There is currently a red (originally Nassau Blue)65 vert on Spokane craigslist (ad was placed on July 31st). Not sure how to post link but it's easy to find with Spokane craigslist search. Door gaps are good. Right headlight cover gaps good, left side headlight cover gaps off probably 3/16 " at far left edge. Ride height equal in back side to side. Ride height in front varies about 3/8 " side to side. Owner states that the frontend has recent bushings.

I looked at this car yesterday and rode in it. Runs strong, tracks straight, looks good, sounds good. Paint is about two years old. Chrome is driver quality. Tail light chrome slightly pitted. The soft top frame is not installed but is ready to go with new white top to also be installed. Hardtop looks good with minor crazing in rear plexiglass and the top seals probably should be replaced.

On inspection I found rust through on bottom of both framerails in front of kickups. Owner said he has patch kit for frame. Looks like it is soft for several inches. No other soft spots were seen. The frame concerns me. I asked about the birdcage and owner said he has not investigated it. Owner claims the rusted frame area is common on C-2s and with a good repair should be OK.

Is that area common to rust and if it is limited to that area will a good patch be strong enough? Based on the above info what might be a reasonable price for this car? If I pursue this further I would want to see as much of the birdcage as possible .

Thanks, Doug

 

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/2522711778.html


I would get under the dash and look, pull the glove box. Check the pillars on both sides. Its common on the c-2s but is it acceptable is another question. It should be strong enough if fixed correctly. Im thinking 27k tops needing frame fixed and top repaired and color change. Did you check for repairs on the front end? You didnt say if it was #s matching?

 

Don't know if it matters to you but the seats appear to be from a "66. May want to have someone knowledgable look at the car for you.

 

I would be concerned about the frame rot and even more so on a convertible than a coupe. If your looking for a project car that you plan to pull apart and work on pretty quickly, it may not be a major deal if it's isloated to the back and bottom of the frame rails. They do make excellent repair sections and a good welder or old-time frame guy can easily make the repairs. If your just looking for something to jump into and drive to enjoy - I think I would keep on looking.

 

Yes, I forgot to mention that it's NOM...... Has a 68 block.

My thought is that for the asking price (or less) the frame should be repaired, the convertible top should be on the car with the new fabric installed, and birdcage integrity should be verified.

I also forgot to mention that it's running headers and has an aftermarket air cleaner. It has some of the ignition shielding (the vertical pieces only) and is running the original points distributor with tach drive.

Thanks for the input.

Doug

 

Frame rust in the kickups is very common on mid years. If it's confined to that area it can be repaired. It also may be an indication that other frame areas may be rotted. More scrutiny of the entire frame would be warranted.

With a color change, wrong motor, wrong seats and frame issues among other things I'm sure an inspection would reveal, I would pass at anywhere near the asking price of $35,000. It is such a buyer's market right now you can easily find a more correct car with far fewer issues in that price range.

 

.....keep looking, you can do much better in that range of 30-40 k...jmo.....

 

A lot of integrity issues here and I would rely on my own eyes to examine the birdcage--don't let him or anyone else you don't know pass muster on it.

Midyearvette is right. There is a lot inventory out there, and for $35K, you can do a lot better. To me, this car would be hard to sell, given all the conditions. You have to think of your own exit strategy, too.