79 Firebird questions

[Lex]

Yes I know its not a camaro, but I've come to value you guys opinons so here goes.

I'm looking at buying a 1979 firebird here locally. Think this would be a decient deal? http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/850604603.html

I was wondering if there is anything in particular I should look for. Fav rust spots on frame or something like that? Particular part that is hard to replace that should be in good shape? I allready have a fresh small block for it so I'm not really worried about the motor. I haven't owned a vehicle this old before so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

[z28camaro2471]

Check the front and rear subframes, trunk floor, door bottoms and radiator support especially given that is already has body panel rot.

If the subframes are rotted walk away.

[Lex]

Thanks I'll be sure to check those spots out. I called the guy and hes an older retired gentlemen that didn't sound like he knew too much about the car. He says that its in driveable condition, but it could use a "tune up". He also said the interior is "decent". I'm gonna go look at it wensday morning I think.

[Lex]

Anything else I should be looking for?

[Lex]

I went and took a look at it today and the rear frame area on the car was rotted. Alot of flakey rust near the rear mount on the leaf springs. The frame section along the rear of the car near the bumper was almost completely rotted away. Too bad too because the rest of the car looked pretty good! The search for a cheap F body continues....

[Zieke]

too bad you dont live up here in north idaho. theres a pretty decent 3rd gen where i live for 1500. just a few damaged areas of the body, nothing big. try looking through local magazines and stuff.

[Lex]

I'm kinda hopin I can find something like that. What I'm really looking for is something solid with a blown motor. I have a freshly rebuilt 350 that I just completed. According to desktop dyno it should be around 360hp. Enough to have a little fun...