Need help with a decision
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Need help with a decision
Hey guys, long time lurker, havent posted much, but here's my dilemma. I bought a 69 convertible 350/350 number's matching(except the heads) 10 years ago before I had kids, knowing it probably needed birdcage work. I have thought about trading it, but the little effort I put into that wasnt very fruitful. Now I'm at a crossroads since I've been looking at it lately(its sat for years literally untouched), it looks like some bad frame rust on drivers side rear. I was thinking of selling it, but I don't think I can bear to let it go for less than what I bought it for(10K) in 2000. I have all new suspension waiting for it, new vert top, new carpeting, and I believe new seat covers. Is it worth it for me, not knowing if the frame is repairable or if I need to buy a new one, to just go ahead and do a frame off(my intention when I bought it), or is there value enough left to get what I have into it which is the purchase price? I'm not in need of selling it, but I think I need to sh*t or get off the pot. any of your knowledgable advice is welcome. I can post pics if need be.
Bob Rejdukowski
Bob Rejdukowski
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Do you have the space, equipment, funds and skills necessary to complete a frame off restoration?
If so, get going
Check some of my older posts on frame repairs to see what is involved.
There is no end of help/advise here so post some pictures for the experts to comment on.
If so, get going
Check some of my older posts on frame repairs to see what is involved.
There is no end of help/advise here so post some pictures for the experts to comment on.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,979
Likes: 6,207
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I believe that if your heart is not in it, your should not commit to a body-off project. This is something you should do because you want to, not because it might work out OK finacially (or not).
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 23
I believe that if your heart is not in it, your should not commit to a body-off project. This is something you should do because you want to, not because it might work out OK finacially (or not).
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Bob,
I think you need more information to make a decision. I'd have someone with lots of experience look at the frame and birdcage to see what they will need. That'll tell you if you'll ever get $10k for it if you decide to sell.
I agree that it sounds like your heart isn't in a difficult/involved restoraton.
Regards,
Alan
I think you need more information to make a decision. I'd have someone with lots of experience look at the frame and birdcage to see what they will need. That'll tell you if you'll ever get $10k for it if you decide to sell.
I agree that it sounds like your heart isn't in a difficult/involved restoraton.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
While I've never attempted a body off resto, I agree that without the motivation, it will never get done. If however you really have the will to see it through, then by all means, have at it! I'd personally love to have 69 350/350, it's one of my very favorite C3's.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Denver nc
I believe that if your heart is not in it, your should not commit to a body-off project. This is something you should do because you want to, not because it might work out OK finacially (or not).
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
This is where all the projects in boxes come from.If it's still somewhat together don't take it apart unless your heart is in it.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
I would like to thank everyone for their open and honest advice! I'm sorry if I came across as not motivated, because I am, I just want to make sure if I take this plunge its not a dead end. I have the time, most of the mechanical know how(dont know how to weld) and the money over a stretched out period of time isnt a problem either. I guess I'm looking for someone to rekindle my fire and get me going! I also think the birdcage and frame problem weigh on my mind since I am not a welder as in how do I go about getting them fixed. Please keep the advice coming, I knew posting here would be a good thing!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Learn how to post photos here, and send us pics of the damage. Some incredibly messed up cars have been rescued by members here, both "pros" and rank amateurs. You are not the first to tackle a rough car, and someone here can help with repair pointers. My goal for large projects like this is to at least touch something related to the project every day... it might be a weekend's worth of sandblasting/priming, or might simply be a few minutes spent putting tools away, or doing a quick search online for the next batch of parts. It is important that some progress can be measured each day or the whole project starts to look too complex to ever complete. Break the job down into segments which are achievable, then there's satisfaction in completing each item on the checklist... you will crave reassurance that actual progress is being made as you work, and small victories help morale. If you get pi$$ed off at any juncture, switch to a different segment or activity for a bit so the project does not stagnate. Have fun, and share the good; and the bad as you go!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
I believe that if your heart is not in it, your should not commit to a body-off project. This is something you should do because you want to, not because it might work out OK finacially (or not).
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.
These projects take on a life of their own and have a habit of multiplying the time and money you originally allocated. If you are signing on for that, fine... but if your concern is just "is it worth it?" Well, probably not.
It also sounds like if you have a numbers-matching L46 roadster with a lot of new parts, you could likely get close to your asking price if you are patient.
If you aren't really into the project, get out.