A car seller will always market his car as in ‘good condition’, ‘minor rust’ and sometimes even as needs ‘TLC’, it always isn’t easy to check the good condition with minor rust, and the TLC for the car may run up to thousands of dollars. A careful look at the car will have it opened up like a book and telling you tales of its past; here are some key areas Carcraft checked out in a ‘69 Dodge Coronet R/T.
The best thing you can do is to know the body and bodywork of the car you intend to buy. Check out the bodyline, if the wheel radius isn’t uniform to the bodyline, there have been modifications.
Have a close look at the fenders, a gap between the top and upper lip on the panel indicates that the fender has been replaced. Checking signs for body parts that have been sanded and painted is an easy way to find out the history of a body part vis-a-vis impacts; old paint may dry up, spider and fade; but if you see cracks or scratches on paint, the reason is an impact.
Have an eye to check for different welds. Welding by the OEM and those done during repairs are different and you should be able to spot them easily. Get under the car, for that’s where you will find signs of repair of the floorpan.
The doorjamb may have a story to tell if you have a close look at it. Checkout the paint and welds for telltale signs of an impact. Hiding signs of impact on the doorjamb is an uphill task and will give you a very good idea of the car’s condition; a closer look can even reveal the original paint/color.
Trouble in the engine bay is easy to spot. Since these areas are not replaced but usually beaten back to shape with a new support welded on, it is easy for you to find out if the car has been hit upfront.
