1969 RS triple black 4 speed

[70Z28RS5151]

What is a fair price to pay for this project?
Non original drivetrain. It's a roller.
It is a Van Nuys car with original trim tag intact: 713 interior, 10 B paint and top, original rear fold down seat, seats need recovering, GM cowl hood. Car comes with all trim and gauges. All the RS stuff is there... I think.

It needs a quarter panel and trunk pan because of rust. All other areas are solid and straight. Owner claims it is an original SS car, but I don't know how to tell without the original drivetrain.

Thanks, Tony

[jbsides]

Tony,

You sure don't see triple black cars often, but start with the exhaust hanger plate on the drivers side frame rail to verify it is a dual exhaust car. You did not mention if the original rear was still in the car. If it is a 12-bolt, that is also a very good sign towards being a factory SS.
As a datapoint for you, I have picked up similar cars down here in the $3K - $6K range, but it has also been a few years, and there was a lot of haggling involved. With the color combo and a drivetrain installed and possibly useable, I don't think $7500US is unreasonable (provided it is only the trunk and one quarter you have to replace, no other sheetmetal or rust issues). You will need to inspect for rust carefully (in all the usual places) as it will cost you big time later if you don't. My .02 having been there.

JB

[jbsides]

Tony,

You also did not mention if it was a disk brake car. Look for original booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve. Also a good sign. And does the GM cowl hood have a flapper valve and associated firewall penetration?

JB

[JQ]

Since the car is a roller the owner may allow you to drop the gas tank to search for a broadcast sheet. Is it a big block car?... Goodluck

[70Z28RS5151]

Thanks for the replys. There is a 12 bolt but I don't know if it's the original. I will be looking at the car again tomorrow. I think $6500 to $7k will be the price since we talked a little about that yesterday. It will be going straight into the body shop.

BTW, it comes with a brand new qtr. panel from Classic Industries, but I am wonder now who reproduces the best sheet metal for these cars. I really do not want to wait around to search and pay for an expensive NOS panel.

Tony

[69LM1]

If it is supposed to be a small block car, look for dual fuel lines. If so, it had to be a SS350 or a LM1 (LM1's were only made till very late december 68 to early January 69) car if small block. Look at the springs for the hood, and if it was a ss car, then there should be heavier springs for the SS hood. If not, then if the 12 bolt is original, it was a LM1. If supposed Big Block, still check the hood springs, but could have had the single fuel line for a L78 car. 396/350 and 325 will also have dual fuel lines as well as the ss350 and LM1 cars.

Good Luck!