I've owned my '66 for over 20 years. After a lifetime of New Jersey weather,
there's only a little rust-through around the handbrake lever on the floor.
However, the sills (rocker panels) need replacement quite badly. Check the
condition of the sills both outer and inner - reach up behind the seam at
the bottom of the sill and push against the inner. CRUNCH is not a good
sound at this point.
And I have grave doubts about the mileage - my car has travelled over
100,000 miles without the bottom end of the engine ever being touched. This
one needed two rebuilds in 39,000 miles?????
To quote the Romans, Caveat Emptor.................
Jon Arzt
Omaha, NE USA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Kirks" <srk@mac.com>
To: <alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 9:10 PM
Subject: Update: 1966 Alpine advice
> All:
>
> Thanks so much for the outpouring of advice. I went by the car this
> afternoon and got a good look at it. Executive summary: $500 car,
> maybe $1000
>
> First and foremost, the floorpan is rusted through in the driver and
> passenger footwells. The *entire* underbody shows at least some
> surface rust. On the contrary, the panels are in good shape and seem
> to only show surface rust. No "bondo" tests were done. I had told the
> current owner that I would do a "once over" today, and if still
> interested, do a through inspection later.
>
> Here's some info on the car:
>
> B395000766 LRX
> Paint Code 100 (Medeterrian Blue)
>
> SAL# 600676
> 39,000-ish original miles
> Second owner
>
> Car was the correct color (decent paint but bubbly) and had been
> resprayed the correct color. Interior was nearly a total loss: battery
> box rusted, seats serviceable, dash trimmings mostly gone. Correct
> steering wheel, gauges, shifter knob. Convertible top shrunk.
>
> Wire wheels fitted, including spare, showing wear around hubs. Great
> tire condition, probably owing to the fact it's been barely driven in
> the last 10 years. Doors open and close solidly and seem to fit
> correctly without odd gaps.
>
> Engine rebuilt twice (verified with receipts) by reputable mechanic
> familiar with Alpines. Correct engine for car (serial #s matched).
> Owner says it will run, but carbs need balanced and tuning (probably
> rebuilding too). Engine area shows some rust, but seems to be mainly
> surface, due to lack of care.
>
> I did the 5 minute walk around, carrying printed sheets from my handy
> website research. I didn't ask him to start it since a) the floors
> were rusted through and b) $6500 was a crock.
>
> I'm going to offer him $500 on Monday next week, cash.
>
> Anyone else want to throw their 2 cents worth in before I do? I figure
> this car is a total rebuild, especially with the rust and the
> questionable engine.
>
> Regards,
>
> Steve Kirks
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