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Trying to choose, someone let me know
  • bbergeron218
    Posts: 5Hitchhiker
    Ok so i'm new to this. My name is Brennan, im 16 from louisiana. And no everyone down south is not a "mamas boy" like the image portrayed in the movie waterboy just to clear that up. I just recently got my hands on a 90% origional 1977 F-100 pickup that looks awesome. I've got it to almost showroom condition, just waiting on a new bedliner piece to replace the rusted out bed. i started doing some research and id like to expand my collection of vehicles with a classic car. I can't decide though between a 1967 ford mustang, 1962 ford thunderbird, 1967 ford LTD, 1951 chevrolet deluxe powerglide, or a 1962 chevrolet corvair 2 door coupe. Does anyone have a suggestion at what i should look into restoring or which ones i shouldnt.



    Thanks,

    Brennan
  • Oldcar_MechanicOldcar_Mechanic
    Posts: 1,786Platinum Member
    Restoring is a very generic term. It can mean a lot of things depending on that persons idea as to what it means to them. Restore to what condition? Showroom? A clean driver? Just a fun car? How much work does the car need? How much money will it take to complete the work that you want to do? Are you going to do all the work? Wil you have to have others do things for you? When you put together all of the things that you heed to and want to do to make the car in the condition you want it in, take that total and at least double it to get an idea as to what you will spend.



    As to which car to retore.............. they are all pretty well represented in the aftermarket, so parts and help will be easy to obtain. I think that 1) Which car I like the best is the first priority, 2) The depth of the work needed will be next, and 3) resale value should be considered.



    I personally would go for the 51 Chevy first and then the 62 T-Bird, but it is your project and you should make yourself happy doing something that you will continue to work on and not become bored with. When you decide, find a group of people with a like enjoyment for the vehicle and you will have plenty of support.



    I wish you all the luck in the world with your choice. It's also good to see a younger generation taking up the fight to save these old wonderful rides. Kepe us posted as to your choice and feel free to take and show plenty of pictures as all car lovers love to see pictures.



    Hope this helps in some way.

    Ron
  • Moparcowboy
    Posts: 41Senior Contributor
    51 Chev frist
  • Ted W
    Posts: 267Gold Member
    The 51 Chevy or the 67 Mustang will be the easiest to restore. There are lots of repo parts and club support. The Corvair would be fun and cheap...but in the end you would still only have a Corvair. LOL. The LTD would the hardest to find parts for (not too hard) and have the least value at the end...or equal to the Corvair.



    The 1962 Ford Thunderbird is the most intresting and one that I have always wanted to own myslef. And, the value would be the highest when finished.
  • bbergeron218
    Posts: 5Hitchhiker
    Well thank you for all the feedback so far. I dont want this vehicle to be a showcar but i do want it to be in pristine condition. Something i can drive around and be able to turn heads with but i dont want it to be so perfect that im scared to drive it somewhere. I know my budget is also going to have a major effect on this but i can handle however much is needed to fix the car. I've gotten to the point where i am going to find a 51 chevy and keep that as a project for later, the real question now is what do i want out of the 67 mustang, the 62 thunderbird (which i want to find a convertable), or the 58 fairlane 500 (preferably convertable also). mustangs are something that you see every day out on the road, at least where i live. but not many people have seen a 62 thunderbird or a 58 fairlane, even at the carshows we have around here. My point is that i want something different, something that not a lot of peolpe have. Thats the main reason my first vehicle is a 77 F-100. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Brennan Bergeron
  • Oldcar_MechanicOldcar_Mechanic
    Posts: 1,786Platinum Member
    A 58 Fairlane is a great car, especially if it is a hardtop, convertible or retractable. They are unusual and do get a lot of looks.



    You have good thoughts on the cars. Remember, make yourself happy.



    Ron
  • mrw-ss
    Posts: 21Greasemonkey
    Hi Brannen, I just read your post here for help in choosing a vehicle to restore and the different replies you have so far. All of the replies have given you some very good information but the choice is still up to you. My suggestion is that the 1962 Thunderbird is by far the best choice considering the beauty of the car and the value of the finished product. If you want to see a picture of a 1962 Thunderbird just visit my old car blog at: georgiaboysoldcarmuseum.blogspot.com. I am slowly building this blog but it does have a good many pictures on it already.



    All the best to you and welcome to the old car lovers community.

    Sincerely,

    Maynard
  • bbergeron218
    Posts: 5Hitchhiker
    Well thank you everyone for all your leads and suggestions. I'v got good news and bad news. Good news is that i found a 1962 red thunderbird hardtop literally right down the road from me. I talked to the guy yesterday, an older guy who is retired and likes fixing up old cars. Well he wants to sell it to me and plans to put it on the market in august. The car has no rust, is in almost showroom condition, and with a little tlc, i can make that car anything i want. The bad news is that he's asking an understandable 7500 to 8000 for it, well i cant come up with taht amount of money in 2 months, unless i sell my truck. So anyone interested in a 1977 F-100 white and blue with a 302 in it, im hoping to get 6K for it. Ill get pictures of the thunderbird and put them up here for everyone to see.

    Thanks for your help,

    Brennan
  • Ted W
    Posts: 267Gold Member
    Brennan,



    I'll help you out, just send me the phone number for the '62. ;)



    Ted
  • bbergeron218
    Posts: 5Hitchhiker
    Well thank you Ted, the guy isnt putting it on the market or up for sale until end of july but he said i have first dibs on it if i can get that amount of money. I've been getting in as much overtime at work as i can at work so i can get that amount but man thats hard.
  • Ted W
    Posts: 267Gold Member
    bbergeron218 wrote:
    Well thank you Ted, the guy isnt putting it on the market or up for sale until end of july but he said i have first dibs on it if i can get that amount of money. I've been getting in as much overtime at work as i can at work so i can get that amount but man thats hard.



    Yeah, but it will be worth the effort. :D
  • bbergeron218
    Posts: 5Hitchhiker
    Ted W wrote:
    Yeah, but it will be worth the effort. :D



    That's true, that's true. Do you know of anyone that would want a 77 F-100? i mean i havent put it on sale yet bc i am fixing the bed of the truck since it was rusted out, i have to put new sheet metal in it and get it rhino lined. But that's it.