Have a chance to buy a 1990 GT...need advice

Every day I pass this house and in the driveway sits a dirty and faded but solid 90 GT. Bright red on 3 turbines and one aluminum space saver spare. Last week I finally decided to knock on the door and I asked the guy what he was doing with it and if he would sell it. He said he hadn't thought about it but to throw him a number and he would definitely consider it. He said it was his daily driver till the water pump went on him so he parked it but never got around to fixing it. The inspection sticker on the car shows that it was due in 2003, so it last passed in 2001. Sometime within that window if time it was parked, so 5-7 years or so. I told him that sounds good and that I couldnt stay (had to get back to work) but I would look the car over and come back when I had more time. I got the chance to go back over there with my buddy Tyler (82CapriRS on here) and his brother to take a closer look but the guy wasn't home...anyway here is what the car is all about...

Stock as stock can be. Completely unmolested. 147k miles. 5-speed. Body is straight and solid...doors and hatch are both rust free as is pretty much the entire underside of the car. Both front and rear bumper covers are cracked, but not badly. Headlights are the yellowest I have ever seen. Window frames are faded to almost white, and all moldings are shot. The interior is in pretty good shape, drivers seat has the ghetto lean but everything is there, undamaged and mostly clean. Aftermarket sunroof that shows no signs of leaking (smell or sight). The car looks like hell, but I think a good powerwashing and some elbow grease on the single stage paint might make it look half decent.

The only bad thing that I can find is the base of the drivers side shock tower is rusting a bit at the frame. Hard to tell just how bad it is, but obviously a concern.

Basically I gotta figure out if it is worth the time and money to get this car and fix it up, and also what to offer him for it. It definitely needs a thorough going-through...who knows what it will need...calipers, brake lines, etc etc etc...definitely tires...it has been sitting for 5+ years....

Any ideas? All input welcome. I'm sure I forgot some relevant facts so ask if you have a question.

Tyler took pics, but the bum hasnt gotten them to me yet. Get cracking dude!

Thanks guys...my tax return is coming and I'd like to use it towards getting another Mustang!!

EDIT: here are some pics...

got some pics posted...I was thinking around $800 or so. I really don't know how much it will or won't need, so I'd start around $750 and maybe get up to $1000 if i decided I really wanted it. It's a good parts car if nothing else.

I am really thinking of going there with $800 cash and seeing if he bites, and going to $1000 if he balks. I would throw on a water pump, change out all filters and fluids and tune it up and see how she runs. Then see if it will move check for frozen calipers/wheel cylinders, etc. If all goes well, I could basically just clean it up and sell it or keep workin on it. But for $1000 or less, I don't really think I can go wrong. The rust at the base of the strut tower worries me a little, it is hard to see how bad it really is. I might go back down there tomorrow and hope that he is home.

The sunroof looks pretty factory, but up close and from the inside you can tell its aftermarket. It is smaller than stock, there is a distinct trim around the inside molding and the car has a cloth headliner.

Jesse I will definitely keep you posted...I may need your services on it if I do buy it!! And you hit the nail on the head with what I'd do with it...clean stock resto with subtle upgrades to the looks and handling and sound, but overall mostly stock motor.

One big reason I am even thinking twice about it is because I know I get discouraged when money gets tight or things get overwhelming...sold a few cars for reasons like that...but if Tyler and Jesse and whoever else I know on this board can keep a boot in my ass...I know I can make it something nice.

Haha yeah, thats part of the reason why I have owned a total of 27 cars. Money is tight, too much of a project, found something better...etc etc etc there is always some stupid reason.

If I had just saved some $ instead of buying a zillion cars, I'd have something ridiculously sweet that this board would drool over...instead I'm stangless and looking at a faded GT that hasnt moved in 5 years...

1990Coupe said:

I feel ya.. Thats why no matter what i can't sell the one i just built no matter what!! It has too much sentimental value anyways! Plus its history is apart of this board haha!

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No doubt...your car is awesome I like it a lot. It's hard to pay the bills sometimes now, though...so maybe a project of this type isnt a great idea...help! haha