Project Car: Info./ opinions needed

[earleys94gt]

I have the chance to pick up a 1967 Mercury Parklane Convertible...for 3000 OBO.

The guy is selling it for his cousin who is facing a home foreclosure

136,xxx miles
410 "Eliminator" V8
C6 trans.
2 door
white w/ tan interior(very clean), trunk still has original jack and seemed very solid as far as metal condition goes.

I was going to look at it soon, my buddy told me about it, and wanted to see if anyone on here has any information or opinion or whatever about these cars.

This will be the first "old" car I have bought, and I want to make sure I cover all my bases on what to check/ look for.

No pics of actual car but here is what one looks like...http://images01.olx.com/ui/2/37/72/f_17663572_1.jpeg

 

[Black Stampede]

Wow that's ugly. No offense.

If you like it thats all that matters. Get under the car and check out the integral parts of the frame. Bring a magnet and touch the body all over and make sure its not full of bondo. See if the top works well. Etc.

 

[MysteryMachine]

Thats a BIG car lol

 

[yukisho]

That's what we use to call a boat.

 

[Black Stampede]

That's what we use to call a boat.

Pretty sure we still do.

 

[earleys94gt]

Yeah I know the car's a boat

Like I said, my buddy found the car and told me about it. I was thinking it might be a nice cruiser/project. From what he was told it was 1 of 1500 made the way it is.

Upon further thinking the deal sounds almost too good to be true...but I'll still go and check it out. Who knows, might turn out to be a good find.

 

[Black Stampede]

From what he was told it was 1 of 1500 made the way it is.

Can't imagine why.

Sorry.

 

[Husky44]

As far as rust goes, you've got one advantage over Mustangs of that era--a frame. Unibodies make it a lot more challenging to do rust repair.

But, rust on that car is going to require custom repairs. With those production numbers, I doubt there's many parts laying around.

Check door gaps, and how well they open or close. That'll give you an indication of any sag related to the inherent weaknesses of convertibles.

KNOW that any repair is going to take time and cost a LOT since replacement parts are non-existent.

And know that more than half of the value of any old car is based on it's desireability, not it's condition. My son's first car was a show-room-new-condition 95 Chevy Corsica, with less than 30k on it. It still wasn't worth big bucks, despite it's condition, because, who wants to own a Corsica?

Have you been looking for a vintage sled convertible? Or is this a whim thing?

If it were me, I'd hang onto my money, and for a little more, go after a nice driver-condition Cougar convertible. You can find parts, and they've got the desireability thing going for them. You won't loose money.

 

[earleys94gt]

Have you been looking for a vintage sled convertible? Or is this a whim thing?

It is mainly a whim thing...

I had to sell my Mustang about 1 1/2 years ago due to my being an idiot and getting a DUI (I also totaled my Escort in the wreck and needed to buy a new car...& pay fines/fees).

With the way the Economy is, there are alot of cars for sale around here and I am getting the itch again to get a play toy. My brother just got his 90 LX running again and I am pulling my hair out seeing him and others enjoying their toys.

I know the best thing to do is to wait another 3 1/2 months till my DUI points drop off my record; so my insurance will be MUCH cheaper. I keep trying to tell myself that is the best way to go, and also that way I could buy something and work on it over the fall/winter, but it is so tough to see others enjoying their toys this summer.

Well, I think I just answered the question about wheather I should buy this car or not...not.

 

[ProKiller]

don't do it. wait to find something you'll actually enjoy. not that it wouldn't be a cool car to cruise around in, but it won't be a street "racer" like your mustang was by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[kingkongzilla]

I know the best thing to do is to wait another 3 1/2 months till my DUI points drop off my record; so my insurance will be MUCH cheaper...

Well, I think I just answered the question about wheather I should buy this car or not...not.

I think you did.

 

[Husky44]

Sounds like you're making a good decision. Use your available time to really figure out what you want, then do your research (if you're going for something other than what you know). Hang out at car shows, start getting to know guys that have cars like you're looking for, surf C-list and e-bay daily to get an idea of the market. Join a forum for the kind of car you're looking for, and read everything before posting the obligatory "what should I look for" thread!

You'll be a really informed buyer, and you'll wind up with the perfect project and a killer deal.