Nick from Jersey

[65chevelle]

Hey guys,
So I've always been into the good old muscle cars and drag racing. I grew up (18 now) around fast muscle cars and at the track. I can't stand ricers or any import, they're a waste of space IMO, So I've been saving up for my first car and i knew i wanted a muscle car to take to shows and the track. anyways I found a nice '65 chevelle that I'm thinking of buying, I though i would ask here if anyone could help me not get into a project car. I was wondering what to look for in this car? Any places to check for rust besides the obvious places? This car is going to cost me about every penny i have so i really would hate to screw up... here are some pictures of it,


The engine could use some detail work but i would like to replace it with a 454 or some sort of big block.
Thanks,
~Nick

[grandsport]

Hi Nick,welcome! Not the best of pictures,looks like a nice car though.How much is it?

[65chevelle]

Thanks,
He is asking 9500 to much?

[65chevelle]

I am also thinking maybe buy a 71-72 (i really like these too) for alot less and be able to do some of the stuff i want to it. (supercharger,crome up the engine,foose rims) and not be broke?

[shadowgray396]

Welcome Nick, Do you know what the vin is. Is it a original V8 car or a 6 cylinder car? I'm no expert on 65's, but the value will depend on the condition of the car. Is there any rust any where. Buying a 71-72 project car and restoring it can be very expensive. If the 65 needs little work and you can enjoy driving it right away it might be the way to go.
Ray

[grandsport]

IMO,looking at the pictures that sounds like a fair price if it's not full of bondo.

[Highway Star]

You need to really go over the car...like with a comb. Seriously. Look at everything, the frame rails, the floors, the rear sill, the rockers, all that stuff. The car is 40 years old, and if it was garaged the entire time, it would be going for a LOT more than 10 grand. Just make sure that if you're going to spend all your jack on it, that you'll be happy knowing there will be no surprises. And there are always surprises.

You need to get on it, see if it has a posi or not, see what the engine does from a cold start, and what it sounds like, both cold and hot. Check for laks and the obvious stuff.

If you are going to keep the car, like for a long time, it doesn't matter as much what the trim tag says. Restoration guys and collectors can tell you exactly how the car left the factory by the codes on that tag...the one on the firewall/cowl area on the driver's side. If you ever planned to "flip" this car or expect to sell it for a lot of $, it would need to have been a pretty well optioned car, with the original engine, trans, all matching numbers, etc.

If it looks good, go for it and don't look back. If it makes you nervous, run like the wind. Then go home and start looking for another one.


Welcome to the site, by the way...my name's Jake.

[65chevelle]

Thanks guys,
The guy said it is a true SS i was reading up trying to memorize the stuff i want to see on the vin. He did say it's not original engine though bummer... but as long as it's not a crappy replacement out of some junker i'd be fine with it. I'm not planning on flipping it or anything just want a nice old car. I asked about rust and he said there was alittle but he said it wasn't anywhere visible like where i would need to repaint it. He said the paint is excellent. He also told me what needed fix, like the battery is bad and won't restart after turning it off and that the wiring in the dash needs replaced and so do all the gauges. mph,rpm,temp,oil,etc. I'm just scared because i know one little thing wrong and i could be screwed. I'm not expecting a pristine car but he does garage keep it and will only take it out once or twice a month on a sunny day around the block. Not sure how long he's been doing that though. The one thing that's both nice and scary is he said every piece on the car besides the engine is original and never had any body work done. He said he really would love to keep it but he rather someone like me who will enjoy it and drive it. But idk I'm still 50/50 about it.

[Highway Star]

I'm not talking about body rust...more like structural rust. Could be a reeeaal rat's nest behind the dash. Be skeptical and keep yourself from getting attached to it because if you really "want" the car, you won't listen to your conscience sometimes. Ask me how I know.

[65chevelle]

Sorry yah i know what your talking about. like wheel wells, frame, underbody stuff? Like i said i'm still not 100% sure on it, I've been saving for years so hopefully i'll get that feeling if not i'm not going to jump on it. Although i know my dad really likes it but it's not his car!