I'm considering buying a '74 Comet as my son's first car. Registered here hoping to find out what to look for before I go see the car. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
Not really a good first car, as a daily driver. 39 year old seat belts, no air bags, manual brakes, poor wipers, dull headlights....
True. But it will be rebuilt before he drives it. Most of the things you mentioned will be replaced or updated. Air bags only matter if the seatbelts fail or aren't used, and this particular son is pretty conscientious, unlike his brother. I'm a reasonable competent mechanic, I'm mostly looking for those particular oddities that every vehicle has.
...:Handshake everything mechanical needs to be replaced to start with. and that's before you do any rust or dent repair. these are more of a...Hobby Car... is weather an issue where you live...these are more of a...fair weather...car.
OK...first thing I look at is the cowl for leaks... do a search and you will find a lot of info. for checking and repairing it. frame rails in the rear for...rust or damage.
It's not so much your son, it's the other people on the road. You're not the first person to consider this, we've been thru many times before, to only have it end badly.. But if you aren't worried, then RUST is the biggest issue. These cars don't have huge aftermarket support, like others. Rear frame rails where the shackle mounts, torque boxes (under the A pillar), floors, cowl, inner fenders. It all depends where the car is, that you are buying.
I do appreciate your concerns, they are both realistic and valid. Your info about rust is exactly what I was looking for. This car looks good in pictures, but I know how misleading photos can be. I'll be sure to check these areas out thoroughly, thanks!
I've been buying Mavericks since the late 80's, see what can happen.... I didn't even look.... and that is a Arkansas car....
