New In SoCal - Looking at an 81 on Ebay

[fiasco]

Been lurking for a while - trying to learn the ins and outs before buying. I've really enjoyed the discussions and camaraderie.

Mark, before you ask, I'm in Glendora - just down the road. I must have driven by your place a hundred times on my way to the Upland Arena for my kids' indoor soccer games.

So I wasn't really intending to buy for another couple of months, but this car came up on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Tru ... 06.c0.m245

It is right around the corner from me so I went and took a look today. I couldn't see any rust underneath, on the shock towers, or under the floor mats (which I pulled up). It's got a lot of new stuff under the hood, the top is bad and the interior is good enough to live with in the short term, but that's where I like to spend my time, so I would hope and expect to spend my weekends working there. Didn't get to drive it, but I did start it up and listen to it purr.

The dealer is local (about a quarter mile from my house) and has been in that location for 30+ years. He said this car came from someone who lives locally here in Glendora.

I'm wondering if any SoCal locals (Mark?) think they might have seen or heard anything about this car before, or have any insight or opinions. I know what the '82 clubbers opinions will be, but let's try to be objective . . .

For context, I'm really looking for a daily driver. It has to be able to make it 3.5 miles to work at Azusa Pacific University, and back, on a fairly regular basis. Occasional days on the jack stands are not a big deal since I can bike to work pretty easily, and the rest of the family has a real car they can depend on (and by real, I mean big, gas guzzling, Detroiter).

Thanks ahead of time!
-- se

[So Cal Mark]

welcome Steve! The Arena is just a couple of blocks from my shop. If you tell me the lic number on that Spider I can look in my records and see if I ever serviced it.

After reading the ebay listing, I'd be prepared for complete maintenance if the car has been in storage for 16yrs, especially replacing all hoses. I'd expect to have to go through the brake system, and replace shocks. The rear shocks typically freeze up after sitting that long. But it looks like a real nice car

[fiasco]

Wish I had thought to write it down at the time. Fortunately I think I can make it out on the Ebay pics.

It looks like 1CHU856

Thanks!
-- se

[rlux4]

Welcome aboard SE. If you've been lurking awhile you know you've found a good source for info, help, and comraderie. Good to have you join us. You're in a great spot, that close to Mark, I have to drive 1-1/2 hours to get down there. You should think about joining us in the SoCal chapter of FLU we're in the process of starting up.
The Spider looks like a good one, what's with the mileage that' listed on it? If you do buy it, check that all the fluids have been changed. Complete brake fluid system, and fuel system, these are especially apt to go bad way before 16 years. Be sure to get the right tranny lube (GL1), the rear end uses regular 90W.
Good luck, keep us posted.
Ron

[kristoj]

Definitely looks clean. I like how they describe the dash cracks by the "speakers". One thing I would add to the list of things that need to be done is replacing the fuel hoses specifically. Just ask Craig what happens when one lets loose under the hood -- not a pretty picture. I also think the buy-it-now price is a little rich considering the car sat so long and probably has some gremlins that will need to be exorcised once you begin driving it regularly again.

When I bought my car, it had not been sitting for 16 years, but it had covered only 12,000 miles over 20 years, so it spent a lot of time sitting. When I started driving it regularly, virtually every seal in the engine, tranny and rear diff began leaking as they had dried out over time from lack of use. Not a big deal in terms of fixing, but time consuming, so I would assume you'll have to attack issues like that and bid accordingly.

[TulsaSpider]

Yea I'd agree mine had been sitting since 95, 13 years for the most part and it leaks some oil for sure! I guess the only fix is to pull the motor and replace the seals. I have been wondering if the seals on these repleaceable from the outside or do you have to tear the motor down to do it? It does look like a clean car, but I agree the buy it now price is pretty high!

[CiscoKid]

This guy with the '82 in Mesa, AZ has listed this car atleast three times I know about. I almost bought it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Tru ... 06.c0.m245

Take the Southwest flight to Phoenix and see if he'll negotiate!

[fiasco]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm headed to San Diego this afternoon for a week long conference. I think I'm just going to let the auction run its course, and if it doesn't sell (I don't know what the reserve price is), contact him when I get back and see if there's any negotiating room.

I like the Phoenix car idea, though red isn't my favorite color...

Truth is, though, I originally had in mind to look for a '74. Smaller bumpers and CA smog exempt. The '81 was so close by I couldn't justify not considering it, but if it gets away, I won't be too traumatized.

Come September I'll start to put a little more energy into the hunt.

-- se