[Need some help from knowledgeable folks]

Thanks for all the advice, I ended up not buying that car as I decided (based on comments here) that it would be more work than I wanted to take on.

 

I will keep looking for the car I want.  On that note, it seems that the bucket seat with console is not that easy to find (especially when I have other options that also matter).  Can anyone give me an idea of how hard (and how expensive) it would be to replace the bench seat and column shifter with the buckets and console? 

 

Thanks,

Steve

[Need some help from knowledgeable folks]

Welcome Steve. Your American dollar will get you much more up here in Canada so I will keep a look out up here for you. So you are looking for a big block car in silver with black interior?

Ideally yes...that is what I had in HS...1970, silver with black vinyl top, big block, bucket seats and console shifter 

[Need some help from knowledgeable folks]

LOL! I guess I need to better define what I mean by "investment car".  That term is what I use with the other half to justify spending the money...sorta like "seriously honey, we should buy this car for $22k...it is only going to increase in value.  It is a good investment." 

 

Something that I might add to the already excellent advise is that the term " investment " should probably be a relative term. Very few times will you get out of a car what you put in to it. But if you start with a desirable car then you might not lose much or break even when/if it comes time to sell. I try to have the attitude to just enjoy the experience of working on and owning a classic car. I will let my kids worry about selling after I am gone lol. Having said all of that I am happy that there is one more person out to preserve a First Gen Monte. I wish that they all could be saved but that is not realistic. I am not trying to be a wet blanket but I don't think any of us are here expecting to retire from the fruits of our hobby. Good luck on your search. I hope you find a original big block for pocket change. David 

 

 

A classic car is a much better return on your money than hunting, fishing, or any other hobby or sports you can probably think of.

 

LOL

 

I guess I need to better define what I mean by "investment car".  That term is what I use with the other half to justify spending the money...like "seriously honey, we should buy this car for $22k...it is only going to increase in value...it is a good investment."  For my own purposes I am looking for a car that will provide me with a weekend hobby and pride of ownership (a good investment), price is not really a concern (within reason) if the other half is on board   

 

I really appreciate all of the advise here and have decided that I am going to hold out for a finished (or near finished) 1970 black on silver big block car.

[Need some help from knowledgeable folks]

Wow, thanks for the welcome and all the insight. 

 

One question though, how important is the numbers matching thing to the cars investment value?  There is currently a 1970 Monte on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/272338593627) that is all original (with build sheet and lots of other documentation) except the motor.  The seller claims the motor is a crate engine that was replaced, under warranty, sometime around 1972.  This car is identical to the one I had in HS and looks to be really complete but definitely needs work.  I think this car just needs mechanical and body work to be very nice.  These are things I can do (and enjoy doing) and sense the car is so complete, I wont be burning up a lot of time tracking down parts.  I wonder though how much the non-original motor would that affect the investment value of the car.

 

Steve

[Need some help from knowledgeable folks]

Hello all, 

 

I am new here and have joined because I would like to acquire a 1970 Monte like the one I had 35+ years ago while in HS.  I always loved the car I had in HS and have always wanted to buy one like it and do the things I wanted to do when I was a kid but didn't have the money. 

 

Well, I've grown up a bit and now I would rather buy a project car that can be an investment.  This means I have to select the correct car...this is where I hope the folks here can help me out.  I really don't know much about classic muscle cars but have heard things like "numbers matching", "all original", etc.  I have an idea what those terms mean but I am not exactly sure.  Can someone help me understand the things to look for when trying to buy a project car so when I am done I have a car that will be more likely to appreciate rather than depreciate.

 

Thanks,

Steve