My Ugly Duckling

[ga.spyder]

There has been a lot of interesting banter here lately regarding prices,what they are worth,etc...Last year I bought a 77 that was headed to the crusher,for less than 1000.00.It was a running car,but in desperate need of tlc and basic maintenance.I have rebuilt the carb,cleaned up a lot of electrical(everything works),used alternator,mucho rubbing,vacuuming,new brakes,etc...Today I sourced some wheels/tires from my friend,kmac33.I also have a top ,but it isnt installed.Car runs good,shifts great,stops well,rides and handles good.The interior is pretty good.I sat and figured and I have less than 1500 in this car.Worth it?? Its not gonna win any beauty contests,but I wouldnt hesitate to make a long tour with it. I guess I am saying you dont have to break the bank to have a pretty nice driver,or good starting point for a resto.Here are a couple pix with the new shoes.

[NitroDemon]

Why, Oh why, was that heading to the crusher?

[wachuko]

Are you trying to make me fell bad . I need to move to find a beauty like that for that price.

Look at how nice that engine bay looks, and the body looks straight and complete. And that was going to the crusher!!!

[ga.spyder]

Believe me,the car didnt look like that when I got it! But what I was getting at was that I really didnt sink a lot of money into it.The paint was completely dead,the engine bay was a nightmare of wires ,old hoses,grime....All just labor.The wheels and tires I got today really make the car look so much better.The body has a lot of little dings and scratches.A true 10 footer. It was headed to the crusher because the p/o had no interest from any buyers.He was moving and couldnt take the car,and had nowhere to put it.I told him I wasnt interested,but he begged me to look at it.It really looked rough but it ran good so I took a chance.
I wasnt trying to make you feel bad ,Jaime.I had a talk w/ kmac today about the cars.He is doing an incredible,complete restoration.Every nut,bolt,...everything.The car is gonna be awesome.Then I got home and you see the other end of the spectrum There are a lot of good,honest cars out there that are never going to win any awards.
Plus...the big factor...My wife loves it!!!

[So Cal Mark]

you sure it's a 77? It looks like a 76 under the hood

[rlux4]

Your truck is black? You must spend 1/2 your time washing that sucker. I've only had one black truck, and it drove me crazy trying to keep it clean. Of course, I've only lived on one paved road in the last 30 years and 5 houses.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

Mark, that has been in question since I brought the car home.It is titled as a 77.The build plate shows it as built in Sept. 1976.All the relays are under the hood like a 76,and it doesnt have the 2 electrovalves on the fender.Maybe a late 76 that was badged as a 77?At FFO,I found a perfect one owner 77 to take some pix of,and it was totally different from mine.I dont know.
Ron,black trucks are a PITA,but they look good when they are clean!!With all the salt,slush,snow and mud here this winter it has been a challenge to keep it clean.

[pope]

Now thats what I'm talking about! Gonna make the blue one jealous.

[azygoustoyou]

Let me see Craig. Should I make a right at your garage???
I would like to see some pic's of your center console. PM me if you would. I like the arm rest. Thanks

[ventura ace]

You do good work, Craig. I hope to visit your neck of the woods one day.

Alvon

[kmac33]

Craig,
The new shoes look good on her. You really need to find a new name for her though - ugly duckling just doesn't fit anymore!
She looks great now but will look even better with the front lip spoiler! I'll bring it home from the body shop tomorrow or just leave it there to force an exchange for that Saturday worth of assembly labor

Kevin

[So Cal Mark]

I'd call it a 76, even if it's titled 77 but it does look great. As for black cars/trucks, I've got 2 of each now and they look great after wash/wax

[mdrburchette]

Anyone interested in this car should come to the FFO this year. Craig has been talking about selling it ever since he bought the thing. Bet it'll go cheap if it doesn't start for some reason, or has a strange noise, or...you get my drift, right?

[ga.spyder]

This is Rosemarie,Craig's wife,and that is my car and I dont want to sell it! Craig just wants more room in the garage. Besides, our daughter Heather is learning to drive a stick with it, and envisions herself bebopping around in it some day.

[wachuko]

This is Rosemarie,Craig's wife,and that is my car and I dont want to sell it! Craig just wants more room in the garage. Besides, our daughter Heather is learning to drive a stick with it, and envisions herself bebopping around in it some day.

The lady has spoke, and if it is anything like at my home, she rules. That car is not going anywhere. .


Craig, those valve covers, painted or powder coated?