Classics (Star Chief and 1957 to 1986) Converse about your Classic Bonneville.

1968 Bonneville convertible

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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 01:51 AM
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Default 1968 Bonneville convertible

Hi guys new member from Australia here.

Just wondered how rare are the 68 Bonnevilles, in particular the convertibles? I have a chance to buy one that'* on its way here but I can't find anyone who knows anything about them on the ozzy forums.

The car has minimal trunk and rear quarter rust but requires a full trim kit. The top will also need to be completely rebuilt. I like the shape of the car and I'm a hands-on guy but I want to find out more before I commit to buying it. I really can''t find much info on these cars... were they not liked much? What other models shared parts with them?

Any help would be very appreciated!

Mike.

p.*. these cars are really expensive here, even when they need a rebuild. Something that would cost $800 in the US will sell for $6000 here or more!
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 08:05 AM
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68 Bonneville convs are pretty scarce. There is no reproduction sheet metal available. Some 67 parts will work. They are good cars with good drivetrains.
What do you mean about a "full trim kit"?

I can help you locating parts.

If you have pictures, I will be happy to look at them and advise you.

I know that there is a strong Pontiac Club in Austrailia.
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:07 PM
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Thanks for the reply mate. This is the link to the car I'm referring to;

http://www.americanused.com.au/intrans.html

Just scroll down the page a bit and you'll see it.

The guy who advertised it has used the words 'full trim kit' so I'm assuming he means the interior is stuffed!

Cheers for the help

Mike
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:11 PM
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Don't look to bad. A lot of surface rust, but from the pictures it don't look like it'* rusted threw. Check the frame real good to make sure it'* in tact. It'* going to take a lot of work, but will be a very nice car.
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:17 PM
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How hard is it to have a car shipped in to Austrailia?

I'm sure that we could find you a "turn key car" for not that much more than what they are asking for that.

There are no interior kits available and the front armrests are moulded into the door panels, which make things much more difficult.
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 04:21 PM
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It does appear to be pretty solid.
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Old Dec 25, 2009 | 05:23 PM
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Originally Posted by sgp358
How hard is it to have a car shipped in to Austrailia?

I'm sure that we could find you a "turn key car" for not that much more than what they are asking for that.

There are no interior kits available and the front armrests are moulded into the door panels, which make things much more difficult.
That'* what I was afraid of. If you guys can't get the bits and pieces over there, then there is no chance for us!
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 08:07 AM
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We can find parts, but you just can't open a magazine and buy what you need for this car. The door panels have to be made by a company in Oregon called SMS and they take a LONG time to complete. But I should be able to help you find what you need.

SMS will also have the correct vinal for the interior and the covers will have to be made.
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 06:05 PM
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The thing is;

I do like the looks of the Bonneville but frankly it'* competing with other cars that I also admire which have many more parts available i.e camaros,impalas and thunderbirds.


Thanks for your help anyway guys but I think I've made my mind up that the '68 Bonnie is taking a trip to the too-hard basket!
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 06:30 PM
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How much does it cost to bring a car into the country?
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