Wanting to buy a late 80's SS
 

...and I need some information. What are common issues that develop over time with these vehicles that I should be investigating before making a purchase.

I seen one yesterday ($1500) that was totally rotted through, frame, core support, and underbody.. plus no floor.

My only thing, i'd like a purple t-top ss, all original (running or not) with a solid body (or minor work)

What could I expect to pay?

Thanks,
Mike
lordmike012@hotmail.com

Hello Mike. There is an '84 for sale right now in WV, appears to be in good shape. $2,500.
I looked at an '84 near here last week. Nice car, but too girly (SS = "Super Sexy" painted on the sides). That was I believe $8,200. Too much, but solid car.

Look at Craigslist. I see them there all the time. Maybe you will find what you need there. Even if its the wrong color, you can always get it painted. Just a thought.

those SS guys always want more for those cars than what they're really worth (I was one!) you're already familiar with the problematic rust areas, so try to find one in the deep south or out west, away from the rust belt. try to find an '86 or up because that's when the interior got a nice update. they didn't come in purple, but they did come in that funky burgendy. I wouldn't pay more than $10,000 for one. if I remember correct, they stickered at about $15,000 when new, a decade and a half ago!

oh for certain, i'm looking for a project, just not a frame off rest. I checked out a car yesterday just north of toledo, OH. it was described as having 'minor surface rust'

I arrive, pop the hood, and immediately pop my finger through the core support, rocker panels, and quarter panels (near rear tire) the floor was completely rotted (obvious by the half inch of black mold on the carpet) and the interior was completely thrashed

it ran (but was blowing smoke), went into gear. the guy wanted $1500 for it. I laughed and walked away. I've bought nicer trans ams / cutlass' for under the 400 mark that were ready for sanding/primer with mint interiors at auction, but never a true ss.

I live metro detroit. hide your eyes if you are sensitive to laughter.. and this is the common monte in detroit.

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03m73...81ff96137f.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n83m13...ccf1a9114b.jpg

:eek:

people pump 15k into these things thinking they got something and want 10k plus for these cars. IMO, if you think this looks good, stick to selling crack and give away your driver's license to somebody who will use it properly.

/rant

is it common for shells of these cars to be selling for 4000 + needing at least 3 years commitment of work and overhaul to make decent and "respectable" looking?

hahahahahahah lmao nice post there buddy...

but seriously late 80s montes are beautiful... you can find one for about 2000 down here that is still in running order... i see them here and there down in new orleans, mostly in covington though (across the lake). . . i will keep my eye on craigslist for you if you want if you don't mind shipping it..

i'd appreciate it!

okay i am trying to see if this guy is selling or not... he has a 1986 Monte SS with a 350 in it... he hasn't done much work to the 350 itself but he has headers and a new intake manifold on it (TPI)... uhmm i believe he has a cold air induction system and new plugs/wires not sure how many miles are on the motor... i gotta make sure he is serious about selling because my buddy is the one who told me about it (it is his neighbor). i will shoot over there this afternoon and see if its for real or not... just keeping an eye out, don't get your hopes up please...

Mikky


edit: no not for sale sorry, he said maybe after his son is born in july...

good luck in the search, and don't get discuraged... it took me a year to mind my 88, eventually went to southern PA, but i think it turned out to be a great deal.

im 16 and for my first car i got an 87 monte carlo ss in silver it just needs some very minor work.. interior is fine has 1 tiny rip but its un-noticeable my dad is in the autobody buisness so im getting a free paint job which is the only thing it needs along with refurbished rims...but the rims arent bad i just want them to look like new paid 5k for it and i love it no rust at all and it was owned by 1 owner who my dad knows from high school...car was in new jersey since it was taken out of the factory lol :)