3rd Dec 2013, 15:47
Why does everyone care so much what kind of car this kid drives?? So what if he wants to drive a 95 Century. They are very comfortable and cheap to operate and insure. So what if it will never gain respect among collectors; most modern cars won't. I am not so sure why he wants to make major mods to it, but it is his car and his money, so what difference does it make to anybody else?
3rd Dec 2013, 21:28
I'm adverse to the idea of investing time and effort into a project, only to see numerous near, or carbon copies on the road. I don't think I'm the only one who values the uniqueness of a vehicle as much as its overall performance.
A 4-door Chevelle, LeMans, Skylark etc. share virtually all the same mechanical components as the 2-doors; only body panels would be harder to find. How about a 60's station wagon version for added utility and appeal. Drop in a small or big block crate engine, and performance would be similar to 2-door muscle cars.
While back 30 or more years ago modded 4-doors were looked upon with scorn, today I would appreciate such a car just as much as a classic 2-door.
4th Dec 2013, 10:38
If you want to keep a 4 door and put a lot of time, dollars and effort into it, that's fine. There are many to pick up for 3-5k.
My son shared the view of not wanting a car that was common. He sold 4 Mustangs, worked hard and bought a 2002 Viper at age 30. 5000 a year production. Smart flips and your time allocated in the right direction can get you often into a super car. Everyone's different. I own a 70 Chevelle SS and have been trying for 4 years to buy a 2 door plain Chevelle one owner convertible from the original owner. The 307 would come out, new dash cluster and buckets and console put in, but I would save it as it's # matching. I would rather devote my time and money to that vs a 4 door Chevelle.
Also many parts do not interchange on donor cars. If you can wait and save, it's not a bad idea. Also buy the best you can afford; it's almost always cheaper vs restoration.
You can ignore my ideas and drive whatever you want. I have been doing this for 45 years, and it's a lot of fun and popular ones sell. Look at prices on factory sport models. Also well optioned vehicles with air and power windows etc are appealing to many that drive distance and do shows. My friend just bought a nice 57 2 door for 30k, all stock. Then put modern brakes, tires and hidden vintage air in it. It's nice!
4th Dec 2013, 16:37
What are you asking me for? I was just making a reply to comment 13:29 and have nothing against a Buick Century. In fact, we had an '81 and a '98 model year in our family, and they were good cars along with the other dozens of Buicks we have had.
5th Dec 2013, 05:43
The reason people are suggesting alternative cars to him was because he proposed to 'soup up' his '95 Century with a small block V8 and other ideas. We simply informed him that the car is - while excellent transportation - not a candidate for modification.
27th Oct 2018, 23:35
"Small block Chevrolet engines were never installed in any front-wheel drive cars"
Guess again, in 2005 various GM front drive W body cars (Grand Prix GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super, Chevy Monte Carlo/Impala SS) had the bulletproof LS 5.3 motors as part of a performance package. The front tire size was actually bigger than the rear. This never really caught on with many buyers and only lasted 3-4 years.
2nd Dec 2013, 20:56
There are many 4-door classics that are very rare and collector desired, such as;
1956-57 Bel-Air sport sedans with their distinctive roofline.
1959 Impala hardtop sport sedan with its unique wrap-around glass windows (which were also adopted by other GM divisions).
Mid-60's Lincoln Continentals with suicide doors.
1967-1971 Thunderbird, also with suicide doors.
I myself prefer a 2-door, but would definitely consider one of the cars listed above.
Sure, all the cars that 13:29 mentioned are classic staples, but if I had my choice of a classic from 1970, it would be a more distinctive looking and rare Grand Prix or Riviera.