Adding another BE to the family - Bugsy III

[Jim_Gruber]

I just closed a deal on Bugsy III, a '59 BE that I've been chasing for 4 years now. This was the car I planned to restore before I found Bugsy II. This BE Broke down in '78 and was pushed into a barn, moved to a garage, sat outside for at least a year, and then has been stored in a hangar in SW Ohio for the past 15 years. This is an unmolested BE that is really dirty and nasty now but is definitely restorable. I would like to keep this one as a retirement project but promised the better half I would not keep it. I am planning on getting a few parts off of this car but I promised my wife it will be sold to help pay for restoration of Bugsy II. I need to spend some money with Gerard for a 5 speed kit as well as help to fund a 1275 rebuild.

Bugsy III needs metal work on rear floors, possible Spring Hangers, & A-Posts, some cleanup of rockers but may not need full rocker replacement from what I can see. Tub is straight and does not appear to have been wrecked based on initial inspection. I have not been underneath this car so I can't guarantee anything on it at this point. Rear clip is all straight and no dents. I will be trading bonnet from Bugsy II with Bugsy III. Engine in Bugsy III is frozen up. I will include a 948 that will come out of Bugsy II and a smoothcase. Engine turns freely and was running when removed from Bugsy II in 1985. One seat pan will go to Bugsy II as well as the washer pump and a Tudor Bottle promised to Bill Mayer. This one has promise and could make someone a great BE with some work. PM me if interested.

As it comes from the hangar and dirty.

Last Pic is bonnet off of Bugsy II which will go with Bugsy III. Needs Fender beading, work has been started to replace beading, grooves cut, fender bead purchased and will be included, needs to be glued on. I will post better pics after I get this one home and cleaned up.

Jim Gruber

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Jim, after you do some poking around on it, let me know what you find. Are the rear quarters full of bondo? I may be interested in it since my bugeye is just a giant bit of patch work.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Actually Trevor pretty solid on the tub. I haven't put a magnet on it but lots of dirt back there from sitting. Again this one was parked in '78. Bonnet has rust on the valence. I've got lots of Pics. PM me with your e-mail

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Trevor, Bumper Brackets are bent and there is a spot of rust on LR back but other than dirt rear of tub is solid. Again I have not been underneath except to touch underside below spring mounts and I can tell floor is gone there and I can touch Touch Spring Backing Plate. I thought originally there was a dent back there in tub but on closer examination found that it was dirt/shadow I was seeing.

 

[JPSmit]

Well bought Jim - whether or not you keep it, always exciting when the hunt comes to a satisfactory ending.

 

[SaxMan]

Congrats on the new acquisition!

Of course, this only feeds my own desire to find "Baby Blue" a mate. Must....resist....