A Sentimental Whats It Worth 1969 Super Bee **** UPDATED NEWS

chargerboy69 · December 18, 2009, 03:47:05 PM

Updated on page 2.

I recently learned that the 1969 Super Bee I had in high school is back on the market. A few months ago I was told where to find the car, and that the owner was putting the car up for sale. I contacted the owner to verify that is was my old car, and sure enough it was. I was quite surprised when I saw the car. The car is completely dis-assembled. The car sits on four homemade stands with wheels as the suspension is totally apart. Most of the pieces are there, but nonetheless the car is completely apart. The car is a 383 4spd. car with A/C and the air-grabber hood. Originally a green on green car. When I sold the car my senior year in high school in 1992 the car was all original. Numbers matching 383 with the 4 spd. Even the Dana was still in the car. Since then, the 383 was pulled, the Dana is long gone and the original hood is gone and now replaced with a repo six pack hood. The car does need some minor rust repair in the rear on one side, however it is very minor. The fenders, doors, trunk lid are all mint. The care does come with a 400 and 440, both needing rebuilt and a freshly rebuilt hemi 4 spd. The current owner believes this car is the only one like it in the world and was asking $6800.00 for the car. I lowballed the crap out of him and he threw a fit. He is now down to $5800.00 and still can not move the car. To be honest the guy is kind of a jerk. I still do not feel the car is worth it in this market. Am I wrong? What is getting me is the sentimental value of this car. I had a lot of great memories in this car. I have quite a lot of video of my dad and myself with the car working on it. My dad passed away a couple years ago, so it sure would be nice to get this one back. This is a very large project, and something I would never consider with any other car, except this one.

rustafarian · December 18, 2009, 03:56:40 PM

$3000

tan top · December 18, 2009, 04:00:47 PM

go get it !! its like finding a needle in a haystack !! you will regret it if you dont get you ole ride back

moparstuart · December 18, 2009, 05:11:30 PM

4k tops all apart

lisiecki1 · December 18, 2009, 05:13:07 PM

Quote from: moparstuart on December 18, 2009, 05:11:30 PM
4k tops all apart

I agree.....

Sounds like he's trying to bone you because of the sentimental value.

PocketThunder · December 18, 2009, 05:27:47 PM

Quote from: tan top on December 18, 2009, 04:00:47 PM
go get it !! its like finding a needle in a haystack !! you will regret it if you dont get you ole ride back

Ya bring $5000 cash with you and a trailer.

chargerboy69 · December 18, 2009, 05:46:05 PM

Quote from: tan top on December 18, 2009, 04:00:47 PM
go get it !! its like finding a needle in a haystack !! you will regret it if you dont get you ole ride back

You are exactly right. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The guy who owns the car has only had it for ten months. A good friend of mine who works with this guy knows he paid $3500.00 for the car this past February. He is a Chevy guy that bought it thinking it would be a fairly easy job, then learned how expensive it is to restore old Mopars (no s@!t). Now he is trying to make a couple grand for his trouble. Which, I don't have a problem with. I just have a hard time paying almost $6000.00 for a basket case car.

Quote from: lisiecki1 on December 18, 2009, 05:13:07 PM

Quote from: moparstuart on December 18, 2009, 05:11:30 PM
4k tops all apart

I agree.....

Sounds like he's trying to bone you because of the sentimental value.

I think so too.

Quote from: rustafarian on December 18, 2009, 03:56:40 PM
$3000

I hit him at $2500.00 a couple months ago and he told me to quit wasting his time and not bother him with my BS offers.

BrianShaughnessy · December 18, 2009, 06:06:44 PM

Story sounds strangely familiar

Good luck whatever happens.

69bronzeT5 · December 18, 2009, 07:18:00 PM

There was a T5 '69 383 4sp Superbee project here that needed new interior and everything. It was pretty much a rolling chassis in primer that had most of the body work done but needed a few other little pieces of work done. It had the engine and tranny but I think they were just painted and not rebuilt. I believe it sold for $10,000.

Ghoste · December 18, 2009, 07:39:27 PM

I don't think you will regret paying a premium for the sentimental value of the car but you are the only one who can determine that. From the sound of it, I think you know what the car is worth without the personal attachment. Anyhting above that really comes down to you.
I had a similar opportunity a few years back and I was prepared to pay a big premium for my old car but when I saw it, it was just too far gone even for sentimental value. It was a 3000 dollar parts car at best and he wanted 10X that amount. I was prepared to pay 5X that amount at the time and I don't think I would have had any personal regrets but I can also tell you that I don't have any regrets about not getting it either. I did for awhile but over time instead of thinking about all the great times I had in the car 25 years ago, I think about the rusty beat up pile of crap that I saw in his driveway that summer day.

kidsixpack · December 18, 2009, 09:16:27 PM

Did he purchase the car while it was still together? If so he would be lucky to break even after disassembly. The car sounds like a decent car, but it would not have had both the Ramcharger hood and factory air conditioning. You will need to decode the car to see which is correct. Most likely it is afactory air car which wouldn't have a Dana either from the factory. I agree that if it is solid and you really want it back you need to take cash over. If he really paid 3500 he should be open to any profit in this economy. A green car in a tough market completely disassembled without #'s drivetrain will be a tough sell. I'd start at $4,000 cash in hand and let him wait before upping your offer.

KID

chargerboy69 · December 18, 2009, 09:30:53 PM

Quote from: kidsixpack on December 18, 2009, 09:16:27 PM
Did he purchase the car while it was still together? If so he would be lucky to break even after disassembly. The car sounds like a decent car, but it would not have had both the Ramcharger hood and factory air conditioning. You will need to decode the car to see which is correct. Most likely it is afactory air car which wouldn't have a Dana either from the factory. I agree that if it is solid and you really want it back you need to take cash over. If he really paid 3500 he should be open to any profit in this economy. A green car in a tough market completely disassembled without #'s drivetrain will be a tough sell. I'd start at $4,000 cash in hand and let him wait before upping your offer.
KID

No, he bought the car dis-assembled. It is a factory air car. It did not originally come with the Ramcharger hood. But when I had it, it had a perfect and complete Ramcharger hood. It had a bulge hood from the factory. It did, and still does have the original side scoops. It did have a Dana with a 4spd. when I had it. It was an original 4 spd. car. I do know here the Dana is. As he said he does have the parts, but I have to believe not everything can be there. I would not know where to begin.

Here is the car as she sits. Sure shes worth $4000.00?

kidsixpack · December 18, 2009, 09:44:02 PM

If a car is a complete project I would rather buy it disassembled! That way you see exactly what you have to deal with. The only problem is inventorying the parts. Especially if your not 100% familiar with that particular model. I think it's worth a try! Good luck!
KID

chargerboy69 · December 18, 2009, 09:58:08 PM

Quote from: kidsixpack on December 18, 2009, 09:44:02 PM
Especially if your not 100% familiar with that particular model.

And I am not. The good thing is she is very similar to my Chargers as far as chassis, electrical and dash. We will see what happens.

greenpigs · December 19, 2009, 02:19:56 AM

Whats a couple k more when it stirs happy thoughts of your dad? If you can bring 5 k cash try that.

jaak · December 19, 2009, 05:25:28 PM

Quote from: greenpigs on December 19, 2009, 02:19:56 AM
Whats a couple k more when it stirs happy thoughts of your dad? If you can bring 5 k cash try that.

Thats what I was thinking. If it was just another project...no way I could drop 6k on it. Knowing it was my old car, and it brought back great memories with my old man....I'd pay him what he wants and get it back. I'm certain if you let it get away, you will always regret it. I will also say, the owner of the car is pretty sorry, I couldn't do anyone that way.

Jason

maxwellwedge · December 19, 2009, 06:08:30 PM

Give him 4k and make him wash your daily driver!

If you have a lot of attachment to the beast - GO GET IT!

Don't fret on the Dana though - no 383 car ever came with one. If it is a real 4 speed with air I would be surprised as I have only ever seen a very small handful of Mopars with that combo. Is there a build sheet or original fender tag?

Aero426 · December 19, 2009, 07:01:51 PM

You may not get another opportunity. Even if you pay close to the number you've got him down to, that's small potatoes when the car is in your hands even less of an issue when it is done. In a situation like this, it ain't always about the money.

68charger383 · December 19, 2009, 08:59:58 PM

Since the guy is a chevy (dick) guy.

I would have someone act as a strawman and go by and chew him down worse than you did and offer him $3,500. This will reconfirm that the car is only worth $3,500, heck that's what he paid for it.

Then you show up the next day with $5,000 and make the deal.

As noted, don't put a price on a memory. However, just remember that nothing ever lives up to its memory.

Ghoste · December 19, 2009, 09:03:28 PM

That's a very good suggestion.

stripedelete · December 19, 2009, 09:40:23 PM

Quote from: 68charger383 on December 19, 2009, 08:59:58 PM
Since the guy is a chevy (dick) guy.

I would have someone act as a strawman and go by and chew him down worse than you did and offer him $3,500. This will reconfirm that the car is only worth $3,500, heck that's what he paid for it.

Then you show up the next day with $5,000 and make the deal.

As noted, don't put a price on a memory. However, just remember that nothing ever lives up to its memory.

Send a couple. Even if it doesn't get him to reality, it will soften up the beaches.

G-man · December 19, 2009, 10:15:45 PM

You never should have sold it.

Let bygones be bygones.

chargerboy69 · December 20, 2009, 08:18:54 AM

Quote from: 68charger383 on December 19, 2009, 08:59:58 PM
Since the guy is a chevy (dick) guy.

I would have someone act as a strawman and go by and chew him down worse than you did and offer him $3,500. This will reconfirm that the car is only worth $3,500, heck that's what he paid for it.

Then you show up the next day with $5,000 and make the deal.

As noted, don't put a price on a memory. However, just remember that nothing ever lives up to its memory.

I had several friends call him a couple months ago and lowball him. I feel that is why he took the car off the market, because he could not get what he wanted.

I have spoken with a good friend of mine and he is going to try and buy the car for me, as I am sure the owner is still not happy with me. I have a price in mind, and if I can not get the car for that I am going to walk. After seeing the car, it is not the car I remember. Now, I just see a big pile of work and cash going out the door. We will see what happens.

rav440 · December 20, 2009, 09:59:30 AM

Mr Bigblock · December 20, 2009, 11:55:02 AM

Go pay him the coin and its yours, just think twenty years down the road,your going to kick yourself in the nuts for letting it get away for a extra $1000. Which in 20 years $1000 will be like $50

rt green · December 20, 2009, 09:52:00 PM

if i had the chance to get one of my old cars back, i would.

kidsixpack · December 20, 2009, 10:39:11 PM

Quote from: 68charger383 on December 19, 2009, 08:59:58 PM
Since the guy is a chevy (dick) guy.

I would have someone act as a strawman and go by and chew him down worse than you did and offer him $3,500. This will reconfirm that the car is only worth $3,500, heck that's what he paid for it.

Then you show up the next day with $5,000 and make the deal.

As noted, don't put a price on a memory. However, just remember that nothing ever lives up to its memory.

I did this and it worked! Worth a try!!
KID

66chargerkid · December 21, 2009, 02:08:46 AM

This car is worth really what you value money as.
Is spending the money worth the memory of your dad?
Is spending the money on restoring the car worth the same?
These are the questions you need to think about when contemplating getting the car.
If you let the car go, will you regret it even if you could justify doing so by the inflated price?
I would personally buy the car and spend the money. The car will be a great reminder when you put the time and love it needs. Plus who doesn't want a 4 speed bee?

69bronzeT5 · December 28, 2009, 12:42:18 AM

chargerboy69 · December 28, 2009, 08:24:56 AM

Thanks Cody for bumping this one up.

I am going to pass on the car. I have decided I am not interested in doing a car like this. I could not even offer him what he has in the car. I would rather have something without needing so much work as I do not want to wait years to drive it.

chargerboy69 · January 20, 2010, 10:45:22 AM

**UPDATED**

The quick back story is back in the middle of the summer I found out my old 1969 Super Bee was up for sale. The owner wanted way to much money for the car. I made him a crazy low ball offer and it pissed him off. In fact, he said not to bother him again. We have not spoken since.

Then, last week he contacted a friend of mine. He wanted to speak with me, and lost my contact information. We spoke about the car, and I had told him I might be interested, but not for the price he was asking. I headed back out to look at the car and inventory the parts. He said if my previous offer still stood, he would take it. I could not believe it. This morning I picked up the car I drove my senior year in high school in 1992. What a great feeling. I do need to say I am very grateful to the previous owner for coming down on the price of the car. This time around he was great to deal with.

I have been looking for another Charger for the last few months, but that is now on hold to concentrate on the Bee. Maybe I should change my name to Beeboy69. I do not have pictures yet as she in pieces and sitting in my trailer. Really not much to look at to most people, but I have to tell you, I would not take ten times what I paid for her.

b5blue · January 20, 2010, 10:49:30 AM

This is wonderful news! Good luck with the build!

(I was rooting for you all along)

tan top · January 20, 2010, 11:32:35 AM

thats great !! got your time machine back

need pictures & stuff dude

what yu going to restore it like you had it back then?

BrianShaughnessy · January 20, 2010, 11:52:42 AM

Congrats!

Dans 68 · January 20, 2010, 12:01:45 PM

Nice end to your story. I would love to find the '69 Bee my Father-in-law owned back in the day, and restore and drive it. That has to be a great feeling.

Dan

71_Charger_R/T · January 20, 2010, 01:10:24 PM

Congrats! I had a '69 4 speed Bee back in high school (first car) and know where it's at. I have toyed with the idea of buying it back and this is the kind of thing that inspires those ideas. I'll have to look into it! Thanks for sharing your story, I'm glad it has a happy ending! Keep us posted with updates and pictures, no matter what the stage.

rav440 · January 20, 2010, 03:31:13 PM

cool congrats . now we need PICS

694spdRT · January 20, 2010, 03:49:49 PM

Congrats....glad it worked out for you!

rt green · January 20, 2010, 04:30:54 PM

outstanding. thats the way it should work out. now if your old prom date looked you up..............hmmmmm

greenpigs · January 20, 2010, 04:35:25 PM

So I assume it will be brought back to the shape it was in when you sold it?

moparstuart · January 20, 2010, 04:39:09 PM

awesome

chargerboy69 · January 20, 2010, 07:49:35 PM

Thanks guys. The wife and I are very happy to have her back.

Quote from: rav440 on January 20, 2010, 03:31:13 PM
cool congrats . now we need PICS

I will get some soon. She is not much to look at now though.

Quote from: greenpigs on January 20, 2010, 04:35:25 PM
So I assume it will be brought back to the shape it was in when you sold it?

Quote from: tan top on January 20, 2010, 11:32:35 AM
thats great !! got your time machine back need pictures & stuff dude what yu going to restore it like you had it back then?

Well. . . no. The car is originally green with green interior. Green is nice, however, not my most favorite. When I had the car it was red with black interior. I am going the opposite. I am going black with red interior.

Quote from: rt green on January 20, 2010, 04:30:54 PM
outstanding. thats the way it should work out. now if your old prom date looked you up..............hmmmmm

And she looked just like a barbie doll. I am guessing the wife might object to that one.

66chargerkid · January 20, 2010, 08:51:34 PM

Wow congrats. Glad you decided to change your mind and buy the car!

jeryst · January 20, 2010, 11:50:38 PM

Congrats on getting the car.

Personally, although I have regretted selling some cars in my lifetime, I dont think I would
ever pay a premium to get them back. The memories will be mine for the rest of my life. That
is what is priceless. The cars were, well, just cars.

kidsixpack · January 21, 2010, 12:18:58 AM

Great to hear! Especially the fact that you paid what you wanted to for the car! I had my first Bee in 1986. Sold it to a buddy and it was stolen. Ended up in a milling pieces, but we did find it.
KID

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A Sentimental Whats It Worth 1969 Super Bee **** UPDATED NEWS