Opinions on this JPS Widebody

Trying to arrange a mechanic to look at it - I am not too hopeful at this point though.

 

How about this Vintage Super Wide body?  $7K cheaper

 

http://fortmyers.craigslist.or.../ctd/5253119151.html

 

That is a Speedster that I restored last year and sold to a guy in Florida.   It has the engine from my old blue super widebody and it was a very nice engine.

That dealer is where I bought my last speedster from. I did see that for sale but I didn't love the wheels. No ac and really wanted a Subaru engine.

Just spoke with owner of the Jps. He is having compression test. Leak down test and oil/antifreeze analysis done. He took to mechanic this morning that felt it was a rich condition causing this by its smell but wants to conduct the tests to rule out anything serious.

If you really dont want to give up on this car, fly out there, inspect it and drive it yourself.

I agree. 

I had a similar problem (occasional white smoke from the exhaust) with my V8 Miata, after it overheated a number of times.  It turned out to be a leaking head gasket.  Luckily, with a V8 I didn't have to pull the engine to replace the gaskets.

 

Bad head gaskets are a known problem with some Subie engines.

You have about all the advice you can use at this point.  Be advised that you might get some information from JPS about the car, but do not expect any compensation from John of any sort.  It will not happen.  And he will offer many plausible reasons for why this or that may be happening, none of which will be his fault.  The car IS gorgeous.  And motors can be fixed. Allow for the cost to fix in any offer you make.

If a mechanic (or trusted SOC motorhead) looked at it and it smelled rich, then it could be a simple matter of remapping the fuel injection or twiddling the carburetors - which ever it has.  fuel-Rich usually produces black, sooty exhaust, not blue/white but I'm not there to see it in person and offer more.

 

Kelly's right, anything can be fixed.  It's just how much aggravation and money you are comfortable with in the process.

 

Wait for the compression and leak down test results and see if there are any hydrocarbons in the antifreeze and go from there.

I hope it works out because it will be very difficult to find such a fine looking Speedster.  There's just something about this one that makes it stand out---the way it sits, the perfection of the paint ---it is simply a spectacular looking Speedster. 

 

It's not discussed much here but some (many, actually) Speedster replicas simply do not look "right". like this one does.  I can't put my finger on it but it comes down to the stance and this one has totally nailed the stance. Some replicas just don't look "right".  Quite a few for that matter.

Jack, I think you HAVE put your finger on it.  All I could say is that this car is gorgeous, but you have said why.  And whether to buy this car or not is all a matter of managing your expectations.  Be prepared, and deal with what needs fixing.

As usual, and fortunately, we all have different opinions about the looks of this car.  I agree that it looks good in the pictures, but pictures can frequently be deceiving.   I've seen many of the in-between flared Speedsters and I really don't care for the shape of the front flairs.  They are very different from the front flares on the super widebody and I really don't care for them.  As always, the only thing that matters is what the owner likes.

I do appreciate all the input. That's why I posted here cause I knew I'd get more than I could probably handle. Lol. You guys are great! 

This car pushes buttons for me. Don't know what it is but it just speaks to me. Im waiting for results of the tests before making any decisions. If someone else buys if and takes the risk in the meantime than it just wasn't meant to be.

"This car pushes buttons for me."

 

And THAT'S what's important.

Smart thinking and hard to do when you're emotionally involved.

When it comes to giving advice on car buying I'm very level-headed and pragmatic, but when it come to me buying a car I turn into the world's biggest sucker.  All that level-headedness and pragmatism goes out the window.

Okay. So compression test looks good. 152, 150, 155, 152.  Leak down held 14 psi for 45 minutes or something like that. No results on oil/antifreeze analysis till next week. The number 3 spark plug was dark and shows signs of oil. I assume this is valve seals or valve related. Looking at the head design for the dohc 2.5 it appears it's not going to be easy to replace them.  It seems based on this it's not a catrosphic engine problem. Not sure what it will cost to get that replaced though.  Going to have to make some calls tomorrow.

I'm going to jump in here and play Devils Advocate...I have been in your shoes many a time, convincing myself that it " probably will be ok. " Sometime it pans out and others times the wallet... pans out.

Here's my 02 ..If the Seller is willing to allow more than enough credit to cover time material and PITA moments then it's a win win... if not ,it's usually best to let it go for the sake of your sanity and hard earned funds as there are others out there that will entice you. Best on your venture...Alan   drclock

I think Alan is right here.  If you really like it and the owner can be made to see your point of view that you would be taking a chance and having to spend money then maybe a compromise can be had.  You may try letting it sit a while and looking around to see if it gets snapped up or not.  The willingness to do tests, to me, means they are curious themselves and want to put the issue to bed or maybe are having a hard time selling a crop duster and need to get to the bottom of the issue. That said thats a crapload of smoke for a 1500 mile engine, I don't care what anyone tries to tell you.  And thats still a whole lotta cake to come up with seeing that the engine is just slightly important to the package.  Good luck and keep poking around.

Probably not worth mentioning, the seller, is a dealer, but has a 100% eBay rating.

 

But so do I, BFD.

 

I wouldn't move an inch, without 100% clear test findings and some guarantee, in writing, that your attorney approves of, with  protection from failure for x amounts of miles.

 

This is, a serious investment of capital. proceed with caution.

 

Art

a friend of a friend called too about the speedy and the seller said the Air Conditioning is "meh"  , car has never been driven far.  absolutely, there is a problem with the engine/cooling.  It's either a cheap fix or an expensive rebuild

 

    

DannyMax;

 

What is "meh"

the AC blows "air", just not "cold"

My money is still on a leaking head gasket. 

RonO, you might be right but It might be good to read this post ... from a Subie expert... they have multiple comments and explanation with head gasket issues etc. In any case that car from our point of view is untouchable without a proper workup. Ray

 

https://allwheeldriveauto.com/...s-explained-part-ii/

 

Fixed them both.

Ray, that was an interesting read.  Thanks.

Ron I have a subie engine so I read it completely, the engine is a 2.5L I love the torque band of the engine, it just wants to go and go....it is way different than my 2110cc...

 

 Ray

How about this Beck speedster with Subaru engine for $22,500 On eBay?

it seems to be a CA car and it looks good.

i think the mileage is converted incorrectly.  It should be around 6,300 Miles.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsch...mp;item=221919760022

It would be nice to see a photo or two of the engine and, if possible, a couple of the underside and radiator placement.

I passed on the JPS - seller did offer to repair before sale or credit for repair on purchase price but its just not giving me that warm fuzzy feeling.

 

As for the beck on ebay - I emailed for more info and pictures (subaru with ac does appeal to me)  but I really think I want another widebody - I would also consider a coupe though as they have been catching my eye. Im going to be patient and wait for the right car to come along - no sense forcing it.

I asked a few questions about the car and for some pictures of engine and undercarriage... This was the response.

 

"This car has a Subaru engine in it which is an upgraded engine and it s 2 L. There is no air-conditioning on any of these models. I do not have pictures of the undercarriage but I m sure I can trying get it if you would like. You could also come in. The title is California is as a special car I m not As a vw."

Caution Scott. I have been watching these cars with Subaru motors and it seems way too cheap.

 

Agreed - also feels like its a dealer with a comment like "you could also come in"

 I believe this was built by Becker