Need some guidance please

[minicooperbc]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could tap into the knowledge-base here on finding and purchasing a CS. First let me tell you that I'm really green but I have been in love with this car for a long time. I'm finally in a position where I have the time / money (probably not enough) to try and purchase a car.

I have a MINI Cooper right now and its a blast but nothing compares to a real muscle car.

I dont think I want to buy a fully restored car for a couple reasons, one I dont think I could afford it and two I would like to do some of the restore. I have a long time family friend that has been building hot rod show cars and he would like to help with a restoration. My dad is also a big corvette buff.

So here are my questions to the gurus:

1. If I look at buying a car what should I be looking for, I have been reading some stuff about a "gold nugget" and a "j" code but Im not sure what any of that means. I would like to be a very informed builder.

2. If I find a car that is in fairly decent shape but is lacking some of the original parts can they be located.

Any advice you can provide would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Bob

 

[Mosesatm]

Hello All,

I was hoping I could tap into the knowledge-base here on finding and purchasing a CS. First let me tell you that I'm really green but I have been in love with this car for a long time. I'm finally in a position where I have the time / money (probably not enough) to try and purchase a car.

I have a MINI Cooper right now and its a blast but nothing compares to a real muscle car.

I dont think I want to buy a fully restored car for a couple reasons, one I dont think I could afford it and two I would like to do some of the restore. I have a long time family friend that has been building hot rod show cars and he would like to help with a restoration. My dad is also a big corvette buff.

So here are my questions to the gurus:

1. If I look at buying a car what should I be looking for, I have been reading some stuff about a "gold nugget" and a "j" code but Im not sure what any of that means. I would like to be a very informed builder.

2. If I find a car that is in fairly decent shape but is lacking some of the original parts can they be located.

Any advice you can provide would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Bob

Hi Bob.

Welcome to the site.

Don't worry about the Gold Nugget stuff. That's a completely different car but we don't limit our discussions to California Specials on this site.

The J-code is the engine size. It's the 5th digit on the VIN. The VIN MUST start with 8R01_. Where I placed the underscore will be an engine code of C (289), J (302), R (428), S (390 4V), T (6-cylinder), or X (390 2V). Most GT/CSs came with the 289 2V, a C4 automatic transmission, and 2.79 rearend gears.

All original parts can be located but some of them will cost a small fortune if you insist on OEM parts. Almost all GT/CS parts are available as reproductions for a reasonable price.

I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions so we can get a little better handle on what you are looking for.

- Are you looking to eventually make a show car, or a driver, or both?

- How much of the work can you do yourself?

- What do you mean by "fairly decent shape"? To me that describes a car that can be driven anywhere but may need some paint work or the interior refreshed. Is that where you're leaning?

- What color are you looking for?

- What drivetrain are you looking for?

- And most important; How much are you looking to spend?

 

[minicooperbc]

Hi Bob.

Welcome to the site.

Don't worry about the Gold Nugget stuff. That's a completely different car but we don't limit our discussions to California Specials on this site.

The J-code is the engine size. It's the 5th digit on the VIN. The VIN MUST start with 8R01_. Where I placed the underscore will be an engine code of C (289), J (302), R (428), S (390 4V), T (6-cylinder), or X (390 2V). Most GT/CSs came with the 289 2V, a C4 automatic transmission, and 2.79 rearend gears.

All original parts can be located but some of them will cost a small fortune if you insist on OEM parts. Almost all GT/CS parts are available as reproductions for a reasonable price.

I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions so we can get a little better handle on what you are looking for.

- Are you looking to eventually make a show car, or a driver, or both?

- How much of the work can you do yourself?

- What do you mean by "fairly decent shape"? To me that describes a car that can be driven anywhere but may need some paint work or the interior refreshed. Is that where you're leaning?

- What color are you looking for?

- What drivetrain are you looking for?

- And most important; How much are you looking to spend?

Hi Mosesatm,

Thank you for the reply and I will try and answer the questions.

Are you looking to eventually make a show car, or a driver, or both?
I really dont have a desire to have a show car and I would like to drive the car occassionally. I would expect that the car will spend a fair amount of time just being stared at by me. It would be garage kept.

- How much of the work can you do yourself?
I will be providing heavy lifting and sweeping. I dont have much experience with rebuilding or fixing cars but the good news is my dad and our family friend Tim said we could do everything to the car except paint. I'm relying on them heavily. I'm not scared of jumping in and getting my hands dirty and learning and plan on being there every step of the way.

- What do you mean by "fairly decent shape"? To me that describes a car that can be driven anywhere but may need some paint work or the interior refreshed. Is that where you're leaning?
Hmmm. The car doesnt necessarily have to be running but I would like all or most of the cars parts to be on the car or near the car in a box. I have no problem with going and hunting the parts if needed but would like a little more info the aftermarket parts. Are they ok to use or do they devalue the car?


- What color are you looking for?
I would love to find a blue or red car but I would go colorblind for a good deal. The blue and red are really stunning. The green is cool too but it seems to be more rare than the others.

- What drivetrain are you looking for?
Do you mean standard or automatic? I'm sorry if I dont understand. I would prefer an automatic so my wife can drive. My MINI is standard and I have tried to teach her to drive it but that has proven to be a tough situation.


- And most important; How much are you looking to spend?
Thats an excellent question. I dont know what I need to spend. Maybe it would help if I told you that I would like to spend 15 to 20K and have a great looking/driving/as original as possible car.

Thank you again,

Bob

 

[franklinair]

Bob;
What part of the country are you in. Slim pickings for C/S's east of CA.

Neil Hoppe

 

[minicooperbc]

Bob;
What part of the country are you in. Slim pickings for C/S's east of CA.

Neil Hoppe

Hi Neil,

I live Austin, TX.

Bob

 

[nfrntau]

Bob;
What part of the country are you in. Slim pickings for C/S's east of CA.

Neil Hoppe

Slim pickings West of California too. lol

If you don't know every part that should be in the boxes, I would be careful about going that route. If you can take photos, take it apart yourself and tag it, you will have a much easier time getting it back together. It's tuff when you know somethings missing but can't figure out what.
I took many many photos and tagged everything and Arlie and I have still looked at his GT/CS several times to figure out how something is suppposed to go back on.
Good luck on your quest. You will find the people on this site are a wonderful group of folks who are willing to help you out and sincincerly want you to succeed in your endeavor.

 

[franklinair]

Bob;
When I look at ANY Mustang, the first thing I do is pour a cup of water into each cowl vent forward of the windshield and see where it runs out. It should exit at the lower rear corner of each front fender. If it leaks into the car, onto the floor - BIG JOB to fix the cowl vent that has rusted through. Hope this helps.

Neil

 

[BroadwayBlue]

Welcome Bob!!

Good Luck on your search. I think being in Texas is a good area for CS's lately a few have come up for sale. Checkout some of the history links on the left hand side of the page for some info as well.

Hope you find what you're looking for.I think you can do alright in that ballpark you're talking to spend

By the way ... how much did Arlie pay you to say this?
"The green is cool too but it seems to be more rare than the others."

LOL! You'll learn we're a fun bunch around here.

 

[rvrtrash]

If you find a car somewhere you're interested in, tell us which one it is. We've offered to look at cars for people if they're close and some we've seen for sale a couple of times and have figured out their good and bad points. As a group, we're probably the best informed on what's right and not and having a knowledgable person look at the car is never a bad idea.

Steve

 

[Mosesatm]

If you find a car somewhere you're interested in, tell us which one it is. We've offered to look at cars for people if they're close and some we've seen for sale a couple of times and have figured out their good and bad points. As a group, we're probably the best informed on what's right and not and having a knowledgable person look at the car is never a bad idea.

Steve

One of Earnie's cars may work, too. Where are we on that?

If he still has them the next time I go to San Diego I'll be happy to look at them. I met him in '89 when I lived in San Diego. We lived about 2 miles apart. I think he had 3 GT/CSs at that time.

 

[franklinair]

I, among others had also expressed interest in Ernie's 10 Mustangs for sale (he wants to sell all at once, no onesies-twosies) for $65K. I was prepared to purchase the group but I learned someone else also wanted to purchase the complete group, and rather than getting into a bidding contest and/or stepping on any toes, I'll probably just pass this up. Bob Teets told me that he believes them to be in decent shape - 7 CS's, 2 HCS's, and 1 regular
coupe.

Neil

 

[Doug]

I am still interested in going in as a group to buy one of these cars.

 

[franklinair]

minicooperbc:
Take a look at the C/S for sale in TN. (Just posted today) I think its south of Nasheville.

Neil

 

[PNewitt]

Hi Minicooperbc,

When I read your original post, I thought you were from Brit. Columbia, Canada... I've never had a GT/CS owner also own a Mini Cooper. I sat in one once (I'm 6/3") and hit my head...LOL!! But they are real nice cars (have you seen the new Mini ad on TV? For the "wagon" version. Pretty awesome.)

Anyway, I can't add much, since you're being well cared for by the best here.. I run the registry, but I don't have any cars offered for sale in my mail.

You'll definately find one--this group is real vigilant and helpful.

When you do get one, please register it with me at:

GT/CS Registry
Paul M. Newitt
P.O. Box 2245
Davis, CA 95617

Send me the VIN & data plate info, option list, and any photos (on CD?).

thank you--and good luck. Don't hesitate to ask for anything!!

Paul N.

 

[nfrntau]

Paul,
I have to correct you. I own a Mini Cooper, I bought it new in November 07.
1.6 liter, 172 hp. 2,660 lb car. The new Mini Cooper has a bunch of room. I'm 6' and I have to move the seat forward and up to drive comfortably.

Bob,
Keep your eyes open, one will pop up. As Paul said, "You'll definitely find one--this group is real vigilant and helpful".

Cheers from Houston
Bill

Hi Minicooperbc,

When I read your original post, I thought you were from Brit. Columbia, Canada... I've never had a GT/CS owner also own a Mini Cooper. I sat in one once (I'm 6/3") and hit my head...LOL!! But they are real nice cars (have you seen the new Mini ad on TV? For the "wagon" version. Pretty awesome.)

Anyway, I can't add much, since you're being well cared for by the best here.. I run the registry, but I don't have any cars offered for sale in my mail.

You'll definately find one--this group is real vigilant and helpful.

When you do get one, please register it with me at:

GT/CS Registry
Paul M. Newitt
P.O. Box 2245
Davis, CA 95617

Send me the VIN & data plate info, option list, and any photos (on CD?).

thank you--and good luck. Don't hesitate to ask for anything!!

Paul N.

 

[Mosesatm]

Steve and I figured out that if you Google [craigslist, "california special"] you'll get all the California Specials on craigslist. It's a whole lot easier than going into every city and searching.

There is a project car in LA now on Craigslist. If I stay up late enough I'll see if I can find it.


Found it