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1969 sprite - good deal??

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jmayzer

jmayzer

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hey guys

found a 1969 sprite for sale and well...how about i just post the craigslist link:

https://pennstate.craigslist.org/cto/4539063289.html

i'm still waiting on more photos from the seller greg (anyone on here know him?) but i just wanted to see if anyone thought right off the bat if this seems like a good deal. it does to me from the research i've done so far but i'm definitely still the new guy in the spridget game:nevreness:

if i end up going to look at it, what are key points to watch out for? or even better, anyone on here in the williamsport pa area want to tag along/meet up with me there to look?

jake
 
I have a far better '68 one for sale, but I'm on the west coast.
 
Rust and bondo covering up rust is #1. Appears to be an original red car, look for spots that appear better than other areas which might indicate newer paint (possible repair). Check the floor pans for rust and the forward spring mounts. also the battery tray is frequently corroded so check that. It's missing the smog pump, look for other modifications.

If you have never driven a Spridget before be aware that they have straight cut first and reverse gears without synchros and that they howl a bit when using them but that 2nd, 3rd and 4th are "normal" and should operate smoothly and relatively quietly. It is a small unibody car and you will hear road noise but listen for grinding or whining noises when moving. Is the electrical in good shape and not modified? Things like added relays for the headlights is cool if done correctly but wads of wires hanging down from the dash is not. Might want to bring a voltmeter to check the charging sitch.

Drive straight and true? Any play in the steering? How is the top? Why the pliers in the passenger seat? Is that a boot behind the seats? At the price it should be decent. Gauges work? How does the engine run? Heater core good? Heater blower work? Wipers? Stalk switches OK? Turn signals cancel normally cuz those things break?

$4600? Better be in good running shape with a good body and everything working. If that is the case, might just be a pretty good deal.

I wonder what that pipe looking thing is next to the vent tube next to the radiator.
 
I think that is a pretty fair price for this area if the car is straight and no major rust issues. I bought my '69 last year in New Market, MD and paid more than that for a car in what appears to be similar condition. I'm over in Damascus, MD, out I-70 to Exit 68, if you want to get a look/see at my '69 so you have some frame of reference when you check this one out.

Edit: Even though I paid more, I also got a pretty fair cache of spare parts and technical support from the seller to go along with the car.
 
Typical rust area's to examine very closely are the bottom of the A post, front bottom of the rocker's,behind the rear wheels, over the top of the rear wheel's and the floors. Bring a piece of cardboard or wear old clothes so that you can crawl under it and look it over carefully.

To me, any rust is a deal killer...especially at that price. Then, of course check out the mechanical's.

Kurt.
 
gents,

heres an update: more photos from the seller.
 

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Not good pictures of where the rust normally occurs. I forgot a typical spot and that is the front lip of the hood. Not a really good picture but I would suspect a spot to the right of that photo. I'll bet the steering wheel is cracked under the cover. Perhaps, I'm too cynical. The only way to really know is a close up look but it still seems a little high priced even if perfect. Take a look at E-bay past sales to get an idea.

Kurt.
 
I think if the car is sorted out well mechanically, the price does not seem unreasonable. It's not perfect by a long shot, but would still make a fun driver, again, if it is good mechanical condition.
 
The pictures really aren't good enough to evaluate it, but I'd still go out on a limb and guess that it's priced about right, as long as there are no surprises.
 
On second thought I guess I have to agree that the price probably isn't bad. Figuring where its at in the country I'm just not expecting a car without rust problem's.

Kurt.
 
nomad said:
On second thought I guess I have to agree that the price probably isn't bad. Figuring where its at in the country I'm just not expecting a car without rust problem's.

Kurt.
Click to expand...

I agree, none of the problem areas are shown, and not much to be seen under the bonnet, boot and interior. I'm pretty sure that's a dash cap on the dash too.
 
Jack up the front and shake the wheels. See back of Moss Catalog. You're trying to see how tight the front end is. Ask if Front Suspension has even been rebuilt and get a description of what was done. Were fulcrum pins or Kingpins replaced? Shocks replaced. Getting Front Suspension right typically $600-$1,000 to get it dialed in right, shocks replaced, major suspension kit, etc. After engine / tranny that will be you next expense to do it right.
 
Jmayzer came out to check out Baby Blue this morning, since my Sprite is a '69, too, and I could show him the trouble spots that everyone here described. Even if the one he's looking at right now doesn't work out for him, after letting him take a quick spin Baby Blue, I have no doubt that we'll have another Spridget owner in our midst. These cars will get you addicted faster than any illegal substance.
 
well gents, it fell through. went up and met with the guy today and this car was in even better condition than the photos showed. a lot of surface rust and the paint would definitely need some work but mechanically totally solid. a JOY to drive. just couldn't work the guy down to a price that i could afford. told him to keep in touch of course if he reconsiders. i'm the closest he's gotten to selling it yet. but no fret here! i'm not giving up...i'll get my hands on one of these little roadsters eventually. cheers.
 
I sold my '68 Sprite with a BE Bonnet, all mechanicals thoroughly sorted, Miata Seats, a 1098, Rib Case, fair paint, but sound mechanically for close to that price range 18 months ago. That is not an unrealistic price for a Spridget as Rick has stated on the East Coast/ You may want to rethink on that one.
 
Jake, I certainly understand if it is an affordability issue, but box Sprites are getting a lot more respect and prices are only going up, albeit not at the rate of Mk 1 Sprites. Just something to consider. Fun drive, wasn't it?
 
SO much fun, hugh!!
 
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