Just like it says anything that I should look for? Like big warring signs saything this car is more trouble than it is worth?

 

Check the floors and trunk for rust through, they can be repaired but it's a pain and not easy to repair correctly. Look for rust in the rockers under the doors, look for rust in the quarter panels and wheel wells, look for rust at the base of the windshield inside the car. That is the hardest area to repair. There are 3 layers of metal that overlap from the firewall to the dash and if it has rusted through all 3 layers, forget about the car. Also check around the rear window area for rust. Most of the areas can be repaired and the replacement sheet metal is available, but some of it isn't very good quaility. Spen more money on a solid car to start with and the restoration will cost less and you'll have a better finished product. I got my car from CA and you can't believe how much nicer the body and frame is than a car from the east coast.

 

How much should I expect to pay for a rust free car?

 

If you can find a rust free car for under $5000, then that's a great price. Expect to pay $8-12K depending on options and engine/trans and whether the drivetrain is original or not.

 

Another area to watch out for is if the car has a vinyl top. They usually rust out underneith and can be difficult/expensive to repair.

 

Look at the the bottom of the front and rear windows.......on a car this old, if they wen't sealed good......they will start to rust out in that area. VERY HARD to repair. You may have to lift some molding.......but can be well worth the look.