[BenW84]

I friend just told me he knows a woman who owns a 1969 firebird convertible
she wants to sell but has not given a price. He said it needs quarter panel work and some floor pan work. Has been stored in a garage for 15 years, 400- 4 speed car. What would you guys offer? Thanks Ben

[jcruz]

Not much info to go on -- somewhere around $4,500 if it runs and the PHS docs check out, IMO.

[WallyB]

I have one, body & paint was done (all good metal) when I bought it. I put about $12,000 into interior, chrome, stainless, tires, brakes, exhaust, rad, mechanical & minor engine work and I'm still not finished. Pick a value for a decent optioned car, maybe $25,000 & start deducting the value in expected restoration work. $4,500 maybe a good number if you don't know the car & it isn't running.

[The Boss]

Ben, I'd be interested if you want to pass on it.

Chris

[cblandin]

WallyB is right. Here's the rule you need to follow: If a part looks OK, but you are ultimately going to replace it anyway then there is no sense paying for it. As an example, the interior on my car looked OK...but ultimately, it wasn't good enough for me and I ended up replacing all of it. So in reallity, it was worth no more to me than a ratty torn up interior. My body is mostly straight...except for a few bubbles...which ultimately is turning into multiple panel replacement. One rust bubble can mean - "replace entire panel" and is no different than a panel with signficant damage. It is helpful to have "everything there" however. My car ran and had a decent interior when I boguth it, but I ended up replacing the entire interior, convertible top, front suspension, rebuilding the engine, converting to front disc brakes, and am just now beginning the bodywork...I bought my Bird for $5200, and like Wally I have over $10K into it. People who don't know much about cars are always asking me "What will it be worth when you are done?"...I always tell them "About half what it cost me to get it there!" I figure I'll have $20-$23K in the car, and it will probably be worth about $12K-$15K when I am done. Firebird are less desirable than their Camaro counterparts, and check out what the Camaros are REALLY selling for on say E-Bay (check completed listings...many never get close to the reserves and most seem to be in the $12K-$17K range).

[BenW84]

Thanks for the replys. Going to go look at it tomorrow, will get pics. Thanks Ben

[Ron Landis]

under-estimate values of the early Firebirds. Just sold a '68 400 HT needing total resto...sat for over 20 years. Brought $7500 "Buy it Now" price. Another similar '67 326 HT, nice, but also needed total, $6500..no problem. A 400/ 4-speed ragtop...has to be worth at least $10k unless totally toast!

[1969 Ram Air]

BenW84 - Did you look at the car yet? Hope it's a nice one.

[Karch]

Originally Posted by jegstek

under-estimate values of the early Firebirds. Just sold a '68 400 HT needing total resto...sat for over 20 years. Brought $7500 "Buy it Now" price. Another similar '67 326 HT, nice, but also needed total, $6500..no problem. A 400/ 4-speed ragtop...has to be worth at least $10k unless totally toast!

...and I have been keeping an eye on a local 400/4 speed ragtop (69), I believe #'s matching, and a good driver, for some time. He says "make me an offer".

[JohnnyHorsepower]

I agree that if the car has its original drive line, it is worht closer to 10 than 5.
I personally think the logic of deducting resto costs is flawed.
If a car has its drivetrain and is reasonably solid will be worth 25 when done and it still needs 30 in resto. should the guy PAY YOU 5???

[70ra455]

I know of a '69 ragtop 400 4spd fully loaded and redone to national show quality (almost every available option you could ask for including air cond) and he's in the 70K range for the car. Nice guy (very nice guy actually) but I just don't have that kind of coin no matter how nice the car is. Probably overpriced but not many around anymore. He's not going to get that price if auctioned (in my opinion but who knows?)

Oh well ....

I would be interested in ANY 400 4spd ragtop from '69 if someone has a bead on one they want to pass along.

[70ra455]

I know of a '69 ragtop 400 Ram Air 4spd fully loaded and redone to national show quality (almost every available option you could ask for including air cond) and he's in the 70K range for the car. Nice guy (very nice guy actually) but I just don't have that kind of coin no matter how nice the car is. Probably overpriced but not many around anymore. He's not going to get that price if auctioned (in my opinion but who knows?)

Oh well ....

I would be interested in ANY 400 4spd ragtop from '69 if someone has a bead on one they want to pass along.

[BenW84]

No pics yet but I did go ahead and buy it.
Sent for PHS will update when I get my info from PHS. Thanks, Ben

[WallyB]

Originally Posted by JohnnyHorsepower

I agree that if the car has its original drive line, it is worht closer to 10 than 5.
I personally think the logic of deducting resto costs is flawed.
If a car has its drivetrain and is reasonably solid will be worth 25 when done and it still needs 30 in resto. should the guy PAY YOU 5???

The decucting concept is only a rule of thumb I use after owning 17 cars. Iif you get into a negative value, then walk away or make an emotional purchase, rather than a sensible one. How do you get to $5K or up to $10K? It's only money, you can always make more ....