The background story is that I saw her on the Evilbay but let the auction end. Its a San Jose built 66 C code 2V 289/C4. Got in contact with the guy who was a little nervous about dealing with someone so far away from Missouri, but he was ok for me to get someone to have a look. Got onto the HAMB and asked if anyone was up for checking it out. A guy named Mike who was a mechanical engineer and a hard core hotrodder offered to help out. He ended up spending about half a day with the car, put fridge magnets all over to check for bog, took a stack of photos and wrote me three pages on it. I tried to pay him, but he wouldn't let me as a "goes around, comes around" kind of thing.
Anyway, did the deal for a price the seller and I were both happy with and organised shipping. Then held my breath for 4 months until it arrived. Was crapping myself when I went to pick it up after reading some of eth horror stories. Knowing what I know now, from reading this forum, there is no way I would buy another car sight unseen.
Car arrived and was thankfully better than I was expecting and better than what some people have unfortunately found. It's a solid, honest car, resprayed around 10 years ago. The paint is ok from 10 feet but is quite thin in some places. Panels need quite a bit of alignment work in time, but that can wait for a repaint. Had to replace three light fittings, a new rear axle seal and bearing (so did both) with the only really unfortunate surprise having to pull the gearbox to fix a couple of seals, but I had it rebuilt while it was out so made the most of it. Passed rego fine.
The chrome is a little pitted and maybe 6/10 but seems to be original. All the bits are there and work - electric roof, even the cigarette lighter works. The radio apparently works, but I like the exhaust note from the flowmasters too much to use it. Cowl doesn't leak, but needs a new heater plenum. Have a new ally radiator to put in at some stage (thanks blkpony) and picked up a 13" walnut wheel when I was in the US for work a few months ago. STill to go on and unsure if I want to get rid of the original.
Plans are to keep driving the wheels off it. Will do a front disc brake conversion this winter and will pull the engine for a refresh and grind hardened valve seats in in the next 18 months or so. Sooner if something breaks. Both may slip if the weather stays good and I can't get it off the road.
Cheers
Matt
Here's some photos.
