You could have bought this for $120.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Alfonso
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You could have bought this for $120.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Alfonso
Bob, I know. I drooled over this one, but at the time, really wanted to hold my previous budget limit. Realizing now that it was a mistake on my part…Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Alfonso
Understand the budget, but remember - buying the best car - typically comes at a higher cost but will be the least expensive in the end. Have you thought about commissioning someone to build a car for you?
Totally agree. I've learned that lesson already, clearly I'm not a quick learner, lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by mac73s
Building a car- My only issue with that is time. I want a car to drive, vs. build. I've got a 77 that sadly is having its engine and transmission rebuilt, and the downtime just isn't fun. I also am realizing that every car i do find is not exactly what I want either and will take even more money to get to where i want it.
I think what I might do is get my 77 going and then use it while i maybe build one. I also tend to have car ADD, so not sure if i will enjoy the time during the build, vs. just getting a car, enjoying it.
These cars are so unique and each one i drive feels just a bit different. I also haven't found the 'this is it!' feel, almost think its worth having one of each generation motor; MFI, CIS (or carb), later EFI, longhood, gbody, 993, etc.
We all have our “Dream build”. I am around a lot of 69-73 Longhoods of all models....and my favorite? My ‘77 Hot Rod...Why? I chose to go with Galvanized, Brake boosted and Narrow body for my Backdate build. Since you currently have a ‘77 and a budget of $120K. I believe you can build your Dream Car for even less than that even if you need to have the work farmed out.
I have a Complete fresh build ‘72 2.4S engine with MFI system that is ready to be dropped in your ‘77 and slowly back date as time allows. Building it to your liking will end up to be a Special Car just the way you wanted.
Bob you make some really sage points here..Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Alfonso
I will tell you, my current car is a 77 and i fully agree, i think its the sweetspot. The Mid years are my favorite, and the 77 is my favorite of them, for the exact reasons you cite. Mine has absolutely zero rust on the car, which is a big deal. (Sadly i'm striking out heavily, finding a non rust longhood..)
I do like the idea of a wider rear to put some wider tires for a bit more grip, over the 77 narrow body..
Mine is getting a 3.2SS engine built currently by Warren at Rennsport. We are planning on running PMO carbs, Carillo rods, titanium springs, DC40 cams, headers, heat delete. Car has turbo flares in the rear and narrow in front (interesting combination..) and once the engine and transmission rebuild is done, i'll be adding turbo front flares to it. Should be a fun car. Suspension is pretty well setup. All new bushings everywhere and the rear has a combination of RSR Coilovers and factory torsion bars, with 50/50 tension on each.
To your point about finding someone to do the body work to backdate it; to be honest, i've yet to find a good builder. Even the flares on my 77 aren't done right (done by a very reputable shop in the east coast, 2 owners prior to me) and the right side spacing at the bumper doesn't match the left. Ideally I would want them removed and changed to ST flares to do an ST build, or if cost gets too prohibitive, then just get someone to fix the flares and keep it a G body wide body.
I'm also in talks with a few backdate builders in The Netherlands, they 'seem' to do great work (at least from pictures) and was actually scheduled to go visit them last week, but The Netherlands, over that weekend, changed their covid policy for US citizens and now require a 10 day quarantine, grrr..
Would now be a bad time to say "I told you so?" ...should have bought my 3.2 SS Weissach that I think I sold too cheaply to your buddy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakeg104
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by jmz
Trust me, a lot of those could be said about this journey for me..
Your car 'could' have worked. I has an awesome engine, rebuilt transmission and suspension. What made me hesitate is that it needed paint and cosmetic work, which are actually not my strengths at all.
I can do some of the mechanical work and can farm it out confidently, but bodywork and cosmetics are where I am challenged, plus I can get picky..
Maybe i need to learn with cosmetic imperfections or understand that any car i get is going to need work...
This RS replica is for sale in Germany and it’s absolutely stunning. Asking price is 135k €. The guy who built it is an expert and well known. Let me know if you are interested.
Two more pics