Douglas,
Thanks a lot for that link. I have already printed a copy and read through it trying to soak as much of the info as possible.
Richard and Wagas (sory, I don't know your name),
I truly value the information you guys offer. Forums and enthusiasts like these are so helpful and valuabe for someone on the look just like me.
As for the results of the hunt, so far I've began what I'll define as "stage 1: Research". In that spirit, I drove to Ketchum, OK today (about 1:30 hs drive from Northwest Arkansas where I live) to check out the car in this listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AVRI&viewitem=&item=200243370931&rd=1I think the term "rust bucket" would be something insulting... to the bucket, of course. The seller uncooperative to say the least. He was not willing to disclose anything about the car and quite frankly, I pitty the poor guy who ends up buying it on e-bay, as he described it to me as an 8.5 on a 1 to 10 scale before I drove over. My personal calification would be a 5 or maybe a 6 on that same scale (would fit under a 4 in the scale from Silverstar)
I found significant rust through below the dirver and passenger footwells, I'm talking see-through type here. The paint job on it was horrible, with filler showing through on many places, as well as dripping and cracking in many places, overspray everywhere on the engine. Bubbling on the fenders, around the headlights, on the bonnet... Honestly, just a really bad paint job and metalwork.
The hardtop was stuck in place and only one lever actually worked, so there was no way to remove it to check the condition of the soft top. The interior was missing several pieces and the wood panels were in sub-optimal shape.
The engine was tough to startup (this was the only thing he mentioned about it when I called) and idled a little rough, but otherwise ran smooth, without any strange noise nor did send smoke through the exhaust. Still, I did not even want to drive it, as the overall shape of the car was far from what I'd be looking for.
I still gave him an offer though, I thought about 10K for a 45.000 mile car that needs a lot of work would be reasonable. He turned on his feet and closed the door in front of my face without even replying...
Research will continue. I've already figured out what I want is a 2 or 3 point car, no less than that. Also, I've been able to talk a friend into a potential co-ownership (he's already got a couple of collectable/driver cars and would be willing to get into this type) although I think he may have talked me into the co-ownership.
Anyway, please keep the suggestions and information coming. I definitely will want to see many more cars before I buy mine.
Thanks again
Andres G
PS: Thanks to Scott as well who sent me an e-mail with info on a potential buy.