1988 project value
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hartselle Alabama
1988 project value
Hello,
I just looked at an 88 coupe. It's been sitting for a while. The owner claims to have had the engine rebuilt a couple of years ago (only a few thousand on it since then). The paint is terrible, but the body is straight. The headlight cover panels are missing, but he has some replacements. There are no taillight lenses. It needs tires, the ones on it are bald and dry rotted.
Tomorrow, I'm going back to look again, he'll have the keys this time and I'm going to get the vin and look at the engine. If he really wants to sell it, he'll let me hook a batt up and crank it.
If it turns out that the car is a mechanically sound example that's been sitting for a while, and is ugly as sin with some lighting issues to sort out (the tail light lenses need to be replaced, maybe a little wiring in that rear area), what's it worth?
I just looked at an 88 coupe. It's been sitting for a while. The owner claims to have had the engine rebuilt a couple of years ago (only a few thousand on it since then). The paint is terrible, but the body is straight. The headlight cover panels are missing, but he has some replacements. There are no taillight lenses. It needs tires, the ones on it are bald and dry rotted.
Tomorrow, I'm going back to look again, he'll have the keys this time and I'm going to get the vin and look at the engine. If he really wants to sell it, he'll let me hook a batt up and crank it.
If it turns out that the car is a mechanically sound example that's been sitting for a while, and is ugly as sin with some lighting issues to sort out (the tail light lenses need to be replaced, maybe a little wiring in that rear area), what's it worth?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: spring branch texas
Depends mostly what its worth to you, sounds like its in a little worse shape than my 84 except it is running and driving, interier is decent, paint is decent at a distance, and the tires are pretty good, I gave $3000 about a year ago. Probally could have gotten it for $2500 if I tried harder. Was it worth it? for me yes, because I was looking for a new hobby to try to get me out of mx racing.
Look at all the car needs and add up what it would cost to get it to look good and be reliable on top of what the guy is asking, I have seen some really nice 84 -89's going from $6-$8k
It sounds a little ruff so I wouldn't think it would go for more than $4k
Look at all the car needs and add up what it would cost to get it to look good and be reliable on top of what the guy is asking, I have seen some really nice 84 -89's going from $6-$8k
It sounds a little ruff so I wouldn't think it would go for more than $4k
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
292 is about right I would guess. If it has endured sufficient miles to require an engine rebuild you have to wonder what condition the tranny is in,and the wheel bearings and the dash and hearlight motors and weatherstriping and forever and ever. Point being don't be overly alarmed if it costs far more to put into good condition that you first guesstimate. But if you can get it reasonable go for it and welcome to the madness.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
$2500 and not a penny more, IMO. And that is if you plan on doing the resto yourself, including the paint work. BTW you'd be surprised at how quickly the interior pieces can add up on these cars if it needs a new interior.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
I bought my '85 needing work. It looked, ran, and drove bad. But it was a one-owner car (elderly guy), 100k on it, and it had been sitting for a long time. At first I thought it needed just a radiator, paint, and tires. He sold it to me for $2500.
I ended up with a LOT more work in it, but I am still happy with the purchase. In total, I now have $5600 in it and it's real nice (tempted to say better than new).
If you can predict the amount needed to make it good, and do most of the work yourself, it might be the best buy you ever got............but don't overpay for it to begin with.
I ended up with a LOT more work in it, but I am still happy with the purchase. In total, I now have $5600 in it and it's real nice (tempted to say better than new).
If you can predict the amount needed to make it good, and do most of the work yourself, it might be the best buy you ever got............but don't overpay for it to begin with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: spring branch texas
Originally Posted by Muffin
292 is about right I would guess. If it has endured sufficient miles to require an engine rebuild you have to wonder what condition the tranny is in,and the wheel bearings and the dash and hearlight motors and weatherstriping and forever and ever. Point being don't be overly alarmed if it costs far more to put into good condition that you first guesstimate. But if you can get it reasonable go for it and welcome to the madness.
when thats done I'll move to front end and rebuild all that stuff too.
then the brake system.
Should be done with the suspension and brakes about the time I finish the 383 build.
Might see the road this summer!
Are you sure you want a project?
All this is still cheaper than the medical bill from motocross, Hopefully the vette will not hurt me as bad and I'll have more to show for my money than a bunch of plastic trophies an titanium body fasteners
Last edited by js292; Feb 25, 2005 at 07:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 47
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From: Hartselle Alabama
Well, I know it needs tires, taillight lenses, and a windshield. The drivetrain is supposed to be in really good shape, I'm going to find out for sure tomorrow when I bring a battery and try to start her up.
By the way, anything I should do before I try to start it other than make sure the oil's not turned to gunk and the gasoline hasn't turned to varnish?
By the way, anything I should do before I try to start it other than make sure the oil's not turned to gunk and the gasoline hasn't turned to varnish?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: spring branch texas
Probally not much you can do in a timely manner, but if it starts and doesn't knock and you buy it. tow it and change all the fluids, dump the gas and change filters. If there is any water in the gas it will not be a good thing. Probally didn't need to tell you that though. Cooling system; change all your hoses and good idea to change that water pump if the car has been sitting, good chance the thermostat will be stuck too. Bought to many used cars that had the water pump go or a radiator hose leave me stranded on the side of the road. Sucks
Good luck hope it turns out for you.
Damm, I need a windsheild too.
Good luck hope it turns out for you.
Damm, I need a windsheild too.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Originally Posted by maireeka
Hello,
I just looked at an 88 coupe. It's been sitting for a while. The owner claims to have had the engine rebuilt a couple of years ago (only a few thousand on it since then). The paint is terrible, but the body is straight. The headlight cover panels are missing, but he has some replacements. There are no taillight lenses. It needs tires, the ones on it are bald and dry rotted.
Tomorrow, I'm going back to look again, he'll have the keys this time and I'm going to get the vin and look at the engine. If he really wants to sell it, he'll let me hook a batt up and crank it.
If it turns out that the car is a mechanically sound example that's been sitting for a while, and is ugly as sin with some lighting issues to sort out (the tail light lenses need to be replaced, maybe a little wiring in that rear area), what's it worth?
I just looked at an 88 coupe. It's been sitting for a while. The owner claims to have had the engine rebuilt a couple of years ago (only a few thousand on it since then). The paint is terrible, but the body is straight. The headlight cover panels are missing, but he has some replacements. There are no taillight lenses. It needs tires, the ones on it are bald and dry rotted.
Tomorrow, I'm going back to look again, he'll have the keys this time and I'm going to get the vin and look at the engine. If he really wants to sell it, he'll let me hook a batt up and crank it.
If it turns out that the car is a mechanically sound example that's been sitting for a while, and is ugly as sin with some lighting issues to sort out (the tail light lenses need to be replaced, maybe a little wiring in that rear area), what's it worth?
1988 Coupe? I know how you can save a lot of money on a 88 coupe.
Theres a local car here for sale, 1988 Coupe Auto, red, new tires, 43,000 miles asking $8000.00
You'll have that in the roach that you're looking at in no time and it will still be a high mileage car.
Run away from that car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Hartselle Alabama
I did run away. The engine was fresh, but I was looking at spending a grand (tires, fix headlight, taillights) just to get it street worthy again. I'm going to buy a nicer project car once I have more $$$.
What I really want is something that has high miles, horrible paint, destroyed interior, but has a drivetrain that is in nice enough shape that I won't have to do any hardcore engine work.
Patrick
What I really want is something that has high miles, horrible paint, destroyed interior, but has a drivetrain that is in nice enough shape that I won't have to do any hardcore engine work.
Patrick
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas / Scotland
Well I bought my one owner, almost immaculate 88 Convertible (CA car) for $8800 and it had new exhaust and carpets/seats. The only thing that needed changing was the weatherstripping and a set of poly bushes.
So you need to price up the cost of 'repairs' and factor in the purchase price to end up around $8000 - the price of a good condition coupe. I reckon with the current C4 values you are better off looking for a good condition car to start with. Of course in 15 years time they will be worth rebuilding.
Steve
So you need to price up the cost of 'repairs' and factor in the purchase price to end up around $8000 - the price of a good condition coupe. I reckon with the current C4 values you are better off looking for a good condition car to start with. Of course in 15 years time they will be worth rebuilding.
Steve
