Get the better raw material for sometimes less money....

I talked previously about being flexible in your search for a car-i.e. consider different model years, or sister cars, etc. While this can save you money on the initial purchase price, it can also save you money on the restoration, especially if you want to increase the cars performance, handling, or comfort and driveability. Here's some tips and good examples- # 1 "Sister" cars.  Which is a better deal for the same price-a 1970 non-SS Chevelle or a 1970 Monte Carlo? Chances are the Monte Carlo. Why? Several reasons. A big one being that base Chevelles and Malibus had manual drum brakes standard on all 4 wheels, while, all Monte Carlos had power front disc brakes standard. Very few base-model Malibus have factory Air Conditioning. I have honestly never seen a Monte Carlo that didn't have A/C. Which is a better deal for the same money-a 1972 Monte Carlo or a 1972 Pontiac Gran Prix? The Gran Prix. Why? Well, about 99% of all 1970-75 Monte Carlos have 350 small-blocks under the hood. 402 and 454 Montes are rare, and usually pricey. On the other hand all GPs from 1969-76 had the mighty 400 Pontiac standard, and a fair number had 455s. See what I'm saying?  # 2 Different Model years of the same car. Even though the bodystyle is basically the same, and some people might actually prefer the older one's trim, again, for the same price which is a better deal- A 1968 Pontiac LeMans or a 1971 LeMans? Chances are the 1971 model. Here's why-while both model years will more than likely have a 350 Pontiac under the hood, the 68 model will have drum brakes, may not have power steering, and may have a two-speed (Super Turbine 300 / Powerglide) automatic for a transmission. The 1971 model will have front disc brakes and power steering standard, and if it's an automatic it will have the excellent 3-speed Turbo 350 automatic. The same is true for Mopars and Fords- The standard engine in a non R/T 1970 Challenger is a 225 inch slant-six, and drum brakes, and manual steering are the norm even on V8 models. By 1972, the standard engine was a 318, and power steering and front disc brakes were standard equipment. A non-Mach 1 1969 Mustang had the 200 inch six standard, and again, power steering and front disc brakes were optional. The 1971-73 models had disc brakes and power steering standard, and most had either 302 or two-barrel 351C motivation. The 4bbl 351C's were limited to the Mach 1s. A different model year may be a better deal because of other factors. In my mind, a 400, 4-speed, T-Top equipped 1977 Firebird Formula is a better project car than a 400/automatic 1970 Firebird Formula, even though some people might like the earlier models trim, and claim the older engine will have more power. Weigh these factors carefully before making a snap decision. Mastermind