Found a '76 2.0...take a look, Need Expert Opinions.... Options

[mabry123]

I found this '76 sitting in the rear lot of a local garage. Owner disappeared, and the mechanic has filed a mechanic's lien against the title. I can get it for a couple hundred bucks.

The mechanic hasn't done anything to it other than try to start it about a year ago. It came there for exhaust work after it was painted in '05, and the owner abandoned it.

The body looks solid. The doors close solidly, the rocker panels pass the screwdriver poke test, as does the driver's floorboard, trunk floor and floor under the front hood. The rust on the driver's floorboard appears to be surface -- I went at it hard with a screwdriver, and the metal was solid under the surface oxidation. The paint job is passable, and the interior is mostly just dirty. Well, fithly actually. New window seals and seat inserts needed, it would be passable without.

I read through all the receipts in a box in the trunk, and it was all routine maintenance -- valves, oil, seal here and there, new clutch in '02. Are all '76 models 2.0? Which version of FI is typical on a '76 2.0?

One of the more recent receipts says "Advised owner of engine oil leak and bad exhaust." But nothing earth-shattering from a quick read through the paperwork.

What do you guys think? You've seen way more of these than I have. This one looks a lot better to start than some of the progress threads I've been following.

Couple questions -- Can I tow it home with a dolly? Not sure the front dam will clear the dolly ramp, and the wheel bearings might be questionable. Moving it less than 10 miles. What could I expect to spend on a new exhaust system? I realize this is a loaded question, but where should I look first for the engine oil leak?

I think I'm going to go for it. I have room in the garage and I'm sure you guys will be behind me all the way. Anybody close to Hickory, NC in case I get in a fix?

I have pictures to add, but can't find the "Browse" button the FAQ said to use to add pictures. . Somebody tell me how and I'll put up some photos I took this mornng.

[zymurgist]

If it was in my neighborhood, I'd tell you to run like hell, stay away from it, and then jump on it myself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

As for dolly towing, check your state laws. Some states require that a car have a valid registration to be towed with any of the wheels rolling on the road. You might need to flatbed it to your house.

[mabry123]

If it was in my neighborhood, I'd tell you to run like hell, stay away from it, and then jump on it myself. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

As for dolly towing, check your state laws. Some states require that a car have a valid registration to be towed with any of the wheels rolling on the road. You might need to flatbed it to your house.

I only need to tow it about 10 miles, and this is small-town America, so I don't think I'll have an trouble with registration or insurance.

Why would the cowl-fender seal be filled? Accident repair? Same for the rear trunk being "sprung?"

The Enkei center hubs are in the trunk.

[RoninEclipse2G]

Why would the cowl-fender seal be filled? Accident repair?

someone didn't feel like looking for new seals? hiding rust from missing seals? just wanted a clean look? anyone's guess on that