View Full Version : Rusted out 87 GN - Your Opinion!
Insomnya3AM
12-06-2005, 02:27 AM
Hey guys! New to this board, but I've been following GNs ever since I've been a kid :)
Locally, there is a 87 GN for sale for $3,500. Sweet price, eh? The catch is that she is horribly rusted out. Bottom of the doors, trunk lid, rocker panels, window sills, and a couple other things. Headlight trim is missing, you get the picture.
My problem is, I am 18, and I'm selling my 1998 Buick Regal to get into a kind of project car. Seems to be the only way I can get myself into a GN, unless any of you have a better idea?
How repairable is such rust? I'd hate to see this car just waste away, but I only have a budget of $6,300 total, including purchase price.
Thanks!
mechanical73
12-06-2005, 09:15 PM
you need to consider the cost for bodywork and paint. Depending on where your located the cost varies but for the most part count on anywhere from
$ 3000 to $ 5000. Keep in mind that no one will warranty against the rust from coming back so depending on how bad it is it may re-surface in the near future.
there are t-types and even gn's out there for $8000 that are in much better condition and may only need some minor items like interior or tires etc...
So in my opinion, i would hold off and save up another $ 2000 and find something in better condition.
Keller
12-06-2005, 11:23 PM
This sounds like a real basket case. Worth more parted out that as it sits. There is a little rust...rusty...and RUSTED OUT. If it is truly the latter, well, its not really something you can fix. Its faster and cheaper to replace things...like, the body, than repair them. Rust is like cancer - pretty hard to stop unless you remove the 'infected' metal (i.e. cut it out) and replace it. Or replace the panel in the case of a door, fender, etc. Floors and such can be cut out and new ones can be rewelded, but the cost of the labor, paint, etc...sends it all through the roof. And makes one suspicious of the vehicle's condition.
Another option is to find a non-rusted car and transplant the driveline into it. However, you end up with a halfbreed vehicle, a lot of work (again) and an ugly paper trail that is a mess just about anywhere.
It might be smarter to save or invest the money for a bit, and find something worth your money instead of a disaster in progress.
bodyman-1971
12-06-2005, 11:44 PM
stay away!!!!!!!!!check and make sure the hinge pillars are not rotted out and that the doors sag..once ths happens the shell is junk it would take more work than its worth to make it rite(i do it for a living)expect to pay a REPUTABLE body shop thousands to fix this car or keep checking the threads to find one down south.hell it took me a year but finally found one in my price range the way i wanted..keep checking ebay traderonline dont jump at the first one you can afford and hell if you find one in florida i would be happy to check it out for ya...
zeus87gn
12-07-2005, 11:59 AM
I agree with everyone else, don't waste your time. There are many for sale that you can get with just a little more investment that don't have the body cancer. Biggest problem you may run into is that you may have to travel to get it. Be patient, look on the boards frequently, the right one will find it's way to you.
GNsniperdfa1
12-10-2005, 05:10 PM
I agree with everyone, wait and save. The one in your area is a basket case for sure. I actually found one here in Chi-Town for $2,500. The only thing wrong is there was no engine. The rest was perfect, perfect body, and interior. I have been saving for the right one to fall on my lap, and it did. I strongly suggest that you keep looking, and save your money for the right one. Patience is a virtue, with that kind of money you have, should keep looking for one that is mechanicaly sound, where you can jump in and drive, and needs minimal work. If I see anything around here, I'll drop you an email. As a matter of fact, I might know someone who has one for sale. I'll call him, and I email you later.
:tup:
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.