Daily Driver Body Wanted
 

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to come up with enuff finances to race my '68 Bracket Bird, regularly. :(

But, I can operate a daily driver. So, I'm considering selling(or trading) my Bird for a CLEAN Pontiac, that I can use to build a decent street/strip car. For now, it'll have to be mostly street.

I can't get into a big complete resto build. So, I need a good clean, fairly rust free car, that needs very little body work, other than paint. The condition of the engine does not matter. I have a good 455. But it would be nice if it had a Pontiac V8 of some sort. That would make it easier to install my 455.

I'll only have about $10k max, to spend on the entire project. So, I don't need some rare valuable model. My 1st choice would be a '69, '71, or '72 Tempest, Lemans, T-37, or GT-37. OR, a '77-'78 non T/A Bird.

BUT, since clean examples of these are probably out of my range, I'll consider other less desirable models. The 1st that comes to mind is a '75-'77 Ventura. Of course, all these cars must be 2-doors, with no vinyl roof.

The next choice is a '78-'81 Phoenix, Lemans, Grand Am, Catalina, or Bonneville. I've just started looking at online pics of some of these models. So, I may find others to add, later on. I'm not in a big hurry. I'm gonna take my Bird to the track, when the weather cools off down here, so I can tell would-be buyers(or traders) what it'll do. I assume it'll run mid 7's or a hair quicker, on our local 1/8 mile track.

This '79 Lemans belonged to Don Himes. This is sorta the look I'm after, with the '78-'81 models. Any help locating the right car will be appreciated. :)

not mine. https://hartford.craigslist.org/wto/5773016764.html

the add reads,

Sure you seen adds ALL ORGINIAL , This is a passed me down auto from relative, from what I did see its missing a chrome piece along with a dent in rear bumper and a cut in front seat.
It's ALL ORGINIAL CAR, from front to back it's all there. I even
have the hub caps , remember it's 1974 Pontiac paint's look fine, you
need to take a look , I say this is the prize in the dark, it wouldn't hurt
to look. But if you do , you will be shocked, now mile's odometer reads 34,836 miles. If interested call 413-682-4281 leave message I will call you back, no call after 8:00PM Please Thank You.

$6250 and willing to talk

Yeah, that looks like a good deal. And, if I can't find what I want, I'll defintely consider a '71-'74 Vent.

However, the reason I didn't mention those year model Vents is because of the rear steer. I'd prefer a front steer model. I've read that beginning in '75, the Vents had the same front subframe as the 2nd gen Birds. If this is correct, I'd prefer a '75-up Vent, with an 8.5 rear.

But THANKS for posting this info ! I really appreciate it ! :)

I also probably need to mention this. Ya'll may have noticed that I did not include the Grand Prix, on my list. Although there seem to be quite a few of these cars still around, I just don't care for their small, centered, grill treatment. I prefer a split grill or wide grill of some kind.

Here's some pics of '75, '76, & '77 Vents.

These are listed here. One of the post is older but might want to make contact.
The stick car with 301 would be a bolt in for a 455.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/5770382811.html
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=784240
If the stick car was priced like the other car I'ld be interested. May still be if it didn't have so much rust. Don't know how hard body parts are to find.

Wanting a car myself
Something I can get in and out of
Too hard to get in and out of the TA and back can't handle sitting in it for any length of time.
Clay

Remind me what part of the country you're in again?

There's tons of stuff out there, and no reason to settle. Look for cars that are 25-30% more than you plan to sell and get your haggle on. Make offers, if they don't bite, walk.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5756193213.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-Le-M...-/191969742654

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-Le-M...-/131936000583

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-Le-Mans-/131938557098

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-GTO-...-/112132450136

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-Gran...m=371736464251

77-81 'birds, 73-75 LeMans/Grand Ams, Venturas, 73-77 GPs, all are 'affordable'. I say stay away from G bodies, 82-up cars in general, and 4 doors. Take your time, and don't just 'settle' because you can't find what you want. Ask people you run across in day to day situations, see if they will sell, can't hurt to ask.

If you're flexible, you can even look at Buicks and Olds, Pontiac engines swap right in. I was looking at Skylarks 2 years ago and found a bunch in great condition for the 3-5k range.

THANKS !
 

Thanks for the links and advice, guys ! :)

That '65 would be an interesting project.

The only '73-'77 A-body I'd consider is a Can-Am. But, I figure a CLEAN C/A body would be out of my range.

And I noticed one thing on one of the cars, that reminds me of the fact that I don't want a vinyl roof, especially a half vinyl, or Landau type.


"...77-81 'birds..."

I'd definitely consider a clean, rust free '77-'78 non T/A Bird, especially a Formula. But, I think a really clean one is too far out there. But, hey, I've been wrong before.


"...If you're flexible, you can even look at Buicks and Olds..."

No thanks. I'm strictly a Pontiac freak. It's gotta have Pontiac wrote on it. Then, I can always change the engine to Pontiac power, if need be. I've been all Pontiac since I saw my 1st ad for the '64 GTO. I'm too old to change now ! :)

You can pick up a 79-81 'bird that's clean in the 3-6k range easy, keep looking. Make good street/strip cars too. Easy to swap a nose for 77/78 too if you wanted.

I get the Pontiac thing, that's me through and through. Even the big cars. Have been forever.

You can clone a Can Am you know. Look at Sobin's build thread if you want a chubby.

Some have gone the Grandville route, nothing wrong with that either, those are affordable.

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"...You can pick up a 79-81 'bird that's clean in the 3-6k range easy, keep looking. Make good street/strip cars too. Easy to swap a nose for 77/78 too if you wanted..."


Yeah, that's a good idea. But, I don't have a '77-'78 nose, and have never done the swap. Maybe I can find one that somebody else has done.

Also, except for the '79 W-72 cars, I'd want a 301, non turbo car, to make the Pontiac engine install a bit easier. A late '70's Bird would have the advantage of having lots of parts available for 'em. Would also be easier to sell, than an X-body, when the time comes.


"...You can clone a Can Am you know. Look at Sobin's build thread if you want a chubby..."

That's interesting. I assume I'd need a real clean & cheap '77 Lemans, since all the correct cloning parts may be pricey, and hard to find. But, I'll check it out.

Of course you don't have the nose, why would you? Or know how to do the swap. But you're a hot rodder, right? Where the problem?

You don't need a 301 car, ANY will do, they are easily interchangeable. Only hiccup is early years, 70-73, because of the back window. You can even change the tail panel 75 up, but you don't HAVE to. (It's your car)

On the Can Am clone, same thing, really all you need is a shaker scoop, you can cut a LeMans hood.

You're making this too hard on yourself, sounds like a low point, you'll get past it. BUT, you ARE thinking, and THAT, is a true hot rodder. Do it better.

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"...On the Can Am clone, same thing, really all you need is a shaker scoop, you can cut a LeMans hood..."


Decided to look up some C/A's. Found this old listing. Car may have sold for around $10k, or a little over. Most other decent ones I've found, are MUCH higher.

http://www.autorestorationice.com/20...ac-can-am.html

Also found a complete C/A shaker assemble for $800+, and a rear spoiler for $400+, on Ebay.

There is also a LH window louver, for $125 shipped, and some other C/A stuff. It seems that most of these old C/A's were parted out, instead of restored.


"...You're making this too hard on yourself..."

No, actually this ain't hard at all. It's a lot of fun, thinkin of possibilities, and seeing what's out there. But, it might be more fun to have plenty of $$ to buy a real good example of a model, then if I didn't like that one, try another model. Hey, when I win the big jackpot, I'll probably do exactly that. :) But, for now, I'll keep on exploring the possibilities, and lookin for possible bargains. Since I'm not in a hurry, a real good deal will probably come along.

Well, I got nearly thru with this post, then lost everything, because I had forgot to plug in the charger on my Chromebook. :(

So, I'll start over. Since this deal is dependent on the sale(or trade) of my bracket car, I may as well give the specs on it, here.

It's a '68 Bird. No title. Not worth putting back on the street. It has sheet metal replacing some of the rusted out floor pan and trunk floor. Has a glass hood with old style flat snorkle scoop. Has all drum brakes, sub-frame connectors, and slapper bars. 12-bolt rear with mini-spool & 4.10 gears. Solid Centerline wheels all around, with short front tires and good 10.8" Phoenix slicks.

Has a TH400, 10" converter, new PST driveshaft, new fuel cell, 2 fresh 34/78 800cca dual terminal batts.

Engine is a '75-'76 455 block, with unported 6x-8 heads, forged rods & pistons, 292 Comp cam/Rhoads lifters, CC roller tip rockers, Torker 2 intake, 750 vac Holley, HEI with MSD rev limiter replacement module, RobbMc 1100 fuel pump with 1/2" line fron cell, Flowkooler water pump, Summit mini starter, 3-tube headers with collector extensions.

Has a flex fan, cheap alum rad, and no shroud. That's about all I can think of for now. The asking price is $10k. OR I'll keep the engine & everything that's bolted to it, and take $5000 for the rest.

It ain't nothin fancy, but should make a decent 1/8 mile footbraker. Should run low to mid 7's, or probably high 11's on a 1/4 mile track. There are several things I'd add or do to it, if I was gonna try to do some serious competitive racing, but it should make a decent pass, as is.

Here are some pics. If anybody wants to see more, I can take more pics. It's right outside under our carport, since I don't have a decent shop now.

Here's one for you. 74 Ventura with a 72 grill.

Yeah, I can live with that. But, if I go with a Ventura, I'd prefer a '75-'77 because of the front steer. The '74 & earlier vents have rear steer.

After lookin at lots of pics, my #1 choice is a '71 T-37 or GT-37. Could live with any '71-'72 Lemans. Of course, I'll insist on 2-doors only. Would prefer hardtop. But would consider a post type.

The Monk King car always looked good and ran good with a 455 HO in it. Saw it run back in the day in Dallas. Even gave them my '72 IHRA class trophies for the same race they won their class in to the guy in Texas that restored it. They were 3' tall and still in my parents house!

"...The Monk King car always looked good and ran good with a 455 HO in it..."


Yeah, a 455HO T-37 was, and may still be the E/SA national record holder.

Yep, still holds it. Lowered it to a 10.54, 7/31/16. :cool:

E/SA 10.54 07/31/16 Scott Underhill - Bedford, NB '71 Pontiac Napan, NB

http://www.nhra.com/points/national-records.aspx

1972 Pontiac Lemans - $10000 (Derby)

FOR SALE 1972 Pontiac Lemans Luxury 46,000 original miles. Original drivetrain. Car has been painted. No rot to speak of. Flowmaster dual exhaust. Selling car only because I have no time for it. Not desperate to sell so no low ball offers please. That being said I am willing to negotiate price. Very clean car, well maintained well worth the money. I do have the original steel wheels with biased ply tires and 3 of the 4 hub caps. Call 203-515-9256

http://nwct.craigslist.org/cto/5776712793.html

Yeah, I could live with something like that.

I've noticed that most of these old cars have a vinyl top. That usually means rust. Green is not my favorite color. But, if everything else is good and the final selling price is low enuff, it could be a possibility.

Thanks for posting it ! :)

I posted my car for sale on several sites today. So, we'll see what happens.

Man that green on the LeMans would take some getting used to for me.
I'm really like the Ventura that Matt posted, that could be a real sleeper!

Ponyakr - What part of the country are you in?

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https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5786748877.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5758661994.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5786480891.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5769393453.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5777583483.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5771753132.html

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/5765123357.html

There's a lot out your way, affordable, drive-able condition.

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