63 Valiant Convertible Purchase

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STGCMAC

STGCMAC

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Hey, I am considering picking up a 63 Valient vert, going to look at it this weekend. Any advice on what to be on the look out for? My brother had a 73 'stang that developed a bad case of "sway belly", and I'm not looking to repeat that. This will be my first droptop, so I'm not sure what can go wrong, how hard it might be to fix, or when to just walk away. Any input would help....
 
Just like any old car, look for rust in all the wrong places, including the drip rail around where the top attaches in the rear.
 
Definitely check the floors under the carpet. A vert left neglected outside for years can be a disaster, which is why good ones are rare and valuable.
 
With a convertible make sure the doors are still straight when they open and close. Even with the stiffer frame rails they can start to sag.
Sorry should have read you post more closely.
 
I have a '63 Vert. The top could be manual or powered. Powered is by a twist button on the dash. You can see the frame from inside when the to is up. Just check that is folds down into the well properly. "properly" isn't necessarily all the way down (as you will note if you read my post in this section), but so that the top boot clips down over it correctly.
Good luck with your purchase and post back if you get it.
Gary
 
Okay, so this car was a Signet, originally red with buckets, power top, and most of its original parts. Other than needing all new quarters, rockers, frame rails, front fenders, floor pans, cowl, and interior, it was in pretty good shape. It was hard to tell if there was more steel, rust, or bondo. The final straw may have been the large pile of feces in the back seat. I think I'll keep looking.The challenge is finding one near St. Louis that isn't in just as bad of condition...

You can all see this gem at the link below

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/2943487289.html
 
Sorry that it was a bummer - but better to look at it and know now. Some poor buggers buy their cars sight unseen, and then find out all the problems. You were right to pass on that one- keep searchin!
Good luck
 
I like how he states that the tires need air because it's been sitting.. and then mentions that he has an air compressor. Umm.. why not put air in them yourself since you have an air compressor?
 
I used to have a 63 Valiant 2-door coupe and the most common problem is rust behind the rear wheels. They didn't drain very well. Also look in the trunk for rust issues on any convertible. Other than that look underneath at the sub-frame. It may be really good or may be totally shot.
 
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