Hey! So i've been a bit of a stalker for years on this board. Now that I finally have an FD as of 10/12, it's time I introduced myself. My name is Jeramie, and for at least the next couple months I live in Billings, MT (hoping to escape soon.) Bought a silver 95semi-locally, 63k original miles from someone that also saw it as a dream car. He put a few thousand into it replacing a few things, and then I became the owner. Thing is, this car is beat up... bad... I was told it was hail by the previous owner, figured he was describing it worse than it really was. The body shop said in no way is it hail, it's too massive, and too sharp of dents.

So this is where I'm stuck. This could quite possibly be one of the very last FD's brought to the states (I think the last 3 on the vin is 524). It's also silver, base, standard trans which by a post on here, makes it 1 of 6.

Is it more valuable to fix, and keep stock? Or should I not worry about that, and go where I'd like to with the car? ie, widebody, custom, and when the motor goes, an alternate drivetrain. I'll post up pictures shortly, just got a foot of snow yesterday.

Extent of damage is the roof, which looks like he used a bag of apples the rear fenders will need a bit of love, and the fronts are really bad. The hood was fixed in the guys' garage, by the looks of it And one headlight cover is in primer.

I have my hands full, to say the least. The upside, the interior looks like it has sat in a showroom for it's entire life, as does the engine bay. Little things to fix (vents up by the windshield, and the radio doesn't work.)

Would appreciate your input, and where I should go with this car, as well as getting to know you all better!

 

Welcome.

The first thing to decide is whether you have the experience, tools, and ability to fix the body yourself. If not, its time to get some estimates. With the a few solid estimates, you will be able to see what it costs to make things right. Quality body work is not cheap. With plans to go widebody, and fix the damage, you could easily be looking at $6-10k depending on the shop.

If you are versed in body work and paint, than it's all a moot point.

Building a car from the ground up takes a lot of time and money. Ultimately, you want to start with the best possible base. If you are set on this car, then you must average in the additional cost and go from there. I personally start with all performance mods first, and then the body last. Having a solid build plan, budget plan, and understanding of the project scope are all very essential.

 

As far as what the cars are worth You like most guys on this forum I think will agree that you and they will most likely never get the initial investment back , but that goes with any hobby .
That said you can buy a new throw away car for 20,000 or less and in 5-6 years it's done and not worth smack on a trade in .
Myself I would much sooner die happy and content with a nice little car OR TWO OR THREE than a box full of stinky old money.
A good old friend of mine has a beautiful 4 seater airplane that is probably worth 140,000 or so not that it matters , mint shape ,he doesn't even fly anymore , I put more hours on it in the last 4-5 years than he has but if you could see his old eyes light up when we go for a fly and the big grin on his face there is never a question as to why he still has it , HE LOVES IT and the question weather he can get his money back out of it or not never comes up . It's his hobby and that's all there is to it . Gerald m.

 

Very true... it's so worth it in my eyes. I was just looking down the road. Will it ever be a collector piece? or should i just have fun with it, and of course get it back to its former glory in the process?

Good advice on where to start

 

Collector? Some would say yes, and some no. Regaurdless of where the market goes it really comes down to what you want from the car. I personally am not a big advocate of "all original display models". In the end, it's a car and its purpose is to serve your needs whatever they may be.

 

that's what i was hoping for! i just can't have a show piece that never moves... much like the 49 ****** i'm building, i'm gonna drive it. Not necessarily tear through 4 foot mud bogs, but i'll drive it. i want a car i can enjoy, auto x, can drive, regularly, not cry over a door ding ( although that is usually the reaction regardless) but i didn't want to destroy the value. so i'm going to rework the suspension, do some modifying, and enjoy it. can always unbolt stuff later on. I'll have pics up today, it was finally decent enough to melt a little yesterday.

 

If it needs a repaint which it does and with a bunch of dents that severe that will have to fill them or replace panels it would take most of the value away as a collector car. Still a great find. I say repaint it, modify it how you want(leave the body stock or 99 spec front end) and enjoy it.

 

I agree with DJ. Most FD's we see as widebodies fall in two categories.

Race car or track built. These guys widen things out for one purpose, grip! Getting maximum tire size for a balanced package.

Hobby or show. Pretty much everyone else that greatly enjoys the look of a widebody, but doesnt necessarily need it for the cars purpose. It looks cool, and folks arent affraid to spend the cash to make it that way. You may have some dual purpose widebody cars out there, but they arent particularly dedicated to one area of use.

With what you have described you definitely have your hands full. Research, learn, and ask questions when the answer can't be found. These cars are complex, expensive, and have special needs. The very best tool or part you could acquire is your knowledge. Be patient, and take the time to do things right.

I would consider starting a build thread, and posting pictures, plans and updates there.

 

Pics of damage por favor.

 

pics finally!

 

I definitely see some new fenders in your future......

 

Agreed. Quite clean. I expected worse really. Sort the power and get her sprayed...

Definite keeper

 

sweet! it definitely was dirtier than i ever let it be, but with the weather, i can't keep up. just nice enough for the snow to melt during the day, and freeze again at night. yeah, fenders are rough... the roof is the worst, but i guess it's a work in progress. as soon as the weather turns, i figure pick a panel, and fix it, and move to the next until it's done. Great base to start with i think. interior sold it on me. you can fix body, but it gets spendy tracking down replacements for a crapped out interior.