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59 Bugeye - Fix it, Sell It, Let It Sit?

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H

healeygal

Jedi Warrior
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Reading a thread in the AH section about restoring a '66 Sprite got me thinking about a Bugeye I own that's been sitting for the last 30 years. Any comments/ideas/suggestions on what to do, what the cost might be to get it running, or the value if I sell?

I know there are a lot of factors to consider re time, $, emotional attachment, etc. A friend suggested doing and spending enough to see if it will run (it started once and ran long enough to back down the driveway, then sat for 30 years). I enjoy being the assistant on projects like that; I don't have such good luck with engine rebuilds.

Sharon
BN1
 

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Here's another picture. Sorry they're so faded - they are pictures of pictures 'cause I deleted the originals from my camera.
 

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Hi Sharon:
In my humble opinion - fix it! Even a return to the original state instead of upgrades etc. will be well rewared emotionally and financially. These wonderful cars will continue to go up in value so is a great investment as well as such joy to drive, I've been har at work on a restoration of a 59 that was in far worse condition of your car. They are easy to work on and rebuliding an engine is a piece of cake. If it ran 30 years ago when parked it wil run now with a little help.
Keep it, get it going, drive it, make repairs upgrades over time, you just cannot go wrong!
Roy
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
My word, it looks GREAT. What a car to start on. Looks like all is there, and needs a thorough cleaning to see what's what. Worth prob 3K as it sets.

You all agree?
 
Hey Jack: I believe the car is worth more than 3k as is. Seen a lot of real junk for more money! I agree with you; do a thorough cleaning first, then get it running. I have no doubt it will run as it did when parked and apparently moved as well so would go up in value close to 2k just like that! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
Maybe, but the pics are so poor it is hard to tell about rust and the true condition. Although I agree it could be more if presented properly and is relatively clean and tidy.

You know folks a sheet of painters plastic just draped loosly over the car while in storage will prevent most of that nasty.

Oh, it has an orginal radio.
 
NO-NO-NO!!! It isn't worth ANYTHING!! You need to give it to me so you are not tempted to fix it!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Bill
 
I think I am next on the free car list???????
 
Had a friend sell a bugeye witha good body, not running but seemed that it wouldn't be hard to get to run, for a little over $5000. The prices are going up.
 
All depends on the condition and how bad the seller wants it to go away. Estates usually are not fussy and ones that have been setting a long time as well. Ones good looking and running and such are a bit dear.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think I am next on the free car list???????

[/ QUOTE ]

But I'm closer, so I'll beat you there. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cowboy.gif
 
If she can?? Is a bit pricy to farm out all the work I should think, but then how many Bugeyes do you see around town.
 
Sharon, send me the info DIRECT to ed@justbrits.com so I can go buy a trailer & get a hitch put on "Amber" (avatar) and hit the road!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif

Thanks!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Ed
 
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, helpful or otherwise! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I'm kind of conflicted right now, going from "it's such a cute little car/I've had it for so long" to "it's taking up valuable garage space and doesn't even run," but fortunately, storing it is not a problem, and Grey Cat's comments really made me stop and think, so don't hitch up that trailer just yet, Ed!

Sharon
 
Running car, hmmm. Here are my swags at what that would cost. Some of you folks can correct my guesstimates, but this is to provide some costs and objectivity for further consideration.

30 year old non-running car would need:

New tires...................................$350.00
Rebuild brake & clutch hydraulics....$300.00 (Shoes and drums additional)
Drain and reseal gas tank..............$200.00
New Battery.................................$50.00
Oil Change...................................$20.00
New hoses, flush radiator, coolant....$80.00 (Radiator rebuild additional)
Tune up points, cond, plug wires......$50.00
Good Cleaning ("on you").................$00.00
____________________________________________
TOTAL Guess.............................$1050.00

Now, you can safely drive it around the block and see what else needs fixin. Maybe nothing, but you'll, most likley, have a runner.

I would do the engine stuff first and make sure you don't have a "clinker" in the crankcase and then move on to the other stuff to minimize expenses before finding a show stopper.
 
There is nothing wrong with that car that money can't fix! You will not regret fixing it. The first drive in it will make you forget how much you spent and make you question why you didn't do it sooner. You bought it for SOME reason? Right?!
 
[ QUOTE ]
so don't hitch up that trailer just yet, Ed!

[/ QUOTE ]

RATS, Sharon!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

Keep her and re-do it RIGHT and you will NEVER regret it!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Ed
 
keeper!!
 
We all kind of bised but of course it is a keeper.
 
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