer car in the end. BTW I would still pass on the car.. Dave
Thanks, this is the kind of info I am seeking. I have to say that there is a Laguna Blue from the other thread I am trying to find out about, but if that seems like it is not going to happen and if he does fix this (not to NCRS standards obviously) I still am going to be tempted to buy this car, as I really do like it. I still would like feedback like this, pro or con from others here, with the understanding that I am not looking to get a top flight car. Maybe I should just take all this cash and buy powerball tickets. Then if I happen to win, I can buy both, plus a few 67 435 cars, and maybe a 400 Air car for those warm days in Bloomington
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
I think he just sent you old pics (that happen to be in the same season) to make the statement "what are talking about, here's two pics showing I fixed the car." I think its that simple and he doesn't want to discuss the matter any more with you. I think you're trying to read too much into his response. I see it as a take it, or leave it as he doesn't care at this point if you buy it or not
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 60
From: Buffalo New York
Originally Posted by GCD1962
I think he just sent you old pics (that happen to be in the same season) to make the statement "what are talking about, here's two pics showing I fixed the car." I think its that simple and he doesn't want to discuss the matter any more with you. I think you're trying to read too much into his response. I see it as a take it, or leave it as he doesn't care at this point if you buy it or not
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 415
From: N J
Originally Posted by Shumdit
Let's see.. I have an offer in to buy the car, pending an inspection that revealed this. He has not tried to hide the fact that the car has had an accident in the past (as a matter of fact he bought it needing said repairs). I ask him for an explanation as described above, and I get back 2 pictures. I do not really see where I need to ask his permission, especially considering I did not post a VIN or info that would really tell you who the person is or exactly what car it is (last time I checked a White SWC was not the rarest car ever made). Possibly you see it differently, but you of course have not been speaking with the owner, nor do you have any money invested in it (which I do, albeit a trivial amount). Please let me know if you see it differently. I would think he would not be sending any pics if there was offense taken. In any case, my question was not "what is the seller's attitude", but rather, what do you see happening with this repair or down, and does this change the general feeling about the situation from the other thread.
or down, and does this change the general feeling about the situation from the other thread. By the way, whats that mounted below the amp gauge in the original pics? If the pics are real it looks like the guy is trying to make things right. Sounds like ya like the car a lot. May be worth another look.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,980
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Its hard to tell, but in the first pic it looks like the white body paint is fresh, as is the underside paint. In the second it looks similar, with the buckets stripped and the center section "massaged" a bit. Note he still hasn't even taken out the turn signal lights.
This tells me that he is showing you current pictures of ongoing repairs (right now). If this was a pic of the old repair, I would expect the entire car to be in primer or stripped, at least with the turn signals out. He is fixing the shadow line and going to blend in the white.
Why do you want an NOM car for $38k so badly?
This tells me that he is showing you current pictures of ongoing repairs (right now). If this was a pic of the old repair, I would expect the entire car to be in primer or stripped, at least with the turn signals out. He is fixing the shadow line and going to blend in the white.
Why do you want an NOM car for $38k so badly?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,633
Likes: 3,579
From: NorCal
People who are selling something in a straightforward way do not have problems using words to describe the goods they are selling. When you ask about your concerns and get only pictures in return, I assume that the buyer is obfuscating. Maybe not, but such an attitude makes me hold on to my wallet tighter. This seller may be legit, but I always walk away from such folks, knowing that I'll run across another car with a buyer who can communicate with actual words, in whole sentences. A car with "issues" needs to have them fully aired before one can buy with any confidence. My $0.02 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by John 65
By the way, whats that mounted below the amp gauge in the original pics? If the pics are real it looks like the guy is trying to make things right. Sounds like ya like the car a lot. May be worth another look.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by Sgvette
Its hard to tell, but in the first pic it looks like the white body paint is fresh, as is the underside paint. In the second it looks similar, with the buckets stripped and the center section "massaged" a bit. Note he still hasn't even taken out the turn signal lights.
This tells me that he is showing you current pictures of ongoing repairs (right now). If this was a pic of the old repair, I would expect the entire car to be in primer or stripped, at least with the turn signals out. He is fixing the shadow line and going to blend in the white.
Why do you want an NOM car for $38k so badly?
This tells me that he is showing you current pictures of ongoing repairs (right now). If this was a pic of the old repair, I would expect the entire car to be in primer or stripped, at least with the turn signals out. He is fixing the shadow line and going to blend in the white.
Why do you want an NOM car for $38k so badly?
You see, I agree it looks like it's very recent. I really do not want a $38K car, or a NOM car specifically. I would be perfectly happy with a restored 25K Bloomington Gold one too
. I really just want a reasonably priced car that needs no items done to enjoy. That means no paint work needed, no major suspension or drivetrain overhaul, instrument resto, etc. needed. This car meets that criteria, other than the front shadow line. That said, it appears the Laguna Blue 66 that I am being helped with on the other thread could come through and is certainly my favorite color, but I do love Splits and have a thing for this car I can't quite explain. I hope the Laguna pans out, but if not, I am not closing the door on this one yet.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by LouieM
People who are selling something in a straightforward way do not have problems using words to describe the goods they are selling. When you ask about your concerns and get only pictures in return, I assume that the buyer is obfuscating. Maybe not, but such an attitude makes me hold on to my wallet tighter. This seller may be legit, but I always walk away from such folks, knowing that I'll run across another car with a buyer who can communicate with actual words, in whole sentences. A car with "issues" needs to have them fully aired before one can buy with any confidence. My $0.02
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by GCD1962
I think he just sent you old pics (that happen to be in the same season) to make the statement "what are talking about, here's two pics showing I fixed the car." I think its that simple and he doesn't want to discuss the matter any more with you. I think you're trying to read too much into his response. I see it as a take it, or leave it as he doesn't care at this point if you buy it or not
I don't think you are correct about this, but if I find out otherwise I will certainly post as much and enjoy a nice NIKE sandwich! I am sending the links to these threads for him to see if he wants to comment.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 553
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From: Minneapolis Minnesota
and for my next trick I'm going to attemt to paint my car in my dusty A$$ garage....... TA DAA!!!!
All kidding aside, I have done my share to guys that cant live without that or this car. Touching up some lemon that i bought for cheap because I had the previous owner beliving it was a POS, while touching it up and flipping it. I cant say that it was my better days but time passes and it happens to you. Lesson leared is lemons leave a sour taste in your mouth. Buy it if you cant live without it. It seems as though you have made up your mind on buying it aready. But one word of advice. If you do buy it also buy a life time membership to the forum because your going to need these guys like you need H2O. Good luck I hope it works out for you.
All kidding aside, I have done my share to guys that cant live without that or this car. Touching up some lemon that i bought for cheap because I had the previous owner beliving it was a POS, while touching it up and flipping it. I cant say that it was my better days but time passes and it happens to you. Lesson leared is lemons leave a sour taste in your mouth. Buy it if you cant live without it. It seems as though you have made up your mind on buying it aready. But one word of advice. If you do buy it also buy a life time membership to the forum because your going to need these guys like you need H2O. Good luck I hope it works out for you.
Last edited by TEP061; Aug 22, 2006 at 02:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Originally Posted by TEP061
and for my next trick I'm going to attemt to paint my car in my dusty A$$ garage....... TA DAA!!!!
LOL, I hope he is only prepping it there. I doubt he could hope to match the finish that was on it if done there!