Hello, my name is Frank and I am looking to purchase a 71-72 Cutlass S.
Below are two cars I was looking at. Since I live in NY, one is 2 hours away, the other is 1300 miles away. The prices are very different, but so are the cars. Two things I am looking for is factory working a/c, and front disc brakes. Both cars have these. But I have some questions: the car in FL. states the 455 engine and the tranny were rebuilt-is this considered a good thing? Doesn't it matter who and where this was done? The engine could've been rebuilt in a dirt driveway with a bunch of friends and a couple six packs.(not trying to offend anyone) so if the owner says he did the work, would I just have to trust his skill? There is also a pic of the engine-I would imagine that is an aftermarket intake and carb? Considering all the work done to the FL. car, what do you think of the asking price?
As for the NJ. car, is this car a better deal because it has original paint, engine, etc., although I don't know what the mileage is?
Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions,
Frank






http://cfl.craigslist.org/cto/3097841224.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/3151557821.html

 

Hopefully the guy who rebuilt the motor is better at rebuilding motors than he is at taking pictures. Those are some pretty bad pictures. My advice would be first of all to concentrate on local cars, you're much more likely to be happy with your purchase if you can check out the car in-person before you buy it. Be patient, nice cars come up pretty often. As for motor work, it's pretty unlikely you're going to find a 40 year old car that hasn't had something done. Sometimes, you do have to just take their word for it. Better to get receipts, a name of the shop they used for machine work, PICTURES, etc., but this isn't always possible. This is again why it's a good idea to check it out in-person, you can learn a lot about a motor just by checking out a few things and seeing how it runs. When it comes down to it though, buying a car like this is a gamble. There's a possibility that the moment you pull away with your new baby, something is going to blow up. This doesn't happen too often, but it's part of the classic car hobby. Prepare for this, but go into it intelligently, and you'll probably do alright.

 

Thank you for the input. Yes, I would definitely look at the car in person and make arrangements to bring it to a shop for a once over. I have purchased cars from out of state before and have always gotten a repair shop to look at the car first.

 

Heya Beteljuze,

Here's my 2 cents. Why not take the 2 hour trip to jersey to see it in person.
The asking price is 3100 less than Florida. If you fall in love with it, make sure
the offer is good for you. Offer 8000 and see where you end. If it doesn't pan out....
you got a two hour road trip. Good Luck!

Daniel

 

Two words:

Rust Belt

 

I'd look at this car before either of those:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...1-500-n-y.html

and like Joe says, I wouldn't even look at a car from the Northeast that has rust anywhere in the description. I know from experience

 

I agree, take the ride to see the one in North Jersey. Maybe it was from the south originally and you'll get lucky. I looked at 2 in North Jersey, one in South Jersey and one in NY. I ended up buying one from New Mexico b/c I did not want to deal with the rust. There was a beautiful 72 for sale a while back when I was looking for 68. Be patient, as folks said, one will come up. I noticed a lot more 71-72's around that seemed nice compared the the 68's available. The one in NY that I went to see had a beautiful red interior but I literally put my finger through the frame rail underneath

 

So that would be a check mark on your + - list.

Not uncommon with a 41 year old car. Why not ask him to send you better pictures if you're interested? From what I can see, yes it has an aftermarket intake. So what? Lots of hobbyists do that. If you're really concerned about the quality of the car, ask someone you know in FL to go have a look at it and give you feedback. Every one of these sales is a 'caveat emptor'. You pay your money and take your chances. I get why you may be nervous but that doesn't look like it was slapped in there by a couple of dust road kids.

Overall the car shows well. From looking at the pics I'd guess it was someones daily driver / weekend drag car. FYI the engine in that pic looks like it may be a 350 - ask for a pic that shows the block casting number. The buckets are trimmed in a 70 pattern upholstery, the back seats are proper. And there's rust showing in one of the back up lights. You would be wise to consider the possibility of hidden rust (Joe P's advice)....

How do you figure a better deal because of paint? There's NO mention of original paint in the listing. It also has rust as mentioned by the seller. CLAIMED to be a former west coast car, when??? The interior is a repro - missing all the buttons on seats, and is just a plain jane column shift car. Cosmetic touch ups to make it look and sell better? BTW the FL car has 72 headlight bezels, the NY car has 72 front grills.

The FL car appears to be a 71 Cutlass S, the NY car is a Cutlass S post (you can see the S emblems on the sail panel)

Send them both an email and start asking them some of these questions. It's your money.

8-12K for a nice 71 is reasonable to most if the car is basically turnkey and you can live with some imperfections. They are great driving and riding cars.

 

It is difficult for me to imagine someone accidentally getting every single picture out of focus, so that leaves the possibility that they were intentionally out of focus.
Why post out of focus photos in an ad for your car? Because you'e got something to hide.

Unless it was around the corner, I'd avoid it because of the photos alone.

- Eric

 

First let me say thanks to all of you- your opins and advice is just the stuff I was looking for. All that stuff about the grills,headlights, seatcovers. I need to know all that.
Yes the Jersey car has rust- you can see the hole in one of the pics-which does make me nervous. As for the FL. car, I do like the look of it-even though it's out of focus- and I like the 455-if it really is one?! I will call the owner tomorrow.
And allyolds68- that link to the red 442 for sale-that car is about 3 miles away from me. I've seen it listed here on this site. The owner has 1 or 2 other 442's for sale too. The red car was a a/c car but is missing the bracket and compressor. I don't know how hard those are to get? For a 455?
Again thanks to all who helped out. Sometimes I think the search for just the right Cutlass is as much fun as finding it.
Thanks and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions!!
Frank

 

Frank you can get complete after market airconditioning kits for these cars. They use a modern refrigerant and compressor and by most standards work better then the originals

I would also add that you should go and look at a bunch of cars especially in your area and ask questions that will be your fastest and best way to learn more about them (in addition to CO LOL)dont rush your decision find one thats right for you.

When I was looking for my first N series tractor one guy selling one schooled me on all the features and pitfalls. I didnt buy his tractor but he was a really nice guy who helped me to select a tractor that fit my needs / wants by imparting his knowledge to me

IDK the red cars owner (Johhny) but he does have more than 1 cutlass which says to me he is enthusiastic about OLDs ( a good thing) and more than likely has some knowledge. BTW his car after adding an aftermarket AC may cost about the same as the florida one after exspenses of seeing the car and transport back to NY

and lastly Ill add theyre all 40 years old or older they all need work and upkeep their not disposable transportation appliances like many of todays cars

 

He says the only thing missing is the compressor. A new compressor is less than $200. I'd guess you'd be in the neighborhood of $500-$600 to get the A/C going IF that's all that's missing

 

Hey Beteljuze and all,
I do have all the ac parts brackets etc... just needs a new compressor.
I took it out of the car lastweek to get the new compressor but i have been working on my 70. the 72 runs and drives fantastic!
Well worth a look if you are in N.Y. P.s my car was from Wisconson.
just arrived in N.Y this year.

 

Even if you are a pro, you are taking certain chances and incurring some expenses buying at a distance.

I won't be in the market to buy until next spring, but when I am, my strong preference would be to buy from an enthusiast. And if they are willing to be open about their car on a forum such as this, all the better.

I'd CERTAINLY look at something in my neighborhood. There's a big difference between being a "tire-kicker" trying to lowball, and someone who is geneuinely interested in a vehicle. To tell the truth, more than once I've been almost embarrassed at the amount of time and information enthusiasts are willing to offer in response to my sincere interest - even after I've told them that I didn't think their car was exactly what I wanted.

 

That's how you tell a true enthusiast from the crowd of wanna bees.

 

Buy the most car you can get for your money, capitalize on someone elses depreciation. Get a car that already is or as close to being completely restored as possible. Do not buy one that is beyond your mechanical or financial abilities. I like the suggestion of the red 72!