[usbajs]

Hi All:
I'm new to this forum and I need some help. A local dealer is selling a 70 GTO and asking $10,000 for it. A friend and I did a quick inspection and some VIN decoding and it appears real and complete. Its got the basic 400 with auto, air and full power. engine compartment is clean and shows evidence of new parts/hoses, etc. interior is in good shape and complete but needs thorough cleaning and new headliner. car needs new paint job, is missing some trim pieces and, my giggest concern, has rust-through in areas on trunk deck under rear window. dealer claims engine/tranny recently redone. odometer shows 118,000. i haven't got it on lift yet but floors appear solid with possible exception of trunk. although its base GTO someone appears to have tried to make it judge clone because it has judge wing and stripes. is price reasonable? how much work/cost am i looking at, especially since most of it will need to be farmed out? thanx!

[70 Dream]

USBAJS, I'm sure most of the guys are much more knowledgeable than me, but this one could have possibilities for 10K . . . .

What does the VIN say? First 6 characters should read 242370 for a HT.

Does info on data plate match the VIN?

Check VIN number on engine (front of block, down low, right side next to timing cover). Should read 20XYYYYYY where X = plant and Y = last six numbers of VIN. Hopefully, it will match the VIN.

Check the cyl head code (S/B 13 for a 400) also check carb code (S/B 7040264) if it's the original QJet.

Check the date codes on the cyl heads, intake man, exhaust man, see if they match build date on data plate.

If all these numbers match, will add a lot of value.

AC adds value - are all the parts there (compressor brackets, hoses, condenser, etc.)? Some of these parts will be a pain to find . . .

What kind of condition is the sheet metal in? will it need extensive body work (besides paint)?

If the brakes, suspension, exhaust are rotten, these will cost $$$ to bring up to speed.

What does wiring look like? Any old, cracked, spliced etc. wiring? Could be a fire waiting to happen.

If you have time, try to post a couple of pictures.

A numbers-matching 70 HT with TH400 and AC could be worth up to 25K.

Good luck . . . .

[usbajs]

Thanks for the info....i'm bringing car into shop i trust later this week to get it on lift and check it closer. So far, it looks complete and original. numbers i see on VIN and data plate appear to match. Dealer claims engine/tranny original and rebuilt but i haven't seen proof yet. i'm also worried about rust through on deck behind rear window. i'll know more soon and keep you posted. so far, dealer says he wants no less than 9k.