I think I'm going to make this year the year...

[GMTruckGuy74]

...that I finally buy something I can play around with and take to shows/cruise nights.

I've been looking for years, and always wishing and wanting something to call my own. Whether it is a Pontiac Grand Prix ('80s vintage), a T/A GTA ('91/'92), a GMC (mid-'50s pickup, '91 Syclone, '80s Caballero, fullsize early '90s Jimmy), I am going to make it a personal goal to make this happen. I'm tired of going to car shows and admiring someone else's ride and when they ask what I have, tell them nothing. I have a small gold mine sitiing in my basement (boxes of toys collecting dust), and two online outlets to utilize (Craigs list and eBay), so I have to make this happen for me. Whatever I end up with doesn't have to be perfect, I just need it to be 'all there' and be able to enjoy it while I spend some time and money to make it what I want it to be.

So many posters here (knightfan, Camino, Oldsmoboi, Dodgefan - to name a few) have inspired me through their own hunts for the vehicles they desire to finally make this an attainable goal - no excuses allowed - that I can no longer sit back and sulk about "why can't I have something like that?" I'm mentioning this here because in order to make a goal possible you have to let someone know (and I know the wife will just roll her eyes) and you all will be my support group.

Thanks for letting me share this with you all!!

[Drew Dowdell]

I think before you do this, you need to sit down and have a talk with yourself.

Ask yourself, are you willing to put the wrench work into buying one of these older cars. Even one in excellent condition will require it.

If you're not willing to put the wrench work into the car; are you willing and able to put the money into having someone else do the wrench work for you?

[Satty]

During that same self conversation you might want to make sure its in your financial best interests.

If you've followed BK's threads you've noticed we give him an incredible amount of grief, much of that comes from his jumping in to things that aren't fiscally sustainable or wise.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I totally agree with what you are saying Oldsmoboi, and have already done that step. Unlike the '96 Caddy FWB, which was to be a daily driver, this purchase would solely be a fun vehicle that can be taken to car shows and cruise nights not for trophies but for my own personal enjoyment (and to find others out there too with the same passion). It would be the vehicle that I'd learn to work on, most likely with others with experience, but also for me to get some experience of my own. I want something complete and as original as possible (meaning no vehicles with a modified powertrain), but also something that is turnkey as possible so I could take it under it's own power to local shows while I improve on it in the meantime. I see many vehicles like these at local car shows, works in progress, that I figure I too can take part in. That '87 Grand Prix LE is something on my radar, because it fits this description, as well as a really good conditioned '91-'92 Trans Am GTA (of course computer systems on cars that don't have an OBD system will be fun to learn on )

But yes, I plan to roll up my sleaves and get my hands dirty on a vehicle like this, which might just get me interested in doing some of my own maintenance on my daily drivers.

During that same self conversation you might want to make sure its in your financial best interests.

If you've followed BK's threads you've noticed we give him an incredible amount of grief, much of that comes from his jumping in to things that aren't fiscally sustainable or wise.

Oh, I know. The difference is that this purchase will not be a daily driver, as I have that covered already

I just want something fun for me, regardless of what others may think. My own little boulevard cruiser

[z28luvr01]

It's only fair

[SAmadei]

It's only fair

No, its not. He's NOT looking for a DD. If his "toy" is broken, he don't need it to go to work. That is a MAJOR difference between what he is proposing and our WK teasings.

[z28luvr01]

I know, I'm just being facetious, and I know he knows I'm kidding, hence the

Any one of those would make a great fun car. I think for the rarity factor I'd go for either the Caballero or a Yukon GT.

[Camino LS6]

Very glad to hear it, Roger!

Best of luck in your search!

[ocnblu]

Good luck to ya, GMTG74.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Wishing you luck with your search, Roger!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Thanks, all!!

And yes, z28luvr01, I smiled when I saw the white Honda Accord!!

Yesterday on the way home I saw a red SSR and drooled... then I realized one of the stipulations is that the vehicle I end up with has to be at leat 20 or 25 years old to classify as a 'classic' by NJ DMV standards. This will help me financially since I won't be required to have regular, rape me in the a$$ NJ insurance premiums (I'm thinking Hagerty or other classic vehicle insurance carriers). So anything newer than 1991 (or 1986 if 25 y-o is the minimum requirement) will be off the list (one of the reasons I had to sell the SKY was the insurance costs for it pretty much just sitting in my garage). I need to find out what NJ's law is on classic-registered vehicles.

If I go the old GMC truck route, being 'drivable' will not be a requirement as much as being 'all there' for restoration purposes. The only thing is that storage will be an issue for extra parts (thinking of the CL ad for the '56 GMC that comes with many extra parts, including a cab). I'm sure I can work something out if this route is taken.

Of course that '87 Grand Prix is a big contender for this purchase. I know the GP of this era is not a 'hot car' to own, but that's not the reason I want one. Like knightfan grew up with Monte Carlos in his family, I grew up with a '83 Grand Prix LJ (from age 8 to 18, and was the car I learned to drive with). The particular '87 GP LE I found has a great story, has been garage kept and dealer maintenanced its whole life, and since the owner is the dealer-principle, the car has never actually been titled (still owned by the dealership), so technically I'd be the car's first owner. However, the owner is in no rush to sell and would likely not settle for chump change, so I would have to do my homework on this if I make the GP the focus of my goal.

And of course as I gather my wares for sale and make the money, I'll see what else pops up in due time and give it my full consideration. Likely with input requested from posters here

[BigPontiac]

How 'bout a modern car that you could use now and hold on to that might become interesting as it ages?

I have to liquidate several cars for my dad's estate, one of which is a 2007 Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible. 40K miles with about a year left on the GM CPO warranty. Silver with black leather.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Sounds tempting, BigPontiac, but again the problem is a big enough car payment + full insurance coverage for a modern car.

I'm looking for something I can pay cash for (assuming I can raise enough from selling off my toy & small train collection) that is old enough to classify as "classic" for both NJ DMV needs and insurance purposes. This way it won't be a drain on the finances, like the '07 Saturn SKY ended up being.

But trust me, that G6 convertible sounds good... and I am one here that actually likes the G6 line-up!

[SAmadei]

Disclaimer: I'm not a pro at how this works, but I've researched it somewhat. Hopefully someone will fill what I get wrong or leave out.

I have gone to the NJ MVS so many times to talk about antique plates, its crazy... and every time I get very little info back, except a small printout and a phone number to call the NJMVS Historic registration line. There is very little on the MVS webpage. In fact I've filled out the application, but I never sent it in due to the photos of the car that need to be sent in.

So here's the deal, in NJ ANY car 25 years old or older can be registered historic. With this, you get cheaper registration and an exemption from vehicle inspection... however, you can only drive it 2500 (might have changed now) miles a year. You get the application, take two 3/4 view photos of the car including both sides and the front/back and mail it to Trenton. Trenton checks their magic 8 ball and decides to grant you plates or not. I've heard various comments about what the photos are for... looking for serious damage or a seriously altered vehicle. I don't know for sure, or if its just record keeping. Hopefully you get plates in the mail and you're set. I believe you still need to go to the MVS inspection, but they just check your odometer and give you a little triangle sticker, but most cars I see seem to ignore that.

If your car is less than 25 years old, but is somehow of cultural significance, you can get classic plates. Classic plates work the same as Historic, but the application requires some sort of proof that the car is special. At 25 years of age, a classic becomes a historic. I know classics must get the mileage checked at the MVS, as I've seem the cars there... but I question how much actual proof is needed to get the plates... as the last time I was at the MVS inspection, the dude in front of me had a Classic-plated early '90s Sable station wagon roadster... like with NO roof. How on earth something not factory like that qualifies is beyond me. The MVS inspection was giving him a hard time for the mileage sticker, as he knew the MVS had been bamboozled.

As far as insurance goes, as far as I can tell, its not related to the registration at all, unless something has changed. I have friends with historic insurance on normal plated cars... but then the insurance company puts a limit on the mileage... which you negotiate with them. I even asked the NJMVS about what kind of insurance historically registered cars needed, and the verbal reply was that any usual insurance would do.

One other thing I seem to recall... I believe the MVS requires you have a primary, standard registrated automobile before you can start getting historic cars. But this might have been the insurance company I talked to.

I've talked to so many people about this stuff... and its been a while since I did because of life's twists and turns, its hard to remember. I remember one of my hurtles was that several of my cars were being restored be me and it was an issue as the insurance companies didn't want to be bothered with any car valued less than $3000 or so (10 years ago), but I know several companies (Hagarty comes to mind) now offer coverage for cars in the process of restoration... how this affects the MVS's opinion to give you plates might be different, as they are expecting a complete car.

So thats about all I know of it. One day I'm going to start running my cars through this system, since I find the no inspection so enticing... most of my cars are creeping beyond 25 years old. I'm sure, that shortly thereafter I will run into other issues... like the fact that some towns ignorantly codify it that any car parked in their town must be inspected... ignoring that historic registration even exists.

Edit: typo

Edited March 29, 2011 by SAmadei

[Intrepidation]

Since its not going to be a DD you don't have to worry much about reliability on a daily basis.

So long as you're willing to put the time, effort (and money) into maintaining/improving it and are prepared for it you should be fine.

I've still got tons to do with my car before I go looking into a weekend car, but I do have an itch for an older project car.

Older (like older than `76)cars have got to so much easier to work. Lots more room, lot simpler, no smog equipment. Probably a good way to get started and learn.

[2005 EquinoxLS]

I dont blame you. I have my 2 older B-bodies that are just for limited use. Do what makes you happy. I might someday if money allows look for a 1971-76 Caprice-Impala. Trouble with those is the quality was pretty lax so try finding one in any shape.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Thanks for the information, SAmadei. Most of that sounds familiar, since I did a little research of my own around this time in 2009 (when I went to see the '87 GP in person). Besides the "classic" registration (25+ years old), there was a catergory for limited production vehicles that worked in a similiar fashion to the classic plates. Since the '87 GP LE model production was around 1500 units, I wanted to see if that would work for it then, but now that the car is 24 years old (1987-2011), I think I would try to get the classic plates/registration if possible and get classic insurance to protect my financial investment (assuming I happen to end up with the GP this year). I did set a little plan into motion yesterday that will put my name back into the owner's mind, I'm curious if it will work as I hope it does (if a response is given, I should know in about two days the earliest).

I look at so many posters here as inspiration...

- Camino with his '72 Corvette and 2-door Tahoe

- Knightfan with his multitude of classic Monte Carlos and Caprice

- Oldsmoboi and his Olds Toronado

- SAmadei and his collection of Pontiacs

- Dodgefan and his Intrepid & Prizm

- Balthazar and his '59 Buick

- hyperV6 and his '85 Pontiac Fiero

- Future of GM and his early Camaros

- Blackviper and his Volkswagens

- 2005 Equinox LS and his B-bodies

- vonVeezelsnider and his desire/search for a late-model Cadillac Fleetwood

... and so on with many others I can't even remember off the top of my head right now. All of these people with their passion for a particular vehicle, find the way to make it happen. I am tired of making excuses that I can't afford this or I can't have that... it's time to make it happen or another year will go by.

So a BIG thank-you to all of the posters here that have inspired me to finally get off my butt, quit making excuses, and make this happen. It may take me some while as I get finances in order, but I have the burning desire to no longer sulk in depression that I can't have something fun.

Edited March 30, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Drew Dowdell]

How about this one

http://pittsburgh.cr...2280777631.html

It even has "lumber" seats

[Robert Hall]

I'd like to be geolocated w/ my old cars ('69 Mustang, '87 Mustang) but that's not likely to happen this year...

[vonVeezelsnider]

How about this one

http://pittsburgh.cr...2280777631.html

It even has "lumber" seats

Right color combo, price and mileage... if only it weren't 2500 miles away.

[SAmadei]

Besides the "classic" registration (25+ years old), there was a catergory for limited production vehicles that worked in a similiar fashion to the classic plates.

Over 25 years is "historic"... I thought under 25 years was "Classic", but Its actually "Collector".

NJMVS has updated the website slightly and it looks like only collector plates have a mileage limit now (3000 miles), and collector require special insurance now.

As far as trying to get NJ to accept your targeted '87 GP LE as a collector, I'd say its not worth the fight, as it will be a historic next year. Considering that inspection is not likely an issue, I would look into just registering it as normal for a year, and putting collector insurance on it.

[GMTruckGuy74]

How about this one

http://pittsburgh.cr...2280777631.html

It even has "lumber" seats

Oh, I wish I could consider another FWB, but it won't fit in my garage

Anything I buy, especially if it is a restorable/undrivable vehicle, needs to be contained inside of my garage (homeowners association rules for restorable/undrivable vehicles & recreational items <ATVs, jet skis, etc>). If I purchased a driveable vehicle, I would want to protect it from the elements and keep it in one of my two garage bays since it would be an occasional-use vehicle.

But thanks for the lookout!

[GMTruckGuy74]

So far, here are the two considerations, if I had enough cash NOW:

1956 GMC 100 Stepside:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/2213390571.html

1987 Pontiac Grand Prix LE:

The only problem I have with the '56 GMC is that it will take a lot of time and money to get it where I want it to be. But this is where I'm headed here...

Edited March 30, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

...that I finally buy something I can play around with and take to shows/cruise nights.

That's awesome!

The only advice I can give you is this; old cars are a lot like children. They're costly, fun and sometimes very frustrating. But through it all nothing beats the pride of building (raising) something that means so much to you and other people that 'get it'. (And a lot of people don't 'get it')

I feel your pain about the cruise nights. Here in Charlotte the hobby is HUGE but my cars are 2 hours away at my parents house. It's very painful to go take part in the hobby as strictly a spectator. But I never talk to anyone anyway because I'm so shy. (God forbid I be outgoing enough to appear human, LOL) Even a couple of years ago when I finally fulfilled my goal of organizing and putting on a classic car show for Relay For Life, it kind of sucked because my cars weren't at the event.

It's a bit of a curse and a gift though. My cars are to the point (in my eyes) that I almost can't enjoy working on them or taking them out because I'm always afraid something might happen to them. But that's another issue entirely.

But trust me, that G6 convertible sounds good... and I am one here that actually likes the G6 line-up!

I think the G6 coupe is one of the most attractive cars of the last 10 years.

As far as insurance. I can't speak for NJ, but in NC there are no exemptions until 35 years or older. Then you're exempted from inspections altogether. Of course, a lot of us who garage these things would just ignore the inspections anyway or just pay a buddy at a garage for a sticker (anything 1995 and older is still not computer linked here and extremely easy to forge) Most of the time the cops won't bother us unless we're 1) driving unsafe or 2) driving something that they can profile as unsafe.

Classic car insurance is simple here... All you need is documented proof of a daily driver for every licensed driver in the house (i.e. 4 adult drivers = 4 daily drivers) and a locking garage. No mileage limits or anything like that.

All of these people with their passion for a particular vehicle, find the way to make it happen. I am tired of making excuses that I can't afford this or I can't have that... it's time to make it happen or another year will go by.

So a BIG thank-you to all of the posters here that have inspired me to finally get off my butt, quit making excuses, and make this happen. It may take me some while as I get finances in order, but I have the burning desire to no longer sulk in depression that I can't have something fun.

I'm at the same crossroads. My cars have done way too much sitting for the past few years and it's time to either start messing with them again or (gulp) consider passing them on to someone who can.

Edited March 30, 2011 by FUTURE_OF_GM

[Robert Hall]

My Mustangs are stored in my Mom's barn, 2000 miles away..they get driven maybe 150-200 miles a year..I drive them when I visit, my Mom and brother drive them to cruise ins and car shows (along w/ his 4 old cars and her 2)...got a bunch of trophies and plaques on a shelf from the shows, but I've only made it to a couple of them over the years.

I need to resolve my geolocation and garage issues eventually, but I really don't want to move back to Ohio, been in the West too long, but I don't want to stay in AZ. Decisions, decisions....

[Camino LS6]

I have a few spares, Roger. But I don't think they'll fit in your garage.

[GMTruckGuy74]

@ Camino... you definitely have plenty to share amongst many posters here Bob!

FOG - I truly understand where you're coming from, though your on one end of the sprectrum (not utilizing your cars) and I'm on the other side (nothing to utilize!). Problems for both of us for sure!!

Ironically, a LMC Truck catalog came in today's mail ('47-'59 Chevy & GMC trucks). Whoa... the prices for parts is astonishing! Looking at the pictures of the '56 GMC I posted above, and considering the prices in that catalog, I better work on making that '87 GP a reality

One part of me really wants a classic GMC, but then I agree with FOG's statement that I'd be afraid to take it to many places for fear that something horrible will happen. Plus something like that would take many years and a lo of extra cash to enjoy. So if I'm going that route I have to find something in better shape, or a stalled project that someone wants to unload. Another part wants to find something that I can drive home and enjoy while doing small things (if even needed). I guess it will depend on how much money I have at the time I'm ready to make the purchase.

[GMTruckGuy74]

That's the issue WMJ... and with the cash I raise soon, I will get that answer. Either I'm going to find something that is in very good condition to enjoy right away & work on as needed, or I'm going to buy a project vehicle and work on it as both time and money allow. Preferably, I'd like to find something I can just drive home and enjoy right away (like that '87 GP LE), but since I can only have one (wife's orders), I will think this through very carefully

[SAmadei]

My two cents, between the GMC truck and the GP... it is true the GP is a nice turnkey ride... but its also in nice enough shape that you may be afraid to get adventurous. Also, in the end, the GP will not be very unique to the average person. Its obviously special, but even with documentation, that might be hard to recoup when it comes time to sell.

The GMC, on the other hand, is VERY unique. Assuming its not too far gone and you can get it for a good deal, you can pretty much work on it a little at a time, with little fear of making it worse. However, you have to plan it out carefully, as it will take more money in the long run.

That is one cool GMC, though, and it would look sweet even in primer with painted bumpers.

[Camino LS6]

I'm thinking that a GMC Sprint/Caballero might be the best of both worlds for you.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

My goal is to eventually own at least one classic from every GM division (and every major American division if I do really well) After seeing this GMC making the rounds here in Charlotte, I think it'll be the model I eventually spring for.

Not bad for an iPhone photo... Really wish I'd gotten a good pic of the side though.

Edited March 31, 2011 by FUTURE_OF_GM

[GMTruckGuy74]

I'm thinking that a GMC Sprint/Caballero might be the best of both worlds for you.

I really do like those ('82-'87) a lot. I'm mad I didn't at least go look at that '85 GMC Caballero I showed you from CL in Philly about 2-3 months ago. Of course the dealer no longer has it. Not too many around on CL that haven't been modified, or the owner doesn't want an arm & a leg for. Though I know the El Camino is 99% similar to the GMC Caballero, it would have to be the GMC version for me to make a move on it.

Adding this to the 'potential' list:

(I already drool over them at car shows and when I see them out in the 'wild')

[GMTruckGuy74]

My two cents, between the GMC truck and the GP... it is true the GP is a nice turnkey ride... but its also in nice enough shape that you may be afraid to get adventurous. Also, in the end, the GP will not be very unique to the average person. Its obviously special, but even with documentation, that might be hard to recoup when it comes time to sell.

The GMC, on the other hand, is VERY unique. Assuming its not too far gone and you can get it for a good deal, you can pretty much work on it a little at a time, with little fear of making it worse. However, you have to plan it out carefully, as it will take more money in the long run.

That is one cool GMC, though, and it would look sweet even in primer with painted bumpers.

See, both of those vehicles has sentimental value to me - granpop's '55 GMC 100-2 and my mom's '83 GP LJ. So regardless, both are very much to my liking. I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about resale values, though I know a restored '56 GMC would get more than the stock '87 GP (however, I'm sure I wouldn't lose my investment money if I resold the GP down the road).

I guess thankfully I don't have the money in hand now to have to make this kind of decision!

[SAmadei]

I'm thinking that a GMC Sprint/Caballero might be the best of both worlds for you.

I really do like those ('82-'87) a lot. I'm mad I didn't at least go look at that '85 GMC Caballero I showed you from CL in Philly about 2-3 months ago. Of course the dealer no longer has it. Not too many around on CL that haven't been modified, or the owner doesn't want an arm & a leg for. Though I know the El Camino is 99% similar to the GMC Caballero, it would have to be the GMC version for me to make a move on it.

Interesting, so you prefer the quad headlight ones? I've always found the general consensus on '78-'88 'Caminos to prefer the 2 headlight or Monte Carlo nose over the plainer quad headlight years. I imagine there were no Caballeros built with the Monte's snout.

[Camino LS6]

I'm thinking that a GMC Sprint/Caballero might be the best of both worlds for you.

I really do like those ('82-'87) a lot. I'm mad I didn't at least go look at that '85 GMC Caballero I showed you from CL in Philly about 2-3 months ago. Of course the dealer no longer has it. Not too many around on CL that haven't been modified, or the owner doesn't want an arm & a leg for. Though I know the El Camino is 99% similar to the GMC Caballero, it would have to be the GMC version for me to make a move on it.

Interesting, so you prefer the quad headlight ones? I've always found the general consensus on '78-'88 'Caminos to prefer the 2 headlight or Monte Carlo nose over the plainer quad headlight years. I imagine there were no Caballeros built with the Monte's snout.

Not a fan of the two-headlight years, myself. Unless, that is, if the car is a very rare V8 manual ('81 is the last year for that).

And no, to my knowlege no snouted GMCs were built.

[Robert Hall]

4>2...the 2 headlights were a weak point on many '70s GMs, esp. the '73-77 and '78-81 A-bodies that used them, IMO.

[Camino LS6]

Oh,and just a small detail - the nose on the SS Caminos is not the same as the Monte SS nose.

[SAmadei]

Oh,and just a small detail - the nose on the SS Caminos is not the same as the Monte SS nose.

I remember that, but I can't remember what the difference was. I know a lot of people have swapped MC noses on the Caminos... and there are a lot of ChooChoo parts out there... 25 years later, I can't keep 'em straight.

[Robert Hall]

Oh,and just a small detail - the nose on the SS Caminos is not the same as the Monte SS nose.

I remember that, but I can't remember what the difference was. I know a lot of people have swapped MC noses on the Caminos... and there are a lot of ChooChoo parts out there... 25 years later, I can't keep 'em straight.

IIRC, the El Camino and Monte Carlo front fenders are shaped differently at the leading edge, so the nose caps are different...not sure about the hoods...

[SAmadei]

[

IIRC, the El Camino and Monte Carlo front fenders are shaped differently at the leading edge, so the nose caps are different...not sure about the hoods...

Ah... yeah, I see that it seems slightly raked forward... a throwback to the 2 headlight years... the MC is fairly straight up and down... also the side marker is in a different spot, as well.

[Camino LS6]

There are a bunch of differences, but the main one is the interface of fender to nose cap.

[GMTruckGuy74]

While I prefer the squared, double-headlighted '82-'87 design, I wouldn't pass up a great deal on a '78-'81 single-headlighted version.

You know, I saw that really nice GMC Caballero in the Lancaster-area back in January that I posted in the "spot" thread...

I'm headed back that way tomorrow... assuming it's still there, maybe I should pull a Camino and leave my name & contact info in a letter under the wiper blade?

[Camino LS6]

Do it!

A 4.3 V6 car might be just the ticket for you if you can find one. Kinda rare, but having an injected powerplant might make make life easier for you. I think they only built them in '86 and '87.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Unfortunately, we didn't get to that area of Lancaster (well, that is not directly Lancaster, but we didn't even go near that part anyway). However, if I happen to see something I like while I'm out, regardless of what it is, I may just take the chance and leave a note on it. Let's just hope it doesn't take 20 years to get a response!!

[Blake Noble]

You know, there's always the option of cloning a Caballero.

Too bad you weren't looking about three years ago. I ran into a '71 Sprint SP that needed a good restoration at Somernite's Cruise for around $3k.

[knightfan26917]

Of course that '87 Grand Prix is a big contender for this purchase. I know the GP of this era is not a 'hot car' to own, but that's not the reason I want one. Like knightfan grew up with Monte Carlos in his family, I grew up with a '83 Grand Prix LJ (from age 8 to 18, and was the car I learned to drive with). The particular '87 GP LE I found has a great story, has been garage kept and dealer maintenanced its whole life, and since the owner is the dealer-principle, the car has never actually been titled (still owned by the dealership), so technically I'd be the car's first owner. However, the owner is in no rush to sell and would likely not settle for chump change, so I would have to do my homework on this if I make the GP the focus of my goal.

First ... and foremost ... congrats for making the decision ... and GOOD LUCK in finding EXACTLY what you want, Roger.

I stress EXACTLY ... because it is NO fun to buy something that you do not like 100%. With cars, I'm less likely to "compromise" on what I want ... to SOME extent, of course.

In your case, Roger, based on what you've said about and posted about with regard to the Grand Prix ... that '87 in particular ... I'd highly suggest you seriously consider finding the ability/money to buy THAT car. If you don't, you MAY kick yourself later ... no matter what you buy instead.

*shrugs*

That noted ... don't pass up a good opportunity "just because". After all, if I didn't "compromise" at all, my '76 MC Landau would NOT be mine. I NEVER wanted a black car because I KNOW how hard they are to keep clean. Yet, here I am with one ... because it was a deal TOO GOOD to pass up, made possible by the fact that the original owner learned just how much I LOVE older cars, particularly Monte Carlos.

So, be patient. You'll obtain what you want. If I can be of assistance, you know how to contact me!

I feel your pain about the cruise nights. Here in Charlotte the hobby is HUGE but my cars are 2 hours away at my parents house. It's very painful to go take part in the hobby as strictly a spectator. But I never talk to anyone anyway because I'm so shy. (God forbid I be outgoing enough to appear human, LOL) Even a couple of years ago when I finally fulfilled my goal of organizing and putting on a classic car show for Relay For Life, it kind of sucked because my cars weren't at the event.

Sometimes it is hard to take part in a hobby ... even WITH a car at a cruise night, if said car isn't "up to par" with the rest of the cars there. "Up to par" in terms of condition, etc.

*rolls eyes*

I'm not sure which is worse ... to not have a car there ... or to have a car there that doesn't garner any attention/interest. Which is why, I guess, I'm surprised I'm an inspiration to you, Roger. I don't do the work on my cars ... and none of them are "show quality"....lol . Though, I am flattered!

Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_04.16.11_Dwight.IL *

MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"It's a freedom that we all want to know" __ Restless Heart __ 'Wheels'

[GMTruckGuy74]

First ... and foremost ... congrats for making the decision ... and GOOD LUCK in finding EXACTLY what you want, Roger.

I stress EXACTLY ... because it is NO fun to buy something that you do not like 100%. With cars, I'm less likely to "compromise" on what I want ... to SOME extent, of course.

In your case, Roger, based on what you've said about and posted about with regard to the Grand Prix ... that '87 in particular ... I'd highly suggest you seriously consider finding the ability/money to buy THAT car. If you don't, you MAY kick yourself later ... no matter what you buy instead.

*shrugs*

That noted ... don't pass up a good opportunity "just because". After all, if I didn't "compromise" at all, my '76 MC Landau would NOT be mine. I NEVER wanted a black car because I KNOW how hard they are to keep clean. Yet, here I am with one ... because it was a deal TOO GOOD to pass up, made possible by the fact that the original owner learned just how much I LOVE older cars, particularly Monte Carlos.

So, be patient. You'll obtain what you want. If I can be of assistance, you know how to contact me!

I defintely agree with you 100%... since I don't have the funds available for multiple purchases and upkeep, whatever I decide will have to be completely satisfactory. I definitely want an '81-'87 Grand Prix, and that white '87 LE is on the top of the list for that model. However, there is another '80s GP - maroon, like my mom's '83 LJ - that I've been keeping an eye on, I think with T-tops nonetheless, that is more of a restoration candidate than the '87 LE (driver) though. I think I need to leave a note on that one

Sometimes it is hard to take part in a hobby ... even WITH a car at a cruise night, if said car isn't "up to par" with the rest of the cars there. "Up to par" in terms of condition, etc.

*rolls eyes*

I'm not sure which is worse ... to not have a car there ... or to have a car there that doesn't garner any attention/interest. Which is why, I guess, I'm surprised I'm an inspiration to you, Roger. I don't do the work on my cars ... and none of them are "show quality"....lol . Though, I am flattered!

Cort, of course your an inspiration! I won't be able to do everything on a vehicle I buy, so that's not even a point. You're an inspiration because no matter what you go through, you make your passion for the cars you love known to all, and do what you can to enjoy them to the fullest. I'm sure with the cash I'll eventually have it won't give me a concours ready showcar But whatever I buy will be something I absolutely love, care for and be passionate about - like you

[knightfan26917]

I defintely agree with you 100%... since I don't have the funds available for multiple purchases and upkeep, whatever I decide will have to be completely satisfactory. I definitely want an '81-'87 Grand Prix, and that white '87 LE is on the top of the list for that model. However, there is another '80s GP - maroon, like my mom's '83 LJ - that I've been keeping an eye on, I think with T-tops nonetheless, that is more of a restoration candidate than the '87 LE (driver) though. I think I need to leave a note on that one

Ooo...that sounds promising. Did you leave a note? Any news?

Cort, of course your an inspiration! I won't be able to do everything on a vehicle I buy, so that's not even a point. You're an inspiration because no matter what you go through, you make your passion for the cars you love known to all, and do what you can to enjoy them to the fullest. I'm sure with the cash I'll eventually have it won't give me a concours ready showcar But whatever I buy will be something I absolutely love, care for and be passionate about - like you

Wow ... awesome. Guess I hadn't thought of myself like that, at least not in the "inspirational" terms. Perhaps because sometimes I wonder if people pay attention in the first place. Guess I don't really need to be concerned about that as much, eh?

Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_10.15.11_Volo.IL *

MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"You know we'll have a good time then" __ Harry Chapin __ 'Cats In The Cradle'