hey guys, i will be looking at a 68 Buick Riviera coupe not a gs, Has been in storage for 10 years the owner stated that it was running fine when parked. Have only seen photos has 120,000 miles, tx car he has owned since 1985. He is asking 4000.00$. What should i check and should i try and start car. Appears that a car in fair shape and running has been selling for 9000 and up depending on condition

 

Have you ever purchased a boat. First and last days best.

Let's see. 120k miles; 46 years; 10 in a barn (I am guessing not preped). Buy it for what you see. If anything works it's a plus.

 

I guess Dan it is what you are willing to put in it on top of the purchase price. If it has been sitting for 10 years, you'll probably have to replace the seals. With 120,000 miles you will have to replace a lot more. If you have been watching the shows on TV about fixing up cars, you never know what you are going to find.

 

My opinion. Are your aware of all that goes wrong on a car that's not used for 10 years? Brake system will be needing a full flush and rebuild. The carb gaskets will be dried and shrunken. Rebuild. Shocks shot, springs sagging, all rubber parts will crack when you start using the car. So, all tie rods, ball joints, etc. will fail quickly if not already shot. Gas tank ….. if not full of rust, full of gunk. Some cars of that vintage have nylon timing chain gears. The teeth will sheer. The fuel pump diaphragm will be dry rotted. I may last a week or so but … The least of your worries is if it runs. The engine if carefully prepped before starting will be as it was when parked. The ring gear will be rusted in the diff where it's not in the oil. Usually not a problem but …. Even if in spectacular shape be ready to replace lots of parts.

Les

 

It's probably like a 46 year old woman who has not worked for 10 years, This means she's not about to want to start now.