Opinions wanted

    I don't think there will be a shortage here...I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. I have my own idea, and it seems very logical to me, but it never hurts to get other ideas. Here is the short story:

    I have the 66 coupe/k/auto that my Dad bought new. If you search, you should find some pics. It needs a lot of work and I have next to no money. I have two kids that are in or going to college soon, so I have no dreams of completing/driving the car in the next 6-10 years.


    I have split up the major work into three areas:

    1. Collision damage and rusted out battery tray area.

    2. Rusted cowl area.

    3. Rusted floor pans.


    1. I just had repaired. Core support and inner apron below battery were PROPERLY (read expensive) repaired as factory. The driver side was 3/4 inch high and 1/4 inch pushed to the rear. This pulled easy and is not much damage (according to the body man). This was from the collision damage.


    2 and 3 are the areas in question.


    The opinion needed is for this: Let the car sit and continue in decline. The rust is getting bad in the floors. OR sell a few parts that are original to the car to help finance some repairs in order to slow/stop further structural damage? Even though this will not pay for #2 and #3, it will help get #2 done, which should slow down #3 damage.


    Parts are:

    1. Fan

    2. Dizzy

    3. Intake manifold

    4. Exhaust manifolds


    Given: I realize that once these parts are gone, I will never get them back again. Also, the original engine (block/crank/rods/heads) were damaged and replaced back in 1969, so they are long gone also. Since I was only 6 years of age at the time, I was not consulted regarding thier disposition.:D


    For the next 6 months to year the car will continue to be stored outside. I should have a garage spot available soon to keep it out of the elements. It is drivable now, as far as moving from here to there. I drove it (mostly stock 289 rebuild) the 2 miles from the storage lot to the body shop.

    Is it a correct C-4 HIPo automatic? is there a tag on it? and I wouldn't sell anything, let the rust do its worst, the sheet metal repair difference might not be as significant as you might think at first. Cover it as best as you can. If it becomes too much to bear, and your family's needs become too pressing , consider selling it, preferably to me. I sold my 65 shelby's for family's needs and don't regret it. When I didn't put my family first, I've regreted it. Ask Beagle1, they are there for the long run, this is all stuff, after all. IMHO anyway. good luck.:thumbup:

    The intake manifold is no biggie, but the other parts I would keep.


    Floors are easy to do, so let them rust.


    If you want to slow it dow...go buy some spray can truck bedliner...I like Duplicolor. Spray right over the top of the rusty areas. I will keep it preserved enough.


    Shop around for the metal work. Installing an apron and radiator support should not cost anymore than about $600-800 in labor....and that is a lot. (plus part cost)


    Don't sell the fan

    And dont sell the dist.


    Good Luck!

    Thanks for the input so far...c-4 is NOT the factory piece.


    Keep ideas coming...Thanks again


    Also, I paid 705.26 for the parts, including new battery tray and labor, including frame pull. I thought it was a fair price.

    Edited once, last by 66kcar_old (November 12, 2007 at 3:40 PM).

    Dear 66 k kar,I agree that you are in a bad spot, but don't give up.I have had my K for almost 17 years and when I had a little Boy ,then my wife had 2 strokes and was disabled,my garage rotted out and almost fell in on my "baby"I tried to get it running after sitting a year,(And failed) I had some idiots (make that Chevy lovers)work on my car resulting in the oil pan being left off for weeks(I couldn't get out to the car I had to take care of my baby and sick wife!)My beautiful rebuilt hipo was almost ruined!SOB!!But I didn't give up!I sold some of my posessions and with my pal Kevin at KAR(A real nice Guy!)The phoenix rose from the ashes!I agree with the others try to keep the dist.&the fan !Your floors can always be done any time,maybe it would be wise to address the cowl area first.As my friends at KAR say(Hi George!)how can you be having abad day?Youv'e got a K code!!I feel bad for you and truely hope your luck improves in the K department.Please don't give up!Take care,Greg!Hopefully yours,RANDY

    HI 66k again,I don't know where I got the name GREG from,I know a guy named GREG with a Hipo,must have been a Freudian slip!I wish I could offer more than a little advise and moral support!Happy holidays!Randy

    That's ok, I will think about it some....and keep the original parts. I just sold some old mexican caps and will be selling a few more non hipo items in hopes of at least getting the cowl work done. I won't be selling the kar, regardless.

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