I've always wanted a fastback, and prefer the 65/66 body style. Right now I have a 66 coupe that's getting close to paint, but I know in the end I'll like it, but won't LOVE it like I would a fastback.

It's a 65, 6 cyl 3 speed, in pretty rough shape (not much worse than my coupe, though). The front and rear frames look and feel solid (surface rusted / starting to flake a bit). The floors will need to be replaced (so most likely cowls too), and most of the outer metal will need patching or replacement - wheel wells, lower quarters, lower fenders, doors, hood, etc. The inner fenders / shock towers had minor surface rust, and I didn't see any holes or major problem areas in the engine bay (my coupe was another story). The front and rear valence, trunk lid, and hood were bent up from being banged around, but it didn't look like the car had been in any accidents (or at least, no more than 5-10 MPH). My main concern is the fact that I couldn't crawl all the way under the car to check everything (still on the trailer), and there was definitely bondo on the hood and other areas.

I paid $2800 for my coupe, and while some parts were in better shape, some were also in worse shape. They want $3200 for this one (delivered), and the price is firm. I've seen fastbacks in similar shape up here go for $4500-5000+ (Connecticut), which is the main reason this is tempting.

If I do buy it, the money is just coming out of what I have saved for goodies on the coupe (9" limited slip rear, new heads, etc.) It'll also mean that the coupe will probably be sold off once the fastback is restored.

So, for a 23 year old who already has a car getting closed to finished, who can spare the money for a really good deal, what would you guys do? Would you grab it in a heartbeat or stay clear?

Thanks.

 

I'd want some good pics of the car first. It could be a decent find, or it could be a rotten nightmare.

 

ditto what he said!

 

I wish I had snapped some pictures while I was there. I had my phone on me (grainy, low quality, but better than nothing) and never thought of it.

The outside metal doesn't worry me at all. In the worst case, I can pick up original tooling fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid, valence, etc. and replace what's there. Some of them aren't worth saving, others are iffy.

It didn't look as bad as mine did underneath, but again, I couldn't get all the way under to check everything. It's a BIG project either way, but so was my coupe when I started.

Even a shot-to-hell rusted-to-bits shell would fetch $2500-3000 around here. This one's only a step above that at best, but it has more potential in the end than my coupe does.

The big reason for the hurry is the guy's going to list it on Craigslist tonight, and just wanted to give us a courtesy call first to see if we'd be interested. He does body work himself, and he's been honest with us in the past.

 

As long as you know what you're getting into, and can do body work yourself. Cowl repairs are a severe PITA and will cost upwards of $3k if you farm the job out.

 

Here's some examples of what to expect in this area:

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/1068348690.html
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/1106089690.html
http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/1076193674.html

 

Yeah, we just finished it on the coupe. My girlfriend's father is doing most of the body work - really great guy. He refuses money every time, so I buy power tools, gift cards, etc. instead so he can't refuse it.

It's a tough decision. The money isn't the issue, it's more of the storage, etc. I'm starting to lean away from the idea, though. One project car is probably enough...

 

Well, if it's what you want and you're willing to put the time and money into it, and understand that it's going to take quite a bit of both, go for it. First generation fastbacks are starting to get scarce.

 

I re-read my post (now that it's been an hour, trying to get rid of the excitement hype), and I remembered one last detail that I had previously forgotten:

The driver side quarter panel had a deep dent in it - looked like someone had run something into it. THAT looked like it would be a problem to get rid of. It looked like the dent would have caused all kinds of problems inside the trunk, etc.

In the end, I think I'm going to let it go. It would be REALLY nice to have a fastback, but I'd hate to make it sit in the condition it's in until I get more time. Storage is the other big thing - I'm not going to have room for three cars.

Thanks guys - I appreciate the input.

 

Where are you located in CT?