What to do with my car.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
What to do with my car.
Hi Folks,
Newbie here. 60 year old kinda motor head. Mom recently passed away and my brother and I must sell the house which stores my 1970 f-85, W-31. Back in 1975 it was painted (in that same garage) black with white stripes. Needs new quarters and doors redone,paint,...... The engine was rebuilt with new non original pistons and cam.Bored 20 or 30 over with TRW pistons. The new engine before storage has about 2,000 miles on it. The car has around 68,000K. The car currently sports an Offenhauser dual port aluminum intake, headers, and a holly 650 double pumper from 1975 make over. I have the original exhaust and intake manifold, along with original valve covers and the original carb which is not quite the number I think should be on that car. My carb is a Rochester 7040251 ??1933, rather than a 7040255. I believe the last digit to be not correct. The engine block is # matching, I have yet to check the 4 speed Muncie and rear 4:33's believed to be original to the car. I purchased the car from my neighbor across the street back in 1974 or 1975. So, neighbor call out of the blue and asks if I still have the Olds, and if I might be interested in selling. Car has not been started in 30 year.It is more or less a barn type find. Sorry no pictures yet. I hope to get some over the weekend. I am not sure if I want to sell it? Get it running put some wheels on it and take it to Cruise nights then decide . Put $20K in it and still take to Cruise nights and low level car shows. I would not want to put more than 20K in it. I do not think I want a trailer queen.(20-50K). Would it be a mistake to sell this car? If I did sell, what kind of price range $10 - $25. Could this be a diamond in the rough.I am in eastern PA and my old neighbor is asking for someone else in the Quakertown, PA. Any value for W-31's or only the big block W-30's Any thought or comments on this car would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you in advance. GAS
Newbie here. 60 year old kinda motor head. Mom recently passed away and my brother and I must sell the house which stores my 1970 f-85, W-31. Back in 1975 it was painted (in that same garage) black with white stripes. Needs new quarters and doors redone,paint,...... The engine was rebuilt with new non original pistons and cam.Bored 20 or 30 over with TRW pistons. The new engine before storage has about 2,000 miles on it. The car has around 68,000K. The car currently sports an Offenhauser dual port aluminum intake, headers, and a holly 650 double pumper from 1975 make over. I have the original exhaust and intake manifold, along with original valve covers and the original carb which is not quite the number I think should be on that car. My carb is a Rochester 7040251 ??1933, rather than a 7040255. I believe the last digit to be not correct. The engine block is # matching, I have yet to check the 4 speed Muncie and rear 4:33's believed to be original to the car. I purchased the car from my neighbor across the street back in 1974 or 1975. So, neighbor call out of the blue and asks if I still have the Olds, and if I might be interested in selling. Car has not been started in 30 year.It is more or less a barn type find. Sorry no pictures yet. I hope to get some over the weekend. I am not sure if I want to sell it? Get it running put some wheels on it and take it to Cruise nights then decide . Put $20K in it and still take to Cruise nights and low level car shows. I would not want to put more than 20K in it. I do not think I want a trailer queen.(20-50K). Would it be a mistake to sell this car? If I did sell, what kind of price range $10 - $25. Could this be a diamond in the rough.I am in eastern PA and my old neighbor is asking for someone else in the Quakertown, PA. Any value for W-31's or only the big block W-30's Any thought or comments on this car would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you in advance. GAS
Last edited by GASW31; Jun 23, 2018 at 06:12 AM.
Proud Viet Nam Veteran
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,796
From: Rowlett, TX
I think it is time for a reality check when it comes to selling the car. If it hasn't been started in 30 years, what is the likely hood that you will do anything with it I cannot opine to value since I am not that familiar with these cars. It will be difficult for anybody to make a halfway educated guess as to value without some pictures.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,730
From: Olympia,WA
Do you have docs for the car proving it's a W31? Does it have the numbers matching motor and trans? Pics will help for sure. You came to the right place for help. An educated guess is mid to high teens depending on condition and the answer to the above questions.
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,591
From: Land of Taxes
What rkolds said. Documentation is everything with any W car. It certainly has a value from a parts car to something that's a jewel in the rough.
Was it stored in a dry garage or a typical damp rodent ridden northeast garage? The latter will most likely yield a rust bucket half eaten by rust half eaten by mice....
How are the floors, frame, trunk pan, inner rear wheel wells, windshield cowl etc. You need to pull it somewhat apart to thoroughly inspect these areas. Pull the carpet. Remove the chrome under the wipers. Pull up the horrid rubber trunk mat etc. Get it up on a lift for the rest of the inspection. This is what Id do if I was selling or buying it.
Pics of the above areas will help narrow the price range.
Just a few patch panels versus major metal surgery makes a huge difference in metal work cost. Metal could run +20K. Then add all the rest in. Complete restos can easily run high 5 low 6 digits, which is more than what its worth.
IMO if its decent keep it and restore it as you go. Can you do some of the work? If its too far gone give it a home that will restore it (the original owner?).
If you do decide to drive it, it will need more than just new tires. Think about everything that is rubber. Brake lines, chassis bushings, hoses, belts, fuel system et al....
Was it stored in a dry garage or a typical damp rodent ridden northeast garage? The latter will most likely yield a rust bucket half eaten by rust half eaten by mice....
How are the floors, frame, trunk pan, inner rear wheel wells, windshield cowl etc. You need to pull it somewhat apart to thoroughly inspect these areas. Pull the carpet. Remove the chrome under the wipers. Pull up the horrid rubber trunk mat etc. Get it up on a lift for the rest of the inspection. This is what Id do if I was selling or buying it.
Pics of the above areas will help narrow the price range.
Just a few patch panels versus major metal surgery makes a huge difference in metal work cost. Metal could run +20K. Then add all the rest in. Complete restos can easily run high 5 low 6 digits, which is more than what its worth.
IMO if its decent keep it and restore it as you go. Can you do some of the work? If its too far gone give it a home that will restore it (the original owner?).
If you do decide to drive it, it will need more than just new tires. Think about everything that is rubber. Brake lines, chassis bushings, hoses, belts, fuel system et al....
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Photo link 1970 f-85 W-31
here is the link with photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/d5HEHKcsZsPmY2p49
They are not very good, but at least its a visual. Thanks for all the comments.
They are not very good, but at least its a visual. Thanks for all the comments.
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,591
From: Land of Taxes
It actually doesn't look too bad. I see a moldy interior which indicates some dampness. If the underside is a nice as the top you are way ahead of the game. If its solid its a nice start to a solid driver after its made road worthy.
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