Need advice on what to do

So I got an interesting offer for the 64 elky. Build thread https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/project-drivabeater-20-64-el-camino-this-time/60101/page17/

As it sits I've got 12k in it. I love my truck, but kind of want something different. It's been on Craigslist for 15k with no interest to speak of.

Today I got an offer of a 91 gmc syclone and 5k cash for it.

I like syclone, and never thought I'd have the opportunity to own one. This one has been modified, and is slightly rough around the edges, but not that bad. Rust free, scuffs and fading on the paint, big stereo, some aftermarket turbo stuff. No inner fenders, and some hackery on the intake tract and wiring. Doesn't appear to be anything I can't handle.

I figure about 2k tops to get it RIGHT. That would put be 9k into it.

I tend to only have the toys a year or two.

What I am debating is whether or not I will come out ahead. The 5k cash would clear all debt but mortgage, and I can still use it as a truck. What I really want right now is a Dakota rt. But, money is more important.

Any way, the Dallas/M works out initially to be spending 7k on a slightly scruffy syclone that is drivable and cleanish. What do yall think?

Are driver quality Syclones worth more than $5k? I've seen really nice ones listed for over $10k, but I'm not sure what they actually sell for.

And this search in Hemmings suggests they may be worth $20k in very nice shape. Might be worth it if you can get it close.

I just got done with a country wide craigslist search. Only one I saw for 7k looked like a parts car. Most were in the 10-20 range. But what do they actually sell for is the question. I honestly don't know.

I looked around a bunch and it looks pretty safe that a runner that is sorted should sell for over $10k, but it may take a while as the pool of buyers isn't huge. If you've always wanted one though, might be worth it.

The more I think about this the better of an idea it seems. why is it a bad idea?

Just check parts availability on what the gmc needs before you move forward, parts are getting thin on the ground for those. I know the ground effect parts are unobtainium.

The ground effects are actually perfect

If you don't do it, I'm gonna drive out to wherever you are and throw my helmet at you.

As long as it's not at my nuts.

This seems like a great deal for me. Maybe even a quick cash maker.

I'm calling him later. Still trying to figure out why it's a bad idea though.

Do it. I have always had a soft spot for the Syclone / Typhoon series. They do not show up often on craigslist around here, and never less than 8k.

I would do this trade based on how you valuated the car you'd be trading away.

Dont the cyclone/typhoon have the transfer cases that are made of glass at anything over stock power?

If it's the syclone in coldsnaps thread then do it. Just make sure it isn't a clone. Although it looks like the real deal.

It is. Got a hold of the guy today, and he seems to have cold feet. We'll see what happens. Should have done it yesterday, but had to think it through, and run the numbers.

And it is not a clone. Even has they factory syclone owners manual.

Syclones are badass but so is your el camino. Honestly, I would think the El Camino would be worth more and easier to sell but I have no idea what Syclones go for. The only one on my local cl is a 53,000 mile truck with a remanufactured engine, and peeling clear coat they are asking 12,500 for. That seems crazy to me For needing a paint job

Idk. A syclone is going to be worth more in thr long run. Depends on what thr elky means to you.

I'm with MNDSM, unless the elky has sentimental value I think the Syclone is hands down the more valuable car in the long term. Plus, you're WAY more likely to run across another El Camino down the road than a Syclone, kind of a unique opportunity you have here. Of course this may all be totally moot if the guy is really getting cold feet.

Sounds like a relatively good deal to me as long as the turbo is working well and/or been rebuilt and the aftermarket parts can be reversed. The nice thing is you essentially have a "driver condition" Syclone that you can probably actually enjoy driving for 2 or 3 years and sell for nothing less then what you had into it or even make money on it in the end. If you buy a pristine one for $15k - $20k then you're always going to be overly pampering it because it's an investment.

Dusterbd13 wrote: The 5k cash would clear all debt but mortgage, and I can still use it as a truck.

Just an FYI, if you're planning on using a Syclone "as a truck" you might be pretty disappointed. They had super low payload and towing ratings.

the way I use a truck is usually to ge lumber and bulky stuff. not towing or anything really heavy duty. hopefully this goes through and turns out well.

The payload rating on the Syclone was 100lb. You could overload one by getting three big bags of dog food.

Knurled wrote: The payload rating on the Syclone was 100lb. You could overload one by getting three big bags of dog food.

Actually it was 500 lbs.

First of all, I'd have done it without thinking twice. Then again, I've always loved that car and never liked Elky's

Seems like a smoking deal to me. There weren't many Syclones made and I think they'll hold value for a long time and are close to climbing back up. I've never seen one under $10k that runs. Considering how old they are, it's still impressive that they're changing hands for that high.

I think the key to having one (and this may not be you, which is fine) is keeping one fairly stock. There were lots of them modified to the hilt, so I'd guess that a fairly stock one is more rare. Sounds like this one's been modified, but going back to stock wouldn't be too difficult.

If you get it and DD it, you might want to remove the body cladding to save it. Plus, it'd have more of a "sleeper" effect going on.

FWIW, there are three on eBay right now at $16k, $27k and $24k. Who knows what they'll sell for, but half of that and you'd still be ahead. PLUS, no bills except mortgage? Seems like a slam dunk.

-Rob

I never did get a chance to ride in the syclone.

Let me know if he gets back to you and the trade happens.