Who is an AAR guru that is willing to answer questions?

[a34]

Hey Guys,

I have a buddy who is looking at an AAR for sale. I was wondering if there is an AAR guru that wouldn't mind answering some questions. If so, please pm me with your number.

Thanks !!!

[ksierens]

Hey, why not share with everyone, maybe we can all learn something.

[Moparal]

Maybe Barry will see this post. He is about the most knowledgeable person I can think of to answer most of the questions you want to have answered. But try sharing with all of us in the mean time

[a34]

Maybe Barry will see this post. He is about the most knowledgeable person I can think of to answer most of the questions you want to have answered. But try sharing with all of us in the mean time

Sure, be glad to.

Sassy Grass AAR automatic. Been in storage 22 years. Supposed to have an excellent body. Original engine gone, but includes T/A block. Tranny gone. All other parts there. Carbs have been rebuilt, has new exhaust system, 15" rallys'. This is as stated by the owner to my friend, my friend is driving 3 hours Sunday to look at it. Now, here's the kicker. DASH has been changed out and original VIN is missing. Title, fender tag, cowl all supposedly match and say AAR (J engine code).

So, I'm wondering what does he need to look for to verify this is a real AAR as all those numbers could be moved. Any other tell tell signs to be sure? I know the quarter panel mounted antenna is one.

Also, the guy is asking $15K. Assuming this turns out to be the real thing and is as described above, is $15K a fair price to pay? My friend is very excited as he has never had one of these cars and always wanted one. I'm concerned he might let that excitement cloud his judgement/vision once he gets there. Unfortunately,  I can't accompany him.

Any help is appreciated !!!

[wally426ci]

I cant answer a specific AAR question, BUT i will say that I see AAR's/TA's going for $50k. if the car is mostly complete its money in the bank for $15K (any '70 Ebody would be worth the investment), but if he's excited enough, resale won't matter. its safe to say he'd easily spend an aditional $15K on restoration. Im no expert, just my 2cents. 

[pink panther]

I don't care for the "Dash" being changed out and the vin missing.

[wally426ci]

yeah thats a little bogus, who goes through the trouble to remove an ebody dash. its a bastard!

[hemi71]

Should have the AAR/TA spoiler on the deck lid. The fenders and front valance should have the holes for the front spoilers.

What about the front radiator support? do those numbers match? Should be a 26 inch support, no 22 inch radiators in trans am cars.

I doubt somebody moved the cowl numbers 22 years ago, but you never know. Look for obvious signs that there was welding on the cowl...you can run your hand under the cowl by taking off one of the wiper linkage screens and feel for a seam where there should be none.

All Trans am cars have power discs on em, no manual or drum brake cars.

With the dash vin plate missing, that car takes a serious hit $$ wise in my book.

[ntstlgl1970]

"Title, fender tag, cowl all supposedly match and say AAR (J engine code)".

Hopefully the seller has the title in his name, I take it the door vin sticker is missing too right?

I would be very wary of anyone passing an AAR (or any e body for that matter) off without supporting documentation unless the stamped numbers in the body match the fender tag/title and said title is in the sellers name. Otherwise you have no idea what you are getting into.
If it has the stock fenders, look from underneath to see if it ever had a hole in the passenger fender for the antenna. It shouldn't.

[PlumCrazy]

Hey Guys,

I have a buddy who is looking at an AAR for sale. I was wondering if there is an AAR guru that wouldn't mind answering some questions. If so, please pm me with your number.

Thanks !!!

Get a hold of Barry Washington and see if he has any record of it.

AAR will have PDB and 11" rear brakes.  Also, the rear springs are special.

[JS23U0B]

Without the original VIN, its no longer a AAR. Its just a parts car. Without a VIN tag on the dash, i cant see a title doing any good. If the car was put back on the road, they would issue a new VIN tag.

[hemi71]

Without the original VIN, its no longer a AAR. Its just a parts car. Without a VIN tag on the dash, i cant see a title doing any good. If the car was put back on the road, they would issue a new VIN tag.

With the proper documentation, you can get an original dash VIN plate made up.

IIRC, I think it was $300 + to get it done.

[72hemi]

Check with BArry but I think that is illegal.

[hemi71]

Check with BArry but I think that is illegal.

Depends on what your motive is.....if you are trying to alter a cars identity, then it's illegal. If you are replacing a missing tag, then it's not. Now these VIN plates were available a few years ago, they may have tightened down on that stuff lately. Pretty thin line, and something I'd never get involved in. Once the original VIN plate is gone, I'd stay away from it.

[JS23U0B]

I would not spend that kind of money on a car without the original VIN.

To me its a parts car