69cutlassragtop

So a good friend of mine sells me his '69 Cutlass convertible. He bought it in 1971 and parked it in 1996. He can't remember much in between. The odometer reads 29,000. He is "pretty sure" that's original mileage. The engine smokes, no brakes, repaint is peeling, some rust repair, interior is shot. Top is shot, all weatherstrip is ripped, bumpers and chrome trip are poor. I paid $7000 for it thinking he was accurate about the mileage. Does anyone have any tips for verifying the mileage by condition? (The brake pedal is worn to the metal on the edge.) I paid too much for it, but it still is very straight and almost rust free. I plan to keep it for several years and work through the issues slowly. Did I get taken or is this a worthwhile pursuit?

2blu442

Welcome to the site! We look forward to following your restoration project. I have a 1967 at 49,000 miles with lots of documentation, the brake pad shows light wear on the two ends so I would guess your 1969 is not original miles. If you like the car I'd encourage you to not focus on if you paid too much or not, just enjoy the project and some day be proud to drive the car when you've returned it to its former glory John

TK-65

I think you already know that you paid too much.

citcapp

Most of us either paid to much or are paying to much. Sh*t happens. Just enjoy the experience of bringing it back to like.

69cutlassragtop

Thanks for the positive comments. I am enjoying the whole restoration process!

1964CutlassSC

As far as I am concerned, if you are passionate about the car and have the drive to restore it, that's all the matters! Welcome to the site!

Olds64

Just get it driving and make sure you enjoy it. That is what counts.

delmontcrusier

I know the concern of feeling like you have been had.I have put some time and money into my 67 and it looks good for now have some rust issues.I would like to do a frame off but will worry about that when I have the funding.the guys on this site are great on advice and parts.John 2blu442 has helped many (my hat off to you John).So you are in good hands.

69cutlassragtop

Last night I drove it around our yard. I have the brakes working enough to stop with the help of the emergency brake. It's been about 20 years since I drove a car that had 'one finger' power steering! What a blast from the past. I'm doing a complete brake job now. There's no inspection here in Maine for antique cars so she'll be on the road as soon as the brakes are done. I might have to restrict myself to night driving to hide the blue smoke.

BLUE72RAGTOP

What would you have considered a good deal? $5500 or maybe up to $6000? The difference is not a whole bunch in the scheme of things. We never get all of our money out of the vast majority of project cars. I think you have the right idea to focus on enjoying the car and not worrying too much about price. Make it into something you enjoy and if you ever get tired of it, you can get enough out of it to start the next project. You may get many years of enjoyment out of it first. Funny, the last two times I bought something that was "done", I kept both cars less than 6 months. Just enjoy it and share with us, OK?

jaunty75

I love how everyone is trying to make you feel good about being had. I'll be more blunt. You were had.

Your car is worth probably about half what you paid for it. But, like Batman says, that's water over the embankment. You have it now, so enjoy it.