Taylor,
As others have mentioned be very careful with a $500 car. A bargin up
front, but then be very aware of the normal things that go wrong with these
cars and their associated expenses.
Leaky carbs - $200-$400 they normally need more than a "rebuild"
5th gear neutral - $150 parts, need engine hoist to replace
bad syncro's - $$
Worn out ball joints - $500 for the set
Old radiator - $150-$200 for recore
rotted brakes - depending on how many cylinders need to be changed $100-$500
Worn out timing chain/gears/ if not changed if bad say good bye to motor -
$500
Smog dist. or worn out dist $50-$150
The list can go on and on and the items listed above are things that make
the car safe to drive. The cars are very reliable, but if you get
something in the $500 range it will not be a better example of a car.
Don't think that a new paint job and seats will get you a good running car.
I think that many on the list work on their own cars. Partly for the joy
of it, partly becouse it would be too expensive for others to do the work,
partly because it is not so easy to find someone competent to do the work.
So in general you might think that you are buying a life style not a piece
of transportation.
Dana
>fred's right. if you spend $500 on a roadster, you'll easily put in more
than
>$5000. i bought a 2000 two years ago for about $5000 and i've put in at
least
>that much into fixing it - and most of that money wasn't in restoration.
most
>of that money i spent on just the little things that go wrong day to day.
new
>alternator here, new clutch there. it all adds up.
>
>i think everyone on the list just accepts it that we drive roadsters
because we
>love them. not because they're saving us any money. good luck finding the
right
>car for you.
>
>jOn Walker
>68 2000
>LA CA
>
>
>Quoting Fred_Katz@ci.sf.ca.us:
>
>> Hi Taylor,
>>
>> After getting roadsters and working on them, I have next to nothing when it
>>
>> comes to money! The best recommendation I've heard, is to get the best
>> roadster you can for your money. Better to pay big bucks for something that
>>
>> is 90 per cent there. It will be cheaper in the long run. For example, get
>> a 2000 runner in decent condition for $4000 or more. If you get a
>> non-runner for $500 to $1500, it could cost you $4000 or more and may be an
>>
>> endless ordeal.
>>
>> It's your call, and it all depends on how soon you want to enjoy the ride.
>> Bargains can be had, so keep looking for that rough diamond that won't take
>> much
>> to restore. Don't settle for junk. I've been there and done that when I was
>> 16,
>> restoring a junker '56 Chevy.
>>
>> Fred - So.SF
>>
>> ________________________ Reply Separator ____________________________
>> >Subject: <no subject>
>> >Author: BRITT TAYLOR COLLINS <panza@bellsouth.net>
>> >Date: 6/22/99 12:42 PM
>> >
>> >Hello, my name is Taylor. I am 16 and have next to nothing when it
>> >comes to money. I am looking for a 2000 that I could restore but all I
>> >have to offer is $500. I someone could help me out and find something
>> >for me, I would be immensely grateful. I live in Atlanta Georgia and
>> >would be willing to drive to some of my neighboring states if
>> >necessary. Thanks alot, taylor
>> >
>>
>
>
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