Chris S. Mottram(at)ECCI
02/04/99 09:44 AM
My $2800 Alpine had no rust holes on he outer body. If you get it repaired
properly and professionally (no bondo) and get it painted with good paint
you are looking at at least $2000 (2 part epoxy type paint). My $6500
Tiger has rust and holes all around the lower part of the car. I had it
estimated at the body shop for $4000-5000 to get it repaired and painted.
In summary: on a cost basis alone, you probably can't get more than $5000
of resale value from an Alpine in the southeast (I have been watching the
paper for about 5 years). Nobody knows what they are here. You will have
to weigh your need for fins with the prospect of spending more than the car
is worth. I did. (spent more than it's worth that is!)
FYI - When I finish the Tiger I will use the proper professional body work
and good paint. I could get my $ back if necessary.
On the Alpine I plan to use a Maaco paint job ($400) and I will do the body
prep and filler my self. Since I park it in the garage and never drive it
in the rain, I figure the Maaco paint job will last for a long time. I can
spend another $400 every 8-10 years for a long time before I approach the
cost of a $2000 paint job.
Chris
Chris Rife <chris.rife(at)vanderbilt.edu> on 02/03/99 10:49:24 PM
To: Chris S. Mottram/AMPAC/ECCI
cc:
Subject: Re: the fins beckon...
Chris,
The car's located in Soperton, which I believe is a couple of hours away
from Atlanta. I spoke with the owner again tonight and it seems that
essentially all the mechanicals have been either rebuilt or replaced, so
that it's primary needs are just the "finishing touches." He's also
agreed to come down with the price, but I'm still wavering. He mentioned
a couple of "small" rust bubbles at the bottom of the doors (not the
sills), and a small hole in the front. How difficult are these fixes? As
I said, my car repair experience is almost none, though I think I could
learn easily enough.
At this point I am definitely leaning towards a purchase, if only
because finned Alpines don't seem to come up for sale much, and I'd hate
to waste an opportunity!
Thanks,
Chris
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