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Should I continue to avoid this 74 BB...

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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 10:56 PM
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Default Should I continue to avoid this 74 BB...

The frame is good. don't know about the birdcage. engine runs. body and interior look horrible. here are a few shots. can the splits and delaminations in the glass be fixed and do oyu think they would stay fixed? The guys want $7500. That's the lowest they will go. Everything is original so I'm sasuming it will needbrakes and probably a frame off restoration. maybe in 5-10 years, maybe, it would be worth more than i invest in it. Am I nuts to pass on this?




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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:01 PM
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For $7,500, you should be able to get a good driver. The big blocks in 1974 were nothing to write home about. I personally think that the price is too high for that condition, but that is just me.
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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:02 PM
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depends if your willing to put the time/money/effort into it.... that baby needs some work.

if it were chrome bumper for that price....... oh yea.
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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:06 PM
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$7500? (unless it's a 'vert).

$4500?
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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:17 PM
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From someone who's been collecting parts for a NCRS type restoration, you'll spend a fortune on parts, especially under the hood! I'd be a little alarmed about the open PCV valve grommet on valve cover. Price is pretty steep. As far as the comment about late BB's being "nothing to write home about" , they have just as much torque as SOME of the earlier BB's. Nothing plants you in the seat like a big block! I'd keep shopping!
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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:20 PM
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Keep looking

Run Forrest Run

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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:32 PM
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Depends,..if you're able to complete most the labor yourself and have some fun doing it, why not. Forget about ROI. Cars in this condition are rarely worth more as a finished resto than the sum of the cash put in to it.

Is it a 4-speed? A/C? Pwr Windows? Custom/leather interior? Other options? Is it complete and most parts can be cleaned up and re-used?
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Old Apr 5, 2006 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by R 73 454
As far as the comment about late BB's being "nothing to write home about" , they have just as much torque as SOME of the earlier BB's. Nothing plants you in the seat like a big block! I'd keep shopping!
What I meant was that they certainly aren't like the earlier ones. I certainly didn't mean to disrespect your BB. The reason I said that is because the 74 BB is only rated at 270 hp and 380 tq. The GM Goodwrench LM1 350 is rated at 250/350.

I do agree with you that any of the BB's have nice torque to keep you in your seat.
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Old Apr 6, 2006 | 09:28 AM
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If you're worried about rust in the birdcage, try this:

Take a white towel and place it up under the dash where your feet would normally go. Now open and slam close the doors a couple of times. Then look for rust flakes in the white towel.

The pictures look like just bad or old paint. If you don't see excessive rust on the windshield header and posts, maybe you're OK to go.

I really dig my '74 big block.
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Old Apr 9, 2006 | 07:40 PM
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I think I'll keep looking. The oneI'm finishing has taken since Thanksgiving and i will be another month or so to complete it. I wouldn't plan on keeping this one so I would have to get some ROI. I gotta agree with about everyone, it's time to run. I also agree that BB torque is awesome which is why I probably keep looking at this one!
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Old Apr 9, 2006 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by TonySinclair
$7500? (unless it's a 'vert).

$4500?
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Old Apr 9, 2006 | 09:05 PM
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I'd go $4000.

You obviously have some significant stress cracks within the fiberglass body.
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Old Apr 9, 2006 | 09:11 PM
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Good idea to keep looking - good luck!!!
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Old Apr 10, 2006 | 02:43 AM
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A guy in our club picked up a 74 BB late last year for $9K. 20 footer with no cracks etc. Non original wheels and did need brakes. The one you are looking at is worth half of what he paid for his... keep looking


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