I'm a Chevelle guy looking for another project, I may have found one: http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/5104731340.html


What do I need to be on the lookout for with this car? What I know so far is that the VIN needs to start with a 344 to be a true 442, and the engine VIN stamping is on a pad on the drivers side in front of the exhaust manifold? I'm not sure exactly where to look.

 

That car is a hard top so the VIN should start out as 34487. The stamping is on the front most upper corner of the block on the drivers side where it meets the head. It's not the entire VIN just the last digits after the 34487.

 

Thanks. Another question, what kind of aftermarket sheet metal is available for these cars, and how is the quality? I took a quick look at: http://www.autometaldirect.com/body-...ents-c-23.html and https://www.shermanparts.com/ecat/ba...lass&year=1971


Doesn't look like there is available some of the sheet metal I may need. I don't see any good source for full qtr panels. (I try to stay away from Goodmark and OPGI stuff, Taiwan garbage).

 

If your in ny you may be better served going after that v code 72 that's discussed in another thread for a few k more you get what would appear to be a much better condition car and a 4 speed as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121692673523...3D863733297281

 

I would hope to get the car I linked at around $8500. It really depends on how bad the rust is when I go look at it today. I emailed that guy with the V code car, it's not too far from me, I'll try to take a look at it.

 

The aftermarket sheetmetal selection is nowhere near as good as for a Chevelle, and it's all Chinesium crap. There are no full quarters for these cars unless you find and pay dearly for N.O.S. Used desert sheetmetal is a much better choice. Of course, any panels that are common with the Chevelle (floor pans, cowls, etc) are available. Also be aware that you can buy a pair of new repro bumpers for less than the $1000 the seller wants for them.

Personally, I'd run screaming from any car in Buffalo. There WILL be rust.

 

Well, that's where I live man... I have been looking for ~4 months for a driver because my Chevelle restoration (https://imgur.com/a/v2PHi#0) is dragging and I need a muscle car fix. You're right, they all have rust except for the ones not from the area, found a really sweet 72 Skylark close by that came form AZ, absolutely no rust, but seller wants a fortune...


I don't specifically need a 442, but I've always thought they were cool so they are on the table. And yes, I'd not be interested in his repo bumpers.


The owner said he sandblasted the bottom of this car and sprayed liquid bedliner on it I'm sure it's a mess.

 

In the long run it's cheaper to buy a solid car from the southwest and have it shipped.

Not that I've ever listened to my own advice, however...

 

I have a lot of ppl on a lot of forums telling me that, it does make sense. But finding someone you can trust to inspect the car for you is the trick. I can't afford to fly all over the country for find a car.


btw, the AZ Skylark in Buffalo: http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/5093226382.html


So there are rust free cars in Buffalo, but it just takes a while to find them. The 66 SS 396 I bought here was from California, spent most of its life in Florida etc.


Edit: too late on that V code, already sold. Jeez a day late on deals here what's going on?

 

Exactly. If you're patient, you may find rust-free local. 20 years ago I looked all over the country (by phone) for a W-30. I ended up finding one in my own city -- in Michigan -- with no rust, because it was an Alabama car.

There's plenty of cars from AZ, CA, etc throughout the US. Sure, they cost more. But as Joe pointed out, in the long run they cost less.

 

The car may be in Buffalo, but it may not be originally from there - still worth a look, no?