Topic: I guess I'll have to keep her.... 1977 TA

[BluuesMan]

I finally finished putting my 77 back together.
I've owned her since 1995.
Haven't drove her much in the last 5 years so I decided to sell her.
When I first bought her she was all freshly primered and I had MACCO paint her.
After 18 years I learned a important lesson. Don't put paint on a surface that you didn't personally prepare.
The paint bubbled in all 6 areas of the body, Behind rear tire, in front of rear tire and behind the front tire , both sides.
The bondo was 1 1/2" thick in some places.
In order to sell her I sanded the whole body, replaced all the rusted metal on the body panels and re-primered everything.
It really needs a driver side front fender as my repair skills couldn't hide the original damage.
The motor is the original 400 rebuilt W / Edelbrock RPM Intake, Performer plus cam and lifters, new pistons and Holley 750 CFM carb.
Turbo 350 rebuilt W/ torque  W/ custom stall converter.
PST Polygraphite front end kit ( everything replaced including springs and brake calipers )
5 Matching American Racing Wheels.
Interior is probably the one thing that needs attention.
I bought a new steering wheel, Headliner and carpet. All of the seats except the top back seat need recovering.
I figured I'd start @ $ 7,000.00 and go down to $ 5,000.00 if needed.
The only calls I received were from the scam artists wanting to buy it sight unseen VIA PAYPAL.. NO THANKS....
I've spent over $ 12,000.00 over the years and don't expect to get that back but..........
I'm not going to go below 5K. I'll keep her for anything less than that.
In order to finish the project I need a new Driver side front fender ( $650.00)
All of the plastic body parts ( front spoiler, wheel flares )  $ 300.00 per axle and of course the paint and clear coat ( Buccaneer Red ) $ 650.00
I can't forget the decals ( $ 300.00).
The car has 136K original miles and runs and drives like a low mileage TA.
What would you do ?
How much more would you sink into a car that you can't give away.
That is my dilemma.
I know the answer is do what you like.
You can't put a price on enjoyment.
Here are the pics...

http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Leonardelli/slideshow/

[TransAm_Stan]

That's a tough call Mike.  Sink more money into a project knowing that you will not recoup the investment when you go to sell it.  Now if you decide to keep it that is a whole new ballgame. 

I am kind of in your shoes with a project.  I decided to stop throwing good money after bad.  And I threw a lot of money into that project.  It was a tough decision, but it had to be done. 

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[BluuesMan]

Thanks for the input....
It's kinda hard to sink more money into it when you don't make as much as you used to.
Did the Photo bucket Link work?
It worked for me but of course I was signed in

 

[ponchonutty]

The link worked.  Well, right now the market is pretty soft.  Trying to sell something right now that isn't already done for decent money is pretty hard.  If you are always thinking of selling it, I would just cut the losses now and dump it.  Don't through another dime into it because more than likely, you won't get any of it back.

[BluuesMan]

Thanks for the advice.
I was trying to be an honest PO.
It didn't feel right painting the car when it wasn't completely ready.
I figured someone would appreciate me stopping without a new fender and Plastic parts.
I believe it's time to paint it back to the original Buccaneer Red and get rid of it.
I suppose I could save up for the paint over the winter and try selling again next spring.
Or do I buy some duplicolor red and put 1 coat and call it quits ( Blasphemy , but the cheapest option )

Thanks again for the advice.

[BluuesMan]

Well....... I didn't keep her...

Sold her last week for $ 3250.00 to a guy with 2 boys that are gonna finish her.
It's sad to see her go but without a garage now, it would just be at the mercy of the Colorado weather.
I was promised some pictures when they finish her.
I don't know if that will make me feel better or worse.

Mike

[ponchonutty]

Well, it's good it went to a father/son project.  Hopefully they can bring it back to the way it should be.  $3k plus is actually a decent price on both sides.