I'm going to pick up a 89 GTUs from a local BHPH. It looks to be in pretty good condition inside and out. The guy has papers showing it was rebuilt about 10k miles ago with a Atkins rebuild kit. Papers also showing a new clutch installed about 5k miles ago.

On the bad side, theirs a good size dent in the driver side door. The speedometer doesn't work.

He started it up and I drove it around the block a few times. Shifts smooth between all gears 1 through 5.

Anything in specific I should be looking for when purchasing this car? I don't want to purchase it only for it to explode as I'm rolling off the lot with it...

All help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Read the FAQ. You'll find how to buy guides.

 

Just read through the whole thing.

The car seems to be doing everything right according to your buying guide. The only downside I've been able to find is that the tach and speedo don't work.

 

If the tach doesn't work (but other gauges do work) then chances are the trailing coils are not working, which would reduce power and gas economy.

If the speedo doesn't work, neither will the Cruise control (and on some models the power steering).

 

The P/S and AC have already been removed. What would be a good easy way to check the trailing coils and how much are they to replace?

 

Check for trailing spark like you would any other spark plug. Just connect the wire to a plug laying on the inner fender/shock tower and see if it sparks.

Used trailing coils are cheap, but they almost never fail. The problem is likely a dirty connection.

 

check for any leaks

especially fuel leaks

 

id go to arroncakes website...
i believe he has a detailed list on things to look for when buying a 7

 

I've checked through Aarons website with the buying guide already. The car has no leaks, runs great, the only problem I have with it is the tach and speedo not working. I'll check the trailing coils today when I get off work.

 

I'm sure that the write up includes this but I was sorry that I did not bring a lisel funnel to check for a coolant seal leak on the last 7 I bought. It is SOOOO cheap and easy to do there is NO reason not to.

 

No leaks. Coolant overflow bottle is always 1/2 way, hasn't moved since the day I got it.

I got the problem with the tach fixed, aaron was right, it was just a dirty connection and when the last rebuild was done, the place that did the rebuild forgot to plug the speedo cable back into the tranny. Everything works perfectly now. Only thing thats odd is that it doesn't give off the normal puff of smoke when starting. The OMP was removed and I was told to run premix so I know its getting oil and its been working flawlessly for the last 3 days.

Thanks for the help everyone!

I'll get some beauty shots up once I wash and wax her.

 

I ran pre-mix for 2 years after my rebuild and beat the hell outta my car. No smoke never.