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General 65 500 should i get it?

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General 65 500 should i get it?

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crozell

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A gentleman is moving out of his book store and selling his '65 500 that has been sitting in there for the past 11 years. At first I had no intention of buying it but have been strangly curious by the little car. Apparently it was running fine the day he pulled it in, and has not started in 11 years. The body is in excellent condition and interior is fair. I am not that mechanically savy, however can a two cylinder engine be that complicated?

Trying to get input on how much I should offer (he is asking $2,000) and what I can expect to do to it to get it back in road condition (other than new tires, tune-up, etc.)

I already know the driver's side door window needs replacing and the convertable top will have to be replaced as well.

What do you guys think, worth the money to play around with?

Thanks for all your advice.

Clay
 
Is that US dollars? 11 years of storage could see the fuel system being clogged up, but Ive known cars stood that length of time run fine with a new battery and service. Check the whole body everywhere for rust/welding/filler... these rot out horrendously but there arent too many hidden places in such a small car.
The 500 is a fabulous car and very characterful... buy a good one and youll love it for years, get a duff one and you could hate it. Id always advise buying the best you can afford, its always more expensive buying a cheapo to restore.
 
Hi Clay and welcome to the forum.

At first sight I would say the asking price of $2000 is very reasonable.

I have seen very poor examples needing a lot of work changing hands on Ebay in the UK for around £1000 = $1400 approximately.

I am talking cars needing major body repairs, new floor pan and totally seized engines at this kind of price!

So for the condition you describe it sounds like a bargain.

All parts are still readily available and these cars are so simple, most work can be carried out yourself - you will get any help or guidance you need right here, and there is an online version of the Haynes (workshop) manual here: http://members.lycos.nl/dm5675/haynes/Haynes_UK.htm

Fully restored, these cars change hands here in the UK for anything up to £6000 = $8400, they are great fun, and real head turners!

Go for it, and let us know how you get on! (y)
 
I made the gentleman an offer, and he said he would definetely consider it. I offered $1,500 USD because of the work needing done and not knowing what kind of condition the engine is in. He said he is going to wait a bit longer but has to be out of the building in a few weeks. $2,000 is a decent price, but if I could get it for $1,500 that would be a steal!

oopsadaisy- I really appreciate the link you gave, that could come in really helpful.

I will try to get you guys some pics to check out, i forgot to mention the owner repainted it purple and painted "veggie tales" character's all over it! It is in the store with the driver's seat removed and a small tv in it so kids can climb in a watch movies!

We will see what happens, thanks all for the encouragement.

p.s. to clarify, this 500 is in tx.

clay
 
Personally I feel its very hard to find parts for the Nouva and the D which are similar, I notice plenty of spares for F/L/R models why is that?

:mad:
 
Shanil said:
Personally I feel its very hard to find parts for the Nouva and the D which are similar, I notice plenty of spares for F/L/R models why is that?

:mad:
Click to expand...

I guess it is down to fewer "D" models being made - I don't have any production figures but as the car gained popularity and was exported to more countries I would imagine that many more F L and R versions were produced.

Just my guess..... ;)
 
crozell said:
I will try to get you guys some pics to check out, i forgot to mention the owner repainted it purple and painted "veggie tales" character's all over it! It is in the store with the driver's seat removed and a small tv in it so kids can climb in a watch movies!

We will see what happens, thanks all for the encouragement.

clay
Click to expand...

Well, the paint job can be easily rectified.

Please keep us posted! (y)
 
sorry for the delayed response, but I had not heard from the seller and thought he had sold it, then he called me out of the blue yesterday and said it was still available. So i got it!!

picking it up tommorow and will begin the process to get it road worthy. I will post pics of it when I get the chance.

I know the first thing is getting a driver's side window, the original broke years ago...any ideas? I am in tx.

will keep you updated.

clay
 
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Ok, here it is!!

the amazing thing is, with a new battery and a little fuel directly into the engine, it fired right up!! Apparently the previous owner bought it awhile back, took it to get tuned up and running, then parked it in the store for 11 years. the spark plug, oil, distributer all looked brand new! I took off the fuel tank, cleaned it out, and replaced the fuel filter. Somewhere in the fuel system i am losing gas, possible clogged fuel line or bad fuel pump. once the weather clears I will get back out there and trouble shoot it. It will require some body work and a new floor, but everybody I knew is real excited to lend their talents in helping me get it up and going. You can imagine the looks and conversations I've had just trailering it around town!
 

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Great little car you have there! Looks in good condition, good luck with the restoral project!!
That will get some looks from the public eye once its complete!
Let us know how you get on with it all!
 
Last edited:
UPDATE----

Replaced the window, got the fuel line/tank cleaned out, and four new tires on it. Took it for its first test drive down the street and back. I was really interested in the condition of the transmission. Clutch and tranny felt tight and responsive, the car handled like a little go cart!!! I loved it!!

the problem I am having now is that everytime I accelerate it wants to die on me, unless I immediatly let up the gas. I can push the accelerator reeeaaally slow and it responds, but if I give it just a little more, it starts to putter? I am guessing it has something to do with the fuel system, but am going to have to trouble shoot it. has any one run across that problem before?

I am working on getting it titled and registered here in texas, which is a hastle because it has never been registered in the US! taking awhile with paper work and all the forms.

There is an old friend of mine who has volunteered to reupolster the seats and door panel, and another friend who will help me replace the floor boards.

I will post some pics once I start making progress with the body work.

Thanks for all your help.

cheers,

clay
 
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