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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

X2

Happy wife, happy life.

 

Sounds to me like there's only one component that's giving you trouble.

Replace the wife and enjoy the car.

- Eric

 

There's a reason why I'm on my third (wife).

PS, this one's a keeper.

 

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

 

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.

 

Joe, I'm jealous. That is an incredible collection of cars.

 

The sad reality is that it is always cheaper to buy a car that's done than to restore one. Knowing that has never stopped me from acquiring more projects, however...

 

I think i am going to see if anyone else wants this project and look for something nicer. Thanks.

 

Post some pictures for us? My wife told me last night instead of restoring her '72 U code, that she might want another Vista instead.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Thank you for the feedback. I was really questioning if it was worth fixing. Hopefully I can find someone that wants a cool beater and get most of my money back out of it.

 

You put money in and got enjoyment out.

If you try to come close to breaking even, it'll become a lawn ornament...

... And we know how much wives love that.

- Eric

 

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.

 

Recon she would like the fold down rear seat?
For camping purposes you see.

 

Haha, Well as long as ther was anuff head room.

Put-er-ther!!

 

Newly weds... you guys...nice...I remember...barely...

 

Ummmmmmm

 

ouch!!

 

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.

 

You have start somewhere, I see nothing wrong with your price. I would however add some pics of the engine, interior, etc... A rat is basically a running car with a lot of patina or rot.

 

Thanks, I will add some more pictures. I appreciate your explanation of a rat. I wasn't sure how to take it. I really like the car. I just don't see it as a good one to restore.

 

That doesn't seem too far gone. Of course 2 pics can only tell so much about a car. Good luck finding another project.

 

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...

 

Thank you for the advice and insight. I actually just sold it. I appreciate everyone's comments. Maybe I'll find a nicer one someday.

 

If you don't mind, would you share the selling price for posterity?

 

Dam, I didn't get time to look for a pair of ***** n patina pins! Congrats on the sale. I hope you and the wife find something in nice shape without too much repair work.

Eric