Thinking old school resto - any suggestions on victim?

[Bonkers]

Now that I no longer have my commute I was thinking about picking up a classic to tool around town. I would really love a 57 Bel Air or 70 Challenger, but both are incredibly pricey for intial price, DD duty, and parts. I can find plenty of 60s Mustangs in my price range and I could see myself in a chevelle, GS, or even GTO too.

So I'm curious, if you were looking for some old fashioned american steel what would you go for and why?

[hemibeep]

Biased -> 1. 69 roadrunner 2. 70 roadrunner 3. 70-71 cuda/70-71 challenger.

I would only buy mopar, but I respect all brands

The picks are biased. I always have liked the E-bodies, but they are hard to find parts for ($$$) and have a tendancy to rust in the cowl area (really big $$$$).

So, I would go for the Chevelle. Easy to find parts. Many reproduction pieces. Relatively lower $$$. Great power/tranny choices and priced low.

I think the GS would be harder to find parts for, and GTO pricey.


my 2¢

[Mastiff]

I like just about any car built in the 60's through maybe 74 that can be considered "muscle" or a performance car. (I cant classify a vette as a muscle car)

IMO, you pretty much cant go wrong.

Older mustang value's are getting ridicoulous as everyone thinks they have a shelby or eleanor clone in their garage or a car that can become one. Plus side, parts are dirt cheap for any 60's mustang.

Same for Chevy's, engine parts are everywhere.

Get a Mopar and you'll be different!

My next addition to the family is going to be either a 40 willy's gasser for the street or an old school "Rat Rod"

[Bonkers]

Yeah, I came across a beautiful 67 fastback for $2500, but when I came back the next day with the cash the guy had sold it to someone else for $4000 (because there was another listed in the newspaper for that much....) A guy down the street wants $5500 for his 442 and I have a lead on a 49 Plymouth.

I just can't see myself in another pony car so I think I'm going to go with the 57 chevy. I just need to figure out what to look for and hope I can get a rough, but running, one cheap.

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Ummmmm, 57 Chevy and cheap in the same sentence, I don't think so Bonk, I just did a national search, the only 57's under $5000 are all 4 doors. One two door hardtop with rusted out floors and no motor or trans for $8k. But for a good runner check THIS out!

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...1/77132831.htm

[gthomas]

Hey Bonk, I've stayed out of ya'll's fights/etc., so please do not take this the wrong way.
If a good deal comes up for something, like the Mustang, take it.
Otherwise, start with what you have. If your Viper needs a little work, focus on that before jumping into another project.
And, by focusing on one vehicle, it will take less time than two.
BTW have seen ALL the chrome on a 57? KA--CHING

[Mopar426]

EVERYONE has Mustangs and Cudas/Challengers, be differnt man go for something out of the ordinary.

[Bonkers]

Hey Bonk, I've stayed out of ya'll's fights/etc., so please do not take this the wrong way.

GT - there are only two people on this board that I take personal issue with. No one else, yourself included, should need to tread lightly with me - I know exactly where I stand. Lee obviously doesn't share your hesitation.

Anyway GT, to respond to your post, my viper is almost complete with only the paint job left. And at the cheapest "official" quote of $16,800 I'm not exactly whipping out the checkbook just yet. Besides I do need a replacement for my honda regardless and can't think of a legitmate reason not to go with some 60s power for a change.

ps - Lee, sorry about the feast, I wanted to talk with you, but I was caught off guard and didn't get the chance.

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Not a problem, that table was havin' a good time!