Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Topic: Really, Really need some opinions!!!! (Read 3527 times) previous topic - next topic

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

April 09, 2009, 08:08:58 PM

Ok, so I have been looking to trade my truck (1996 dodge ram 1500 2wd v-6 5 speed) for a fox body cougar or bird. No luck yet. I saw a '69 buick riviera with a 430 motor in great condition, all original (so he says). I emailed him on a whim asking if he would consider a trade for the truck. Never heard back from him, until today, when he reply's "When do you want to make the swap?" I don't know if I should hold out for a fox, or just get it.????? Let me know what you guys think!!!!!!!

http://http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1086149634.html

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #1 – April 09, 2009, 08:29:15 PM

Here are some pictures of my truck.....

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #2 – April 09, 2009, 08:58:33 PM

If the Riv is in good shape I'd go for it. That's just me, though - I've always loved those cars...

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #3 – April 09, 2009, 09:09:40 PM

I have too. Even the newer ones. I am definitly going to check it out, especially if it's in as good a condition as he says...

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #4 – April 09, 2009, 09:10:39 PM

I have always seen the Rivera as a wanna be buick cougar. if you like it go for it.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #5 – April 09, 2009, 09:55:35 PM

Quote from: 20th anny 5.o;266664

I have always seen the Rivera as a wanna be buick cougar. if you like it go for it.

From a side view it kinda does I think the shifter is pretty cool too.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #6 – April 10, 2009, 07:54:44 AM

Just make sure you look it over for rust. 9 times out of 10 people decide to sell cars because it has a prob that they don't want to fix. I hate to be the downer here but be careful, I'd hate to see you get screwed.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #7 – April 10, 2009, 10:03:09 AM

I would try and do some research on them and common problem areas. Such as strut tower rust for us. That is commonly over looked by a first time Fox owner.

Pull the carpet up, truck carpet, inspect the bottom of the 1/4 for repair (bondo).

any sign of rust starting around the windows

Past history, including storage, drive time, seasons.

Just a few ideas I came up with. I would try and make a list. I dont know about you but I forget half the I wanted to look for when I go over something that I want.
And what are those wires coming out of your fuse box?

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #8 – April 10, 2009, 10:15:14 AM

Looks like the 430 Buick V8 had around 360 Hp in its day (I'm sure a few horsies have escaped in the years). If it has hidden headlights I would check and make sure they operate correctly, if not it may be a pain to fix (Good learning opportunity here). In the end this will be a car you will have memories with. I cannot stress this one point enough, make sure you check the car over 100% for rust, this means you need to keep a cool head and try not to get too excited (I have this problem) remember this car is much older than our cars so that means it has a head start on rust and could possess more rust than you realize. I think you should go for it.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #9 – April 10, 2009, 08:51:40 PM

I have done a little research on it, just general stuff, but I will be looking deeper to find the problem area's. I do expect a little rust, but if it's somewhere that is a real problem area (strut towers, frame, ect.) then that would definitly be a deal breaker. I'm not gonna rush it and buy a lemon without really looking over it good, and try to remember everything i want to look at and make sure it is in decent shape. My truck ain't the best looker, but it is reliable and rot free.

Quote

And what are those wires coming out of your fuse box?

They are the previous owners rigged way of putting some stupid speaker/light combo's on the door speakers. They don't light up anymore (I made sure of that) but just never removed all the wiring. I don't mess with or even drive the truck much, so I don't really worry 'bout stuff like that. It is an eyesore now that i see it in picture. Nad the red wire is the foglights. They need to be tied to something.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #10 – April 11, 2009, 08:03:50 PM

I'm going to look at it tomorrow. He left me his number this time, we talked for a good while about his car. His father was the original owner! He said it had 69,000 original miles - heat and a/c still work. Vinyl top and front seats need recovred, it needs tires, rear shocks, and paint. He said as far as he knew there wasn't any rust, as it was kept in a garage most of it's life up until about a year ago, but I will be the judge of that lol. Man, I hope this deal works out, it's a badass car. I especially like the shifter....

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #11 – April 11, 2009, 08:31:08 PM

They are a beautiful car, and I am sure if this goes down without issues you will have a car to hold on to for many years. That is the kind of car you hold on to and have many memories with. Take good care of it and it will return the favor and look pretty cool while doing it. I assume you are a younger fella (I'm not real old myself) this is the kind of car we always wish we could have but can never afford Not to mention how many 20 year olds own 60's Riveras? Enjoy!

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #12 – April 11, 2009, 08:35:35 PM

Quote from: 86XR7project;266922

They are a beautiful car, and I am sure if this goes down without issues you will have a car to hold on to for many years. That is the kind of car you hold on to and have many memories with. Take good care of it and it will return the favor and look pretty cool while doing it. I assume you are a younger fella (I'm not real old myself) this is the kind of car we always wish we could have but can never afford Not to mention how many 20 year olds own 60's Riveras? Enjoy!

I know it, man. Yea, I'm only 20 (my 21st is actually next month - my wife got me Metallica tickets as an early present, even though the show isn't untill september lol) and it has always been a dream to have a car like that(although a '67 XR-7 would be my first choice). Hell, I can get a base model Dodge any day of the week around here, I'll miss the convenience of the truck though.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #13 – April 11, 2009, 08:45:18 PM

Well look at it this way. Keep it for a while and maybe even sell it sometime. You know I am sure a Riv will sell for around the same price as an older Cougar. I always dreamt of having a 60's cougar too :D.

Really, Really need some opinions!!!!

Reply #14 – April 11, 2009, 08:51:38 PM

Oh, I'm sure I would enjoy it for a while (the 360 minus some hp and 475 lb-ft of torque mostly) but as always I will still be longing for an 87-88 cougar.