Any opinions on whether or not this is a good deal?

[Nadir(Detroit)]

Hey guys, new to the forum, have been doing a lot of reading the last couple days. Looking to hopefully get into an e9 of my own.

The car i'm looking into is a 74 3.0cs, manual trans. All original, the body is in good shape for the most part, interior as well (seats are good, wood veneer not so much). The car is currently not running, I was told it needs some carburetor work and a new fuel tank. One of the exterior trim moldings around the drivers side window is missing, which caused water to pool into the drivers side floor boards and rust out only that area. All the other rust on the car seems minimal, some very small surface rust.

I was offered the car at $5k.

Still has the original owners manuals and window sticker as well. Was wondering if anyone had any insight as to whether or not this sounds like a good deal. Some pics below, feedback appreciated!

Thanks,
-Nadir

 

[61porsche]

Deal or No Deal?

Deal.

For having been in Michigan, it's a great deal. The car looks pretty clean.

Look carefully for the normal rust places which you know of from here and ask questions.

Thanks for sharing!:-D

 

[craterface]

Fair price

The person who owned my car before I did put in a NOS fuel tank, and I think the cost was 1500-2000, including labor, so check out the price of the part and factor that in. E9 parts ain't cheap. A quick call to La Jolla Independent will tell you how much the tank will cost.
Price seems fair otherwise.
Scott

 

[JhwShark]

Looks worth deep investigation...engine bay has some cleanup ahead, the blower fan looks unique, wires look modified in some places, radiator looks like it has been slightly crushed on the top center, center console is moved. The surface seems ok, it's what is under the covers that needs to be seen. Lots of great parts in any case....I could use an old wood shift nob, and the wheels look OK, good tool kit with red screwdriver for those who like the red ones.

Does the engine turn by hand/crank pulley if the plugs are pulled? If, so do a compression test, what is the color of the radiator fluid, oil...

IMHO, Metal gas tanks can usually be repaired...cleaned, sealed, holes filled... the work is done at radiator shops...
Jon

 

[E911]

it's the rust you can't see...

If this was delivered new to the "rust belt" it's likely to have some corrosion deep in every nook and cranny. Make sure you check out some of the threads about rust repair and where to expect it. I've gotta think this car will have lots in all the usual places so I would budget accordingly.

 

[Honolulu]

+1 to have the car very carefully inspected for hidden rust. Try jacking it up at all four corners (one at a time) and see how much the body flexes; listen for creaks and crushing sounds.

As for the gas tank, I'd get a quart kit of POR-15 gas tank sealer and have that tank fixed up in a day or so. Tank R&R ain't that difficult.

Looks nice if it runs. A little spooky that "stuff" is dangling from under the dash, and likely that a piece of trim is missing there.

Get a chance to look over another coupe, any year, to see what they should look like. Chances are this first one may impress you a little more then.

What is that THING parallel the air intake on the air filter snorkle? Must be a 1974 thing, I've not seen it on older models.

 

[E911]

EGR valve...

What is that THING parallel the air intake on the air filter snorkle? Must be a 1974 thing, I've not seen it on older models.

That's an EGR valve, it's good for cracking heads.

 

[bmw art car]

looks good to me

even got a nice tool kit in there and some red handle screw drivers
as far as the price is concerned, doesn't seem to bad to me.
check for rust in the usual unusual places.

 

[Arde]

I like it, no signs of abuse, I am sure you can negotiate the price just because the car does not run. Originality is getting fashionable again...

 

[blumax]

Having survived Detroit for 11 years

The climate and generous use of salt and chemicals in Detroit whenever it snows must be the most damaging place in the country--at least that was my experience many years ago when I survived Detroit.

That said--on its surface the car appears very original throughout--albeit neglected in the water intrusion department--+3--get it checked for hidden rust in all the usual places. The water intrusion was likely aided by the vapor barrier in the driver door being removed and not replaced when a mechanic repaired a window motor or regulator or even a door brake--that was common practice and when missing the water will find it way into the footwell(s) and will also run to the back floorpan. Does it smell of mold?

In addition to previous accurate comments--you have the metal cover missing that ties the firewall to the lower WS area--it covers the fan motor and provides some desired rigidity to our flexible flyers. From the general appearance of the engine compartment there appears to have been neglect for some time. Yes I'm aware that in your Detroit climate corrosion is rampant. The message several are trying to share is: Corrosion is the killer of these cars so look long and hard at what is being presented--you will have a big challenge to resurect it if sound enough to buy. Detroit is the last place on earth that I personally would look to consider buying an E-9--but you may have found an exception to that reality. Not knowing your budget for an E-9 just be prepared for considerable expense to bring this car to being roadworthy and reliable


We did had a Coupe owner from the Detroit Metro area who shared briefly on our message board a couple of years ago and had a very nice E-9 out in the Nortwest area--I remember speaking with him and complimenting him on both his knowledge of and condition of his restored Coupe--was in Oakland if I recall. if he is still around he would be a really good guy to ask about your find.

Maybe someone on the board rmembers him by name.