other Help on 02 purchase

[rhariz21]

Hey guys,

Ive been searching for a 02 for awhile now around the LA area. my goal was to find something somewhat rust free, get it running, and do a simple restoration. not showroom quality. budget was around $5k for the initial car purchase.

I have eyes on a 1974 2002tii all original that has been sitting for about 10 years. Unfortunately i cant fly out to see it but owner seems honest and will send me any pictures i want 

its got its fair amount of rust on the body but strut towers are good, engine is there, interior is clean. fenders are bad, one rocker is bad, and some rust sports on the rear quarters. 

It is out of state and will cost me probably right around $6k to get it to me. 

My question is, is it worth purchasing the tii, spending more than my budget, and shipping it here when i can wait a little and by a rust free carb model?

 

it looks like the tii usually more desirable but i thought id ask

 

UPDATE: found a car!

Edited November 16, 2016 by rhariz21

[TobyB]

I'd wait.  Rust on these cars is brutal, and the tii price hit isn't (in my humble opinion) worth it for the first one you buy.

The strut towers are one of the last places to rust- the rockers in back are the worst spots, followed by

the rear spring perches.  The perches aren't that hard to fix, tho, whereas the rockers can be tricky.

 

When you decide you NEED a tii, THEN spend tii money.  Plus, the injection system isn't all that DIY- friendly if you're not brave.

 

'Course, you're going to blow your budget no matter what, so if you really like this car, why not?  It's only money!

 

t

 

[rhariz21]

Im willing to do the work on the rockers, ive seen the work involved. 

So your honest opinion is that having a Tii isnt worth the extra work  id put into this? Thanks for your input

 

anyone else have an opinion?

Thanks!!

[Simeon]

Usual good advice is to buy a car with as little rust as possible. Mechanical issues can all be sorted relatively cheaply but rust can get expensive and time consuming. Buying a car with known rust is OK but they are always worse than they look when you strip them down. The unknown unknowns are the worst. 

 

It it all depends how much of a project you are really looking for, what your skills and facilities are like. It also depends upon what you want as an end result. 

[danco_]

Agreed. That tii listed in LA will give you nightmares. Rust isn't the issue. Time consumption, the cost of buying everything you can new (thing seals, rubber gaskets, basically everything ever)... that's what get's you.

 

 

When you finally hit the $15k mark, you'll ask yourself if it was worth it for a tii with extensive repair, and still a shitty color. 

 

IDK man, go find a better roundie with a carb'd motor. 

 

 

[rhariz21]

That's the one danco! thanks for your opinions  guys. 

i guess i should work on my patience huh?

 

Let me know if anyone has their eyes on a minimal rust car in my price range! Roundie or not. Don't mind paying for shipping if its clean 

[danco_]

Dude, go buy this thing: 

 

 

 

[rhariz21]

4 minutes ago, danco_ said:

Dude, go buy this thing: 

 

thats an option, although id want to get rid of the push button, and get a stock interior. Hopefully no rust?

 

 

[dang]

The rest of the country looks for true CA cars for a reason.  You're already here.  Need I say more?

[69NEWCLASSNH]

Mine is a true CA car.. Still has rust.

[rhariz21]

I just picked up a 74 yesterday for a pretty damn good price! very very minimal rust. one tiny bubble right behind the rear wheel and a little under the door (on the door not the rocker). I'll post more pictures later. Blue plate CA car.  thanks for the help everyone

Edited November 16, 2016 by rhariz21

[TobyB]

That looks nice- good choice!

 

t

 

[darrinm1]

Nice job finding it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[2002Scoob]

She's a beauty! Congrats! Not gunna lie, I know allots you 'muhricans love (or just accept) the diving board bumpers. But I'm happy to live in Germany


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[2002Scoob]

Btw I'm quite partial to silver 74's got one myself


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk