I'd like some opinions from experience Mav owners. I'm thinking about buying a '76 4-door that I found on CL. Seems to run/drive well (having a mechanic look at it Thursday), and the interior is nice. Exterior is another story - quite rusty overall...one rusted out hole that I noticed in the hood...no major dents or anything, though. I have VERY limited experience working on cars. Is it wishful thinking that I can strip and re-paint the exterior to make it look nice? How much would it cost in the end? I've heard estimates ranging from $300 to at least $1000. Any opinions appreciated, thanks.
It is all according to where you live, and if you want a show car or driver. Shop around in your area and look at their previous repair and paint jobs.
I don't exactly want a show car, just something loud that I can cruise around Minneapolis for the next few summers. I wouldn't be able to get a DIY paint job done for under 1k?
I'm not really looking for a show car, just something loud to cruise around Minneapolis in the summertime. Knowing that, I wouldn't be able to get a DIY paint job done for under 1k?
Keep looking! Rust cars are for those "in/been in" the body repair trades or someone who really know what there doing. Those folks know what to passup. You don't have any/little exp. w/ cars - PASS- KEEP LOOKING...
Rust repair is stupid-expensive, and you should never buy a 4-door unless you plan to use it for parts.
x2!....Agreed!..... As others have stated, may be best to keep looking.... however only you know whats best for yourself and your wallet..... from Stone Mountain, Ga!
I posted a reply w/picture, looks like it has to be approved by a mod first... Thanks for the advice everyone - I know you all have a lot more experience than me! I would, however, actually prefer something that needs work (summer/fall project). And if the price is right ($500) would it not be a valuable learning experience? I mean, how did you guys get your start with older/classic cars? Maybe I'm just trying to hard to convince myself? Keep the replies coming - thanks!
Approved .......... I have a general rule on rust and I consider it the 1st law of car restoration - "visible rust is only 20% of the actual rust on a car" If you see a hole that is the size of a dime - it will be the size of a half dollar once you hit it with a wire wheel or coarse pad on a DA. Think of this rule anytime you are judging how much work there is on a body. And remember that these are uni-body construction cars. Once rust gets into the frame rails and torque boxes, the amount of work needed to repair goes way up and safety beside cosmetics now comes into play. Now I agree with all the guys that are saying run away.... UNLESS, as you really want to get your feet wet and see what doing a bit of body work is like. It is good to learn on a crappy car first. And $500 invested would not be bad as long as the car is mechanically sound (brakes, tires, engine runs good, tranny shifts right, ect). If you need to start throwing money into mechanical repairs - it is not worth it. You can learn a little at a time working on small areas - don't tear into it all in one big bite. There are DVD's on bodywork out there to learn from. Just remember your using this as a beater to learn on and yes, using a budget welder, fiberglass and bondo - plus a $300 paint kit from Trinity, you could learn a lot for $1000. Any grander plans for making it really nice, will cost way way more than $1000.
After looking at the pic, I would run far away from that car. If you want a 4 door there are nice ones that pop up often either here, craigslist or ebay.
you will also need to price in the ...body working tools and supplies... if you are wanting to get experience, find an old hood or trunk lid and fix it. keep track of the time and money spent on that...you will be surprised...you will also need a place to do it... hard part about body work for me...it takes a lot of time.
