Need opinions from the EBO hive!

[ViperMan]

Hey folks.  There's a 72 Barracuda for sale in Indiana on facebook.  I've been in touch with the seller and got some photos. In general I really like the car but he provided some information that has me nervous. Mostly: rust.

The car was a 318 column shift in B5 blue. It's still wearing its original paint, but a previous owner installed a fire-breathing 440 with a 4.1 race locker, and added things like a huge tach, gaudy shifter (possibly B&M), and some fat rear tires.

The current owner has had it for 10 years. He installed a milder 3.7 posi in the back, and an MSD ingnition (which unfortunately they mounted to the passenger side inner fender...). He also had the seats reupholstered due to some minor tears.  He claims it runs great but hasn't driven it anywhere in 4 years.

Here's the issue - the vinyl top has visible rust bubbles around the bottom of the rear glass - see photos below. Now, I could possibly try to fix this without having to repaint the entire car, but the damage could of course be far more than surface-deep...

My entire goal has been to find a Cuda that I DONT have to repaint. The vinyl top could shield me for a while at least - allowing me to repair the rust without repainting the whole car, but I'm worried that she could have much deeper issues...

Lay it on me - what do you think?

[ViperMan]

Rust...

[ViperMan]

Pics from the initial listing:

[dave73]

With the original paint and visible rust, you may be hard pressed to match it correctly if it has faded at all over the years. May turn into a full paint job. Also, if he hasn't driven it in 4 years, I'd be concerned with issues from it sitting that long? I guess the other big part of this is how much he is asking.

[blown motor]

I'm no rust expert but if the car is kept inside and dry does the rust still progress? If you love everything else about the car and it's priced to suit you then go for it. When I bought my Challenger in 12 there were a couple such issues with it but I loved the car. I bought it, drive it, LOVE it and have a lot of fun with it. Those issues don't prevent me from enjoying it. Yes, it would be nice if the body and paint were a little better but everything comes with a price. Good luck with your decision.

[JS29]

YES, the rust never sleeps!   

[7E-Bodies]

Of course a lot of this revolves around the deal you'd get and how much room that'd leave you to do repairs.

[ViperMan]

It's currently listed at 30.  I'd be okay with that if the body/paint were perfect but now I'm a bit hesitant knowing what MUST be repaired and worried about what I don't know...

[screamindriver]

30 is a little steep for the year and condition..Big block or not..

[Bullitt-]

Jeff there's a lot of good there but thinking this could be the tip of the iceberg rust-wise... already effecting the visible painted area

 

Always heard you only see a small % of what's actually going on

[HP_Cuda]

I fear you rip away that vinyl and you might be opening a can o worms you didn't expect. As stated before rust never sleeps but spreads. In the end, you will need to either replace the vinyl roof or go with a roof paint job.

I'd keep looking as this guy stuffed the 440 goodies in and didn't think about subframe connectors either. So who knows how it was treated in the past. Don't really care for the wiring job and the interior needs some help.

Your call.... but I'd keep looking.

[erik70rt]

Based on all of your responses about the rust, for 30 I would walk away and keep looking. 

[ViperMan]

 

Problem is I can NOT find cars in any better condition for less than 40...

[Bullitt-]

consider a small block??   asking 30K ...if it's reall

[RUNCHARGER]

$30k for a 318 car with rust under the roof, rockers that look like they may be ready to come apart and a trunk floor that has been rusty and poorly painted over. Please run from it.