Do I buy parts or the whole car?

[launieg]

I didn't intend to buy anything, but couldn't help taking a look at this $300 parts car today.

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/9323899

As you can see, it had the bumpers sitting inside, so I bought them for $60. They are stainless steel with overriders and seem to be in near-perfect condition - just need some polishing. I'm pleased, because I took off the big tube front bumper to paint the valence and loved the difference in performance and handling. I see what you guys have been saying!

Anyway, this car is bugging me, because it was someones project and has a sound body. It was manufactured in November of 1971, has what looks to be a good, original engine and all parts are there, even the little ones that usually fall off or get lost (like the driver's visor), although some have been removed. For example, the carb/manifold are in the trunk, the drive shaft is in the cabin. The seats are split of course, but the dash is almost stunning (with a clear clock) and the wheel is too. Door panels are excellent too. I forgot to look at the mileage, but I think it is low - tie rod bushings were good. The only body damage is a somewhat crushed front valance, due to it being towed

I am torn between buying it whole or just buying a few more parts for my 1981. After all, I already have a 1978 parts car. I'm not sure what my wife will say if she returns from her trip to see another parts car in the yard...

Some of my thoughts are: (1.) is the 1600 engine worth anything to anybody if I buy the whole car? (2.) Can I sell off enough parts to pay for the car? (3.) Or would it be worth putting a 1971 spider back to driving condition (genuine restoration is more than I can afford)?

I think it will end up at the crusher if I just buy some more parts, and I find that intolerable for some reason By the way, although it has no title, that can be sorted out with the DMV with a little effort and a small fee.

Any thoughts? The bottom line is I can buy all the parts I want and leave the body for the crusher, or I can haul the whole thing home, for about the same price. Decisions, decisions!

[So Cal Mark]

I'd buy the whole car

[adrians]

Yes - Buy it - I wish we had cars like this available in Oz.

[mdrburchette]

Buy it! Even if you don't want to restore it, it will keep many others on the road. It's got the rare 71/72 taillamps!

[burgandy81]

I'm in Vancouver and may be interested in this car as well. Mostly the body for a transplant of the running gear from my 81. Could the body be a driver in its current condition?

Any chance of talking about an arrangement of splitting the parts? Do you have any pictures other than the ad?

Cheers,

Jordan

jordanrodier(at)yahoo.ca

[narfire]

BUY THE WHOLE CAR. I'd buy it and try and restore over time.
What parts do you need for your car, I have a 79 and 81 parts car at my shop in Summerland. I looked at a 70-73 spider in Hedley last weekend9(1 hour drive) that has some usable parts on it like rear bumpers. $300.00 wow.
I have offered $500 for a non running 79 around the corner from me that need a couple grand + to get up and running, but the owner won't take anything less than $2500, so it's sitting rusting away,even after I put a tarp over it.
Too bad there's a ferry trip between us,love to help get this sorted.
Chris

[launieg]

Sorry Jordan, no photos. The car cannot be driven, so it would have to be towed to Vancouver, with significant ferry costs too. To be honest, the body could have hidden rust. I did not have time to pull up carpets, etc. The front valence is certainly in very poor shape, due to the towing method. However, email me (lgratto@shaw.ca) if you want to consider it.

Denise, I would certainly pull the taillights if I don't take the whole car. I'd strip what I could from it at his place. It is at a mechanic's shop, he probably got it for free, and he'll likely let me pull it apart on-site.

I was thinking about the engine, and realized it looks like an 1800. The carb (in the trunk) was a 34 DSMA, and I believe that was not used until 1974. I don't know if I would recognize a 1608 engine anyway.

If anybody wants parts, let me know right away, and I'll see what I can do about heading back there tomorrow. As I said, it seems to have all the little stuff that breaks or goes missing. I have to go into town right past it anyway.

[launieg]

Chris, I've emailed you.

[majicwrench]

If you are snaring parts for people, I could use the front Trun Signal lenses, the left in particualr. I would be thrilled, of course, to reimburse you for shipping and the cost of the lense(s).
I'm heading out to my car (72) now to do some work, I know there are more of that "little stuff" that I need.
Keith Meyers
Libby MT

[launieg]

Okay, for anyone who posts, PMs me, or emails me, I'll make a list and confirm yea or nay by the end of today.

[launieg]

I've searched for the topic, but can't find the one I remember, so the question is "would this (1971) dash fit without a problem into my 1981? I would switch the whole thing, gauges included, so the question really only pertains to fittings, and fit around the steering column etc. I seem to recall that there is some difference. Thanks.

[majicwrench]

OK, I took a look around mine, along with the LF Turn signal lense, if its got air horns, I could use the pump, and the drivers visor if it is black and in good shape.
Is a bit of a shame to see it parted out, I too would be pained to see it head to the crusher. For what it's worth, I passed on a $500 car a few weeks ago that probably would have run with a bit of tinkering, still kicking myself, he sold it before I got back to him.
Keith

[launieg]

So I drove back and looked it over again. It is certainly a good restoration candidate. Limited and non-crucial rust. All parts are there except the front turn lights, as best as I can tell. The front valance is somewhat damaged by the towing, but not too bad. That lifting of the front separated what looks like factory filler just around and below the headlights. Have others seen this filler? I don't think it is from an accident and a repair job, but it could be. No rust in the doors or on the floor pans at all. Engine matches the body tag, definitely a 1608. I guess the 34 DMSA carb is a replacement.

I see in the literature that these little engines put out around 105 hp. That's comparable to my 2 litre FI, isn't it? That would be fun to drive.

So I hope to negotiate a purchase of the whole thing. Someone, maybe me, will hopefully bring it back to life. I'll let you know. Thanks for the thoughts on this from you all.

[SpiderHead]

you are right about the carb.

the 34DMSA was a one off for the 1974 1756cc motor.

it is worth a fortune to the right fella.

biggest single carb Fiat ever installed on these cars.

If you don't buy the whole car.... buy that carb for 20 bucks..!

-Ryan

[launieg]

Okay, we've purchased the whole car. Exciting! My apologies to anyone who wanted parts, but we'll keep the car intact for now, hoping to revive it and maybe restore it too. My thanks to all who offered opinions - you allowed me to talk myself into picking this one up. I suspect the reality is that we all love to keep the good cars on the road, regardless of the obstacles to purchase and the storage issues. A special thanks to Chris in Naramata (Narfire), who will probably add this one to his collection later in the year, especially if we can work out a way to get it there on the cheap.