68 Chevelle please help!

[thetaz_31]

Hey everyone, I'm looking at a 68 chevelle and im going to inspect it tomorrow. The problem is I don't know how much I should talk him around. It has visible exterior rust on some heavier rust on the wheel wells. Tomorrow I'll do the walk around and fill you in with other rust/damage. I'm going to be dropping a V8 400 smallblock automatic trany from a camero in it, if i buy it.

Would like some price estimates on what you think it would be worth if you can please and tanks

The Taz

[highlandlake]

I'll take a stab at this one Taz.
Lets see...........
Assumptions: Not an original SS model (VIN 138) or a convertible.

If it is wicked rusty, has a seized or missing engine/tranny and missing some trim and the interior is trashed but otherwise the car is restorable - $2000

If it is rusty but has a running engine/tranny, still has most of it's trim and the interior is worn but still has many usable components - $4500

If the car is basically intact or previously restored years ago, and has only moderate rust issues in areas that can be replaced with aftermarket panels, and has a running small block engine/tranny - $6000

If same as above with a running big block - $7000

Generally add $500 for power brakes and another $500 for a factory four speed. Bucket seats and console add $750.

That should cover it based on the info you gave. I would welcome other opinions. Let us know more details after you look at it. Remember, a restoration will easily cost over $10,000 just to get it to a nice looking car. Putting a 400 in it will not add any value to the car, since that is not an original engine size for that model year. The only value it would add is to improve it from a non-running car. Unless you can get this car for a lot less than what is noted above, think twice if you don't have the time or money or indoor storage space to do the work. Keep us posted, either way we are interested in what happens next.

[thetaz_31]

Thx for the advice, I think it has a 396 in it. I'm not really looking for a restoration right now, I'm just looking for a car that can show off and looks good around town. Maybe later on when I get some money I'll restore it to what she was but that wont be this year forsure. I think imma talk to the guy tomorrow if he's home.

[richtazz]

If you take out a 396 big block, and put in a boat anchor 400 small block, you should be shot. Some people called the 402 big block a 400, and that would be ok (it's basically a 396 factory bored .030" over), but 400 small blocks are problematic, overheating turds.

[Blue Bowtie]

But... But... But... Isn't the "396" actually 402 CID?

[highlandlake]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

But... But... But... Isn't the "396" actually 402 CID?

Almost as good as a 396!

Did you buy the car??

[richtazz]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

But... But... But... Isn't the "396" actually 402 CID?

Check my earlier post on the 396/402 issue. He mentioned it was a 400 small block he wanted to drop in which I would STRONGLY recommend against.

[thetaz_31]

The car sold to some other guy. It had a 396 in it, well at least half of one. The engine needed major resto.