Yet another "What's it worth?" thread

[Willowbilly3]

I'm looking at a 66 Toronado and can't find an online price guide, no longer have a subscription to the Old Car Price Guide either.

Here's the basics. It shows 78,000 but could be 178,000. All the history is just yadda yadda right now. It is mostly original, front seat pretty shot, dash pad cracked, nose piece replaced with a different color. One rust spot about 2"x2" at the bottom of the windshield pillar. Some old bondo body work and crackled paint on one front fender, rest of the paint old and faded and trunk lid heavily oxidized. A few of the emblems missing. Engine looks right but they said it has a rust hole in one freeze plug so I haven't heard it run and haven't looked under it. It has fairly new tires, maybe 2 years old but never driven on.

They are asking $1500 but I know they would rock off that some. I'm thinking hit them with about $900 or $1000

What do you all think?

I have no intention to restore it, just get it running and have some fun driving it. Those 425 Olds engines ran like stink, and these old cars would gobble up the pavement.

 

[cosmic12]

Leno has the coolest one around.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...o8HTCQ&usg=AFQjCNHAY8V8eSDFz3BgCsUU1BmafqSyvw

 

[42chevy]

I would hear it run first. Those 425's had steel cranks also. They were 385 horse and 470 torque I think also. I think $1200 is fair I think IF it runs well.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Well, it SOUNDS like a piece of crap. Are you rolling the dice at $900 or $1000 hoping it runs when you get it home? Don't get me wrong, I think it's a cool car, but I'd want to hear it run at any price. Myself, I would offer what I'm willing to pay based on its appearance, overall condition, and it has to run decent. If it does, he has a deal. If not, see ya in the funny papers.

 

[Willowbilly3]

Yeah, I definitely want to hear it run before I make a comittment. Also the freeze plug thing has me a little concerned. He said it rusted through but maybe it froze??!!
Here's the ad
http://rapidcity.craigslist.org/cto/2748548146.html

 

[RPM]

Yea and if that soft plug behind the flywheel is rusted thru then the engine has to come out. Buyer beware

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

Yeah, I definitely want to hear it run before I make a comittment. Also the freeze plug thing has me a little concerned. He said it rusted through but maybe it froze??!!
Here's the ad
http://rapidcity.craigslist.org/cto/2748548146.html

Yeah, it could be ugly. I honestly don't know why they call them freeze plugs. I've seen dozens of cracked blocks that never pushed out a plug! That said, I've seen plenty of rusted out plugs because they're in a location susceptible to road salt. Maybe pour some fluid in it and see if the leak is obvious.

Regardless, this thing is a hard sell. Chances are good you'll have to pull the engine to replace the plug or plugs.

Suddenly, this beauty queen has become a 400 lb 12 donut eating pig.

 

[maverickmk]

I agree with what the good doctor says. If you really want it, I would offer $500.00. If you need to pull the motor to replace some freeze plugs - at best - it's not a 2 hour job. Worst case scenario, the block is cracked. It is a cool looking car, but the reality is it's an old car and will probably need a lot of work (read money) just to get it road worthy. Just my $.02.

 

[bob w]

They're core plugs. Gotta get the foundry sand out somehow. Sorry for the o/t comment.

 

[Old Iron]

The key statement is "very motivated seller"
The way I do it is, I'm polite and just tell them without hearing it run and the possible chance the block is cracked I'm willing to give you scrap price that way I can recoup most of my money at worst case scenario.
This is a no harm no foul way


Jim

 

[CR55]

I agree with doc and ol iron, but you need to be tactful and not upset the owner because as we all know, the car they are trying to sell you is a classic and has sentimental value and blah blah blah!!!! Good luck WB. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Willowbilly3]

I offered $700 and they took it.
First I'll see if they were telling the truth about it just needing a freeze plug and fuel pump (doubts) Then probably take a run at selling it on ebay for a profit. If it does run, it might be fun to just flat black it, drop the torsion bars and have an evil Torosaurus to bomb around in.

 

[earthman]

If it does run, it might be fun to just flat black it, drop the torsion bars and have an evil Torosaurus to bomb around in.

Now yer talkin' WB