Looking for some advice. Newbie here. I have a line on a really nice 442, 4 speed convertible. Its been sitting in a garage piled with crap for nearly 20 years, no rust anywhere, interior is nice, black buckets with a center console. Bittersweet outside, no side stripes. Verified the 344 vin# it is believed to be 100% numbers matching, even the original exhaust. Motor turns over, but didn't start (not surprisingly). Looking for some ball park $'s on what I should pay. 62000 miles Thanks in advance.

 

Wow that looks like a great find especially no rust. I would think a car like that might bring between 15-20k maybe more since its a 4 speed convertible.

 

Great colors and a great find. Depending on options and if the paint is decent I would say 20-25K easy.

 

Are those SSI wheels fully chromed?

 

thanks guys, no I think they're chrome and black? I cleaned enough out to check the underside, pulled up the disintegrated carpet in the trunk, clean as a whistle even down into the fenders, protect o plate in an oldsmobile plastic baggie in the back seat.wish I had taken more pictures. We came to a deal this afternoon.

 

Yep. They all had the black painted inlays, but 1971 SSI had a full chrome outer rim without the need for a trim ring and was 14 x7. Factory correct for 71 model year only. Earlier ones were 14 x 6 and only fit drum brakes.

 

So, I guess at 13k I'm pretty safe??
I'll try to grab that bike too!
But the Christmas decorations are staying.

 

Yeah, it looks like a repaint. Be wary of what's under that paint. Every 71 442 left the factory with the narrow side pinstripes.

 

I was thinking that as well, the paint is peeling off the hood louvers.

 

$13k would be a great price for a 4spd 442 convertible. I would not attempt to start it from the fuel tank until the fuel system is cleaned and inspected. Good luck!

 

Grab it! If you dont please pass the info to me so I can. Been looking for deal like this for a while.

 

Confirmed with the owner, it has been repainted.

 

More pics, especially under hood, good luck with your find!

 

There was a specific 14x6 disc compatible SSI in 69, but, other than that, that is correct.

 

 

Congratulations on finding that 71. Looks like a great original car. I see California blue plates on it. Is that where you found it ? Keep us updated on your progress with the car.

 

You can see that the rust has already been patched once at the bottoms of the front fenders and is coming back through the fiberglass and bondo. Not unusual on these cars, but what else is under that repaint.

 

Looks like it had a pretty severe backfire also.

 

Thanks! No the owner lives in California, its been sitting in his father's garage here in Binghamton forever.

 

Backfire? Not sure what you're looking at.
Oh, the muffler, lol

 

I think he was referring to what happened to that poor muffler that exploded.

 

Not a expert but I've got to believe that is a great deal for a 4spd vert 442! I'm sure you will find some unwanted surprises but still I think you did real well!!

 

The car looks pretty complete and correct. I'd be wary of pulling on the rear sway bar with a chain, however...

 

Safety chain on the car transport trailer.

 

And still not going to do anything except rip the sway bar off of the lower control arms if it were actually needed for safety...

 

Thinking ripping the sway bar loose would be the least of my concerns if the car came loose. Thanks for the advice though.

 

The hole point of a safety chain is to keep the car on the trailer if the car does come loose, My point is that "safety chain" won't - or at least is likely not to.

 

I get it, thanks for the advice.

 

I think you did really well on that one!! Yes there will always be more than meets the eye but a complete car to start with especially a pretty rare one is nice. I got my 70 convert in about the same shape, those fenders are normal, very few will be rust free and most repairs were cosmetic hence the rust coming through. Got some great options, sport wheel, power windows rally pac ect. Good find and good luck!