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Anyone around Buffalo NY?

J

Jonathan

Donation Time
Hey all.

As some my know I'm out hunting a first Alpine and may have found one a bit outside Buffalo. The only problem? I'm in California! :)

So at the urging of another forum member, I'm putting up a note to see if there is anyone in the area who might be able/willing to go take a look at the vehicle and give me an opinion.

If so, drop me a PM.

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan
 
J

jmthehermit

Donation Time
A word of caution has to be issued. Cars in the State of New York have the uncanny ability to disappear because of all the salt the state uses on their roads. Have the seller e-mail you some picks of the bottom of the car. If you see a lot of undercoating on the car chances are there might not be too much metal left underneath or it is masking crappy repairs. If you do get someone to look at the car for you, make sure he is familiar with rust issues and uses a good magnet. Perhaps use a local car inspection company. West coast buyer and East coast seller could mean lots of headaches. Most Californians are not cursed by the gods of rust to the degree of the Northeast residents of the snow belt. Jeff
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
Jonathon, let me be blunt: There is no reason in the world for you to be shopping for an Alpine in New York. For every rust free Alpine East of the Mississippi, there are probably 10 out west and they do not seem to bring a premium. Unless your a body man, a rusty Alpine is a nightmare on wheels.

East coast guys dream of finding a rust free California car.

Bill
 
J

Jonathan

Donation Time
Fair enough. The rust problems are a big reason I was hoping to find someone to look at it.

Sounds like the consensus is just wait to find one that fits what I'm looking for locally.

Since no one has spoken up to go look, and it would be silly to buy without such given the possible issues, guess I'll be looking a bit longer ;)

Jonathan
 
Ken Ellis

Ken Ellis

Donation Time
Jonathan,
I was going to chime in on the rust issue, as well... It's always good to look, though, because all the NY folks know to look to the west for good 'rust-free' cars. There's always the chance this may be one of them, imported to the east by the current owner!
(I would think the seller would make that known, however...)

Ken
 
J

Jonathan

Donation Time
Owner says little to no rust, but who knows what that means without looking. I do appreciate the advice from everyone. I'd rather take my time than rush in and end up with a host of problems

In the absence of someone local to check though, I guess I'll pass for now.
 
B

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
Yes Jonathon, just be patient. Some of the best Alpines in the world are setting next to your door step. Are you monitoring Alpines on Ebay? Nice looking California bodies show up there pretty regularly and you'll be able to inspect before bidding.

Bill
 
gordonra

gordonra

Donation Time
Wherever you find one, take a magnet with you... Use it to see if there has been rust or crash damage covered with Putty.

I was told "No Rust" when I bought mine on eBay. While there was almost no obvious rust, the passenger floor was rusted through. I was unable to detect it because of the solid tar paper. It really felt solid. The rest of the car had very little rust.

What I didn't see was the physical body damage that had been covered with putty.
 
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