Looking at buying a 1967 Convertable (link below). Any advise?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pontiac-F...=item41757b4aaa

Looks nice, but:

1) I recommended never buying a car long distance. If you are that interested in it - then it's worth your while to go see it up close.

2) It's not going to be very collectable with a non-original drivetrain. So you can knock that notion out of the seller's mind immediately.

3) Most of the exterior shots are a bit far away. Hmmmm. But he does include a couple of close-ups.

4) The interior is a mish-mash of '67/'68 Firebird and Camaro parts. Note the '67 walnut radio plate but the '68 burlwoood console and center dash bezel. Camaro "horseshoe" shifter.

5) It that some kind of funky home-made hood latch sticking out of the front valance? And I think the parking lights are either incorrect or mounted wrong. They should be farther out to the corners.

6) There is not a single photo from underneath. The condition there would help me know if the car has been through some rough winters. It would also let me know how "messed with" it is besides the transplanted motor. Is the original mono spring rear suspension and factory traction bar still there? Is the original 2-speed transmission still there?

7) If it's so nice - why were they collecting parts to totally restore it?

The 14k is already a stretch. Much higher and it will be way overpriced for a mish-mash of misc parts thrown on that car.

I agree that you should look at a a car in person however if you cannot due time or distance or whatever ask for LOTS OF PICTURES. I mean pictures of EVERYTHING that you want and need to see. You'll find out pretty quickly that a lot of sellers will not send you additional pictures and trust me there's a reason for this. If the guy seems honest and is giving you the info and additional pictures that you request that's a good sign. Also DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP ON ONE CAR. If the deal isn't right there will always be other cars that will come up for sale.

Why does it have a/c controls and no vents?

That is the correct HVAC controls panel for a non-A/C '67. Same as mine.

Buddy asked me about that just the other day because the "cold" and "air" labels will throw you off.

Right away it looks like it is not originally a 400 car. Does not have the 400 bumper, grill, or trunk emblem. It's also missing the Pontiac letters on the trunk. Were the holes filled, or trunk lid replaced?

Thanks for all the great advise

That car makes me nervous. It looks 90% done but the seller admits it needs restoration. Body panels do not fit properly (doors and/or fenders). No pics underneath.

You would have to view this car in person to confirm condition. This one will come back again if it sells because the buyer will eventually find the bad spots not identified this go around. Seller has no real track record on eBay.

Sorry, I love blue but $7k is highest I would go at this point.

NOTE: 69 bucket seats (slanted head rests).

A plane ticket is cheaper than a $14,000+ mistake

That's the truth.

Perfect advice. I'd buy a plane ticket if I were you! If you can't do that, get a mechanic or appraiser to inspect the car.