Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

[Peter J.]

Heard from a guy who heard from a guy that there was this Very solid 59 for $25,000. So my son and I drove from about an hour away to check it out and this is what we found. Not original drive line - We expected that but we did not expect what was underneath.

[Donald T.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

What part of the Titanic is that?

[Jim D.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Wow, must have lived in the snow belt or driven on the ocean beaches.

Years ago I went to look at a 73 conv. that at 1st look, was beautiful. The owners daughter told me how much fun it was to drive up & down the beach (ocean, as in salt water)with the top down. The frame was about 50% rusted away.

[George C.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Good thing they didn't say very rusty. Gotta check all leads out. Good Luck looking. Save the Wave.>George

[Donald T.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Did they say "very solid" or "very sad"?

[Bruce B.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Peter,
Solid is all in the eye of the seller.
But as George stated "you need to check out all cars".
I once went and looked at a 67 coupe which a friend of mine (a Camaro guy) said was awful. As it turned out it was painted Goodwood Green base/clear and it was never sanded and buffed. It ended up being beautiful after a little work. Also was matching numbers, had protectoplate with book, just a great car.

[Francis F.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS AND THE TITANIC,

" THE TITANIC HAD A BAND"
Francis

[Paul J.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

All very repairable, but now you see why it was 25 grand.

Paul

[Bill I.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Hey! A little bondo, a little paint and she's good for a least 10 miles. Bill.

[Terry B.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Peter,

At least you know what you could be getting into. My frame had been bondo'ed up to conceal the rust. I didn't know much then, not to say I know much now but eventually had to replace the frame. If you can buy the car right, it might make a great project for you and your son. Or on the other hand, it could be a big money pit.

How about posting pictures of the body and interior to see the condition of the rest of the car?

It might only need frame work. My reference would only be on C-3 frames but others might say how difficult it is to get a new C-2 frame, if needed. Just frames restoration projects with new or restored everything will easily be the best of 15K, and you will most likely find other things to do when the body is off that will eat up another 5 to 10K easily. Maybe less if you do a lot of the work yourself. Know what your getting into before you buy this one.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Peter,
Vette Products of Michigan had the C1 frame that they manufacture on display at Kissimmee.
For about $4600 it is a good deal.
If the car is right it could be a good canidate for a frame transplant.

[Peter J.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Don, That Titanic line was funny!
Guys, the body is all there as well as chrome glass and stainless. The body is rough under a very thick dull red paint job. Front fenders at top of wheel openings have cracks (big cracks) as well as a lot of build up on the back side of the wheel wells. A foot long break(flopping) in the glass on the right side front fender behind wheel opening. Interior is mostly there as is a big CD player cut in to the center console.
The middle man who is selling the car for a "lady" said it had been in storage for at least ten years and when we put on the lift he had no idea how bad the frame was and was now is afraid to move it back to the garage across the lot. I told him - "Now you know why it has been in storage for ten years".
I made an offer of $10,000 if we didn't find anything else wrong with it when he called me back tonight and he said he would let me know tomorrow. I doubt the owner is going to let it go for that.
I just retired and am just finishing up up my 66 and have gotten used to a pile of parts in my shop, so what the heck

[Bill I.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Peter, as Kenny Rogers once sang: You gotta know when to fold'm. For what that's going to cost to bring it back. Suggest you fold'm. Bill

[Loren S.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

With a non-original driveline and a frame like that, it would be a good candidate for a Billy Dawson frame and an LS3.

[Peter J.]

Re: Looked at "Very Solid 59" today

Loren,
I would have no intention of making this a NCRS flight car. I always liked the idea of Mike Mcagh's "Farm use" solid axle or Wayne Womble's 67 with later model fuel injection. Just something to tinker with and throw money at.