1971 Lemans possible purchase

petveedub · 02-17-09, 08:35 PM

Hello,

I've found a 1971 Lemans (350 engine and automatic) locally that I'm looking at getting. It is really straight and solid except for the rusted battery tray and the drivers side front fender is damaged. It has been sitting for about a year and a half, since the owner put it outside to bring his '68 mustang project into his shop(why a ford would take precedence over a Lemans I don't know). He seems sincere and says it was running and shifting well upto that point. Supposedly the original owner also had the engine rebuilt and a mild cam added not long before the current owner bought it. The front and rear windshields have both been professionally resealed and retain the original glass. They were leaking so all the carpet has been removed and will need to be replaced. Also, all A/C equipment as well as the heater core have been removed by the original owner for the HP gain. He is asking $3500, but I'm sure I can get him to $3000 or better as he needs to sell it before a move to Pennsylvania.

I will need to replace the battery, change the oil, change the trans fluid, repair/replace brakes, clean fuel tank, replace fuel lines, flush radiator, replace air filter (and other tune-up stuff), maybe rebuild carb, put a little oil in the cylinders, replace tires (the tires actually look great, no weather cracking or anything, but they've been sitting with the car this whole time), check electrical and suspension, get it inspected, insured, and registered. Also, I will check valve clearance, and then I should be able to start her up. I know I really don't have to do all of that just to start it, but with my OCD personality I will feel better if I do.

I know it is hard to say without seeing it, but how does it sound price wise. Also, did I forget anything before I could fire her up, or better yet how would you do it.

Thanks,

Billy

FireBrdRestorer · 02-17-09, 08:40 PM

$3,000? Buy it! That will make a nice little cruise car or driver.

KingBuzzo · 02-17-09, 08:53 PM

you got a pretty good list of deficiencies there...maybe you could do better...lowball?

how many miles on that rebuild?

petveedub · 02-17-09, 09:31 PM

Hello,

Sorry I put this in the lounge first before I saw this forum which seems to be a better place for it.

I've found a 1971 Lemans (350 engine and automatic) locally that I'm looking at getting. It is really straight and solid except for the rusted battery tray and the drivers side front fender is damaged. It has been sitting for about a year and a half, since the owner put it outside to bring his '68 mustang project into his shop(why a ford would take precedence over a Lemans I don't know). He seems sincere and says it was running and shifting well upto that point. Supposedly the original owner also had the engine rebuilt and a mild cam added not long before the current owner bought it. The front and rear windshields have both been professionally resealed and retain the original glass. They were leaking so all the carpet has been removed and will need to be replaced. Also, all A/C equipment as well as the heater core have been removed by the original owner for the HP gain. He is asking $3500, but I'm sure I can get him to $3000 or better as he needs to sell it before a move to Pennsylvania.

I will need to replace the battery, change the oil, change the trans fluid, repair/replace brakes, clean fuel tank, replace fuel lines, flush radiator, replace air filter (and other tune-up stuff), maybe rebuild carb, put a little oil in the cylinders, replace tires (the tires actually look great, no weather cracking or anything, but they've been sitting with the car this whole time), check electrical and suspension, get it inspected, insured, and registered. Also, I will check valve clearance, and then I should be able to start her up. I know I really don't have to do all of that just to start it, but with my OCD personality I will feel better if I do.

I know it is hard to say without seeing it, but how does it sound price wise. Also, did I forget anything before I could fire her up, or better yet how would you do it.

Thanks,

Billy

pack69gto · 02-18-09, 01:47 AM

I would put the key in the iginition and start it right were it sits before i bought it,shouldnt have to do all that if its only been sitting a year and half and is suppose to be rebuilt?And if the tires arent all weather checked why change?

Mr. HARDCORE · 02-18-09, 01:57 AM

For once I agree with Gordy, and he's not even on the MOON tonight.

pack69gto · 02-18-09, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.X.

For once I agree with Gordy, and he's not even on the MOON tonight.

Just seems like a big list when the guy is telling you it ran fine when parked.

hrtbt_1 · 02-18-09, 06:55 AM

I agree, and if it starts and drives then buy it, it sounds like a good enough deal.

Scruffy · 02-18-09, 07:45 AM

Yup, check the oil levels, bring a lil jug of fresh gas, pour a lil in the carb, fresh battery an hit it

mrpontiac65 · 02-18-09, 10:24 AM

I agree put a little gas in it and fire it up, all the other stuff is just what you might look for or check out anyway before you hit the road.

Poison Heart · 02-19-09, 02:32 AM

Sounds like a good deal in the 3K range. All the stuff you listed sounds like normal old car stuff to me. 3K is not bad for a running car, especially an old lemans