I have the opportunity to purchase a parts car. Upon getting close to the destination I could see stuff hanging 4-5 feet or more off the ground hanging in bushes, trees, fences and signs of water running over the land.
Upon arrival I asked about high water and was told the whole place was recently five feet under, including the garage where the Alfa was.
So,
88 Spider Veloce
Body looks good
But head was off engine (didn’t see it around but could be there someplace.)
Transmission
Differential
So assume they are all full of water
Starter
Alternator
Ignition and fuel injection controllers
Etc fubar.
I assume all are scrap now
Perhaps a few hard bits and body parts may be salvaged
What do you think the value of this car is.
I do have an 86 with rust issues that everything could be swapped over from to the 88 shell.
Well...swap TO your 86 or FROM it: last interesting comment I heard on flooded cars was that the minerals in the water get into body crevices and seams and starts rusting things out from the inside. Dunno what the timeframe is for that.
As to the mechanicals...can’t really comment, but a dismantle, clean, inspect and re-oil might rescue plenty. They are probably more resilient than the body in this regard, but it’s still a punt.
Electronics? Reckon ‘fubar’ is right.
Price? Hundreds. How many? Depends upon what you know you can use or resell, but I’m a long way from your market.
Scrap value basically. I wouldn't go more than about $300. Would assume everything is shot other than items such as plastic lenses and the like that can be cleaned. Mud and silt gets into everything. They won't get a better offer from a scrap yard. I know for a fact. Try $200-$250.
Fresh or salt water? Makes a big difference.
Anything mechanical that has not sat for too long can be flushed out and probably saved.
If fresh, same for some electrical but not electronic unless cleaned properly and before corrosion has started.
I have redone a few fresh water flood cars in the past. What I found is that while I can flush and clean and get things going, little things seem to fail over time due to loss of grease, corrosion from things that did not get cleaned completely etc. Things like power window motors, alternators, starters.
If it is just the body you want to replace yours and it is not salt water flooding, you might have a great opportunity plus spares you could rebuild in your leisure(assuming you flush them out now before corrosion starts) like a gearbox or differential.
Good Luck!
was this the recent flood in Houston? The longer it sits, the worse it gets. I would assume it to be a mixture of fresh & salt, being there in Houston. Isn't Pasadena low in elevation, close to the bay?
To me $500 would be the absolute max but I definitely wouldn't start there.
Good Luck.
Haba said it well
I vote with Haba. Go with crush value only if water was fresh. Salt water is a disaster!! Any electrics are lost. All others must be totally disassembled and cleaned 100%. Good luck
Sorry all, I am going against the grain this time.
Year was 2013, I was ready for something new, Ferrari 355 was high on my list but wife was not onboard. Our 930 had greater pulling power, hence her vote. Ebay had a 1985 Graduate with no rust and 12k miles, but had gone through the storm surge in NYC via hurricane Sandy and was underwater to at least the top of the windshield. All for $1.5k. Wife and I traveled to Long Island and the deal was made. Best part of the story is the sellers wife came out to assist pushing the hulk onto the U Haul car carrier. Did I say I wanted a project??
Loong story and 6 years later, I figure lady luck was on my side. Just about everything has been rebuilt including conversion to Weber carbs. Would I do it again, maybe, but I am old and must be crazy
From what I have heard most flood cars are not rebuilt, good reason
Thanks for all the input. Greater Houston area. Inland water rising from near my creek during Imelda.
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