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Post by syrborn on Jul 8, 2014 11:48:31 GMT -5
ok so i have always loved VWs and at least once a week i check craigslist for any type of classic car project. Just something easy to work on to keep me busy. So as i was searching this week I actually found two Bradleys. one Gt and one GTII. I Absolutely love both the body styles and i just don't want to spend money on something that is not worth it. So if you guys could give me any advice on what to look for that would be great. Also here are the links to both of them if that helps.
GtGTII |
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Post by jspbtown on Jul 8, 2014 12:01:42 GMT -5
Your first link is not viable.
Here is some general advice:
1. Know your skills. Can you weld? paint? Re-do wiring? Can you do simple mechanical repairs (shocks, brakes, etc)? Can you do fiberglass repairs?
2. Know your budget. To bring a long neglected kit back to road worthiness can easily be $5000 or more....especially if you can't do most of the work or it needs paint. If you spend that much you need to know you will likely not get most of it back.
3. Know what you are getting. These are flashy VWs. Performance and handling is VW. Seating position is not great. Headroom for taller people is non-existent in stock form. Most are not weather tight. They require regular maintenance...they are not like a Honda where you get in and go.
Here is some specific advice:
1. GT2's use a proprietary windshield. There is no current supplier. Gas tanks as well.
2. GT2's are better constructed. They are more car like with more car like features. Most don't have AC so they can be stuffy in the Phoenix heat I bet.
3. GTs are like dunebuggies with doors. Plexi side doors and rear windows are barely available. There is a supplier but its sketchy right now. They don't seal great, are loud, and really should be considered open to the air driving cars.
4. Rust can be an issue on the pans. inspect them well for rust in the front, center tunnel, and rear frame horns.
5. VW trannys are usually pretty bullet proof.
6. VW motors can go from $250 for a used one to $10,000 for a crazy turbo version.
7. Wiring is usually done by hacks. 99% of the time it cannot be repaired and needs to be gutted. Its a nightmare if you plan on keeping the pan and body together.
There is alot more that others can chime in on as well.
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Post by syrborn on Jul 8, 2014 12:35:44 GMT -5
ok great! thank you for the info. I can do most basic things. but between me and my Dad we can do everything that i have found that generally needs attention. And the heat isnt too big of a deal. In the valley i drive a 1987 K5 Blazer which doesnt have a/c but this car would end up in a larger garage up north where i could work on it. thought i fixed that link. anyway here is another. hope it works Gt |
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Post by syrborn on Jul 9, 2014 9:11:55 GMT -5
Another question what would you think either of these would be worth? I think they are both high but I am not sure
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Post by jspbtown on Jul 9, 2014 11:03:14 GMT -5
The GT2 seems reasonable at $1000. Its a full rebuild though. Body off. Depending on your skills, you are looking at $3000-$5000.
The GT is way overpriced.
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Post by syrborn on Jul 9, 2014 11:29:30 GMT -5
what would be a reasonable price for the Gt? after asking some questions to the seller it has been sitting for 2 years and he is not sure what engine is in it or if it will even start.
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Post by jspbtown on Jul 9, 2014 11:40:04 GMT -5
Well I guess it depends.
How is the wiring? Have him take a picture under the dash.
Unknown engine and hasn't run in 2 years might mean it was parked for a reason. A used engine can go from $300 to a lot more.
Tires/rims look a little sketchy.
I think $2000 might be on the high end of reasonable.
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Post by syrborn on Jul 9, 2014 11:53:00 GMT -5
Thats what i thought. and the rims are a little sketchy, do you think they are from a bug? I think he thinks it is worth more because it is the limited edition one. But i will try and get a picture of the wiring, but really anywhere between 800 and 1200 is reasonable?
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Post by jspbtown on Jul 9, 2014 12:48:05 GMT -5
Limited Edition really means nothing. Bradleys are not really "collectible" per se.
Rims seem a little big to be from a Bug....but its possible. Hard to tell based on the pictures.
I think the $800-1200 range is reasonable.
Get that picture though.....the VAST majority of the time the wiring is a hack job and a lot of work to correct.
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Post by savedbygrace on Jul 9, 2014 16:14:35 GMT -5
  I agree with JSPBTOWN. Limited Edition means nothing when it comes to the value of the car. $3000 seems a bit high for a Bradley that needs work. A person car zing past that price very fast when it comes time for parts and labor. I have been restoring my Bradley for 3 years on and off and have passed the point of no return. I have about $3500 in parts and materials at this time. That does not include labor. I have the ability to do the work myself. If I would have to pay for labor the investment would be 3 times that. The point I'm trying to make is a nicely restored Bradley is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Here in Western Pa the average value is around $3500-$4500 for a nice turn key car. I have restored 4 GT's over the years and gotten a lot of enjoyment from them, but have never made money from them. |
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