71 Centurion Convertible

[Buicknewbie]

Hi, guys.

This is my first post, and my first old Buick venture (possible).

This is for sale in Maine (I am in MA) and it looks reasonable:

http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/1852369992.html

I think $1500 is a good price. Love the color combo.

Any comments/advice?

Thanks!
Mark

[The German]

Hey, this seems to be a nice car ! - Welcome here, Mark !

One can´t see the details but what I can see seems to be okay for that price. Anyway, I recommend to visit the car in person and to examine it closely to get a very good impression about the condition - especially about what you might have to invest after buying !
What you know from the ad is that it needs a new top and some work at its mechanic; count in ca. 2000US$ for that (that´s what the most members here said who had done such a work at their cars)!
Look for rust and for the condition of the paint - that could be a greater problem too. Often paint can be brought back to new shine by polishing but rust mostly has to be cut out and new sheet metal has to be welded in with a repainting afterwards - expensive !
The engine seems to be okay because the owner wrote that he also would sell the car without it.

Just test it and calculate the costs in total. If you´ll end up below 8000 US$ to get it to a nice driver condition I would do the deal - it has a very nice color combo and this seems to be a rare one also (I haven´t seen that color often)!

Good luck and post some pictures after your examination.

[Gum,beest]

Hi Mark
Like Rolf said
check for rust under the back seat and the foot well area of the backseat and in the trunk as well
Those are the areas where the cars develops rust if the roof leaks
If you are a hands on guy a roof can be ordered for approx $700,- to $900,- and installed by your self and an assistant (not easy)
Bushings for the scissor top can be bought for approx $250,-0 (I've got an manual on how to install and adjust a new top)
Sheet metal is hard to find so you have to take in account that it has to be made by hand or savage parts
But other than that if you drive it your sold

[73 Centurion]

Hi,

I'd say the value of the deal depends entirely on what you want the car for. If you're after a car to learn on, something to see if this hobby is for you this could be a good start. If you dream of eventually restoring the car to it's former glory you'd be better off waiting to find a rust free car. No one is making replacement sheetmetal for these cars and used quarter panels are getting hard to find.

You could easily spend more than $10k on body work and paint. That's not counting any mechanical work. For that kind of money you can get a truly rust free solid car that's ready to roll.

A close inspection is called for with particular attention paid to rust in the rear quarters. Doors and front sheetmetal is easier to find but the rear quarters are difficult. These cars are designed to funnel water into the rear quarter where it's supposed to drip out in front of the rear wheel. If the holes get blocked the water sits and rusts the car from the inside out.

Good luck and let us know what you find

John

[Richard Dunn]

This is a nicely optioned car. Power windows and locks, front and rear bumper guards, cornering lights and possibly more. I'd really hate see this end being parted out with so much potential.

[Buicknewbie]

Know of any good/reputable mechanics/painters in the SE Mass Area??

[73 Centurion]

I had my car done at Paintworks Unlimited. http://www.paintworksunlimited.com/

They are wonderful to work with and their work is excellent. Highly recommended. They aren't in SE Mass but there are ways to get your car there.

John

[Richard Dunn]

John I saw the pictures of your car on the Paintworks website. AMAZING what they can do.
One day Big Green may get the same treatment.

[73 Centurion]

It's been several years since Paintworks redid my car. I polished the car last weekend for a family wedding and the paint just gleems! There isn't a spec of rust or bubbling anywhere. The car has been down a 1.5 mile dirt road several times and there isn't a single rock chip.

The work Sean did has held up beautifully and it makes me tingle every time I look at it.

Over time the quality of workmanship shows in bodywork. Seans work is incredible and is standing the test of time remarkably.

John