[Kath]

I want to buy this car I have been driving by that's for sale for my husband for Christmas. I talked to my body shop guy already based on the information I gave him he guesses it will be 5 or 6K to paint and fix and put back together. The guy said 6K obo and he told me he'd take 5K. The car is a 68 Cutlass "S" Convertible it has some rust though it can be fixed, no body damage just a few rust spots that can be cut steel if neeed on the rear quarters. Top has been replaced once upon a time and needs to be replaced, but would do with a major clean up for a while. It's a 350 auto with 66K original miles on it that runs good, but it is blowing some white smoke out of the right exhaust (I think possible head gasket?). The interior is a nightmare! I am sure it can be restored and the body guy agreeded I am just gonna have to pay for it. All the trim has been removed by the guy who has it now as he was plaining on painting it, but ran outta cash and needs the cash he can sell it for. He started a really crap paint job, but he does have every peice of trim to be put back on nothing is missing...

I have two cars a 79 Camaro which I just gave to my 17 yr old daughter and an 85 Trans Am wihich is currently being repainted right now that is mint inside and out and my baby. I feel guilty that he doesn't have the car he wants, so I want to surprise him with this one restored for Christmas. The body shop will get his done by then if I buy it and get it there by Monday he'll stop work on my TA and do this one first so it's done by then. My question is what is this car really worth to pay him. I know the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Gen market for Camaro's and Bird's but nothing reaally about this 68 Cutlass...

Any help, info or advice would really be appreciated. I am going to probably just buy it tomorrow when I meet up with the guy, if we can agree on a price that is fair to us both I have already hit the bank. Sorry this was so long.

Kath