G-60 in a bone yard

[Rosso75@aol.com]

Eric Ferguson wrote:  
  "I called up a import wrecking yard, and they have a '90 G60 siting there,
and it  needs parts big time.  I'm considering rebuilding it if ican a) buy it
cheep enough, and b) get parts for it cheap enough.  My guestimation puts the
parts bill between $3300, and $4700.  Car price is....$1500...    Body is
straight.  Paint...and int. in good shape.  It has 109k on it."

  I know a guy who owns a junk yard, and I actually bought a car from him
once.  There are many cars that end up in a yard somewhere that don't actually
need that much work.  I got an '87 Alfa Romeo Milano 3.0 for $1000.  The rear
brakes had caught fire and burned some plastic, rubber, and wiring.  No big
deal.  The insurance adjuster was pricing new Alfa parts I'm sure when he/she
made the decision.  
   I have another friend who bought a VW Cabriolet some years ago that had
been hit in the front, very light.  Just about everything on a Cabriolet is
unique to that car except the windsheild, so naturally new parts were
outrageous.  My friend went with aftermarket body panels though and saved
about 70% compared to dealer stuff.  It made the car worth while.  
   So, what's the point?  Well, you're contemplating buying a car on which
every body panel is unique to that car.  Parts will be expensive, if you can
even find them.  You may be right on with your estimate of what it needs, I
don't know, but I'd make real sure first.  It seems every Corrado gets hit in
the front.  I heard of one guy locally (northern Va.) who bought a front clip
from Pa. for $4500.  They're impossible to find.  And, even if your estimate
is correct, you're into the car for $4800-6200 (and that doesn't give you
anything for your time and trouble) and you've still got a car that was hit
(I'm presumming...I can't imagine a solid Corrado in a junk yard but then
again, my Alfa was).  
   I was out looking at cars with my brother about 4 months ago and a local
used car dealer had a G-60 Corrado on his lot for $4990.  It even had the ABS
which was a rare, high cost option on the G-60's....most didn't have it.  If
you're hell bent on a project, go for it.  If you're looking to get a good car
cheap, then I wouldn't suggest this particular car.  Look around.  I just
checked classifieds2000.com and found 11 Corrado's for under $7000. You're
looking at spending up to $6200.  Seems like an easy decision to me. 
Good luck
Bryan Carter