Newb here.

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Acej

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2017
Messages
3
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2
Location
Spokane Valley, WA
Hi guys and gals,
Love the forum, ran across it many times in the last few days in my quest for info.

Last weekend I bought my dream car, a '65 Barracuda, 273 2brl, auto (not a 4spd like I wished but oh well). Runs great the engine fires right up cold, no ticks, knocks, exhaust leaks, powered itself right onto my trailer. Right now it has a bad rear wheel cylinder so I haven't gotten it out on the road yet.
They wanted $3500 for it but as I was walking away he blurted out $2000 take it!
I figured there's $2000 worth of parts although I hate seeing classics ripped apart. So I took it.

The bad: the reason I was walking away was RUST, and really bad body and paint work that looked like rust, rear quarters, lower front doors, and floor pans, the rest of the body is clean.
It also has a WA "reconstructed" brand on the title, I'm guessing will be changed to "rebuilt" if I register it in my name for a new title.

Here's my question, do I spend the money and time repairing it? Or do I just flip it for what I'm in it and keep searching for a better one? I know these aren't the sought after muscle cars that everyone wants a billion dollars for but I don't want to sink in over my head either.
I worked a trade for $4000 worth of metal/body work from a buddy whose truck I bought from him and he wants it back.
I figured I'd also do a little upgrading like 4wheel disc brakes, and some other stuff, I'm not looking for a show car I want a cruiser.

Any and all information, insight, or criticism welcomed!!

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Nice car! and welcome from PA also! Looks like a good car to start with as long as the undercarriage is ok and not rotted through, I would keep it myself.
 
Hey welcome to the forum! That looks like a nice car and a great starting point for a weekend cruiser. I'd probably hang onto it and enjoy the restoration!
 
Glad you are here ! Sounds like you have a plan,and have someone to take care of the rust. As long as the frame rails are in good condition you will have a fun cruiser. 2 grand can't buy much now-a-days,looks like you did well.
 
I don't think you'll have your answer until you start stripping it. Worst case you have a what loos to be a complete donor if you find a clean shell.

Know this, branded title cars are worth half their value. Reconstruct in Oregon is either a wrecked and rebuilt or stolen and stripped and re assembled with possible body work. The wrecked part maybe what is rusty (shitty work) and the rest of the car sound.
 
Ask yourself... Do you love the car and want to keep it?

I love my Duster and have had opportunities for other cars, but I want my car and am willing to sink money into it.

Either way this is a hobby and you are going to dunk $10k than $20k than...

I'm digging it, and I think for $12k you are going to have a wonderful car even with full body work. The large benefit is by doing the body work now your foundation is solid and new Basecoat/Clearcoat paints are much nicer than older single stage. Purchasing an older restoration for $10k could still have rust issue and older paint.

After you get the body work tackled here are some suggestions before you dive into the engine (Which you will want to).

1) Aluminum Radiator
2) Alternator conversion
3) Brakes
4) PST Rebuild kit

Great car!
 
I don't think you'll have your answer until you start stripping it. Worst case you have a what loos to be a complete donor if you find a clean shell.

Know this, branded title cars are worth half their value. Reconstruct in Oregon is either a wrecked and rebuilt or stolen and stripped and re assembled with possible body work. The wrecked part maybe what is rusty (shitty work) and the rest of the car sound.
Yeah I know the branded title is a hindrance, that's the big issue I have right now.
 
Depends on what your going to do with the car. Tubs, hot rod, roll cage, then its a good candidate.
 
First welcome to FABO. Your going to find answers to your questions here. Some good and some bad! lol.
As for the car its getting harder and harder to find these cars in any kind of decent shape. The title, keep in mind that no one knows its a reconstructed unless you tell them. If you plan on keeping the car forever it really doesnt effect it. As for parts to repair and rebuild I dont know about the Barracuda's but I have been playing with a 66 Dart and there are plenty of parts that surface here on this forum and I see more cuda stuff then Dart. As for money and going in over your head, Yes its going to happen if you decide to restore it. But as stated in an earlier post, its a hobby so spend as you please and dont look at it as an investment. Enjoy the time you spend with it.
Best of luck.
Rod
 
Good to have you here. You just found the best site for information and help available for your car.
There are a great bunch of folks here to help you if you need it.
Yote
 
Drive that thing just the way it is while you work on it here and there! It looks very presentable, so why not have some fun with it while you decide if it's the car for you!

Welcome to fabo by the way, glad to have you with us!!
 
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