[Mr. Slice]

Hello all.

Because of my current financial situation, as well as some negotiating with my parents, I'm currently looking at buying a used muscle car as a daily driver. Because I'm only sixteen, and my budget is as low as is feasible, the only things I'm looking (in order of importance) for at the moment are

1. Four wheels (or the places to mount them )
2. V8 Engine (Don't care about carburetor or fuel injection)
3. Manual Transmission
4. Two door as opposed to four
5. Pre 90's and not an econostang.

The current possibilities that seem to stick out in my mind after searching ebay, the listings on hemmings, and glancing at used car dealerships as I was driving by are 80's Camaro/Firebird (Firebirds seem mostly to have manuals, which is a no-no for me) and a mid to late eighties Monte-Carlo. Despite a preference in my family for fords, all the mustangs i've found that do not conflict with number five seem to be far, far out of my price range of five grand or less.

What I need advice on is mostly what to look for at used car lots. What are the big mechanical problems? How prone are they to rust in places that are hard to get to? I'm not afraid of becoming my own mechanic. My dad's in the process of restoring a number of pre 1960's vehicles, so I have him to turn to for advice and tools. However, I feel that the best way to avoid this turning into a nightmare is to be fully aware of what I'm getting into when I'm getting in.

Again, thank's for any advice.

[1982 SS]

Been there, still there, but slowly getting away from it. My car is my '82 El Camino, which would be the same car as the Monte Carlos you are looking at. I bought it when I was 14 and it was solid but needed some help (as all do).

When I was looking for it, it had to be rust free and in solid shape for future upgrades. The only problem with the 78-88 GM's, very few came with a manual trannys. I was looking for a manual too, but with the aftermarket coming on strong for these cars, you can get 5 and 6 speed manual conversions for the G-body. Another plus is that these cars came with front disc brakes that some of your older 60's cars didn't have, so you save a few bucks there. Parts are cheap and can still be had in boneyards.

One other possibility, look into the Buicks. Like the '65 Riviera and the Wildcats of the same vintage. They are some cool cars, but the aftermarket is not there and they can get very expensive to build. As far as I know most came with Automatics.

As always look around and make sure it is all solid. Don't be afraid to climb under the car and look at the floor boards and more importantly, the body mounts. If the body mounts are rusted out, I would reccommend passing on the car as it takes a bit of effort to rebuild a body mount. If nothing else, the more cars you look at, you will find things you like and don't like about each one. Given enough time you find the car that you like. Look at many different cars from a lot of years and you will eventually narrow your search to ones that really do somehting for you.

[Mr. Slice]

Yeah. At this point, even though it goes against my nature, I have all the time in the world to spend looking for this car. Eventually, I'll find it. Untill then, I'm gonna be sticking my head in at the local lots, browse the classifieds every couple of days.

[poncho62]

My advice.....talk ro your dad....and listen to his advice.

80s Mustangs, Camaros, Monte Carlos, el Caminos are NOT muscle cars...........They can be nice fast cars, but are not muscle cars.

[TailGater]

I used to drive a 86 monte carlo, very nice riding car and they look real sharp with just some shiny paint and nice wheels (in my opinion anyways) but poncho is right the're no muscle car. I built a 305 ho for mine with all the usual stuff high compression pistons, mild cam, performer intake, and dual exhaust. It was a lot more fun to drive with the new motor, but its still slower then my dodge neon lol. still have the old car, might have to fix it up and get it back on the road sometime, i'm getting all nostalgic thinking about it

Chris

[tbirdscott]

Originally Posted by Mr. Slice

all the mustangs i've found that do not conflict with number five seem to be far, far out of my price range of five grand or less.

the mustang isnt the only V8 rwd car ford made. 83-88 t-bird or cougar are worth looking in to for something different. the 5.0's didnt come with 5spd's but a t5 and pedals from a stang are easily swapped in. Theyre also fox bodies so alot of the stang parts will swap over with little to no modofication, just a thought

[HemmiGremmie]

Dont be afraid to crawl under it and look around. Check out the frame, floor pans, look for tranny leaks, anything that looks bad.
Interior......Well its not a biggie to figure out.
Engine. Always look at the oil dipstick for clean oil (no water in it) and check the tranny dipstick. Smell it even to see if its been burning. Test drive the car (with the radio off) and listen for clattering, squeeks n noises.
After you bring it back, let it idle while you look around it more to see if it leaks after its warmed up and tosee if it runs hot.
I'll think of more later. Hg

[Mr. Slice]

Alright everybody, Thanks for the advice. This is definately somthing I'm gonna have to spend a long time looking at, particularly in regards to rust in this climate. And yeah, I just looked at horsepower figures for the eighties era cars - not exactly awe-inspiring. Even less so when you consider going with the smaller blocks for gas milage.

[T-bucket23]

Originally Posted by HemmiGremmie

Dont be afraid to crawl under it and look around. Check out the frame, floor pans, look for tranny leaks, anything that looks bad.
Interior......Well its not a biggie to figure out.
Engine. Always look at the oil dipstick for clean oil (no water in it) and check the tranny dipstick. Smell it even to see if its been burning. Test drive the car (with the radio off) and listen for clattering, squeeks n noises.
After you bring it back, let it idle while you look around it more to see if it leaks after its warmed up and tosee if it runs hot.
I'll think of more later. Hg

oine more thing, if you are happy after passing all the above test, take it to a mechanic to put it up on a lift to take a peek. most on charge 25 or so bucks to take a look and it could be well worth it down the road.

[alfa_romeo_0007]

HalloHallo, im really fan of Alfa Romeo. And now asking for your advice...If anybody knows any bad sides of this car, please write here. Thank you for your attention