Affordable Convertible — 350 V8, Driver, Needs Work Throughout

OVERALL CONDITION: The red paint is a budget repaint and looks it. Orange peel throughout, overspray on the weatherstripping, and a run on the passenger door. The body has had bodywork — both quarters have filler, and the driver quarter has a 6-inch area where the filler is cracking. Surface rust is bubbling under the paint at the lower rear valance and the driver's rocker. Convertible top is older — the fabric is faded with a 3-inch tear near the driver-side C-pillar. The rear window is cloudy and has a small crack. Chrome is dull — the front bumper has a dent and the rear bumper has pitting. Glass works but the driver window is slow. Interior is tired: white vinyl seats with cracking on both fronts, the rear seat has a split seam, the dash pad has multiple cracks, and the door panels are faded with one torn at the armrest. Carpet is a replacement and is thin. The gauge cluster partially works — fuel gauge doesn't work, temp gauge works, speedometer reads 5 MPH fast.

ENGINE: 350 CI V8 rated at 200 HP — a later-model 350, not the original. It starts and runs — it's a basic 350 with a 2-barrel carburetor. Idle is smooth at 750 RPM. No smoke. Compression is 140-155 psi — lower than ideal but consistent. The engine has a minor tick from the valvetrain — probably a sticky lifter. It's been there for a while and doesn't seem to be getting worse. The carburetor is a Rochester 2-barrel that runs fine for cruising. There's an oil leak from the valve cover gaskets and the oil pan. The cooling system runs at 195°F — okay but the radiator is old. The exhaust is a single system with a stock muffler — quiet. This engine is adequate for cruising but not exciting.

TRANSMISSION: 3-speed Turbo 350 automatic. It shifts through all gears but the 1-2 shift is soft and the RPMs flare slightly — the transmission is tired. No harshness. Under hard acceleration, the 2-3 shift takes a long time. Fluid is dark — needs a change and filter. No slippage under normal driving but it's not in great shape.

BRAKES: Power drum brakes front and rear. Yes, drums all around. The pedal is soft and the stopping distance is long. You need to plan your stops carefully. The front drums are at minimum thickness. Rear shoes are at 40%. The power booster works but the system is old and marginal. Parking brake barely holds.

UNDERCARRIAGE: Frame has surface rust throughout and is scaley in spots. The driver-side frame rail under the driver's seat has significant scale — not perforated yet but needs attention. Floor pans have surface rust and two perforations on the driver side (4-inch and 3-inch areas). Passenger side is better but has pitting. The convertible frame bracing is intact. Rear leaf springs are original and sagging. Gas tank is original with surface rust — it has a slow seep from the sending unit. The undercarriage needs restoration.