bosco001

During the Dream Cruise, does the BCA have an area along, or just off of Woodward Ave, where club members can park &/or bring chairs and watch the cars go by, etc.?

During the Dream Cruise, does the BCA have an area along, or just off of Woodward Ave, where club members can park &/or bring chairs and watch the cars go by, etc.? Steve Parmerlee, Indiana BCA # 38881

http://aeclassiccars.com/for-sale/1965-mercury-comet-caliente-convertible-pecan-frost/#prettyPhoto This 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente is being offer by a dealer with an asking price of $34,900. Would appreciate informed comments and opinions as to the condition of this car and any problems it might have. I know it's difficult to make an accurate assessment without having photos of the undercarriage, but the dealer did not post any . . . which might be a red flag itself. But, for this kind of money, I would expect the car to be one of the best on the planet. A fair expectation? Hope to get lots of feedback. Thank you in advance to all who reply.

Gary. I've sent you a Private Message.

Thanks Gary. I appreciate you checking. I tried emailing the contact for the Virginia BCA chapter (figured this one is closest to WV) listed on the BCA website, but my emails keep getting kicked back. The email contact must be out of date. So far, I'm striking out.

g-g-g0, Yes, thanks. I think that may be where I found that image. I have another one from a different angle, but having trouble downloading it. I was able to track the image down to this website: micks51buick's 1951 Buick Roadmaster. But, the trail went cold from there. Would give up a kidney and one of my kids just to have the opportunity to talk to the owner about possibly selling this car to me.

Can anyone please identify the year and model of this Buick? Don't suppose anyone happens to know who's car this is? Thanks. Steve Parmerlee BCA # 38881

61-63, Good information and appreciate your input. For me, when determining what I should pay for a car, it comes down simply to this. Could I turn around and realistically expect to sell it for the same price? (assumes adequate marketing effort and a reasonable marketing time). For this '67 LeMans, it sounds like your answer would be "no" and I would concur.

The cost:benefit ratio worked for him, he could afford it, everyone went home happy. Isn't that how it always works, at every price point, on every car? No, not really. Let's use your Tempest as an example. Buyer 1 pays $26K for it. When he's done with it, he lists it for sale. Using your figures, let's say he can only get half what he paid for it (ie. $13K). So, he takes a hit of $13K. Actually, if what you say is true and there were several buyers vying for this car, Buyer 1 may actually break even when he goes to sell. Regarding this '67 LeMans convertible, Buyer 1 pays $49K. Earlier, I said the car is worth $35K, but another poster estimated it at $25K. So, let's split the difference and the most Buyer 2 will give is $30K. That represents a loss of nearly $20K. Yes, I'm making some assumptions here. But, my point is that "price point" does matter in that it influences how much someone will pay. And, as the price point increases, the number of potential buyers (ie., the size of the market) decreases. Look at it this way . . . you jump out of a 2nd story window and someone may have to call the EMT's. You jump out of a 10-story building and there's a good chance someone is calling the coroner. The greater the price point, the greater the risk. And, the level of risk influences the number of potential buyers and what they're willing to pay.

Why would the guy who ultimately buys this Lemans be any less intelligent than the guy who bought that Tempest? I covered that in my previous post. My only point is that you, the buyer, are the only one who gets to decide what the right price is and what the right car might be. That's true if you live in a vacuum or until you go to sell it. Or, have it appraised for insurance purposes. Matt, I'm not trying to be argumentative. And, if someone doesn't mind taking a major financial hit when they're done with a car or wants to move onto another, then that's fine. But, before writing that check, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a buyer to at least consider what somebody else would pay for it at the end of the ride. Anyone who deviates significantly from the market, does so at his own peril.

Matt, I appreciate your input and you make some interesting and thought-provoking points. But, regarding your '65 Tempest, I don't think it's a good comparison to this black '67 LeMans convertible. Why? Because the LeMans in question started life as a V-8 (not an insignificant issue) and it's only slightly modified from stock. Your '65 Tempest was a lowly 6 cylinder post car and therefore at the bottom of the food chain. In its pure stock form, that Tempest was someone's aunt's grocery getter for which there's isn't much of a market regardless of condition. Therefore, pretty much anything you do to a car like that (as long as it's nicely done as it apparently was with yours) its only going to enhance it's value. In the case of that Tempest, the more you do the better. Kind of the "go big, or go home" modification theory. BUT, the biggest difference between the LeMans in question and your Tempest is their respective values. From your description, I take it you got around $26K for it. That's only about half of what this dealer is asking for this black '67 LeMans. With everything that was done it to it, your car is more GTO than it is Tempest and for someone with a budget in the mid-20's, that represents a pretty smart buy. Totally different scenario with the LeMans. The modifications done to this LeMans aren't that significant and they don't dramatically change the nature of the car like those done to that Tempest. Yet, the $49K asking price would lead you to believe that this LeMans is: A: an over-the-top factory correct restoration; or, B: a highly modified, chromed-out, billet-bathed, LS1-motivated Poncho with a custom interior and an upgraded suspension. This black '67 LeMans is neither. It's in between. It's like being in "no man's land" which, as anyone who's ever been in the military will confirm, is a place you never want to be. Someone who gives anything close to $49K will pay a record price for a pretty pedestrian (though in nice shape) "one of none" '67 LeMans convertible for which, unlike your Tempest which was at a MUCH LOWER price point, demand isn't very strong - if it was, that LeMans would've sold by now. Regarding your "if you like it, just buy it regardless of the price" mantra, I can only assume you're a dealer. Only a dealer would agree with that mentality. The only other type of buyer who would blindly hand over his wallet to a seller is someone that has more money than sense . . . . those are the type of buyers that dealers prey on. And, if you're telling me I should give zero consideration to what the car might sell for when I'm done with it, let me say I've seen plenty of dealers refuse to lift their reserve at auctions because the high bid was "less than" they had in the car. So, it's not just us civilians who think that way. Hey, I don't mind paying a reasonable premium if a car is very nice. And yes, I have done that with other collector cars I've owned (this isn't my first rodeo). But, at $49K, that represents a premium that most sane folks would consider unreasonable for this specific LeMans. The $49K price for that car is a perfect example of the, "who's the greater fool" theory. Like they say, there's a butt for every seat. And, a dealer can afford to sit on a car for an eternity until that needle finally jumps out of the haystack. But, the rest of the market usually doesn't operate that way which eventually will be abundantly clear to the guy who pays $49K for this LeMans. Finally, you needn't worry that my life will be a dreary wasteland because I don't have this '67 LeMans sitting in my garage. I'll be just fine knowing I wasn't the greater fool . . . the other guy was. I'll find another car toy in which to get my "yah-yahs" out.

64pontiac, Since making my original post, I contacted the dealer and they indicated they have info from PHS indicating it is a real LeMans. Why did I think this car started life as a Tempest? It was just a hunch, that's all. This car just seems way too nice for a LeMans. Someone spent a lot of money in the "renovation" work. Who does that for a LeMans? I know it's a convertible, so that probably answers my question. Just seemed fishy to me. I guess the popularity and collectibility of GTO's has helped "pull up" the desirability of the LeMans. Another thing I find odd about the car is the fact there are spacers in the front coil springs (at least on the driver's side). Surprising given the money and effort put into this car. Having said that, this car's stance IS PERFECT. May not be factory correct, but looks great to my eye. Still, I would think the same stance could've been accomplished with springs which aren't all that expensive. Again, just seems weird given the level of effort expended on this car. As others have pointed out, the previous owner apparently wasn't too concerned about wanting to make the "correct". He built it to his taste, which is fine . . . until it's time to sell. Totally cool car, but anything in excess of $35K just seems over the moon to me.

Helfen, thanks for the reply. Question. Is it not possible to put Lemans gills on a Tempest?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=MhaaGSh9Sa8 Would appreciate if someone who's knowledgeable about 1967 Tempest's/LeMans's could spare a few minutes and watch the video link I've provided about a car listed for sale that's being marketed as a LeMans. I'm trying to figure out just what it is. Personally, I think this car started life as a Tempest and has been restored/morphed into a LeMans. I know the difference between a Tempest and a LeMans is somewhat of an issue of semantics. I also know the car is not "correct" (ex. Pontiac spelled out on the rocker panel, aftermarket intake manifold & carb) and normally I'm fine with that. But, with a $49,900 asking price, am I nuts to expect the car to be perfectly correct? BTW, is it proper for the LeMans nameplates on the rear fenders to be attached with rivets/fasteners that pop thru the truck walls? Never seen that before. Seems like a short cut to me especially given the apparent high level of restoration. Same goes for the naked trunk interior. Was a simple trunk liner not even available? Which leads me to: "Who spends that much restoring a LeMans"? Sorry for rambling. I'm just trying to figure out if this is a car I want to consider. Knowing just exactly what it is (or what it's trying to be) would be a good start. Hope to get a lot of good feedback. Thanks.

Hello, I'm looking to purchase a 1969 Cutlass S convertible located at a dealer in Houston. Can anyone recommend someone who's qualified to check out the mechanical and chassis components? I'm happy to pay. Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks. My email is sparmerlee@gmail.com I've already posted this on the Texas Gulf Coast chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America. But, wanted to post here also to increase my coverage. Steve Parmerlee, Indiana Buick Club of America #38881 Cadillac LaSalle Club #19126

Oldsfan - Thanks. I very much appreciate the lead. Just based on quick review and the photo, this one may not be quite up to the condition I want, but I'll definitely consider it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

Done that already.

I'm looking for a 1968 Olds 98 convertible. Must be in very nice condition and largely, if not totally, factory correct. Please email Steve at sparmerlee@yahoo.com

Hopefully, I've posted the photo links correctly. They show interior door panels for a '68 Olds 98 convertible. The arm rests look severely weather beaten to me. The "yellowed" hard plastic shouldn't be that color, right? What's the best way to fix or refresh them? Anyone make replacements? https://vault.myvzw.com/webcs/app/share/invite/11ThEXumLi https://vault.myvzw.com/webcs/app/share/invite/LIfUj2V2cy

Still thinking. I'm more than a little apprehensive about the improper rust repair. Plus, for that kind of money, I would expect A/C which I've had with other convertibles. If, it could be had for $25K, I would be more comfortable. But, the dealer won't let it go for that . . . at least, not now.

Appreciate the reference. But, I have to admit, I don't think this yellow Mustang in California is comparable to the green one in Georgia. The yellow is not nearly as nice in my opinion.

Matt: Did you post this? "And here's what $23,000 buys (real GT, 4-speed, A/C, pony interior)". But, I don't see the car, or a link.

Graham Man - when I click on the link you provided for the replacement part, what comes up is a "Complete Body Shell Fastback" for a 1968 Mustang. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place or doing something wrong. Can you please clarify what all replacement part(s) would be needed to make a proper repair?

Not being a body man, in the photo of the undercarriage being referenced, I'm not exactly sure what I should be looking at to see what is obvious to those more knowledgeable. But, that's why I posted here, to get informed insight - for which I'm most appreciative and thankful. I know that the torque boxes are important on a Mustang. Earlier, someone mentioned that these look to be in good shape. Let me ask this . . . is the improper floorplan repair a major "structural" problem? In other words, would I have to worry about the car splitting in two while driving down the road? Or, is this something that would merely result in a points deduction at a judged MCA meet? Looking forward to reading everyone's responses. Keep them coming! Thanks. - Steve

I'm not a newbie to Mustangs and if I should post this to another forum, please let me know, but I'd like input on this '68 Mustang I'm interested in that is being offered by a dealer. Looks like a nice car and I know my questions regarding its quality would be answered after spending 5 minutes behind the wheel. Unfortunately, I live 3 states and 9 hours away from it. My main question for posting here is one of value. Again, it appears to be a nice car, but the $38,500 asking price just seems astronomical for what is a base Mustang convertible, albeit nicely optioned. I suspect the car could be bought for something less. So, PLEASE share with me your thoughts on what a reasonable buyer should pay for this car. Thanks. http://cloud9classics.com/1968-ford-mustang-convertible-j-code-38500/