bcarey

Thanks for all the feedback, fellas! I was a little iffy about going very early, but you have assuaged my fears (for the most part). Keep the notes coming, please!

I'm close to buying a 1969 2002, but I understand that there are several improvements that were made in the 70-73 cars. This is to be my semi daily driver; is there any reason I should pass on the 69 and wait for a slightly later model?

Thanks!

I'm very curious to hear how this one rolls. I tried to meet up with the seller, but we could never get our schedules straight. But it looks like you got a good one, and from what I can remember, at a good price, too!

Sounds nice. Is your uncle available to show it before you get back? I'm going to be out of town the dates that you're stateside.

Thanks for the tips. It actually starts up quite nicely, handles hills and accels just fine. I had a mechanic give it a look over and he said that other than the heater blower and a small leak in the water pump, it's solid mechanically. I thought the clutch was a little sticky, but maybe it just needs some driving? (It's been sitting for a while.) Oh, and no snorkel nose.

That said, I have a bad feeling that I could buy this car, and then be in for just as much money to kill all the rust. I already know it needs a new hood and driver's door, but what else lurks?!

I'm also not very skilled with a wrench, and a little intimidated by the tii.

It's killing me, but I think I'm going to have to pass on this one.

BC

I took this tii for a ride this weekend. The body is a little rough, but no structural rust. Engine seems sound and well cared for, but I'm going to get an inspection before finalizing the deal. This will be my first tii; are there any red flags I should look for during the inspection (other than the standard stuff I'd look for in a 2002)?

Thanks for the background info. There's always a story.

I'm seeing it this weekend -- fingers crossed that it's "the one."

Interesting, and a bummer! About how long ago did this happen? I wonder if the current owner has put those spare parts to good use?

Here's a 1974 2002 tii in San Jose (NM/NA). I might take a look this weekend. Has anyone here seen it?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3430906249.html

The 02s I've been looking at all probably need fresh paint. For reference, about how much should I be expecting to spend on a new paint job (standard color, ie Polaris or fjord) in the Bay Area? Figuring I can take off/reassemble most of the trim myself if it saves a few bucks. Thanks!

BC

I took it for a ride last weekend. Was originally Atlantik, but the current owner resprayed it. The current tires are pretty wide, and it took a bit of muscle to maneuver it at low speeds. It really didn't like going up hills, or accelerating much at all, and you really had to fiddle with the choke to get it running smooth. The owner says he's remedied this by cleaning out various parts of the fuel line, though it keeps coming back. Body looked pretty clean, but there were a few dime-size rust holes straight through the spare tire well, so who knows what that new paint job covered up.

Hope that helps. I misread the ad and thought I was going to see a manual, not an automatic, so I didn't give it too close a look. Given the sluggish accel and the rust I did see, however, I don't think I'd spend $7800 on it. I got the sense they'll listen to an OBO, though.

Also, Highway 1 in Pacifica is absolutely gorgeous. It's worth the trip just for the view.

Thanks, Tom. That's an amazing set of cars you have in your garage! If I could pry just one away from it's owner, I would be a happy camper.

It's almost like these states have a personal vendetta against the 76 2002. Ironic that many of the best 76s are in CA, but it's so much trouble for us to drive them. [shakes fist at sky.]

Thanks for the additional insight on the rust. I never intended to paint it myself, just to strip/prep it for a pro job. Jusy wanted to get a sense of what I might be looking at. Thanks! BC

Interesting. I would have thought that removing the original stickers and replacing with new would be frowned upon.

That's a very good point. It passed smog in July, but in the long run that might be a hassle. I'm new to California; any idea if 76ers will become smog exempt any time soon?

Appreciate the tips! Especially subtle note about the nozzles; would never think to check those.

I'm looking for a 2002 mechanic in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area who is willing to make "house calls." I'm eventually going to want to do a pre-sale inspection, and the seller isn't willing to let me take the car to a shop that's more than a few miles away...

Thanks,

Bjorn

I appreciate the honest reply -- I probably need a dose of it! The test drive was so enjoyable, I wasn't quite critical of the body. The rockers and shock towers look fine, for what it's worth, though I wasn't able to get a good look at the full underside.

I came across a 1976 2002 this weekend. Runs and drives well, and the interior, while original, is in great shape. Price is friendly, but the body will need some love.

It needs new paint, but before that I'll need to touch up some surface rust (couldn't find any structural rust). There's rust along the hood trim line, but it's superficial. Some light rusting below front windshield (pictured). There is a Bondo-ed over rust spot in the roof that will probably be the size of a business letter envelope once it's all cut out. And then there's the rust at the bottom corners of the rear window (pictured).

How troublesome are these spots? I'm thinking of trying to cut them out and weld them myself (my dad knows how to weld, and would guide me). Any thoughts on how much I would save myself, versus bring it to a shop? Same deal with stripping the paint -- any idea how much does that take off the price of a paint job?

And finally, can anyone recommend a good body shop around the San Francisco Bay Area?

Thanks!

BC

Is the hood still available? Price?

Ha! I haven't seen it in person, but the guy I talked to at BuggyBank assured me that it's rust free. I also spoke to one of the FAQers who owned this previously; he said he stopped by to check it out at BuggyBank and that it was nearly unrecognizable it was in such bad shape.

I guess I'll cross this one of my list.

BC

Can you point to the picture that details the overspray? I'm new to this game, and could use tips on what to look out for. Ways to identify a shoddy paint job seem like good skills to pick up! Thanks.

Hi all,

This 2002 has resurfaced at Buggy Bank! I was thinking of taking the drive up to check it out, but I'm wondering if any of you former owners(!) might be able to fill me in on what kind of work it might need in order to become a daily driver. The front seat looks awfully chewed up, but that's no biggie. I'm really concerned about rust and/or mechanical issues.

Thanks!

BC

Hi all,

My first time posting here, as I am finally getting close to making the plunge and buying my first 2002. I have a decent sense of what problems to look out for, but I'm a little worried that I'll miss something big and not so obvious. Can anyone recommend a mechanic I could have look at the car before I purchase? Someone in or near Palo Alto?

Thanks, and looking forward to spending a lot more time on this board!

Bjorn