HI Guys,
I am a Citroen DS owner and D section secretary of our club in the U.K., so I'm a big believer in exploiting club knowledge! I used to live in Houston and travel there frequently. I thought it might be nice to have an old classic as wheels while I'm there from time to time. I was looking at a Plymouth Belvedere on ebay motors # 4623494608? and wonder what there is to watch out for. As it happens I'll be able to have a look at the car in person because I'll be there this week.
Hans Staartjes
I would be a little bit concerned about the fact that it is a poor re-paint - look at the under-hood shot. There is paint on the rattle spring and the hood release. It is very hard to tell how bad the car is from the photos. A very well cared for car with what looks like new upholstery - not original - as far as "Police" option - makes me wonder if it was a taxi cab. Police opition included power brakes and steering - that car does not have either. Some police force's used slant sixes but not in Texas. I would like to know a lot more about that car before I bought it. I also wonder why the undercoating was sprayed in the trunk foor - if it was a Texas car that would not make sense. Only northern cars had the trunks sprayed at the dealerships or Ziebart.
I think the arm rest on the driver's door is a re-cover - does not look right - also the dash is very worn for low mileage. The car must have been stored outside somewhere also - look at the steering wheel - the chrome is all pitted from exposure. It may have been exposed to weather with windows open someplace - I would want to see under the rubber floor mats - I would guess there is rust under them.
If you could get someone who knows cars and what to look for in rust repair - I would have them check it out before I paid too much for that car. Old Cars Price Guide does not list a six powered Belvedere but I do know they made them. Ask for a photo of the fender tag - that will tell you more than what he says - someone here can decode that for you - I can if I am around.
Mark