Advice Needed on buying a muscle car

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 09:31 AM

about $12,000 coming this spring and that's what I want. Tesla and I are going to seriously make pimping it an ongoing hobby n save for a second one for her. what's hot? what's not? anyone else into muscle cars out there?

M.J.H. · 11-06-2004, 10:37 AM

You can get a used Mustang for that price, used Camaro, and a lot of others bud. What do you like? I personally would recommend a Honda Prelude, because I have one. But that's just me!

cappo5150 · 11-06-2004, 11:59 AM

I would go with a '69 Chevy Nova or a '70 Mustang Boss 302

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 12:02 PM

Two schools of thought ... calssic or modern. Start from there then we can help you out a bit more.

min0 lee · 11-06-2004, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonStar

You can get a used Mustang for that price, used Camaro, and a lot of others bud. What do you like? I personally would recommend a Honda Prelude, because I have one. But that's just me!

Rice mobiles are not muscle cars.

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 12:42 PM

That was my gut reaction too Mino ... but people's views vary

Du · 11-06-2004, 12:45 PM

LAM · 11-06-2004, 12:45 PM

I am partial to late 60's GTO's, Chargers, Road Runners, Cutlass, etc...

GSXR750 · 11-06-2004, 12:53 PM

Get a late model Trans Am / Camaro (LT1 / LS1). The f-bodies are a lot of fun, you won't regret it.

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 12:55 PM

'69 engines had the greatest stock pony-power because of their bore & stroke. Mix that with the best handeling packages of the era and you get an awesome stock car to start your build with IMHO.

Joe Rogan of Fear Factor fame had a 'Cuda built with a 527 hemi cranking out 700 horse power. He screwed up by not allowing Foose's vision to become the finished car though.

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 02:46 PM

I like the old mustangs, saw a cuda I liked at college n a nice charger the other day. I'm a girl guys so more likely to fall for a cars looks then ask about performance. I know that's sad but it's true. Pics anyone and I like the idea of getting a car from the year '69 but wouldn't let that sell me.

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 02:49 PM

yep this is hot

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 02:51 PM

That helps a lot. Looks are what you need more than shear performance. At $12,000 you can do well with little extra work needed from that stock look to drive a nice looking classic muscle car. If something local is not to your likeing than keep your searches in areas more southerly to avoid snow and salt. Less bondo work that way.

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 02:53 PM

What part of the country are you in RG?

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 02:57 PM

I know this is above budget but had to post ... it looks fine. Look at www.craigslist.com for something in your taste.

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 03:02 PM

Maine, horrid for car bodies but Matt does body work and engine work n is willing to teach us and be patient with our fancies for $2,000 tire packages and girlie paint jobs. Plus he'll work for food. Maine has a stupid law that you can't use lift kits or bigger tires than manufacturers recommend.

milliman · 11-06-2004, 03:07 PM

69 was a hot year.
You don't have to deal with smog and the price is not going to go down if you resell it later either (like it does with a new car). It will probably increase.

Decide how many seat you want first, 2 or 4, then it cuts down your choices.

I am going to do the same thing, except with kids I need more than 2 seats.

My heart is with a 69 corvette, but the seats are the problem. So I am looking at a 69 or 70 Camaro or Chevelle. Cuda's look great, but are priced real high. So is anything with a big block engine. (this means power )

Here are some samples

**Mudge** · 11-06-2004, 03:09 PM

My personal choice would be a 68 Camaro. 2 grand for wheels and tires to me is actually expensive, but I usually go for OEM wheels. 4th generation Camaro wheels can fit on the first gens, meaning 17x9.5" which allows for a 275-40, plenty of rubber for a low 3k pound classic compared to those old 14x6" steelies. Plus they are lightweight and strong, around 23 pounds each.

Sumitomo HTRZ or something similar 300 treadwear or below, ZR or better, yada yada.

You will want to fix the front end geometry of almost any classic, because they steer like tugboats. A modern day dually pickup steered tighter than my 69 Firebird, I almost can't make a 2 lane U turn without my right foot.

I LOVE C3 Corvettes, but without work they are not flexible on big wheel/tire packages at all. My favorite year would probably be a 69, and they dont come cheap.

If I had to choose, I'd prefer a pig ugly Nova with crappy weight distro over a Chevelle. I just never liked those cars

They look good but I'd never own one.

milliman · 11-06-2004, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockgazer69

Maine has a stupid law that you can't use lift kits or bigger tires than manufacturers recommend.

Bad law. Really bad law. Really really bad law

Maine weather is also bad on bodies of old cars. Lots of rust.
Be really careful if you buy a car up that way.

**Mudge** · 11-06-2004, 03:12 PM

Bigger tires than fit the wheel ARE bad. Bigger tires than the car originally had, is a totally different story.

A 255 wide on an 8" wheel for instance, is horrible. A 235 or 245 will actually perform better, I've proved it to myself. Sidewall strength is important if you want real handling prowess. Contact patch will not go up appreciably when the tire is too wide for the wheel, and you will wear the center quickly.

Lift kits on CARS are stupid. Too many people can't drive with them apparently anyway. I dont slam my cars, but I like to stick to the ground. Removing more weight off the rear is the last thing you want to do in a rear wheel drive car.

Formula 1 cars have about 65% of their weight on the rear.

milliman · 11-06-2004, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I LOVE C3 Corvettes, but without work they are not flexible on big wheel/tire packages at all. My favorite year would probably be a 69, and they dont come cheap.

Near and Dear to my heart.
Well, maybe not near since I don't have one. Yet ! ! !
When the kids are out of the house, look out . . .

**Mudge** · 11-06-2004, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milliman

Near and Dear to my heart.
Well, maybe not near since I don't have one. Yet ! ! !
When the kids are out of the house, look out . . .

There is a local guy with a really nice one, I will see if I can dig up the pix by the end of the day.

BoneCrusher · 11-06-2004, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

My personal choice would be a 68 Camaro. 2 grand for wheels and tires to me is actually expensive, but I usually go for OEM wheels. 4th generation Camaro wheels can fit on the first gens, meaning 17x9.5" which allows for a 275-40, plenty of rubber for a low 3k pound classic compared to those old 14x6" steelies. Plus they are lightweight and strong, around 23 pounds each.

Sumitomo HTRZ or something similar 300 treadwear or below, ZR or better, yada yada.

You will want to fix the front end geometry of almost any classic, because they steer like tugboats. A modern day dually pickup steered tighter than my 69 Firebird, I almost can't make a 2 lane U turn without my right foot.

I LOVE C3 Corvettes, but without work they are not flexible on big wheel/tire packages at all. My favorite year would probably be a 69, and they dont come cheap.

If I had to choose, I'd prefer a pig ugly Nova with crappy weight distro over a Chevelle. I just never liked those cars

They look good but I'd never own one.

The corvette was is one of my favorites Mudge ...

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 03:23 PM

It'll be a hobby-show car not main transportation so two seats would be fine. Tesla is only 13 so by the time she's ready to drive her's should be ready. Power is not the most alluring thing about these cars when you are a mom planning to put your kid in the drivers seat but without it what's the sense. I'm hoping the work and money to fix them up will make her drive it like an egg. Good luck right.

milliman · 11-06-2004, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

The corvette was is one of my favorites Mudge ...

BC, this is may favorite in Lemans Blue with the big block hood.

I am trying to keep from drooling on my key board.

There is something about chrome on a car that looks great.
hardly ever see it today though.

Probably out of Rockies price range though. This is probably around 40 - 50 K with the big block in that condition.

Little Wing · 11-06-2004, 03:55 PM

There's one of these (73 Javelin) down the road I could get cheap and fix up. I really like it .

11-06-2004, 09:31 AM	#1
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	Advice Needed on buying a muscle car BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com about $12,000 coming this spring and that's what I want. Tesla and I are going to seriously make pimping it an ongoing hobby n save for a second one for her. what's hot? what's not? anyone else into muscle cars out there?

11-06-2004, 10:37 AM	#2
M.J.H. Obsessed Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Delaware Posts: 3,587 Photos: 12	You can get a used Mustang for that price, used Camaro, and a lot of others bud. What do you like? I personally would recommend a Honda Prelude, because I have one. But that's just me!
	Stats! 23 years old, 5'11.5", 206 lbs., ~8% bodyfat 380/455/655 bench/squat/deadlift (current) 405/495/675 bench/squat/deadlift (goals) The M.J.H. Chronicles

11-06-2004, 12:45 PM	#7
Du Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 4,088 Photos: 5	Gto
	My IronMag Journal

11-06-2004, 12:45 PM	#8
LAM Gym ratt/Part-time pimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 7,384 Photos: 2	I am partial to late 60's GTO's, Chargers, Road Runners, Cutlass, etc...
	Dumbest statement made in the Anabolic Zone for Nov TBD ----------------------------------------------------- What you talking about Willis ?

11-06-2004, 03:07 PM	#17
milliman Pull up master Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Diego, Calif Posts: 386	69 was a hot year. You don't have to deal with smog and the price is not going to go down if you resell it later either (like it does with a new car). It will probably increase. Decide how many seat you want first, 2 or 4, then it cuts down your choices. I am going to do the same thing, except with kids I need more than 2 seats. My heart is with a 69 corvette, but the seats are the problem. So I am looking at a 69 or 70 Camaro or Chevelle. Cuda's look great, but are priced real high. So is anything with a big block engine. (this means power ) Here are some samples
	Quitters never win, and winners never quit ! ! ! Who says big guys can't do pull ups ? Wide grip, behind the neck: . 37 @ 182 lbs . 33 @ 198 lbs

11-06-2004, 11:59 AM	#3
cappo5150 Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 2,318 Photos: 1	I would go with a '69 Chevy Nova or a '70 Mustang Boss 302

11-06-2004, 12:02 PM	#4
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	Two schools of thought ... calssic or modern. Start from there then we can help you out a bit more.

11-06-2004, 12:42 PM	#6
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	That was my gut reaction too Mino ... but people's views vary

11-06-2004, 12:53 PM	#9
GSXR750 Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 917 Photos: 4	Get a late model Trans Am / Camaro (LT1 / LS1). The f-bodies are a lot of fun, you won't regret it.

11-06-2004, 12:55 PM	#10
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	'69 engines had the greatest stock pony-power because of their bore & stroke. Mix that with the best handeling packages of the era and you get an awesome stock car to start your build with IMHO. Joe Rogan of Fear Factor fame had a 'Cuda built with a 527 hemi cranking out 700 horse power. He screwed up by not allowing Foose's vision to become the finished car though.

11-06-2004, 02:46 PM	#11
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	I like the old mustangs, saw a cuda I liked at college n a nice charger the other day. I'm a girl guys so more likely to fall for a cars looks then ask about performance. I know that's sad but it's true. Pics anyone and I like the idea of getting a car from the year '69 but wouldn't let that sell me.

11-06-2004, 02:49 PM	#12
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	yep this is hot

11-06-2004, 02:51 PM	#13
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	That helps a lot. Looks are what you need more than shear performance. At $12,000 you can do well with little extra work needed from that stock look to drive a nice looking classic muscle car. If something local is not to your likeing than keep your searches in areas more southerly to avoid snow and salt. Less bondo work that way.

11-06-2004, 02:53 PM	#14
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	What part of the country are you in RG?

11-06-2004, 02:57 PM	#15
BoneCrusher Lift or Die Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 8,342	I know this is above budget but had to post ... it looks fine. Look at www.craigslist.com for something in your taste.

11-06-2004, 03:02 PM	#16
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	Maine, horrid for car bodies but Matt does body work and engine work n is willing to teach us and be patient with our fancies for $2,000 tire packages and girlie paint jobs. Plus he'll work for food. Maine has a stupid law that you can't use lift kits or bigger tires than manufacturers recommend.

11-06-2004, 03:09 PM	#18
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,966 Photos: 1	My personal choice would be a 68 Camaro. 2 grand for wheels and tires to me is actually expensive, but I usually go for OEM wheels. 4th generation Camaro wheels can fit on the first gens, meaning 17x9.5" which allows for a 275-40, plenty of rubber for a low 3k pound classic compared to those old 14x6" steelies. Plus they are lightweight and strong, around 23 pounds each. Sumitomo HTRZ or something similar 300 treadwear or below, ZR or better, yada yada. You will want to fix the front end geometry of almost any classic, because they steer like tugboats. A modern day dually pickup steered tighter than my 69 Firebird, I almost can't make a 2 lane U turn without my right foot. I LOVE C3 Corvettes, but without work they are not flexible on big wheel/tire packages at all. My favorite year would probably be a 69, and they dont come cheap. If I had to choose, I'd prefer a pig ugly Nova with crappy weight distro over a Chevelle. I just never liked those cars They look good but I'd never own one.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

11-06-2004, 03:12 PM	#20
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,966 Photos: 1	Bigger tires than fit the wheel ARE bad. Bigger tires than the car originally had, is a totally different story. A 255 wide on an 8" wheel for instance, is horrible. A 235 or 245 will actually perform better, I've proved it to myself. Sidewall strength is important if you want real handling prowess. Contact patch will not go up appreciably when the tire is too wide for the wheel, and you will wear the center quickly. Lift kits on CARS are stupid. Too many people can't drive with them apparently anyway. I dont slam my cars, but I like to stick to the ground. Removing more weight off the rear is the last thing you want to do in a rear wheel drive car. Formula 1 cars have about 65% of their weight on the rear.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

11-06-2004, 03:23 PM	#24
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	It'll be a hobby-show car not main transportation so two seats would be fine. Tesla is only 13 so by the time she's ready to drive her's should be ready. Power is not the most alluring thing about these cars when you are a mom planning to put your kid in the drivers seat but without it what's the sense. I'm hoping the work and money to fix them up will make her drive it like an egg. Good luck right.

11-06-2004, 03:55 PM	#26
Little Wing SEMPER~FIDELIS Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: United States Posts: 20,827 Blog Entries: 1 Photos: 191	There's one of these (73 Javelin) down the road I could get cheap and fix up. I really like it .