Buying a car

[soundcontrol]

Hi, first post, don't even have a car yet. Going to buy a e-body convertible, the car has been in an accident way back, some frontal damage. I can't see any signs of that on the car now, doors and fenders seems to fit well and everything looks straight, wheel aligment is a bit off though. My question is what to look for, and if I should somehow measure the subframes (or the whole body) to see if anything is misaligned...?

[brads70]

Welcome! 
Seeing how this I assume will be a significant purchase If possible I would take it to a frame shop, put it on a hoist and have a good look.
Here is a frame drawing if you need it.

[Surfmichaels]

Look as far under fenders and in creases as you can. The car I bought had nice straight panels and a square(ish) frame until you got to the front frame rails. And most of the damage was hidden by grill and the fenders. The body men who fixed it got all the gaps looking really nice but left a tweaked body underneath. Even better than a frame guy is a mopar specialist to look it over. I'd say I wish I had done that but then I probably wouldn't have bought it... And I might still be looking rather than wrenching....

[soundcontrol]

Thanks guys, great tips! I can get it up on a lift when I get there so I will bring the measuring tape.

[67vertman]

Here are some other things you should take with you.

A good flashlight

A magnet, to check for excess bondo on quarter panels.

Cardboard and or an old blanket to lie on, while checking out the underside of the vehicle.

Handheld mirror, one with and extinction for those hard to see places.

A friend you trust to point out and spot, things you may overlook.

Also, do your homework on what it cost to replace/repair things that are damaged and or missing.  You would be surprised how much money you will spend on trim pieces, or one only parts.

Good luck with your purchase. 

[jimynick]

The big thing in these cars is RUST. It's potentially everywhere and the floor pans are a good place to start, then check the frame rails- a small hammer or tool should ring cleanly and not sound like you just hit the ground. The magnet mentioned is a good idea, just make sure it's a 'fridge magnet as the idea is that with poor magnetic attraction, any bondo buildup will cause the magnet to fall off or poorly adhere. Look inside the 1/4 wheel wells and the front inner fender aprons/cowl/firewall areas, too. With a ragtop, the fit of the doors should be clean and they shouldn't droop or lift when pushed onto the strikers. Look down the sides for ripples and check that the roof goes up and down easily and is in good condition. Good luck! 

[soundcontrol]

I bought the car yesterday, it measured fine, and I cant see any major bad things on it, it's not in great shape, and not all stock, but I knew that going in to it. Some rust was fixed, looks like it's done right. Lots of work to get it perfect, but its in drivable OK condition. It's a G code Challenger 70 conv.  I will do a newbie presentation and post a picture later. Thanks again for the help!

[Chryco Psycho]

Congrtas on getting the car & welcome as well 

[MizzouRT]

Welcome, and looking forward to first pix when you get the car.

[GreenFish]

sweet! congrats on the new drop top chally!