Restore the Vista or sell it?
#1
Restore the Vista or sell it?
Hi, my name is Tim.
I have wanted a Vista Cruiser since I was a kid. I never ran into a good deal on one until a few years ago. I found my '72 in Illinois. It has a rebuilt engine and transmission and runs great. I have been using it to pull the last two campers we have had. The new one is bigger and pushing the limits of the car.
My wife actually likes the car as well, but wants to restore it as she is not a fan of patina. I looked into what it would cost to actually restore the car and I don't think there is any way I can afford it. There are too many little things it needs to be perfect.
I have been considering getting out from under it. I like driving it, but I don't think I can build it to suit my wife. Does anyone have any advice for me?
Thanks.
I have wanted a Vista Cruiser since I was a kid. I never ran into a good deal on one until a few years ago. I found my '72 in Illinois. It has a rebuilt engine and transmission and runs great. I have been using it to pull the last two campers we have had. The new one is bigger and pushing the limits of the car.
My wife actually likes the car as well, but wants to restore it as she is not a fan of patina. I looked into what it would cost to actually restore the car and I don't think there is any way I can afford it. There are too many little things it needs to be perfect.
I have been considering getting out from under it. I like driving it, but I don't think I can build it to suit my wife. Does anyone have any advice for me?
Thanks.
#2
Welcome to our site Tim. I think you need to realize that unless you are Jay Leno or shooting for a restoration suitable for the Concours de' Elegance your car will never be "perfect." That being said, many people enjoy their classic cars despite their flaws.
Since you already have a rebuilt transmission and engine I suggest taking an auto body course at a local vo-tech. This is what I did to paint my 71 98. Fortunately, most vo-techs have evening classes so you can do it around work.
Since you already have a rebuilt transmission and engine I suggest taking an auto body course at a local vo-tech. This is what I did to paint my 71 98. Fortunately, most vo-techs have evening classes so you can do it around work.
#3
What a lot of folks do that don't have deep pockets is to make a list of all the things you want to do. Then budget and prioritize as funds become available. No need to do all of it at once. Your one step ahead of a lot of people as your wife actually likes the car, believe me thats a perk.
#6
#7
This is a calculation that involves time, money, skills, equipment/space, support (family) and don't forget time and money.
Typically is costs less in the long run to buy the best car you can afford
Next best is to buy a car with a problem you can correct yourself (example : bad engine and you have the correct engine in your garage and you can swap it).
Worst is a car that needs a lot and most of what it needs will have to be done professionally.
Vistas can be very expensive to restore. I know this because I parted out one a few years ago and the prices for parts was surprisingly high.
Good luck on whichever choice you make.
Carmak
Typically is costs less in the long run to buy the best car you can afford
Next best is to buy a car with a problem you can correct yourself (example : bad engine and you have the correct engine in your garage and you can swap it).
Worst is a car that needs a lot and most of what it needs will have to be done professionally.
Vistas can be very expensive to restore. I know this because I parted out one a few years ago and the prices for parts was surprisingly high.
Good luck on whichever choice you make.
Carmak
#8
This brings up the main problem I have which is that the only thing I have less of than money is time. I recently talked to someone that was parting out a Vista and the parts I needed to fix mine properly were adding up to more than I paid for the car. This did not include new door seals, paint, wheels and interior restoration. I think I might be better off getting a loan and buying a car that is closer to done. I don't know that I will be able to dedicate much time to working on cars until the kids have moved out.
#10
#13
It's a Northwestern car so it's pretty solid down low, but the roof leaks pretty badly and the interior is pretty rough. It does drive good though. I will post an ad later. I'm at work now.
#14
Whoa. That's a total rat. A car you can have fun with, and really enjoy more or less as-is, but that will bury you if you try to actually restore it.
There are cars in much better shape for sale regularly at decent prices.
I'd let it go, save a few grand, then go shopping.
... But never admit to the ol' lady that there was anything wrong with it. If she feels bad about making you sell it, she'll be happy when you find a replacement.
- Eric
There are cars in much better shape for sale regularly at decent prices.
I'd let it go, save a few grand, then go shopping.
... But never admit to the ol' lady that there was anything wrong with it. If she feels bad about making you sell it, she'll be happy when you find a replacement.
- Eric
#15
The pinchweld rust around the roof windows is an unfortunate fact of life for Vistas. My 64 from Reno unfortunately has the same problem. I'll certainly spend way more than that car is worth fixing it.
#18
That would make an awesome lawn ornament. You could lawn bowl in the back of that, patina n all.
Eric, dam you got me thinking about a nice lawn ornament for the wife's birthday next spring.
Eric, dam you got me thinking about a nice lawn ornament for the wife's birthday next spring.
#19
#23
whoa. That's a total rat. A car you can have fun with, and really enjoy more or less as-is, but that will bury you if you try to actually restore it.
There are cars in much better shape for sale regularly at decent prices.
I'd let it go, save a few grand, then go shopping.
... But never admit to the ol' lady that there was anything wrong with it. If she feels bad about making you sell it, she'll be happy when you find a replacement.
- eric
There are cars in much better shape for sale regularly at decent prices.
I'd let it go, save a few grand, then go shopping.
... But never admit to the ol' lady that there was anything wrong with it. If she feels bad about making you sell it, she'll be happy when you find a replacement.
- eric
#24
I placed an ad. I wasn't sure where to set the price. I know you can't say anything about how things are priced in the classified section. I don't know if anyone can give me any thoughts on this thread or if that would go against the rules. I'm not sure what a rat is worth today.
#28
Sorry to hear you are getting rid of the old girl. I would do look around and see what is available that meets her approval before you sell your Vista.
Another guy posted about making a wish list of stuff you would like to do. And attack it from there. Patina - there are those that love or hate it. Easy to start loving it when ya check into the rust repair and repaint.
Interior work can be fun as well if needing more than just recovering the benches and window seals.
With your car you can feel comfortable going to any big box store parking lot etc... and heading in to shop. For me I stay away from them when driving and a couple times I did stop was nervous as hell.
Craigslist it, post it here, etc...
Another guy posted about making a wish list of stuff you would like to do. And attack it from there. Patina - there are those that love or hate it. Easy to start loving it when ya check into the rust repair and repaint.
Interior work can be fun as well if needing more than just recovering the benches and window seals.
With your car you can feel comfortable going to any big box store parking lot etc... and heading in to shop. For me I stay away from them when driving and a couple times I did stop was nervous as hell.
Craigslist it, post it here, etc...
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