Re: [FWDLK] Classic Car Newcomer

[Wayne Graefen <wgraefen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Classic Car Newcomer

Welcome; always glad to hear of a father-son project.   Unless you know "used" cars well enough, I'd be asking for verification of that 70K miles like old receipts.  Always look for trunk and floor rust under carpets or mats.  Get the car up on a hoist and do an inspection or have someone you trust do it.  A few bucks spent here now may save hundreds later.  Part of the question is what do you want to teach your son.  If you want to teach body work, man, buy a rusty car!  If you want to teach upholstery, get a desert car with everything rotted away.  If you want to teach mechanics, get a 270,000 mile car.  In other words look at your own talents and abilities as well as what your son should learn.   A model like a Coronet is a good choice because it is not top of the line so some parts that would be rare for a convertible or such, will not be expensive.  On the other hand always keep in mind you can't sink $25,000 into a Coronet and expect to get your money back.  Gather up some free catalogs that you can find on the internet from hobby suppliers so you know what you are getting into.  Buy the catalogs if necessary that directly apply to the car.   When you do have a car purchased, do not waste time about getting a factory shop manual and parts book as they will be teaching aids and required reading for your project.

 

Oh, and stay tuned to this ForwarLook group of good guys willing to help you with all your questions.

 

Wayne

TX

----- Original Message -----

From: Price, Greg

Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 6:39 AM

Subject: Classic Car Newcomer

I'm looking to purchase my first classic for my son & I to work on together.

I have a line on a 1956 Dodge Coronet, V8 pushbutton auto, 70,000 original miles, PS, PB.

Being new to this hobby, does anyone have any advice on what to look for, what to check out?

Also, any thoughts on this year & model?

Price is $3,500.00

Thanks,

Greg