Buy these 5 Cheap Muscle Cars While You Still Can!!!! This Market is NUTS!

[@willmp115]

Dude, that intro about crypto had me rolling. Sad part is how true it is never mind how much people are wanting for clapped out cars right now. Keep living the good life.

[@mr.espeedshop4839]

Idiot money!

[@francoismachine]

I was dying too, man that was funny. Sums up how I feel about the whole thing as well 🤣🤣

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

Don't pay it. I bought my primered running driving 71 nova in 96 for 500 dollars. Prices have shot up because guys my age are willing to pay big bucks for them but they didn't give two shits about them cars years ago when they were cheaper and in better shape.

[@jeremylee3204]

Same same...🤣

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@BruceLee-xn3nn its not young guys driving up the price . Its retiring boomers , and even genXers . They want the cars they had , or dreamed of having , when they were in high school . And there's MILLIONS of buyers , but only hundreds of thousands of (drivable) cars . So , simple supply and demand , demand is up and supply is down . Supply ISN'T going to go back up (the number of cars being restored is not greater than the number that , sadly , get trashed) and demand isn't going to drop off until the last of the genXers have died off (30 more years , easy). So prices aren't going to significantly drop anytime in the foreseeable future 😢

[@jeffh5664]

This is why I come to Tony's channel. He is a wealth of knowledge about how to go fast for a reasonable price. Thanks Tony! I miss you and Lucky's show, but hey there's always re-runs. 😆

[@zeitgeist57]

0:19-1:36 is THE most accurate economic description of today's marketplace.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Good list. I think you can add the Corvette C4 to the list. Still affordable, fast, tons of parts available, handles great. Under appreciated imo.

[@One_Shot_Garage]

Agreed. I was looking for a running driving project car in early 2020 to keep me occupied while the world was shut down. I really wanted a 3rd gen F-body but couldn't believe how much prices had come up. Even worn out v6 cars were bringing more money than a C4 Corvette. Eventually I found an 85 Corvette with less than 60,000 miles on it for $4k. I put over 5,000 miles on it in just a couple months. What an awesome car, I didn't plan on keeping it but it is a blast. I have gone absolutely overboard and now have a bit of money tied up into it. All new suspension, interior, swapped the 700r4 for a ZF6, Dana 44 swap and hope to build a stout SBC for it next year. Now with car prices going insane, even "undesirable" early C4s are starting to rise in value.

[@SereneSpeed]

Agreed. That’s what I did. Not a ‘muscle car’ though so that may be why he didn’t mention them.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

@@One_Shot_Garage It's a ton of car for the money, and even with rising prices a good value. The later 80's and early 90's C4s are still genuinely quick/fast and can really scoot with a few dollars thrown at them.

[@myreviews8099]

Buddy has one, ugly but a super fun car

[@unicornsteaks6769]

I would also add 1971-74 Pontiac Ventura. It was essentially the Pontiac Nova, so maybe it fits in the last slot. But it came standard with Pontiac 350. Not the most desirable motor, but a 350 Chevy is an easy swap. My cousin bought one cheap a while back with a Chevy motor. Since it's basically a Nova I assume motor mounts and trans mounts can easily be swapped.

[@nickjurgle7131]

I'm a 4th gen Fbody guy. Prices are climbing on them too, especially if it's a 6 speed car. Another car to consider that I own if you want to be different is the Lincoln Mark 8. I have a 98 and I love it. It gets more attention than my 97 Trans Am.

[@mikezobl9602]

My first car was a '95 Mark VIII LSC that I picked up for $900 with failing air springs and a misfire. I threw some spark plugs, wires, and T-Bird springs onto it and it made a fantastic daily until I got a 300C SRT. I recently picked up an LT1 Roadmaster as a project too. The trick is is to find a 94-96 with the offset mechanical fan; that's the Tow Package with HD cooling, FE2 suspension, and a 8.5" Posi.

[@316Autos]

Yeah, the Mark VIII is a hidden gem. Lot of them have been harvested for their engines though.

[@kw2519]

It’ll all crash this fall/winter when dealer stocks come up again.

[@nickjurgle7131]

@@316Autos you gotta know where to look. There are still some really nice Mark 8s out there you can pick up for under 5 grand.

[@316Autos]

@@nickjurgle7131 I know, I sold one. 96 LSC, 88K miles on it. Kinda wish I didn't, but I had too many cars at the time.

[@matt_queso]

I've been championing the disco novas for years now and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy. They also had sisters in the Olds Omega, Pontiac Ventura, and the Buick Apollo. My dad had an Omega, and its the car that got me into cars as a Lil guy.

[@davestewart2067]

I’m sitting on a pile of desert metal for those cars. Nearly unsellable no market for the parts!

[@mentaldiversions]

On the Novas.....Like the fox body platform there are many more options. Oldsmobile Omega, Buick Skylark (I think) and Pontiac had a version.

[@StayTunedTA]

So it was Nova, Omega, Ventura and Apollo (Which spells out N-O-V-A) and yeah they are all great.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

@@StayTunedTA Also the first gen. Monte Carlos. A good friend of mine that watches the car hobby like a hawk watches a mouse. Just told me yesterday that he is starting to see them going up in price. Because like you said first gen. Camaros and the first gen. Firebirds are now bringing stupid money. IMO. people who invest in the crypto/bit coin stuff are gonna lose their ass if they are not careful.. As long as they print paper money that's what I'm gonna use. I'm glad you got away from motor trend. It really sucks what they have done to car magazines and all of the good people who lost their jobs right before the holidays.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

@@StayTunedTA i saw a 75 nova with a 71 front end before.

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@StayTunedTA that was only on the 68-74. (And in 1974 , not all X-body Pontiacs were Ventura , as "GTO" was a separate model , not a trim level). In 1975 , the Buick version became "Skylark" (Buick's last year of the A-body Skylark was 1972) , also in 1975 , only SOME of the Oldsmobiles were Omegas , as base models were "F-85s" , and in 1977 , the Pontiac version became the "Phoenix".

[@NovaResource]

@@Richie_the_Fixer Here’s the rundown on non-Nova GM X-bodies: Buick X-body was the Apollo for 1973-74. In 1975 the 2-door was the Skylark and the 4-door was the Apollo. For 1976-79 the Apollo name was dropped and they were all Skylarks. Olds X-body was always the Omega Spotter guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpm6d2yeiq16mdE Pontiac X-body was the Ventura II in 1971, then the II was dropped and just became the Ventura. In 1974 only was the GTO based on the X-body platform but there were also Venturas in 1974. In 1977 there was an optional package called the Phoenix which was a high-end Ventura. For 1978 and 1979 the Ventura name was dropped and all were called Phoenix. You can tell a Ventura from a Phoenix by the headlights. Venturas had round headlights, all 1977-79 Phoenix had rectangular headlights. Spotter guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKS5gp6MepZqqMk

[@donaldgavigan9376]

Love my 4th gen f body. Got a 2000 Z28 for 3500. Still getting offers for much more.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I had a 1987 Ford Thunderbird 5.0 as a first car. It was such a comfortable car on the fox body platform. It also ran a detuned 5.0 which can easily be modded. It's nice seeing you point out these adjacent cars. I have started seeing more Fox Body Mustangs drop into the project price territory (but they mostly aren't running) Great list Tony!

[@stretch44875]

Fairmonts!

[@briansloat3625]

Just sold a 92 Tunderbird with the H.O. 5.0. Those years also had IRS.

[@falconater68]

@@stretch44875 You stop it. You can't find a bargain on monts anymore.

[@PetesGarageandperformance]

My first car was an 88 Cougar with the 5.0. Loved that car. I kind of want one to ls swap now.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

Buy you a roller coupe, wait until around Christmas when people need money.

[@cmh2111]

Had 76 Nova SS-Black with Red interior, cowl induction hood scoop, LT1 (400hp++), 12 bolt 4:11 posi, TH400, subframe connectors. All built in the high school auto shop. Back when schools taught you something useful. I just took a quick look, 4th gen Nova's stock are North of $10K, at least in Canada. On the LT1, my older brothers friend pulled it out of his Camaro and replaced it with a 302. Needless to say, my Nova would pull him light to light.

[@AzTurboMini]

I had a wicked 76 Dodge Dart Sport years ago that I built on the cheap. New paint Black on black perfect interior. Bucket seats, console. Rebuilt 318, big cam, 340X heads, intake, headers etc. Torque flight with an 8 3/4 out of a Challenger with 391 gears and a 75 shot of NOS. Great looking and ran like a scalded ape. ❤️

[@CarGuyV8]

I just picked up another Camaro, a 96 Z28. $2,600. Not a bad deal. One of my friends has an 80s thunderbird. I never really cared for them until I saw his. It’s actually a really nice car with a factory E6 headed EFI 302.

[@patrickgranholm3192]

100% agree with the s10. I'm biased though because I still have mine which I got 20 years ago as my first car. Another point for the s10 is that if you get one of these and you get bored and want an older car, old 50's truck cabs/beds can be bolted on to the s10 chassis with aftermarket kits. I'm currently dropping a cut up Hudson Super Jet body on mine (a bit more welding involved).

[@forterierocks]

Got my 88 IROC 5.7 TPI 700R4 for $4500 needed a fuel pump, 96,000 kilometers on it runs amazing.

[@TheyreStillOutThere]

Constructive feedback for you Tony, as a guy who has been following you for years: invest in a good microphone. Audio is arguably more important than video quality these days when most phones can now shoot buttery smooth 4K video, so audio quality is a huge differentiator now with video content. The bad audio sticks out and will cost you viewers and hurt your chances in the algorithm in the same way that a slow loading website will cause people to click away and cost a website crucial SEO exposure. I’ve been waiting for you to go solo for a while because I’ve seen you do some really incredible stuff with these old cars in the past on Hot Rod and some of the Motor Trend content and you’ve always been great on camera and a fun watch, so know my feedback is coming from a good place and hopefully it comes across that way. P.S. if you’re not on Patreon by now, get on there. You could charge people a dollar a month and just sit down for a Q&A session once a week just to talk shop with your supporters and that would make it more than worth it for everybody involved. That’s microphone money! P.S. if you want to come to Tulsa to wrench on a one owner ‘73 Vista Cruiser that still has all the factory original stuff still on it that I’m slowly working my way through to address, come on down. Plenty of gasket leaks for the both of us. Ha!

[@bearrett50kal17]

I couldn't agree more! he just needs like one or two high quality external mics, his video quality and editing are already up to snuff, once he dials in audio quality it will for sure help get views. My most liked comment on a BoostedBoiz video was a compliment about his audio quality and how well he balances voice, music, and loud engine audio, viewers and fans really appreciate good audio.

[@michaelabuchanan5494]

No one seems to do this but my '99 Camaro SS is an awesome drift car. Has probably over 10 events under its belt in the last year without any issues. Got it for $4k too.

[@mistered9435]

I bought my 5th 1974 Nova SS almost 3 years ago for $1500, 4-speed, no engine, never wrecked, never repainted, but rusty. It now has a 409 cid sbc (400 +.040”) and a fine-spline M21 Muncie. In January of this year, I scored a 1997 camaro SS with a blown engine for $1600. The car is beautiful, just needs the engine. It is a 100% original, clean car and I can’t decide whether to rebuild the engine to stock specs or build a 383 (matching numbers be damned!!)

[@stuartb9323]

Great piece Tony I purchased a cool 78 two door Nova a few years ago. My car buddies thought I was nuts. She's been sitting in my yard waiting for some love. The part about the 8 tracks made me laugh 😃 When I switched over to cassettes in my car about 1979, I sold 48 eight track tapes...two cases and the player for $10. bucks for a tank of gas. Lol

[@DavidNewkirk]

4th Gen El Camino is a good find if you ask me! Often overlooked. I picked one up for $1500 near no rust rebuilt the SB400 that was in it and it's a ripper.

[@BigMateo24]

I had a '75 as my first car, pulled it out of a field for $500. Originally had the 400 small block but it had a thrown rod. It was painted up kind of Cheech and Chong lowrider style, but also sort of drag race hot rod at the same time. Already had a tonneau cover, Cragar Keystone wheels and air shocks in the back, it was a pretty fun car, I got in a lot of trouble with it when I was a kid.

[@watchtrainsnow1099]

All g bodies are still affordable. What do they call the gmc?

[@fogstain]

Caballero

[@TheREALOC1972]

I had a 73 SS years ago, GREAT cars and overlooked but most of the mid-late 70's cars are overlooked. I have a 77 Buick Skylark now and bought it 15 years ago from the "little old next door", literally, with 57k on the Odometer with a 307 and 3 speed auto trans for $800 and have daily driven it since. It has been garage kept it's entire life and other than a a good clean up it was ready to go, this summer i'm going to pull the engine and trans for a full rebuild and do some major clean up on it, I'm going to pull the suspension and clean it up and paint it black and put in new bushings and pull the Landau Top off, repaint the roof and recondition the rest of the paint, it's White now with the white landau top and I'm going to paint the roof the Dupli-color ready to spray purple color and put a vinyl purple pinstripe on it, just to be different, I got the engine and trans rebuild kit for $500 combined, bushing kits cost me $270 plus several cans of black spray paint, All in i'm at less than $900 in parts and supplies.

[@craigcarmon9231]

You're a good dooood. I knew it! I'm a car guy too. I wish I could figure out how to get a show going. I love how you jumped on youtube and fought to be a dad. I'll be a subscriber for life!

[@telecasterfool1773]

I saw you on a couple of the roadkill episodes - much respect to you for the work you did during drag week and on the stubby bob truck. I also really enjoy your sense of humor. Please just keep being yourself and make videos of what you are doing and what YOU like. Maybe it's just me, but I'm interested in what different people are into. It makes me think differently and I like that. Thanks for the videos!

[@TimelessAutoStudio]

Love the 4th Gen nova shoutout. I bought a 75 2 door when I was 16. Started with a straight 6, moved in to a 400 I bought, then a 350 I build, now building a 496 with super sniper fuel injection. Car has a 9” rear with disc brakes a Detroit locker. Such a fun car.

[@thomasmoore7224]

I think the "other g-bodies" would've been good too. Even a Malibu 4 door or early hatchback cutlass would be a great car. My personal choice would be a 78-79 grand am coupe. El Caminos and Monte Carlo's are getting higher. Same for any of the Luxury coupes. Ex: Cutlass Supreme, Regal, Grand Prix. Any of the wagons would be fun but they are drying up.

[@CC_Top_Solutions]

How about Colonadde cars, 76 Grand Prix variety? I have a 73 Grand Am I'm slowly building.

[@banditone00]

I agree with you list mostly. Here in OK the muscle truck is a real thing. I drive a 97 short wide with a healthy little 350 and 4l60e. I bought 15x8 rallies painted them black, put 275/60 rubber, and added stainless rings and center caps. I just have a 2” shackle kit in the rear. I can’t pull in a gas station without someone either coming to ask what it is or if they can buy it. I’d love an SS454 pickup, but honestly I can smoke a stock one and I get 16mpg instead of 8mpg. I enjoy your channel, and I wish you well.

[@dondenny2534]

Mak VII’s and 300c’s are luxury cars that can rip….nothin’ better than a fast couch for a daily in my opinion.

[@Arthagnou]

Mark VIIs are SOOOO COOOL...and they came with the DOHC Cobra motor...the only thing they didnt have was a stick

[@elsydeon666]

@@Arthagnou It wasn't the same as the Cobra motor, but was "most of a Cobra".

[@kdmag88]

Guys. Mark VIII's (8) came with the DOHC 4.6. Made from 93-98. The Mark VII's (7) were usually 5.0 HO's and made from 83-92.

[@jaybizz67]

For the same reason I have a fusion sport for a daily.

[@metalmagnet187]

I love the Marks- both platforms. Outside of Fox coupes I think these are my favorite on the platform!

[@timsacco6g694]

I bought my 97 T/A almost 14 years ago, modified for $5,000.00, it was and still is to me the most beautiful car I've ever seen, over the years I have more invested in it than I'll ever get back, but it shouldn't be about money, is it the fastest thing on the road?, no, but I've received numerous compliments on it over the years, it is rock solid, only comes out on the weekend and hauls ass when I want it to!

[@leefogel2240]

Good advice all around. The 4th Gen is a great deal and easy to tune/mod. And the early Mopar LX platform is good stuff…just kept in mind they are much more costly to upgrade versus a GM product. Good vid! Keep up the good work 😎

[@flinch622]

Also [for me anyway] the S10 having been originaly built as a disposable/snap-tite vehicle, there is no mod that approaches regret: hack it up, and have fun. It's a great starter platform anyone can cut their creative teeth on. Those new to it all? Just build the power train rear to front when you figure out what motor is going in: diff, transmission, then the motor. Building front to back can hurt the wallet in sudden and unpleasant fashion.

[@Mitchelldevisser]

I absolutely love my 82' Capri. 351w swap, 5 lug conversion and fabricated some subframe connectors. Such a fun 4 speed car!

[@rickbargar3145]

Great piece and great advice. Really enjoyed it.

[@brianmcdonald4914]

Can't forget the G-bodies! Cutlass/regals are some solid platforms too 👌

[@HigherElevationYT]

For sure

[@seanthompson8071]

I thought they were A Bodies? Thinking of the 70s to 80s Olds 442s, Chevy Monte Carlos, etc ...

[@HigherElevationYT]

@@seanthompson8071 starting in 78 they were "A bodies", but when gm rolled out the new fwd cars in like 81 they changed to "G bodys" and the new fwd cars got the A body designation. Mechanically they are identical.

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

Ok , here goes : Beginning in 1964 , the midsize GM was "A-body" . For 1968 , A-body was 112" wheelbase and 4 doors/wagons were 116" wheelbase. BUT , the 1969-72 Grand Prix , which had the same suspension components as the GTO/LeMans/Tempest , was built on an extended 118" wheelbase and given the designation "G-body" . For 1973 , Grand Prix reverted to the same wheelbase as all other A-body colonnades , and was so designated . The A-body designation continued through 1981 , even though the 1981 models received the updated (coupe only) redesigned body with new roofline , B-pillar , doors , and quarter panels . The G-body designation began in 1982 , even though the body and chassis were identical to the 1981 models .

[@JohnB-le2pi]

Great vid guy and I agree with all of your choices for the most part, But I think that you left out an important choice- the GM G-Body cars. Yes a ton of them were abused on the dirt tracks around the US, but there are still a TON of Montes, Grand Prixs, Cutlasses, and Regals out there for the taking. And they will fit any engine you want in them. While I'm not about to swap an LS motor into my '87 Buick Grand National (Why would I want to make it slower? Lol), I would love to pick up a Monte or Cutlass and swap in a junkyard 5.3 LS motor and have a ton of fun with it. Thanks for the fun video!

[@chopdogrulz1337]

Glad someone else was thinking G body! Working on an ‘86 Cutlass of my own. Stuff is still pretty cheap. 👌

[@scottmoot2969]

You can't Touch a Gbody in Ohio that's not wasted. Snatch em up, bring em here. Love them, still looking...

[@scottmoot2969]

@@chopdogrulz1337 86 is my Favorite Gbody.

[@we2968]

I've had a Nova, a Mustang Turbo, and an S-10 that I put a 383 into, can confirm this list as solid. But what hooked me was the 8-track tapes! Growing up in the '70's, I re........ (clack,clack)........... member them fondly. Had to drop a like and sub for that alone.

[@exc911ence_channel]

I'd add the first and second generation Dodge Dakota to this list... first Gens are the lightest and the final ones had a 318 already in them. Second Gen Dakota R/Ts are great foundations for a build too with their 360 Magnum engines and tough mechanicals. Runner up: 2000's Dodge Magnum R/T wagons. Mechanically identical to the Charger but way cooler looking.

[@danielreed5822]

I have to second the Dakota R/T! From 98 to 03 they had the 5.9/360 Magnum as you said, factory lowering springs and a 9.25 rear with a 3.92 LSD, and even a quicker ration steering rack than a regular Dakota. Dodge marketed them at the time as being able to match or out handle a BMW 328i. Plus, Holley now offers pretty much everything you need to swap a modern hemi into one. These trucks are awesome for the money, with a few upgrades, but no one remembers them because of the Lightnings and 454ss'. End of Rant.

[@Nctractorman83]

Exactly! I love my 2000 R/T.

[@nitroram33]

I also came to add the Dakotas. Already have an extended cab R/T and I'm buying a RC R/T this weekend. But the non-R/Ts are probably the better choice now with all the Holley Hemi swap stuff. Just buy a roller or a V6 truck and swap in a 5.7L Hemi for cheap and you're already at least 100hp up on the R/Ts even if you use the early 5.7. Or skip to the 6.4 and you're at nearly double the power.

[@banditone00]

I agree with the Dakota, but I don’t see the RT for under 5k anymore. Decent ones I see are more in line with first gen lightnings in price.

[@nitroram33]

@@banditone00 Buying one Saturday for $3.5k with 95k miles on it. Nearly all stock and that includes a 2BBL M1 and a steel cowl hood plus a bunch of other parts tossed in.

[@hughlannon61]

I bought my 83 Cougar in 1988, in 94 converted to a Ford Motorsport 351w C6 and Currie 9", STILL OWN IT! Now has FiTech EFI and a new paint job and wheels, but mine for almost 34 years now!!! Love the ORPHAN FOXBODYS!

[@HellmuthsHotRods]

When I read the title of this video, my first thought was my current daily, an 06 Charger RT. I am not a brand biased guy in any way but what I did was go on marketplace and search for a RWD, V8 car that will hold my entire 5 person family, for under $5000. My Charger was $4900. I daily it, it gets 21 mpg, and it's fun to take the kids for ice cream. Just like you said, a cam, exhaust, and ditch the cylinder cut out and it's a fun ripper. However, TOO HEAVY! But it kind of has to be for what it is.

[@MaliciousSRT]

They are heavy but power has never been easier to make (up for it). Fun fact, all the hellcat is was an answer to the weight problem these cars were strapped with.

[@HellmuthsHotRods]

I agree with you saying just add power, but I come from a background in air cooled VWs and saving weight is always a great idea because our drivetrains are extremely weak. My all motor bug runs 11s all motor, but it only weighs 1400 lbs! I am new to going fast while weighing 2 tons!!!

[@MaliciousSRT]

@@HellmuthsHotRods Very true but hard without just gutting the car. Body panels are already paper thin, someone from the factory told me they have 400lbs of sound deadening alone when all added up, also chassis components way beefier than need to be.

[@johnrogers4312]

Hey TONY! Really enjoy your video! I am glad you pushed 4th gen Camaro! The one in my garage probably doubled in value since you mentioned it! HA! It will soon be the next unaffordable rod.

[@trumbley22]

Heck yeah! A 1982 S10 with a 350 was my first vehicle (bought it at 15), and now I've owned it for 21 years. You're right, they feel like muscle.

[@TheREALOC1972]

Agreed, people seem to forget about trucks period when it comes to the "muscle car" discussion. I would throw the 7th and 8th gen (1980-1991) F150's and Bronco's, and the 1st gen (197-93) Dodge D150 to that too, yes they are often built into a jacked up off road vehicles but they made a 2wd street version too and were a really good base to build a Muscle Truck with and they are everywhere and can be bought running and most of the time tagged and registered for around $1000-$2000 because everyone wants the 4wd drive versions, noone wants a 2wd street truck with a 302/318 in it, they want the 4wd drive with the 340/351/Cummins diesel in it so you can buy for next to nothing.

[@trumbley22]

@@TheREALOC1972 That's great if that's wherever you are. In my area that's not true at all.

[@TheREALOC1972]

@@trumbley22 Yes it is, you just gotta look for them, they are going to be in someones field or garage and aren;t on facebook marketplace, Craigslist or E-bay, but they are there, I promise you.

[@trumbley22]

@@TheREALOC1972 The trucks you mentioned in my area didn't survive without massive amounts of rust. No, I can promise you in central Alberta that they don't exist, especially not at those prices.

[@TheREALOC1972]

@@trumbley22 I can assure you there are, some old farmer's got one or 2 tucked away in a barn or a pole barn somewhere..... You just have to look.

[@joshlindemeier2434]

This is why I love you Tony! Realistic attainable projects… Everyone Has to start somewhere and almost every vlogger and TV show is based on unrealistic goals for the working class… it’s sets the stage and mentality that if you can’t afford a $50,000-$100,000 hot rod that you aren’t even “in the game”. This is one of the reasons that Garage Squad is also one of my favorite shows it it’s just normal every day people with a dream and they do what they can just to get you on the road. I would love a project that we could follow on your show that buys one of these “budget” hot rods and does a typical build up of upgrades and weekend projects for a year on weekends in a normal garage without a lift that has a realistic total budget of $8000-$12000. I love projects that could be done with strategic phases that don’t necessarily need to be done at once. For example…we all want the “stage three” suspension kit but most of them are $8000 to $10,000, but guidance to start with phase 1 and a couple months later add phase 2 and maybe by month 12 you can upgrade (and afford) the final phase yet install them AND AFFORD them over a length of time WITHOUT having to max out credit cards. Keep up the great content!

[@WillyG3234]

C10s are underrated cuz people insist on a perfect shortbed. Ive bought at least 10 of them in running shape for less that 2000. And they're easy to shorten and stuff horsepower in.

[@offhandacoustic]

80-86 shortbed f series are underrated too. A lot of them came with a 302 or 351 and a 9-inch rear. Cheap little hotrods in the right hands.

[@WillyG3234]

@@offhandacoustic im a chevy guy no doubt, but a decent little f series can be had cheap for sure. Not that I want one but I dont blame anybody who does

[@offhandacoustic]

@@WillyG3234 Had a 74 C10 for a few and have an 81 short bed f100 now. I only sold the 74 because an old friends Dad died and his Dad had the same color and year c10. Wish I never would've sold it. He totaled it.

[@WillyG3234]

@@offhandacoustic im selling most of my stuff to buy a 70 satellite but im sure ill regret it before too long too

[@troman5000]

At the start of the video, your explanation of what money is, was the best I've heard!!! Good and timely video.

[@just4guitar558]

Fairly accurate “appraisals”, although….. only for south of the Rust belt/Bible Belt. It almost always boils down to chance. Having an immediate resource, a diligent eye and constant availability helps, but that’s rarely what lands a “killer buy”. Rust free first gen s10 go for considerably more in the North…… like, twice your estimate. They’re getting harder to find with so many having their frames donated to custom trucks/etc…..and having to drive 4-5 states away just to LOOK at a potential purchase adds to the final costs. Great content on the channel so far, Tony! Keep’em coming!

[@milesboyer4657]

I agree with the s10's, those guys have been coming up in value pretty quick in the northern states, ive been looking for a rust free extended cab for a while for less then $3500 and havnt had any luck in the last two years

[@TheREALOC1972]

The drive though is part of the story of the build..... My grandson and I drove from where we live in Missouri to North Central New Mexico (14 ish hour drive) to buy a 1980 F-150 that I bought for $1300that ran and drove and has very little rust. All in including the hotel stay over night the trip cost me right around $1900 but I'm not going to find a truck around here for $2000 and if i did it's half rusted away and would cost me another $2000 to repair/replace the panels that are rusted away, Plus it's a memory with my grandson that neither of us will ever forget, I bought it for 2 reasons, 1st I needed something reliable to drive this summer while I'm redoing my 77 Skylark and 2nd It will end up being my grandsons first vehicle, I'd rather have him put a couple grand into cleaning up the truck that we have a story with than spending 5K on a rusted out 1990's Honda shitbox that's going to last him 6 months before it falls apart. Yes it's going to need some things but he will be 13 in August and we have 3 plus years to do the little stuff that needs to be done to it. It needs new body mounts for sure and the suspension will get cleaned up and repainted and new bushings put in, the 302 that's in it will get rebuilt along with the transmission and probally a new paint job when it's all said and done but that's nothing that we can't do in the garage. My point is that even by driving 4 or 5 states your going to get a MUCH better vehicle to start with which will save you money in the long run because even though you have the "added cost" of going to get it but it will be cheaper in the long run because that's less money your spending to fix it.

[@ahoneyman]

Dig around the Southwest and the Southeast. You'd be amazed at the wonderful high res pictures you get when you throw the seller $50-75 whether you buy it or not.

[@joshbrekke6374]

There is a guy in South Carolina that has 6 1964 Pontiac Tempest/Lemans cars for sale currently. 4 of them are complete and 5 of them are post cars. All are two doors. $1500-$2500 each. Most of them close to roadworthy. I definitely like your list!

[@SolveFixBuild]

Great list! The “other” fox body is brilliant

[@tomanderson6335]

An '80-'82 T-bird or Cougar would be an interesting build.

[@johnkropp3793]

Thanks Tony, great vid. I picked up a more door 83 Fairmont five years ago for $1200. Love cruising her around town, and I can't wait to get deep into the modifications!!!

[@jakespeed63]

Fantastic choices Tony. One of my favorite vehicles of all time was our 1985 extra cab S-10 2.8l 4 speed shop truck. I honestly used to flat tow my 1969 Nova SS to Thompson Drag Raceway with that little brute. Engine purred for 140k, until my first wife blew it up Dude on KZbin built a killer Fox Body Thunderbird 5.0😎👍for cheap!!

[@TheLukaCeeChannel]

Great info video. I'm liking what you are doing with your own YT Channel. I stopped it with Motortrend a few years ago. I just couldn't anymore. Much better content you are doing here. Keep it up and best of luck.

[@thman6453]

You need to start putting out more content on anything the more videos you put out the more views you will get you should do a video about part shopping and ways to find great deals

[@threadtapwhisperer5136]

Duuuude, parts shopping at a real live Summit racing store! Since I'm aboot many hundred miles from the nearest location, id love it! Local smaller parts stores, especially some of the old school, smells of petroleum solvents and stale cigarettes, gruff but massively knowledgeable store owners/operators. Heck, do some grassroots vids about less known drift tracks/locations where policing might be less than aggressive. .......borrow stubby Bob and attempt to not break it en route to the 3-4 shift....

[@_Dave_S]

Loved the intro! Glad I am not the only one thinking that way about today's market! As a Firebird fan, especially 2nd gen, I have always thought the 4th gen Firebirds and Camaros were the least appealing as far as looks. But having said that, I would certainly buy one at the right price. And now thanks to Tony, the prices are just going to go up lol.

[@stevelacker358]

LOL at “thank you Freiburger.” 🤣 But honestly, it was Bullitt, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, and Dukes that did it. And double honestly, the car itself created its own high value… the lines and drivetrain are still incredible 54 years later.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

The 68-70 Charger was easy to find up until the late 90's. Long after those shows and movies. I would argue Fast and Furious is what made them become collectible. MAYBE the Duke of Hazzard reboot movie and MAYBE Blade.

[@davebarron5939]

List makes perfect sense, with one addition if I may, a third gen F body. Great handling as OEM. and excellent third party upgrades / support. Enjoy your channel, look forward to future episodes.

[@kennydemartini2169]

3rd gens will always bring twice the money as a 4th gen.

[@davebarron5939]

@@kennydemartini2169 That's true because - "You can make a third gen fast, but you cant make a catfish beautiful" LOL

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@davebarron5939 look again at a 95-97 Formula convertible (without the ram air hood - those scoops suck) and you'll see beauty in that bodystyle. That 97 convertible has world-class supercar styling . Put it next to a 10-years newer (2007) Maserati Spyder , and almost all the lines are the same !

[@davebarron5939]

@@Richie_the_Fixer No disrespect intended, i simply point out (for me) you cant beat the 3rd gen looks compared to the 4th. I do respect the 4th gen performance platform.

[@TheREALOC1972]

@@kennydemartini2169 That depends on what you find and what model it is.... I see base Gen 3's with the 305 and auto trans just about everywhere for 1500-2500 bucks. Your not going to find an IROC, SS or Trans Am for that.... but a base model is easily had on the cheap.

[@button-puncher]

2011+ Chevy Caprice PPV (cop car)! 6.0L LS. Essentially a budget Chevy SS. Not $5k, more like $8k but still, one heck of a value. Personally, I'm looking at the 2015+ Charger Pursuit. 5.7L Eagle Hemi but with AWD. They are around $12k and up. Oh so sexy.

[@cuda7133]

Great list, agree 100%. I always loved early 80's Oldsmobile Cutlass, on the lookout for one now for my new daily driver.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

cutlass,regal,monte,grandprix are all sweet as long as they are the 2 door,rwd version

[@jefweb5043]

Agreed @cuda71 and @trilleif. I'm 47yrs old. Had a '76 Monte and a '78 Monte. Grand Prix's, Regal's and Cutlass' were the go to machines. 350's were plentiful and cheap.

[@soldierslim281713]

I have an 07 Dodge Charger RT that I bought new. I have almost 170K miles on it. Its been flooded twice, broken into 3 times and has been in two accidents but still runs great. I drive it every day to and from work and it is still a blast to drive.

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

Love your picks Tony…I think you nailed it. F body’s are appreciating quickly, as are the Fox body cousins. A clean Nova or an S10 with a SBC or LS would be an awesome toys. Looking forward to your next video!

[@TheBroLounge]

Its too bad 4th gen novas are so ugly.

[@melsilva9158]

Love this video. As a dude in my late 50’s I had the opportunity to own a 69 Pontiac LeMans (think GTO without the badges) and an ‘86 then an ‘88 fox body Mustangs. Set the fox bodies up for open track events (left and right turns) and sold all those toys to buy an E86 M3. Then kids and moving across the country. Now I’m looking for round 2, but it would be a 3rd car so I can’t spend a fortune on it. Point is great advice for all ages.

[@Dethmeister]

I saw an 80's Thunderbird in a grocery store parking lot this week. It looked brand new. The thing is, it's the first one I've seen in years, maybe decades. I think they're pretty rare in any condition. I haven't seen a 4th gen Nova in a long time either.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

I've got a 93 gt fox and a 89 Lincoln LSC. I see fox mustang all the time but my Lincoln,i rarely see another one.

[@Dethmeister]

@@BruceLee-xn3nn Oh, I love those badass Lincolns.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

You're in "the salt belt'too huh?Everything is either new,or rotting.

[@jeffhaddock4238]

That was a really good episode!! Cool information. If you did another one, I would absolutely watch.

[@mikelyons9971]

You mentioned the charger r/t specifically simply for the factory hemi. Keep in mind the LX chassis is still in use with the current charger, 300, challenger. That same gen also had the magnum. Many have the 2.7, 3.5, or 3.6 V6 but get one and run it till it blows and slap a 5.7, 6.1,6.4 or even a hellcat into it

[@nitroram33]

@working_country ___ The 300 is 100% still being made. The current platform is descended from the original LXs, but was never as heavily Mercedes derived as people like to claim.

[@nitroram33]

@working_country ___ You're free to go buy one, definitely not fleet only. The configuration thing is still up if you want to look through it. They did kill the Journey, 200, Dart, etc. though.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

yeah,hellcat swap should be cheap 🤣

[@jesusluna1377]

Is very nice to find out where you now. I say besides of be a great dude,a good father and a great inspiration for enthusiastic people like me , Thanks for keeping the history going.

[@regows123]

Love the show ! Great content! Miss watching you and Lucky on HotRod garage !

[@timcole421]

That paint job on the camaro is incredible. So glad you are preserving it.

[@3rdgenchevy]

I agree with you on the S10. It's kind of a guilty pleasure for me cause most people I know think it's dumb🤣 3rd gen F bodies are going up fast as well but there are still some decent options out there for 5k or less

[@TheeAbstractHero]

It’s a shame, always wanted to buy a trans am GTA.

[@kennydemartini2169]

S-10s are hot right now, and so is the Ranger. My son just sold his 2000 S-10 for 7 grand! He paid 1500 for it two years ago.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

yep,grabbed one 5 years ago well its a trans am but i also parted out a soft gta and threw all the goods at the t/a

[@spondal1]

Just bought a very clean, for Minnesota, 93 S-10. 4x4, 4.3 V6/4L60E, 143,000 miles. All for $1,700, needs a little work but man is it already fun.

[@johnhayden2748]

Picked up a '75 Nova a few years ago. Fairly rust free, and already had a 6.0/4l80e swap done. Paid ~$5K for it.

[@fossilfuelenthusiast]

"a few years ago" so now its worth 3x as much? Thats the whole point of this video

[@johnhayden2748]

@@fossilfuelenthusiast you can still find them for under $5k, just not likely to have an LS swap already done.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

These a Pontiac ventura of same year just down the road. Probably get it cheaper than that

[@NovaResource]

@@BruceLee-xn3nn Pontiac Phoenix too. In 1977 the Phoenix was an option on the Ventura. For 1978-79 the Ventura name was dropped and all Pontiac X-bodies were called Phoenix. 1975-79 GM X-bodies also include the Buick Skylark and the Olds Omega.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

@@NovaResource never heard Phoenix before. Just don't see many of any of them.. And there were hatchback models of the nova in 70 or 71 but older guys would say that they just weren't popular.

[@martyroberts4380]

I was glad you mentioned the s-10 platform, frame is a little narrow and exhaust is a pain but they are great. You should do one on foreign muscle...

[@pabloseba35]

Good video. I personally like the 300C idea. Also, you should make an "import" car list for those more into autocross and drifting

[@StayTunedTA]

Could definitely do that, the import market is a trainwreck as well but there's plenty of hidden gems.

[@drechsla]

@@StayTunedTA as far as imports I feel the last heavy hitter icons left that were reasonably priced are z32’s and 3000 VR4’s

[@TheBroLounge]

@@drechsla VR4s are pretty pricey now.

[@mikegillam1000]

I like that you crossover between the traditional muscle and imports. Traditional hot rodders might not appreciate them, but cars like the Lexus SC 400 and the 03-04 Infiniti M45 both have great styling, reliable V8 drivetrains and are available for relatively cheap

[@StayTunedTA]

@@mikegillam1000 Both of those are GREAT cheap cars with huge potential.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

A Fairmont wagon would make a great sleeper.

[@chadlafrennie4065]

As far as LX cars go I would go for a magnum over the charger or 300c because wagons are rad

[@dinsdaleseven1627]

The 75-79 Nova is awesome. It's so light (weighs less than a 2nd gen Camaro). I had a 75 Pontiac Ventura (same car) and with the most minor suspension changes it handled really well. They are really solid as well, no squeaks and rattles. The hatchbacks are not as solid but they are really fun.

[@TheREALOC1972]

I have a 77 Buick Skylark, and it's the same car also. They are wonderful cars and can look really nice. I bought mine 15 years for $800 from "The little old lady next door", literally, when she got too old to drive. It has a 307 with the 3 speed auto trans and only had 57k on it, it was garage kept, and still is, since she bought it new in 76. I literally had to just clean it up a little and have daily driven it ever since. this summer i'm going to park it for awhile, rebuild the engine and trans and do a reclean up on it and pull the Landau Top off it and repaint the roof. I've thought about doing a suspension upgrade and drop it a couple inches, can I ask what changes you made and what parts you used?

[@kennethstephens8046]

I’d also throw in the sn95/new edge mustang and even the s197 now. I’ve seen some GT 05-09 s197s for 5k that look like crap but run good

[@lucasnarbatovics3322]

Hey stop that sn95s suck… dont spill the secrets got my last two for $1000 each. Only problem that you won’t find one that hasn’t been modded poorly by somebody on the cheaper side.

[@hendo337]

SN95 and New Edge are the new Fox, they are limited with a 4.6 but that is easy to swap once a kid has some time and uses it as a vehicle for a while.

[@Mozgarage]

I picked up a 1972 Buick skylark for cheap. It’s not a super cool muscle car but I’m working on it and I hope to make it fast some day.

[@wingwindowgarage9289]

I had a 70 skylark. Did a decent sbc Muncie 4 speed and 12 bolt .. also did fiberglass bumpers which I thought was cool. I did it up in white and black no chrome anywhere. By far the most fun car I’ve ever had. Like an idiot I sold it in 2017 for $7500. Haven’t seen a cheap one since.

[@CJColvin]

Hey Tony a V8 powered Ford Ranger can be a great option as well over even an old Ford Ranchero from the 70s (like 70 to 74) would be a great option as well. If you really want a V8 powered RWD vehicle for dead cheap then look for a Ford Panther Platform cars (Ford Crownvic, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car) from 1992-2011 create you're self a extremely cheap fun hotrod since it came with a 4.6L SOHC 2V Modular V8 that's bulletproof as hell and cops 👮‍♂️ loved em so much they refused to die and Ford made a billion of em in St.Petersburg Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 you can do a Coyote swap (out of a wrecked 2011-2017 Ford F150) in one of em and have you're self a one badass Crownvic or Grand Marquis that can take a 392 Hemi Chargers and Challengers like nothing for cheap.

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

Cleetus bought all the crown vics in America didn't he? 😄

[@tragicnomadic]

Plus one for the panther. Grand marquis especially.

[@jonathangehman4005]

Cool but not really a Musclecar. Also, who want's to look like a cop?

[@garybrinker4522]

My rural mailman likes his Crown Vic..

[@AlainGibeau]

I know they are not muscle cars but, Crown Vics, Grand marquis, Lincoln Town car can be a lot of fun also for not a lot of money. I put trac-lok, 3.73s, double exhaust and a Marty Ochs tune in my 11 Grand Marquis and I love it.

[@nicksmith9358]

Hell yes on the 4th gen Nova! I've had my '76 for a few years now, have a mildly built 350 with a Holley sniper kit in it, 200-4r and 3.42 posi in the rear. Thing is a ripper and I'm less than $10k into it.

[@darkendbeing]

I just sold my 78 loved that thing, they're just better Camaros.

[@dennisdempseyradiooutofcontrol]

Great video! I still have my high school cars, glad I kept them!

[@gregs157]

Flippers are a huge problem, something decent comes up at a reasonable price and 5 days later its up for 2 or 3 time more.

[@Iamthestig42069]

Doing full restorations aren’t profitable. Flips are the way to go

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

you see something,you need to move and not procrastinate....good deal today is gone tomorrow

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

Don't hate the player , hate the game . If some fool wants to put something up for sale for a 1/4 of its market value , why WOULDN'T a knowledgeable hobbyist snap it up ? But flippers aren't the BIGGEST problem , at least they put the cars back on the market . The REAL problem is the VULTURES , who recognize that many of these cars (like V6 3rd gens) are worth more dead than alive , since body parts and interior trim fit the performance models , so they strip em down and part em out 😢

[@jasonbacues2999]

I couldn’t agree more about the Fox bodies and especially the S10! I had a 79 Mercury Monarch as one of my first cars. Was able to throw tons of Mustang on parts on it. Yeah it was canary yellow but was an absolute sleeper Granny car.

[@offhandacoustic]

I have an 81 shortbed f100 ranger and I love that they are not sought after at all. 80-86 bullnose f series is a great platform for cheap. 302 and 351 came in a lot of them and with a few bolt ons you have a nice little cruiser. Oh and the 9 inch rear end doesn't hurt either.

[@corryowens7684]

good stuff man! a good vehicle to add the the list would be the 318 Dakota for (mini truck action) thanks for the content Tony!

[@BigMateo24]

Fully agree on the Chevy S-10's. I built a pretty nice 406 small block years and years ago, ended up not ever putting it in anything and sold it to my brother. He blew the little 4 cylinder in his S-10 he had at the time, sold him my motor with "The Family Discount", as you do, he stuffed that thing in there and it was a holy terror on the streets. It was so much fun to drive.

[@tomhall4266]

I have two on your list. Funnest one to drive is my 96 ram air firebird. Cool car.

[@StayTunedTA]

I just saw one out on the street, they are super rad.

[@fossilfuelenthusiast]

I LOVE this list. Being poor myself Ive always been on the look out for these types of cars. Buy them BEFORE they become cool!

[@rickmiller1425]

Great list, The Nova/Nova clones and S10 are great vehicles for the list. To add to the Mopar list, don't forget the Magnum, my brother picked up a Hemi powered version for 2 grand and it was a riot!

[@jedibrutus]

I got 1978 Nova I bought about 20 yrs ago and had several different engines in it right now it has a genV 454 with a th350. Love that car

[@courier11sec]

Good list, Tony. No mention of Maverick/Comet? Maybe not so easy to come by, but can be had with a 302 and weigh under 3000lbs 8"rear end can take a fair beating as well.

[@clawwill34]

I have a 76 malibu nascar inspired project for almost 6 years now. I was hoping you were gonna build that body style on HRG when you posted pics of one on your personal page. I tell you what everyone in college though I was nuts for paying 2800 bucks for it back then and it had a brand new jasper crate 350 with documentation and was rather rust free. I daily'd for 2 straight years and went through 3 transmissions and blew that motor in that time. Just go live it guys. Even if the car isn't everyone cup of tea. Let them hate. I'm the one having all the fun.

[@JK-sc8th]

Back in 2001 I bought a 1990 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 5 speed Coupe for 750$ lol. It was a bit ragged, but I kept it running for another 5 years. That's a HUGE amount of value. Can't find them like that anymore. I like your list, though I'd probably add the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare to your list. Yeah, I like the Darts and Dusters better too, but the Aspen/Volare can be had in really good shape and in sports trim (Aspen R/T or Volare Roadrunner) for the same price as a Slant 6 A-Body. Great value imo, and it's a Mopar. Can't really go wrong with it.

[@joelbabineau6119]

Great list Tony! Good luck on your pontiac 400 build, too bad i'm not closer i have about 5 of them ready to be put together! Keep the content coming!

[@of_lion22]

Great list. LX Platform cars certainly seem to be slept on. If someone wanted a sedan with older styling; GM: "Downsized" B-Body (78-91) Caprice/Le Sabre/Parsienne/Olds 88 Mopar: M-body Diplomat/Gran Fury Ford: 1979-2011 Panther chassis Crown Vic/LTD/Gran Marquis/Town Car As usual, the Mopar has less parts availability than the GM/Ford options. But those 80s Cop Cars (Grandpa cars?) can handle!

[@daveditcher4059]

Tony, nice list! Even more Fox platform cars: Mercury Zephyr, Ford Granada, Ford LTD II, Mercury Cougar. Also worthy of consideration might be any early Ford Ranger or 1st gen Dodge Dakota. Thanks for keeping the flame for domestic muscle cars for young guys.

[@stotgunvsface5092]

Bought a 78 Caprice 2 door 5 years ago with a 454 BBC. Needs new rear end gears as 3500 rpm on the highway sucks. It looks rough but I get alot of compliments on it. It's so much fun driving around town with the torque. Plus they are different with the curved rear glass.

[@jkemmery]

I love S-10s! My ex GF's dad had one with a 4.6 that we would borrow. It was already beat up so he didn't give a F. With that solid axle and light back end it would oversteer so easily with a tap of the gas. It was a riot!

[@BRBNWolf]

You are rocking at this KZbin thing!!!... And yes a A-Track video would be cool 😎

[@TinManKustoms]

Nice pics for cars. I would like to add the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakotas and Mazda b series Pickups are awesome platforms. For the chevy side of cars the g body cars are also cheap like the chevy Malibu and station wagons.

[@210GotKickz]

Had to hit the thumbs up once you threw the S10 in there. Had one back in the day with the v6 and for its size I out ran my friends 2010 silverado v8. Dash only shows up to 85 but he said he was at 110 and couldn't catch me. Lol

[@oldcoot3459]

If you want a fox body with some extra comfort, the 1983-1986 mid sized LTD was also based on the fox platform.

[@TokyoAzzA]

All are good recommendations, but the last two - 1st gen. S10 and 4th gen. Nova … those are just GOLD 👍👍

[@jackcarter233]

I got a 1986 Chevy short-wide square-body C10. They are simply perfection. Easy to work on.

[@ronp499]

Great video. I have had several v 8 s 10s and you're absolutely right 67 Chevy II is amazing. Also correct I can't afford one. Sad but true

[@rhythminblues8]

Rock and Roll Tony! Good content! Looking forward to the next installment!