What do you think???

[beatnic]

Hello folks...
I'm new the this fourm. and I'm just starting to learn about cobras..
I have an oppertunity to buy a Arntz/Butler Cobra (unknown what year) for what I think is a good deal. What do you think.
This is a good friend of mine so I trust in what he says. He bought this car approx 10 years ago ($35.000), drove it for the first year (approx 500 miles on the engine) the next year he only started the car once a month. and for the last eight years it's been sitting in his garage. I dont know what year the car was built yet, but i know it was purchased in florida from the orig owner(a ford dealer onwer). It has a 427 side oiler that was built by a Nascar team member and my friend visited this mach. before he bought the car. The car Looks great although it's been sitting for 9 years. There is some minor deterioration as to be expected.
The Fiberglass needs a little work. There are a few cracks (stress cracks i guess) How hard is it to work on the fiberglass? I also read someplace that you can use other parts (hood for example) from other kits as replacement parts. Is there any truth to this?? Also the Drivers compartment is very cramped due to the center concel. Can the dash and center concel be replaced. Ive only seen the car once for about 15 mins. He wants it out of his garage. It's not really for sale but he said if hi did sell the car he would sell it for $25.000. After talking to him he told me he woukd sell me the car for $20.000 but heres the kicker. I told him I'd give him $200 a month for as long as it takes. He agreed. I know I have not givin much info and I'll post more info as i get it and maybe some pic's. What do you think??? Thank You.

[Mr.Fixit]

$20K is quite cheap. You cannot swap body parts between manufacturers, they are not all the same, only similar.

He's willing to finance you for over 8 years to buy it, no interest 20,000/200=100 months/12=8.33 years

[65 Blur]

If the motor is a true 427 s/o and it is in decent shape, it's worth almost that much alone, let alone having it in a Butler. Sounds pretty sweet.

[beatnic]

Thanks for the response guys. Yeah, the guy just wants it out of his garage. The 427 s/o is not clean (chrome) but he stands by the engine and trans.
Can the dash and center concel be changed? and how hard is it to repair the fiberglass?? Thanks.

[BB427]

Send some pics and your friends phone number and mabye we can help.

[CowtownCobra]

If it has sat for that long, you will need to tend to the mechanicals and all the fluids too.

[leslie.files]

I would be concerned with why he wants it out of his garage so badly and why he is willing to finance. Check for title/registration. Maybe he was storing for someone else or whatever. 20k and urgency seems off a little! FWIW,

[65 Blur]

If you look at some of the other Butler forum posts you'll see that I have some experience with fiberglass repair. This is really going to be dependant on the extent of the damage if there is any. If may just be cracking paint, and the glass if fine. The Butlers are known for being very heavy with fiberglass, so if there are stress cracks, it had to have been hit. Any body shop that works on glass (Corvettes) will be able to repair.

There are also some posts on this forum regarding the huge tunnel and possible modifications. Depending on the transmission, you probably have a lot of room in there. The dash is going to be tough - Ron put some beefy metal in these cars, and the cowl hoop in a good example. On my dash, the wiring for the gauges is hitting the firewall, and the top is against the cowl brace.

[leslie.files]

OK open mouth and insert foot, I did it again. Sorry if I offended anyone, I skimmed the long and jumped to guns again. SORRY,

[beatnic]

Thanks guys, I'll check the other post.
This is a friend of mine, He is getting on in years and lost intrest in the car. His wife has gain a few pounds over the last few years and can't get into the car anymore. I think he is stoked just to have a friend that is into the car and that he's happy to be able to see the car every once and a while. He's getting close to retirement and has other things he's into now (guns etc...).
Two things to note about the fiberglass. The arm that holds up the hood is missing ans the place under the hood has broken off. also where the hood and air scoop meet is cracked like someone lifted up on the hood there... Anyways it will bee some work but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Thanksagain and if you have any advise please let me know . Fireman5150@hotmail.com
I'll keep you all posted.

[beatnic]

...Also he said it has a toploader trams.

[TerrysSPF]

.........he's getting on in years, and he's willing to finance you (no interest, I'm assuming?) @ 200.00 / month for over EIGHT years? Hey, you may end up with an even bigger bargain than you think! Sounds too good to be true.........but, best of luck to you!

[Bluesman]

Ron Butler stamped the year, the month and the chassis numerical sequence up on the main rail/driver's side frame between the front suspension and the radiator. I don't know anything about the Arntz chassis but if it is a Butler this information will help dating the car and perhaps it's owner history.
$20,000 sounds very good. I don't need to tell you tho... check it's title and how feasable it will be to register and insure it for the road.

[G.R.]

Beat
'Glas repairs if it is minor as what you describe are easy to fix--sounds like a great deal if it pans out

[Chifo]

If you dont buy it let me know.. I have afreind who is looking for a Butler