Buying my first car, should i go for it?

[chevy seeker]

well im 16 and i think i found a really good deal. As we were visiting my grandparents in Nj we happened to see this 1964 chevy chevelle malibu. It is a pretty good shape. Here is the thing. Im looking for a first car that is easy to work on. we poped the hood and there is like nothing too the old straight 6's. Everything is original. It has 68,000 miles on the car which i though was very low. The interior is about a 9 of 10. The body is what needs the work. I would say it has been siting under a pine tree for about 5 years. I has very minor rust but it is rust none the less. Im gonna need new quater panels and a new paint job. The lady that owns it says 3 months ago she brought it too a shop to make sure it runs. All it needed was a new battery. I have not heard it run but she says it runs good. ( i will make sure). Here is my question. I dont have any money for the car, my dad says it is a really good deal and would loan me the money if i decided to get it. I have a job making about $95 a week and they said i could pay them about $50 or $60 a week untill i am payed off. Im not sure if it is worth buying. I am going to offer $2500 and i think i will pay $3000 topps. It is a 3 speed. Here are my questions.

1. What is the gas milage? it is a straight 6 not sure how many liters.
2. Are parts easy to get for this car, if so is there any online site that i can order parts from?
3. Does it seem like a good deal?
4 Are they easy to work on?
5. Were these good cars back in the day and would it be a good car for me?

[AlmostStock]

Without seeing the car it's hard for anyone to say if it's a good deal. But from your description of low mileage and good running condition it sounds like it would be hard to go wrong buying this car. It will most likely continue to increase in value as long as you keep it in good shape.

The engine is most likely a 230 CID and has a one barrel carburator. Fuel mileage will only be about 17 to 20 MPG. Parts are readily available at your local parts store and from restoration parts suppliers like Classic Industries and Year One plus many others.

You didn't say if the car is a two or four door. The two door is worth more. There are old car price guides that you can check for average values.

Welcome aboard And let us know if you get it!

[chevy seeker]

well it is a four door car, everything is original. The motor looks to be fine the only thing that worries me is the body work. It will definatley need a new paint job and new body mounts. It also needs new quarter panels because they are starting to rust. I know this may be a hard question to answer but do you have an idea on how much it would cost to have this car repainted?

[MagicRat]

I think it's terrific that a younger person as yourself wants to start off with an intersting older car instead of looking for a Civic and bolting on a wing from a Cessna on the back.

First of all, I agree with Almost Stock.
To add to that, IMO $2500 is a bit high for such a car that needs bodywork. Try offering $1500.
If this car had 2 doors and a V8, it would easily be worth $5000+ in that condition.

These cars are extremely easy to work on, (compared to todays cars).
You can look at any component on the car and easily understand its function, and every component is servicable by the average guy with a little knowledge and basic tools.

You could find used Chiltons or Motor service manuals or books that would cover this car.
Also, old high school auto shop textbooks would give you the basics, too.

IMO the skills you can learn about working on this car can be easily applied to all kinds of different cars and equipment in later years.

Although the cars are simple, some basic service operations arenot seen on newer cars. For example, the car will have a 'points' style mechanical ignition. It's easy to service, once you know what to do, but generally new cars have not used this system in 30 years.

An old Chevy is one of the best cars to restore, because so many parts are easily available.
(Note this is not the case with many other brands, like older Chrysler and AMC sedans)

Local auto parts stores should be able to get mechanical parts, for the engine, brakes etc. Pretty much all the body and interior parts are available on-line from companies like 'Year One' and others.

As for cost of painting, you get what you pay for. A cheapie job can be done for $500, but it looks cheap and will not last for too long.
Anticipate $1500 - 2500 for a decent job.
The key in painting is preparation. Good jobs require more time to get all the panels straignt, eliminate rust, sand out blemishes etc.
If you do a quick study on body work, you will find there are many choices to make, in terms of materials and prep techniques.

Generally, paint and body work to easy to learn. IMO leave the cutting and welding of body panels to an expert, but the sanding and prep can be done by yourself.
Also, possibly, you could learn to paint the car yourself. Many of the most modern paint systems are toxic and dangerous to use, but older style paints (like acrylic enamel) are easier, so long as you have the right equipment.
Your car was painted originally with acrylic laquer which is very easy and forgiving for the beginner to use and learn with.

If you paint the car yourself, avoid a 'metallic' colour. A solid, non-metallic paint is easier to apply and easier to sand and polish out any runs or defects in the paint.
Avoid the colour red if you use an older paint system. Reds seem to fade relatively quickly in such paint systems.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes. Post some pics if you can.

[chevy seeker]

well im glad to tell you all that i got the car for $2500. I thought it was a good deal. Now i just need the $4000 to make it look real nice. I will get some pics when i bring it home. It is in NJ and i am in NY, so i think it may be a few weeks.

[chevy seeker]

see the thing is yes, it may be worth more with a v8, which maybe some day i may get if, i dont seel it to get a camaro or something. But i bet there are way more 2 door cars than 4. Try seeing how many you can find, thats why i think it may be worth alot, at least i hope.