i might buy...

[C-Lark]

so i went to look at an 81 pickup today... heres the low down:

191k on the body
Techtonics rebuilt 2.0 (i think the mk3 2.0, not the mk2)
lowered in the front
teardrops with good rubber
recaros
5spd
newer paint
12/05 insp
solid exhaust

bad stuff:
its showing its age with rust and such, drivers floorpan was repaired for rust
couldnt open the hood, havent seen the motor
going to need front brakes
needs a new hood
the recaros are basically bolted in and you cannot move them
the biggest problem i can see is the body work... i have pictures but i forgot my usb cable to get them on my computer
the gear selector is very loose
no power steering, (but that's expected, so thats not too much of a concern)

he's asking 2000....
but is willing to go as low as 1500 or lower
i want to offer 1000 cash and see where he goes.

what do you all think, what should i look for, what could go wrong. I'm planning on buying this and garaging it while i do a full overhaul. any comments would be much apprectiated

[retro_rocket]

One way or another, you NEED to look under the hood before making a decision. Rust in general is probably the #1 killer of Caddys, and specifically strut-tower rust. If the strut towers are chewed up really bad (usually is worst at the base) then walk away unless you're willing to weld in new metal; repairing that area usually involves taking clean strut towers from a donor car and welding them in.

Also look for bad rust around the windshield and back window, not impossible to repair but it can be a real PITA.

$2000 is a bit pricey if you're going to do a complete teardown anyway, I would definitely try to get him lower, especially for a truck with some moderate rust issues.

[C-Lark]

o yes i forgot to mention.... both strut towers were repaired and free of rust... or so he says.. i wont know until i get the hood up

[C-Lark]

do you think my 1000 offer is still to high for the condition? once i get home wednesday i can post pictures... I'm going back thursday to look at it with my pops, he's got a good eye for things

[retro_rocket]

It's hard to say without pics, there are many factors that can affect your offer. It sounds like there are many good things about the truck, but there are also lots of things that need attention. If the strut towers have been repaired, then that would make the truck a little more valuable as far as I am concerned, as long as it was done correctly.

Offering $1000 against a $2000 asking price is definitely a lowball, but if he's willing to negotiate, you might end up getting a pretty decent price, maybe not that low but perhaps under $1500. Use the truck's shortcomings to your advantage, e.g. if the "newer paint" is a quickie Maaco job laid down over rust, dings, and poor bodywork, then a premium should not be placed on that newer paint job.

[C-Lark]

im afraid the paint is covering some body cancer... i think he'll take 1250 for it.... the reason im really excited for this truck is because it has this 2.0 liter and it would be hellishly fun... i drove it and it pinned you to the seat

[C-Lark]

also is there a way to lower the rear leaf springs on a bunny truck?

[Handeye]

How long have you been looking for an Mk1? The only reason I ask is that I've been looking for a good one for over a year and a half. And they are out there, you just have to wait for them. I wouldn't go above 1k for it, from your description.

Originally Posted by SiLark

also is there a way to lower the rear leaf springs on a bunny truck?

I'm sure someone makes a lowering kit for that. Probably just a block and brackets to move the shock below the leafs.

[retro_rocket]

Originally Posted by Handeye

I'm sure someone makes a lowering kit for that. Probably just a block and brackets to move the shock below the leafs.

That's basically how it's done, aka "flipping the axle".

[C-Lark]

Originally Posted by Handeye

How long have you been looking for an Mk1? The only reason I ask is that I've been looking for a good one for over a year and a half. And they are out there, you just have to wait for them. I wouldn't go above 1k for it, from your description.

I haven't been necessarily looking for an Mk1. But I have been looking for a caddy or a 90-92 jetta or gli. This caddy just came upon me. I've been looking for a while though, yet I haven't been looking for a rabbit or cab. What do you think makes it not work 1k?>

[Handeye]

Originally Posted by SiLark

What do you think makes it not work 1k?>

Just from what I've seen while searching for a Rabbit. I've seen a couple of Caddies going for $600 in good running condition. If you can get it for $1200, that's not too bad. If it's a full 2.0 swap, that might make it worth it.

[C-Lark]

i believe it is the full swap because they put an mk3 radiator and fan in it

[detective]

definitely check to see if it has a crossflow head. That would make all the difference to me.

[C-Lark]

update:
guy still couldnt get the hood open so that was a downer, as well as realizing it was an 8v 2.0 from the a2 chasis. plus it just needed way to much work for the price... so im still searching for a dub to get back into the scene with