Frame & Body Damage Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Frame & Body Damage Question
I found a local 98 Pace Car that has 48k miles of wear on it. I have a couple of concerns that maybe you can help me with:
1. What concerns me most is that this car has hit a parking curb a couple of times. One of the two radiator supports (skid plates, skis, whatever) is bent to hell. From what I can see below the car, it looks like one of the supports (driver side) has completely separated from the frame. I believe the support is a "U" shaped piece that is welded to the bottom side of the tube frame. It looks like maybe the horn is attached to it. I don't see any damage to the radiator, frame or anything else from the engine bay. Is it possible to buy a new radiator support and weld it into place and re-attach all the components to it?
2. There are several paint chips that are normal. However the previous owner hit something when he opened his door. The edge of the door is chipped up and in one small area I can see the fiberous material of the door. Do you think this spot can be painted over and be free from future problems?
The dealer wants $24900 for it. I think a better condition pace car would be much higher and out of my price range. But since this particular car has some problem areas, it could be a quasi-project car. Do you think the above-mentioned problems are easily repairable?
Thanks for your input and ideas!
1. What concerns me most is that this car has hit a parking curb a couple of times. One of the two radiator supports (skid plates, skis, whatever) is bent to hell. From what I can see below the car, it looks like one of the supports (driver side) has completely separated from the frame. I believe the support is a "U" shaped piece that is welded to the bottom side of the tube frame. It looks like maybe the horn is attached to it. I don't see any damage to the radiator, frame or anything else from the engine bay. Is it possible to buy a new radiator support and weld it into place and re-attach all the components to it?
2. There are several paint chips that are normal. However the previous owner hit something when he opened his door. The edge of the door is chipped up and in one small area I can see the fiberous material of the door. Do you think this spot can be painted over and be free from future problems?
The dealer wants $24900 for it. I think a better condition pace car would be much higher and out of my price range. But since this particular car has some problem areas, it could be a quasi-project car. Do you think the above-mentioned problems are easily repairable?
Thanks for your input and ideas!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Originally Posted by Ron H
How fitting a Pace Car owner in Indianapolis.
More than likely it is OK but I would have a pro check it out for you.
More than likely it is OK but I would have a pro check it out for you.
I've always had a fascination with the speedway. I feel it is appropriate to get a pace car!I'll definitely have a pro check it out.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
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From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
My main concern would be that if there's that much damage/abuse visible, how much is wrong with the car that you cannot see? If the previous owner(s) didn't care how they parked or how they opened the doors, do you really think they cared how they drove it?
I'd take that $24,900 and find an '01 or '02 that's in better shape. JMHO.
I'd take that $24,900 and find an '01 or '02 that's in better shape. JMHO.
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
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From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by Red_Racer
My main concern would be that if there's that much damage/abuse visible, how much is wrong with the car that you cannot see? If the previous owner(s) didn't care how they parked or how they opened the doors, do you really think they cared how they drove it?
I'd take that $24,900 and find an '01 or '02 that's in better shape. JMHO.
I'd take that $24,900 and find an '01 or '02 that's in better shape. JMHO.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
I agree with you, the owner didn't take the best care with it. That says alot. Maybe I should walk away from this one... 
As for using the $24900 on an 01 or 02...I'm lucky to find a good 99 for that money around here!
As for using the $24900 on an 01 or 02...I'm lucky to find a good 99 for that money around here!
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