Waddahya Think of This MCSS?

[ed1948]

On starting the engine every time, blue smoke from the pipe is seen for 10 to 15 secs. The 305 had a problem, I think, with the stem seals. Is this an expensive deal killer, is it neccesary to correct and does it effect the operation of the engine as far as power output and clogging the cat is concerned?
Do I win the award for most stupidtestes questions from a newby?

 

[ed1948]

Re T Roof - the car I'm looking at has been kept away from rain for most of it's life but obviously been washed when needed. There are traces of rust bleeding at the windshield corners. Is there a non destructive way to examine the hidden metal - in other words, can the seal assembly be removed by the owner for examination and then reinstalled?

 

[ed1948]

Also: If the car has no AC, PW or posi that would reduce the value another $500.

 

[Mr T Type]

Re T Roof - the car I'm looking at has been kept away from rain for most of it's life but obviously been washed when needed. There are traces of rust bleeding at the windshield corners. Is there a non destructive way to examine the hidden metal - in other words, can the seal assembly be removed by the owner for examination and then reinstalled?

Rust starts from The inside out.. so typically you will find that the actual rust is twice the size of what you can see. I know personally the way we tend to rationalize all the problems away when we see a car we really like, but if your skill level will not allow you to fix these issues your self I would find another car. Plus in my opinion the car is priced to high as well. Save yourself the torture! Unless your into that sort of thing hehe.

 

[565bbchevy]

I have to agree with Mr T Type that unless you have the skill level to fix everything on here find something cleaner.
Your list of issues can quickly add up to thousands of dollars if you are paying for the repairs.

 

[lilbowtie]

Where are you located ??

 

[ed1948]

Where are you located ??

Toronto (land of bagged milk)
I'm a do-it-yourselfer(have done mechanical work on my past cars) and not scared of body/chassis work. This SS needs very,very minor chassis attention. (I have automotive OCD) The interior while not needing replacement does need attention. The T top seals and frame need work even though some are renewed a while ago there is a little brown bleeding. I'm sure I can handle the valve seal replacement myself.

 

[clean8485]

I tend to agree with most of the other folks here. If you can afford to buy a car that you know for sure is in good condition, and as rust-free as possible, then that's the best way to go. The rust staining that you're seeing in the T roof areas might just be the tip of the iceberg. In the long run, you're ahead of the game to spend a bit more, to buy a clean car.

 

[565bbchevy]

Even if you can do all the work yourself I am thinking this is still more of a $5000 to $5500 car max.
The t-top area might end up needing replacement panels since the seals look like they haven't done their job in a long time and restoring an interior can become quite costly replacing seat covers, dash pad etc. at least the headliner can be done by you for under $50 in supplies depending on color.

 

[lilbowtie]

The only reason I asked your location Is I helped a friend move an 81 Monte - A true barn find (he wants to sell) which hasn't been out in 20 years, but it's not your SS. I hope you are really nit picking the car your looking at, $7500 is a lot. Don't settle for a car, find the one you want.