jad628
04-28-2006, 06:31 AM
Hello,
Due to another driver's fault, I had my Thunderbird totalled and I happened to see a 1999 Z28, LS1,6 speed, for sale near my home. It has 66K miles, but was in a wreck and purchased by an insurance adjuster as a salvage, and he repaired it. I've looked it over closely and did not see anything of significance to be fixed. The man is nice enough to let me drive it for a few days and I am taking it to an auction arbitrator/mechanic friend of mine to check the emissions (NC has emissions standards for annual testing of 96+ models) and give it a thorough once-over.
The car runs great, no clutch slippage/jerking, smooth shifting, good firm, but not bumpy ride.
Only problems:
Headliner is loose (will replace)
Missing right fog light
Left turn signal inoperative (I'm sure it's just a bulb). Haven't checked it yet, just found out when I was driving and the indicator didn't blink, it just stayed lit on the instrument panel.
Driver's door and to a lesser extent the passenger's door, leaked in a high pressure car wash. The leak was where the side glass, windshield, and t-top meet. I suspect it is a weatherstripping flaw, but I would sure appreciate any suggestions from others who may know if this is common on these cars. It has been sitting outside and we had some significant storms lately and it did NOT leak then, so maybe the angle of the nozzle assisted in the leak (a couple of ounces driver's side, just a few drops on the passenger side in the car wash).
My T-bird (4.6) had a few mods and got about 17 mpg city and up to 30mpg on a highway trip. Can I expect something close to 17mpg in the Z28, if I restrain my right foot?
The car is hugger orange with white stripes, chrome wheels/good tires (16). The clear coat is coming off in a few spots, but I have already determined that with a little diligence I can get rid of most of that and minimize the effects. No dents, just a few rock chips, etc. Overall, it is a nice-looking car, with all the interior leather, carpet, buttons in great shape. It was a smoker's car though- apparently, by looking at the lighter and ash tray. No smell though. Just that bad headliner (it does not leak around the t-tops, BTW).
The car will be less than $7000, still haggling a bit. I think this is going to be a good value if it gets decent mileage. The salvage doesn't bother me. I did the same thing with the T-bird which will be sold
I would certainly appreciate any advice/warnings you could give me. I still have to discuss the previous damage with the owner, but I want to look at it first
I hope to join the Z28 ranks soon,
John
Due to another driver's fault, I had my Thunderbird totalled and I happened to see a 1999 Z28, LS1,6 speed, for sale near my home. It has 66K miles, but was in a wreck and purchased by an insurance adjuster as a salvage, and he repaired it. I've looked it over closely and did not see anything of significance to be fixed. The man is nice enough to let me drive it for a few days and I am taking it to an auction arbitrator/mechanic friend of mine to check the emissions (NC has emissions standards for annual testing of 96+ models) and give it a thorough once-over.
The car runs great, no clutch slippage/jerking, smooth shifting, good firm, but not bumpy ride.
Only problems:
Headliner is loose (will replace)
Missing right fog light
Left turn signal inoperative (I'm sure it's just a bulb). Haven't checked it yet, just found out when I was driving and the indicator didn't blink, it just stayed lit on the instrument panel.
Driver's door and to a lesser extent the passenger's door, leaked in a high pressure car wash. The leak was where the side glass, windshield, and t-top meet. I suspect it is a weatherstripping flaw, but I would sure appreciate any suggestions from others who may know if this is common on these cars. It has been sitting outside and we had some significant storms lately and it did NOT leak then, so maybe the angle of the nozzle assisted in the leak (a couple of ounces driver's side, just a few drops on the passenger side in the car wash).
My T-bird (4.6) had a few mods and got about 17 mpg city and up to 30mpg on a highway trip. Can I expect something close to 17mpg in the Z28, if I restrain my right foot?
The car is hugger orange with white stripes, chrome wheels/good tires (16). The clear coat is coming off in a few spots, but I have already determined that with a little diligence I can get rid of most of that and minimize the effects. No dents, just a few rock chips, etc. Overall, it is a nice-looking car, with all the interior leather, carpet, buttons in great shape. It was a smoker's car though- apparently, by looking at the lighter and ash tray. No smell though. Just that bad headliner (it does not leak around the t-tops, BTW).
The car will be less than $7000, still haggling a bit. I think this is going to be a good value if it gets decent mileage. The salvage doesn't bother me. I did the same thing with the T-bird which will be sold
I would certainly appreciate any advice/warnings you could give me. I still have to discuss the previous damage with the owner, but I want to look at it first
I hope to join the Z28 ranks soon,
John