Should I Get This? Is it worth the time?

[jdiesel33]

Hey Guys, I have wanted to get another 84-92 Dodge Daytona for a while now. Problem is all of the nice ones are 800+ miles away from me. For some reason most of the good ones are up North and I am in Dallas.

I did find one last week right down the street. It is an 88 Shelby Z. Definitely needs paint, body is good other than a few small dings. Only rust I could see was surface rust on the hood and roof where the paint was gone. The guy selling is a mechanic and says someone brought it in because it wouldnt run and then couldnt afford to pay him for it and just left it. It has been sitting for a while and someone had vandalized it breaking out the windshield and both windows on the driver side. The interior is complete and despite being EXTREMELY dirty from the windows being broken, wasnt bad at all and I think would clean up well. No rips or tears in the seats surprisingly.Definitely needs carpet though as there was some sitting water from a recent rain. All the electrical worked and it started right up and sounded fine, to my untrained ear anyway. He says the only thing that needs to be done to have it road worthy is new brake pads (maybe rotors too), new passenger side front axel, new pass side hub bearing, windshield, and tires. It has TTops and there are a few pieces of the TTop trim missing. He also doesnt have a title and I am not exactly sure at this point what that would involve time and expense wise from my end. But he offered it to me for $400. It runs and drives fine except for the loud noise of the bad hub bearing. I just dont know if I want to pull the trigger. It is literally 10 minutes away and i am tempted. It is a really cool blue color, at least the side of the car that the paint hasnt chipped off of. You think I should give it a go? Even if he doesnt have a title? At the very least, maybe I could clean it up and maybe do a few things to it and resale it?

[jdiesel33]

couple more....

[DadsCharger00]

Well I'm far from an expert,(especially when it comes to those particular cars) but if its something that you want, can work on yourself, and you have the time/money to do it....it's 400$. DO IT! It looks like it needs a LOT of TLC though from the pics!  Good luck!

[jdiesel33]

Well, I do want one for sure. However, I dont know how to do the work that needs to be done unfortunately. The price and proximity is the biggest allure I guess. 

[Indygenerallee]

I would run away, looks like a lot of water inside of it, mold, mess.. still alot of nice Daytonas out there if you look.

[Ghoste]

If it is mold, that stuff can be a huge problem to get rid of.  One thing for sure, if you dont know much about working on them yourself it could be a great teacher for you.

[JB400]

The mechanic can get a title to it if it was left there long enough.  Just have to talk with the DMV.  As far as the car,  $400 is not bad.  But, I'd expect $125 to $150 for a windshield and maybe finding a side glass for $50.  You might be able to score a better deal.  I'd at least put in new carpet.  If not, have the interior professionally cleaned.

I'm going say you could probably find a better deal else where. Just don't give up the hunt, that's half the fun.

[jdiesel33]

Thanks for the advice guys. It may be too much to bite off right now. Originally I was looking for more of a turn key car. I dont mind putting something into it and I would expect to for cars from the late 80's, but maybe this is a bit much.

[Cooter]

$400.00 and have to sink over $25K in ti, or spend the $25K and bypass all the heartache. Your choice. Personally, I work/worked on these turds and although Light does shine on a dog's ass every now and then, most of these things were Huge turds. I wouldn't waste my time on it, but that's just coming from a mechanic who only sees the REALLY bad junk ones.

[Dino]

I would literally not touch that car, and I know how to fix it.  Unless you want to learn and need a guinnea pig, keep looking.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Run Forrest Run!!!!

[Back N Black]

$400.00 and have to sink over $25K in ti, or spend the $25K and bypass all the heartache. Your choice. Personally, I work/worked on these turds and although Light does shine on a dog's ass every now and then, most of these things were Huge turds. I wouldn't waste my time on it, but that's just coming from a mechanic who only sees the REALLY bad junk ones.

I agree, not just this car in particular, but any of the Daytona's of that era. Man, i hate those 2.2/2.5 engines.

[Charger RT]

great find. My son and I have an 89 we are doing for him. I have a 92 and a 93 Iroc R/T. Parts are in Spring Texas. www.fwdperformance.com
Tim

[Chryco Psycho]

I would pass , my 88 Z was one of the worst cars I ever owned .

[Old Moparz]

Thanks for the advice guys. It may be too much to bite off right now. Originally I was looking for more of a turn key car. I dont mind putting something into it and I would expect to for cars from the late 80's, but maybe this is a bit much.

As a parts car, yes, but as a project car? I think passing on it is a good idea, even if it were free. That thing has a lot of damage just from being neglected & untouched. Looks like it was open to the elements for years & moisture has gotten everywhere, including the electronics. Maybe it's even a flood car. There are massive amounts of plastic that have probably been UV baked that will all need to be replaced, too.

[Brightyellow69rtse]

run away. i would never buy a car that was missing windows. water gets in there and kicks your ass. i bet every bit of interior, the dash everything is loaded with mold.

[Indygenerallee]

2.2/2.5 were one of the best Chrysler 4 cylinders ever.

[Ghoste]

Other than cam followers pulling out through the rockers and heads that warped in the hot sun.    But yeah, they were a good design that served their purpose well when they were much needed.

[Stretch]

I'd keep looking. That interior damage is going to be worse than it looks. Think mold and electrical head aches.

I have had a few of those over the years. 2 of my faves, '89 shelby turbo 2 and a '92 shelby VNT. I also had a '89 labaron turbo 1 car. I had damn near 300,000 miles on that car.

I scared lots of people in thost shelby cars!