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  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:01 p.m. Raze Reader

    Ok, so if you've seen my other thread about the Mustang I'm going to pass on that one.

    I know the answer is miata, but seriously I don't want a Miata, I want something with more 'character'.

    This car is not going to be a DD, not even an occasional driver, more of a project cruiser I expect only able to get me away from home, not back, I expect AAA to have to bring me home. My only requirements are 1) Convertible, 2) running and driving(ish) (I don't want to deal with towing it home), and 3) around $500 (I know, I know, it's not much money but the wife didn't bat an eye when I mentioned it and thought it might even be fun, she normally doesn't enjoy my hobby)

    There's an $800 Alfa in Conyers (I've been trolling CL too much this weekend) that caught my fancy but I'd really need a crash course in Alfas before attempting to look at it, the wife really likes it and I've always been interested in them but they're always priced too much for my blood...

    There are Fiats (which I really really like and want) but the ones on the block around here seem to be parts cars/non-runners.

    The only other is a Mustang or a Camaro, but Camaro + Convertible + cheap seems to be elusive. Mustang fits the bill but they seem to be overpriced down here in the south, I swear there's a redneck tax on them...

    Anywho, give me thoughts, ideas, inspiration!

  • cghstang

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:24 p.m. cghstang New Reader

    Does it have to actually be "convertible" ? Or is just topless okay?

    If being truly convertible is not required, your options are endless and a sawzall is your friend

  • jrw1621

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:25 p.m. jrw1621 Dork

    The unappreciated convertibles now seem to be the '71-'76 GM Big body convertibles (Buick Granville, Olds Delta 88, Pontiac Catalina, Chevy Caprice.)

    You should be able to find on in "less that restored" condition but drivable. In basic terms, you can keep it running on GM truck parts (read: cheap.)

  • Gearheadotaku

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:37 p.m. Gearheadotaku Reader

    At $500, its just whatever you happen to find....if runs, good enough right?

  • jrw1621

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:47 p.m. jrw1621 Dork

    At $500 the "characters" that you are likely to see are
    '91 Mercury Capri convertible
    Cavalier Convertible
    Chrysler K-car convert

  • bludroptop

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:48 p.m. bludroptop Dork

    A1 chassis VW Cabriolets are cheap and plentiful, with easy junkyard parts availability.

  • JFX001

    Oct. 26, 2009 12:59 p.m. JFX001 Dork

    Jeep.

  • Oct. 26, 2009 1:00 p.m. Nashco SuperDork

    Gearheadotaku wrote:

    At $500, its just whatever you happen to find....if runs, good enough right?

    Ditto. You'll find some pretty crappy 'verts for $500, so whatever you find with a top that is in "good enough" shape and drives "good enough" to match for your price point sounds like a winner. Expect GM front drivers like the Cavalier, Geo Metros, K-Cars, and Cabriolets.

    Bryce

  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:12 p.m. Raze Reader

    Gearheadotaku wrote:

    At $500, its just whatever you happen to find....if runs, good enough right?

    you hit the nail on the head, just wanted more places to look :)

    These suggestions are great guys!

  • Apexcarver

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:22 p.m. Apexcarver UltraDork

    I would look for a TR7 in need of love.

  • dansxr2

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:33 p.m. dansxr2 Reader

    I've owned 2 Mercury Capri XR2's which is the turbocharged version of the 1.6 Miata B6 found in the Miata. I drove 1 for 6 years and the other for a little over a year, Great cars! Would really make ppl wonder what the hell just happened at the redlights. I had the Optional Hardtop from the Red one I was the 2nd owner of, and during cold weather it was a nice addition. You can find these really cheap if you look, though some parts can be difficult to find though. My vote is Capri XR2. My 2nd Xr2 S4020143

  • mtn

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:35 p.m. mtn SuperDork

    I'll go ahead and say E30, but I've only seen 3 vert's in the sub $1000 range, and only one was running.

  • HeavyDuty

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:38 p.m. HeavyDuty Reader

    jrw1621 wrote:

    The unappreciated convertibles now seem to be the '71-'76 GM Big body convertibles (Buick Granville, Olds Delta 88, Pontiac Catalina, Chevy Caprice.)

    You should be able to find on in "less that restored" condition but drivable. In basic terms, you can keep it running on GM truck parts (read: cheap.)

    I'm not so sure about that as I've only seen only very scay machines less than 2 gs out of those cars. I've kind of had my eye out for a Caprice for a while. I think prices are getting out of control on those. Get them now.

  • Buzz Killington

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:50 p.m. Buzz Killington Reader

    bludroptop wrote:

    A1 chassis VW Cabriolets are cheap and plentiful, with easy junkyard parts availability.

    the good old "b-tch bucket."

  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 1:59 p.m. Raze Reader

    Buzz Killington wrote:

    bludroptop wrote:

    A1 chassis VW Cabriolets are cheap and plentiful, with easy junkyard parts availability.

    the good old "b-tch bucket."

    there's an $800 running 83 rabbit vert, i may have to look at that

    I'm also really tempted by the $800 alfa, scary i know but she's a beaut...

    The Capri is a good idea, will investigate X2s...

  • jwdmotorsports

    Oct. 26, 2009 2:46 p.m. jwdmotorsports HalfDork

    I like the chop top idea.

  • JThw8

    Oct. 26, 2009 2:54 p.m. JThw8 SuperDork

    HeavyDuty wrote:

    jrw1621 wrote:

    The unappreciated convertibles now seem to be the '71-'76 GM Big body convertibles (Buick Granville, Olds Delta 88, Pontiac Catalina, Chevy Caprice.)

    You should be able to find on in "less that restored" condition but drivable. In basic terms, you can keep it running on GM truck parts (read: cheap.)

    I'm not so sure about that as I've only seen only very scay machines less than 2 gs out of those cars. I've kind of had my eye out for a Caprice for a while. I think prices are getting out of control on those. Get them now.

    As purchased, running and driving (had to clean out the carb a bit) for $400

    Survived 3000 miles round trip on the BABE rally with only a few small issues. No love for the big GM convertibles these days.

  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 2:57 p.m. Raze Reader

    JThw8 wrote:

    HeavyDuty wrote:

    jrw1621 wrote:

    The unappreciated convertibles now seem to be the '71-'76 GM Big body convertibles (Buick Granville, Olds Delta 88, Pontiac Catalina, Chevy Caprice.)

    You should be able to find on in "less that restored" condition but drivable. In basic terms, you can keep it running on GM truck parts (read: cheap.)

    I'm not so sure about that as I've only seen only very scay machines less than 2 gs out of those cars. I've kind of had my eye out for a Caprice for a while. I think prices are getting out of control on those. Get them now.

    As purchased, running and driving (had to clean out the carb a bit) for $400

    Survived 3000 miles round trip on the BABE rally with only a few small issues. No love for the big GM convertibles these days.

    Interested in selling that bad boy? That's friggin hot!

    Other downside of living in the south is that classifies as a 'Hooptie' and thus has an added Drug Dealer tax...

  • HeavyDuty

    Oct. 26, 2009 3:24 p.m. HeavyDuty Reader

    I'll still disagree. Granted, these are all on ebay but unfortunately where I am there are none of these just floating around craigslist. Again, I've been looking at Caprice's.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-SWEET-TOPLESS_W0QQitemZ270473686687QQcmdZViewIte...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Convertible-Caprice-Classic-Red-w-White-Interi...

    I think there is nothing but love for these. Maybe I'm just biased.

  • JThw8

    Oct. 26, 2009 5:14 p.m. JThw8 SuperDork

    Raze wrote:

    Interested in selling that bad boy? That's friggin hot!

    Other downside of living in the south is that classifies as a 'Hooptie' and thus has an added Drug Dealer tax...

    It was hotter when we were done with it :)

    Sold it back in June after BABE though, sorry :(

  • jrw1621

    Oct. 26, 2009 6:24 p.m. jrw1621 Dork

    HeavyDuty wrote:

    I'll still disagree. Granted, these are all on ebay but unfortunately where I am there are none of these just floating around craigslist. Again, I've been looking at Caprice's.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-SWEET-TOPLESS_W0QQitemZ270473686687QQcmdZViewIte...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Convertible-Caprice-Classic-Red-w-White-Interi...

    I think there is nothing but love for these. Maybe I'm just biased.

    Agreed, those are some pretty cars you posted and they bring some pretty money, but....
    Take the same basic engine, take out some of the heft (or perception of heft) and call it part on the Muscle Car Era and the price goes through the roof for similar quality.
    Buy now for $21K
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Chevelle-Malibu-Convertible-LOW-RESERVE_W0QQit...

    Buy it now for $16K
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-Oldsmobile-Cutlass-Convertible-Restored-in-200...

    In term of nice ebay examples, what I am saying is that a restored Malibu/Citlass Convertible has a higher potential sale price than a similar restored big body GM. Ergo, a unrestored version is likely to be purchased cheaper than a Malibu/Cutlass.

    Edit;
    I should point out that in my first post I sort of missed the $500 aspect and rather focused on Convertibles with Character that represented a "good value." Through later re-reading I see that he really wanted to spend $500 and pointed him to Convertible K-Cars

  • jrw1621

    Oct. 26, 2009 6:46 p.m. jrw1621 Dork

    Raze wrote:

    I expect only able to get me away from home, not back, I expect AAA to have to bring me home.

    Nothing quite summarizes you line above quite like a '85 Renault Alliance.

    http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/1437202692.html

  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 7:06 p.m. Raze Reader

    jrw1621 wrote:

    Raze wrote:

    I expect only able to get me away from home, not back, I expect AAA to have to bring me home.

    Nothing quite summarizes you line above quite like a '85 Renault Alliance.

    http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/1437202692.html

    God I almost pissed myself when I saw that car!

  • M030

    Oct. 26, 2009 7:08 p.m. M030 Reader

    90-94 Chrysler Lebaron convertible. They run good, are cheap to fix, easy to get used parts for and are practically free.

    I had a 93 Lebaron convertible that I paid $178 for at a sealed-bid auction. I drove it for three years and it never, ever left me stranded. Sure was ugly, though...

    Replaced by: "The Bitch Basket" (my newly-learned favorite way to refer to my A1 VW Cabriolet) that cost a whopping $290.

  • Raze

    Oct. 26, 2009 7:08 p.m. Raze Reader

    Fellas, I found a 1980 Fiat 2000 in my area for $1200, new carb, new trans, runs good, getting pic, will post up, floor pans replaced (will the shock towers look bad? Says he filled a spot of rust on the rear quarter, needs paint and a hood, what do running rust free examples of the little Fiats command?

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