Okay, need to decide - Talking out loud.

I think I have definitely ruled out Option 1. Although it looks cool now and won't need bumper transplant or painting "right now," it is the least solid, needs a transmission, and the interior is a little rough.

Option 2 and 3 could be similar in body structure. (will check out opt 2 this weekend) Opt 2 little to prepare for paint. Opt 3 needs to be totally prepped and rust removed.

Opt 2 has 302 and dual exhaust. Opt 3 only has inline 6 (probably 200ci) but has A/C and Power steering.

Note: owner of Opt 2 is a classic car person and a certified mechanic, so he knows what he is talking about (still could be telling me a bunch of ....). Owner of Opt 3 doesn't really know much about cars and engine so all my assessments are my own (scary).

 

Yes, disc brakes were standard in 76. My info shows power brakes were still optional for both 76 and 77 for six-cylinder cars. The 77 info sheet says power disc brakes were required for 302 cars.

 

I misread the sheet, power brakes were optional. Owner says they are power and that is easily verified when opening the hood.

 

Some mechanics can be misleading. I purchaced my car from a mechanic, had his own shop and everything. Turns out my cars a basket case with wires burning and sticking out here and there. Also he clamed the motor was rebuilt. After getting to know him a year later, i found out he never separated the engine and transmission. So how did he rebuild it? He threw a 10 dollar intake gasket on it and clamed he spend 1400 on it. I would have someone that knows alot about motors to talk to this mechanic. No offense to you mechanics out there.

 

Yeah I am sceptical about the mechanic thing, just commented that he knows what he is talking about, but he can still choose to bend the truth. So far this guys has not tried to tell me he spend real money on the car.

 

GREAT........

Just when I get it narrowed down to two, I finally get a return email from this guy.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1863036627.html

Don't know too much about it right now. Sent another email with more questions. The appealing thing is that it would only be a front bumper replacement. Depending on quality of black, no immediate need for paint. Will probably go look at it since it is not too far away.

 

I say go with the most solid, running car, regardless of paint.
Sure your son might not like how it looks at first, but imagine how proud he'll be when he pulls up to school and his formely primed + sanded car is now shiney and mean lookin' turning all the kids heads.

 

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1840012605.html

wasnt that car on ebay awhile back?

 

I am an Automotive Master Technician....so I did not take it personal

 

I am not sure. I didn't see it, but that could have been before my Maverick search. I have met the guy and he seems nice enough. It was fixing to storm so I didn't give it a complete look over, but what I saw was promising. I plan to go back tomorrow morning and get underneath it.

CornedBeef, my dad was a heavy diesel mechanic for 30+ years. There are still plenty of honest ones out there, the fun comes in finding them. Wanna go to Athens, TN with me to look at a car on Sunday