'64 Wildcat with completely rebuilt 401, buckets, console w/tach. I believe the owner said no power brakes but, it does have power steering. He says it has some pinhole rust behind the rear wheels but, the floors and trunk are very solid. Interior is in good shape needing a headliner replacement. Brakes lose fluid after it sits for awhile. They believe its the wheel cylinders. So it for sure needs headliner and probably wheel and master cylinders. The car is and has been stored inside. They have all receipts for engine work. What should I ask them as far as the engine work is concerned? Any nailhead specific questions? Let me know what you think, they want $3500 OBO and it is about 200 miles from me.
If I were there, I'd plunk down $3500 and be outta there with that 'Cat so fast, they'd swear a UFO got it!:TU: Every Wildcat I've seen had power brakes, but I can't recall if it was an option or not. Under load (driving) there should be no significant vibration from the engine. If it's a '64 engine, there's only one way for the flywheel to be installed. I'd be more worried about the Quadra-Jet carb. Check the trim tag, too. The code for Granada Red is "V" and the code for Arctic White is "C."
That does appear to be exactly what you've been looking for. .....and it has the optional cornering lights too. Rick
I thought that no power brakes sounded strange for a Wildcat. He wasn't 100% sure if it was no power brakes or no power steering when I talked to him. He leaned more towards no power brakes. I guess I'll find out when I look at it. I'll let you guys know what happens. Brian
You're so right, oh mighty Poobah of Wildcats! Brian, it should have power steering as well. Whatever you do, take pictures! I'd really like to see the engine and interior.
Brian, good luck on your find. My 63 has power steering and no power brakes, but my Queen Mary III is a factory 4 speed.
Let me correct myself. Both power steering and power brakes were options for the 1964 Wildcats. Costing $107.50 and $43.00, respectively. Air conditioning was a whopping $430.00! I enlarged the pics and had a close look. The body looks to be in great shape.
We can't even rebuild the motor around here for that money, so the car is free in my book. Very nice kitty too! Ask if it had hardened valve seats installed with the rebuild. Not something I would recommend but some folks do it anyway. Did they stay with standard compression pistons (domed style)10.25-1 or put in flat tops? If they put valve guides in it find out what type of metal they are? Is it a #'s correct motor or a replacement? Non of the above would cancell the deal for me but would make me bargain for it alitte. Happy Hunting:TU:
Its got to be a deal, Its got the factory wheels hopefully the center caps are all there, I saw a full set on ebay went for 500+ caps only. Good luck with the new cat
I believe it is the original motor and he says the $3500 is what he has in the motor. He just wants his money back basically. I don't know if the GTO is for sale. I will definitely find out. Thanks, Brian
I got an email from Brian that he's plannig on looking at the car over the weekend and posting pics. So, I'm kicking this one back up.
That's a purdy motor you got there, boss. Back on topic: nice car-- SOMEBODY is gonna snap it up for 3500.00; it might as well be you!
I'm leaving Sat. morning to look at the car. They got the car up and running and said that it has no brakes now. Master cylinder or wheel cylinder I would guess. Whatever it is I will go thru all the brake system if I buy it. I'll take pics and let you know tomorrow evening. Brian
Not as good as I hoped. Car has some rust in fenders and rockers and quarters. Not real bad but, there is some bondo in the rocker panel areas from a previous fix. Real solid trunk floor and floorboards. Body mounts are all real nice. In the nooks and crannys there is still mud and rocks that are basically in a concrete state. Rust is thru the metal under both taillights and the rear bumper is junk from a bad tow job. Both back up lights and frames are also ruined from this. One of the bumper ends is good the other is rusted. Trim is in OK shape with minor pitting and at least 2 pieces that will need replaced. Wheels are crusty as well as the 4 center caps. Interior is brittle with some seams splitting in the front seats. Speakers installed in the doors. Tach is not working. Motor runs real smooth but, has lots of rocker noise. They used a Northern engine kit and had a place in Kearney do the machine work. It is bored 30 over and the crank only needed polishing. He had all receipts somewhere but, not with him. Owner said they did not replace the rocker shafts but, did clean them before installing. Brake pedal goes to the floor with no brakes at all. Overall it is a pretty solid car with typical gravel road type rust. Owner told me $3100 is what he has in the motor and that is what he'd like to get out of it. I think the price is still high especially with the noise from the rockers and no brakes. Any opinions? Brian
As much as I hate to say it, especially in light of my previous comment, I'd pass on it. First, the person doing the rebuild sounds like he did a half way job, cutting every corner he could. On whose directions, who knows. Second, there is no part of that car that won't need major attention. OK, maybe ONE screw, somewhere! Even the turn signal lever will need replacement or re chroming! All gauge lens are either filthy or frosted. Re chroming the rims would cost a small fortune. Third, while the body is pretty sound, the areas that do have rust would be a case or major surgery to repair. Under the tail lights comes to mind. A nice rear bumper is not easy to come by, either. Fixing someone's "improvements" will be fun as well. I'd offer him $1000 and plan on spending 15 to 20 times that before it's done. I'm sure you're let down, and hell, I am too.
