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Old 08-28-2003, 01:01 AM   #1
samandiar
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Cheap muscle cars

Hello, anyone have any idea what some of the cheapest muscle cars are? I saw a 71 duster for $1250 in a classified ad, dunno how fast it was, just a standard 318.

Anyhoo, I'm looking to get a muscle car, and i have very little money, so are there any decent muscle cars that arent popular for some reason and are cheap?
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Old 08-28-2003, 01:43 AM   #2
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Well, if you saw a Duster for less than $1300 then theres a good bet it's not going to be fast. Probably going to be a beater, and thrashed with a billion miles on it.

But nothing says you can't buy a beater and refurbish it and make it faster than greased lightning.

Cheap muscle car? Well, all Muscle cars these days can be found cheap, you've just gotta have the cash handy and watch carefully. Cause the cheap ones go quick.
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Old 08-30-2003, 03:21 AM   #3
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Cheap muscle cars

I agree. Usually, cheap means junk. But every once in a while, a decent one comes up for sale and you have to be ready with the cash. If you want cheap, avoid the popular cars like Chevys and Pontiacs. Stick with the sleepers. Buick and Oldsmobiles are similar to Chevys and Pontiacs for a lot less money. And don't forget Fords (besides Mustangs which are way overpriced). Just keep your eyes open.

Also, remember that mechanical problems can be fixed, but a busted up body or interior is tough to restore.
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Old 08-31-2003, 08:04 AM   #4
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there are a lot of cheap projects to be had if you`re willing to travel. I`m always seeing a mustang here or there for a small sum. Parts are everywhere for these cars which keeps the cost of restoring one a lot cheaper than say a 66 ford galaxie which most have rotted away. I`d stay away from the "rare" fixeruppers. Parts are almost nonexistent and cost a fortune. so unless you have a very large checkbook i`d stick with a vehicle that has parts either currently being reproduced or good parts that could be had in a salvage yard.
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Old 09-08-2003, 12:45 AM   #5
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muscle cars

well i live in cali and cheap muscle cars are a dime a dozen out here but i bought my cars for both under a thousand bucks and they are both in beautiful shape! my chevelle is a 67 SS NO body rust NO bondo With Engine AND Transmission ran strong when i bought it and runs stronger to this day after i put a bbc in it. I bought that for 500$ and the other is a 74 camaro 350sbc but it ran strong with engine and tranny! that i got for 100$. well ran strong until my dad ecided it needed to be "tuned up" today and he ended up taking a hammer to the drivshaft and tranny....so thats gonna be down for a while. But ya bro just keep your eyes open and don't overlook anything itll pay off. oh and don't not look at a car because it "out of you price range" because your a teenager and alot of guys will knock off dollars if your serious about working on the car just let them know you know what your looking for and that your strapped for cash. Keep your eyes open sumpthin good will come along!

my favorite muscle is the first body style GTO, before they got all boxy and ugly. either way their all fast so it doesn't matter. if one of those comesup u can afford snag it itll be worth a bit when your older!
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Old 09-11-2003, 05:33 PM   #6
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Parts

Also consider where you will get the parts. Catalogs are great, but you have to pay for shipping, which can get downright expensive. See what kind of salvage yards are nearby and what cars they have in there. Also, try to buy a car with a lot of interchangeable parts with other cars.
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Modifications: 430 4bbl. V8 (from a '68 Riviera), Stage 1 spec Carb, headers, 2 1/2" exhaust, transmission shift kit, and column tachometer - to name a few ...
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Old 09-11-2003, 07:41 PM   #7
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If you are looking for a bargain, clones can be a pretty good deal. They aren't the real thing, but they are close, and a lot cheaper. For example, I got a Tempest GTO clone for $3k. I've seen real GTOs in the same or worse condition as mine for up to $7,500. Of course miles play a big part in the price, but if you are going to rebuild the engine/tranny miles don't mean too much. And make sure you look at everything on the car when you inspect it. lift the carpets if you can, crawl under the car, start it up, etc. IMO, if that Duster you are talking about is decent, get it, and invest in a 383 (or bigger) engine block.
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Old 09-13-2003, 01:01 AM   #8
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I think you should get it if, it looks to be in decent condition. I live in utah and I just bought my 67 cougar for $600. It isn't hard to find a part for my car because the mustang is so close and there is a ton of them around here
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Old 09-14-2003, 03:56 AM   #9
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$600?

$600 for a Cougar. Now that's a deal.
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1971 Buick GS Convertible
350-4bbl w/ 3-speed Auto
1 of 599 made
Modifications: None - Totally stock!

Former owner of:
1969 Buick GS 400 Convertible
Modifications: 430 4bbl. V8 (from a '68 Riviera), Stage 1 spec Carb, headers, 2 1/2" exhaust, transmission shift kit, and column tachometer - to name a few ...
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Old 09-14-2003, 10:30 PM   #10
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damn, yeah, thats a great deal. So, how much would it cost to buy a 383 or some similar powerful engine that is common enough to be cheap? And also, since I am new to this, how would you go about getting the knowledge necessary to fix up cars?
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Old 09-15-2003, 04:14 AM   #11
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383

The 383 was a common performance engine for MOPAR - but that doesn't mean it will be cheap. Best bet is to pull one from a Junker - you might be able to buy it for a few hundred. Getting old engines to run, however, is tricky business. It is worth it to buy a few books on the subject BEFORE you start buying so you know what you are up against.
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1971 Buick GS Convertible
350-4bbl w/ 3-speed Auto
1 of 599 made
Modifications: None - Totally stock!

Former owner of:
1969 Buick GS 400 Convertible
Modifications: 430 4bbl. V8 (from a '68 Riviera), Stage 1 spec Carb, headers, 2 1/2" exhaust, transmission shift kit, and column tachometer - to name a few ...
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Old 09-16-2003, 12:19 PM   #12
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Another thing to consider is the cost of parts to fix up a car.

You can build a 68 Camaro a lot cheaper than you can a 68 AMX, just because they are more popular and more people make the parts you will need.
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Old 09-18-2003, 06:46 AM   #13
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Thumbs up

samandiar , check your PM box .
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Old 12-13-2003, 08:51 PM   #14
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wanted

im looking or a cheap dodge charger any year and in any condition but need to be cheap under $1500 email me at bramra_692007@yahoo.com
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Old 12-13-2003, 10:12 PM   #15
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There is this little hot rod dealership in Massaponix, VA (spelling?) where I've seen 66-69 Chevelles go for around $6-10k. And they are in damn good condition too. Lots of good stuff there, 50's Fords with chopped roofs and trick paint jobs, 70's Trans Ams, Camaros, Bel Airs, hot rod Model A's, if I ever decide to buy an old muscle car I'm definately taking a look at what they got.
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