1984 Pontiac Parisienne

[Pyre]

Was wondering what I got myself into here, and what it is worth. Any additional information on this car you can provide would be helpful as well.

The Pontiac HQ here in the US, had to transfer me to the Classic Car Division in Canada to even find the VIN Number. (Car was manufactured in Canada.)

I bought the 1984 Pontiac Parisienne 4 door sedan a few days ago. Paid $275 (less than current scap value.)

-The car runs decent, but not perfect. Has a Chevy 305 engine, 127k and change miles on it. (Needs to have the Carter carb rebuilt and a tune up.)

-Drives but has a slow tranny leak. Was told it was a Speedo Seal. Still drives and shifts smooth as long as topped off with fluid, fluid color is good. No metal in fluid. TH-200R4 Tranny. ( I am planning on replacing all the seals as they cost less than $15 dollars total.)

-Interior is in excellent shape with exception of 1 trim panel needing replacement. Has all original dampening padding / insulation. Seats are sun faded but otherwise excellent condition.

-Body: The vinyl top is cracked up pretty bad but all there. There is some bigger rust holes in the trunk area of the rear quarter pannels, minor body rust over the body. Mostly around body trim. Rear bumper is rusted and in fair shape. The paint is cracking in a few spots and faded out pretty bad.

I am thinking of repairing & restoring the body on it, and probably rebuilding the engine. Is it worth doing the work to fix it? Or drive it until she rusts out and drops?

 

[melsg5]

Just my 2 cents, do nothing other than normal maintenance. The value of this car will not appreciate.

 

[Pyre]

...The value of this car will not appreciate.

Why is it that you say that? I am just wondering other than being a classic with low demand, that you would suggest not putting anything other than maintence into it. Please explain your reasoning. As I said I am new to this type of stuff, and not sure why you would hold this opinion.

I looked up the kelly blue book site, (kbb.com) and it is too old to get any info. If I had an actual book to check, it may list it.

Edmunds.com Also had no information due to the age.

I looked on the NADA guides site, this is what it said:

Pricing
Original MSRP Low Average High

$9,881 $1,350 $2,825 $3,925
Options: (add options)
ADD-305 V8 ENG 10% 10% 10%
ADD-AIR CONDITIONING 10% 10% 10%

TOTAL $9,881 $1,620 $3,389 $4,709

It may not be worth a full restore, but a $1000-$2000 in work would be justified wouldnt it, if I can bring the back to near excellent condition for that much?

 

[melsg5]

I dont see it as being a classic, it's 1984 not 1964. You will put money into it and it's doubtful you will ever recoup your investment when you decide to sell it. Since it is of such low demand on the restoration market you will have trouble finding interior and exterior parts should you decide to replace them. Have you verified that it still has the original engine and other driveline components, transmission, rear? In the end though it is up to the individual as to whether they feel a certain challenge to pursue investing in such a vehicle.

______________________________

 

[Pyre]

I had a friend that restores mopar / GM cars from the 50's-early 70's look at the numbers. He said it was all matching as far as he could tell, so unless he missed something I would say it is matching numbers.

My current definition of a classic car, is any car more than 25 years old. This may differ, from others though.

Interior, I do agree could be difficult.

The point of it being difficult to find body parts, is actually not true.

The Parisienne is the same cars as the Bonniville, Impala, Caprice, and any other GM made box style car of the same body style. With the exception of the plastic lenses, and arangement of the tail lights / grill & head lights, they are all the same. The Car over all is actaully a pure Chevy with Pontiac badging on it.

The possibility of not ever recouping my money is a real possibility that I have considered. This is a point I agree on. I probably wont if I put ALOT of money into it. I am keeping reciepts and documentation for all work on it, to get what I can back from it. You are correct in that it is a low demand car. Not many people even know that they exist. There is also very little information on them availible.

Thank you for explaining your answer.

 

[melsg5]

Just trying to be up front with you. As far as government agencies and insurance you are correct in your definiton of classic. When you start looking at the aftermarket for classic cars the vendors do not see 1984 as a classic and do not get into producing reproduction parts. I have seen too many people sink money in to cars they loved but then found it difficult to find a buyer when it came time to sell because of the reasons above. Best of luck with your project and if you have questions feel free to post them.