Inspector: Please request Title be available
Date and Time of inspection: Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
With whom did you confirm appt:
Year, Make & Model: 1955 Chevy Bel Air 2-Door Sedan
City/State/Zip: Cape Coral, Florida
Phone:
Instructions: This is a pre-purchase inspection. Our client is the buyer. He has the following concerns (PLEASE PUT IN BRIEF RESPONSES BUT BE SURE TO INCLUDE THESE IN THE REPORT AND OVERALL COMMENTS):
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Does the vehicle drive straight? Y or N |
YES |
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Steering Performance? Tight or Sloppy |
TIGHT |
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Brake Performance? Good or Needs Work |
NEEDS WORK |
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Suspension Noise? Comment |
YES, SEE COMMENTS |
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Bounce Test? Comment |
YES, SEE COMMENTS |
Comments: THE TEST-DRIVE COVERED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MILES WITH SPEEDS UP TO 55 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS LOW, SOFT AND ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE IS LOWERED IN THE REAR AND BANGS LOUDLY WHEN DRIVEN OVER BUMPS FROM BOTTOMING OUT. THE SUSPENSION RIDE QUALITY IS POOR. THE OWNER STATED THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A DAILY DRIVER AND IS DRIVEN IN AND OUT OF A TRAILER.
Engine:
Engine Size: |
5.7 V8 |
Designation: (SS) |
N/A |
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Performance |
GOOD |
Oil Level / Quality |
FULL & GOOD |
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Carburetor (Make/Model) |
DUAL AFB |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
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Comments: THE SELLER STATED THE ENGINE IS A CRATE MOTOR WITH A MILD CAM INSTALLED. THE ENGINE STARTED EASILY AND IDLED WELL WITH NO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST.
Transmission:
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Transmission Type: |
AUTO |
FWD / RWD |
RWD |
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Fluid Level / Quality |
FULL & GOOD |
Clutch Operation |
SEE COMMENTS |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
Miss Shifts |
NO |
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Performance |
GOOD |
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Comments: THE TRANSMISSION IS A NON-ORIGINAL 700R4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SOFTLY AND DECENTLY. DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S MODIFICATIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN UNDER HARSH ACCELERATION.
Steering:
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Steering Type |
POWER STEERING GEAR |
Performance |
GOOD |
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Fluid Level/Quality |
FULL & GOOD |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
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Comments: THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IS GOOD AND THERE ARE NO ABNORMAL NOISES FROM THE PUMP.
Brakes:
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Brake Type: |
POWER FRONT DISC - REAR DRUM |
Performance: |
FAIR |
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Fluid Level / quality |
NOT CHECKED |
Noises |
NO |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
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Comments: THE VEHICLE STOPPED STRAIGHT WITH NO PULLING BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SOFT AND ENGAGES LOW.
Rear End:
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U-Joints: |
TIGHT |
Performance: |
GOOD |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
Noises |
NO |
Comments: THERE ARE NO ABNORMAL NOISES FROM THE DRIVE LINE.
Air Conditioning:
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Air Conditioning: |
INOP |
Operation / Noises |
INOP |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
INOP |
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Temperature Control: |
INOP |
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Comments: THE BLOWER MOTOR OPERATES BUT THE A/C SYSTEM DOES NOT. THE OWNER DEMONSTRATED THE COMPRESSOR IS MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN. AS A RESULT, THE SYSTEM WAS DISABLED.
Suspension:
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Suspension Type |
FRONT: COIL SPRING - REAR: LEAF SPRING |
Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
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Operation / Noise |
YES, SEE COMMENTS |
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Drive Train Type |
RWD |
Operation / Noise |
NO |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
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Comments: THE REAR SUSPENSION BANGS OVER BUMPS, DUE TO THE LOWERING MODIFICATIONS OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. THERE ARE BLOCKS INSTALLED BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE AND LEAF SPRINGS.
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Temperature / Fan |
GOOD |
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Performance / Noise: |
GOOD |
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Signs/Evidence of Leaks |
NO |
Comments: THE COOLANT IS FULL AND GOOD AND IN GOOD CONDITION. THE RADIATOR IS AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM WITH AFTERMARKET DUAL ELECTRONIC COOLING FANS.
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Type (Manufacturer/Factory): |
WHEEL: AFTERMARKET CHROME TIRES: BF GOOD-RICH G FORCE GT |
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Tire Size: |
Front – 225/45R18 Rear – 225/45R18 |
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Tread Depth: |
10/32" |
Comments: THE WHEELS AND TIRES ARE IN LIKE NEW CONDITION WITH NO CURB DAMAGE.
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Type |
AFTERMARKET DUAL OUTLET |
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Mufflers: |
DUAL FLOW MASTERS |
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Headers: |
AFTERMARKET HEADERS |
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Accessories (i.e. chrome tips, etc) |
CHROME TIPS |
Comments: THERE ARE NO AUDIBLE EXHAUST LEAKS OR RATTLES.
(OP – Operational INOP – Inoperable or N/A)
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Exterior Lighting |
OP |
Interior Lighting |
OP |
Horn |
OP |
Turn Signals |
OP |
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Power Windows |
N/A |
Power Locks |
N/A |
Power Seats |
N/A |
Gauges |
INOP |
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Power Mirrors |
N/A |
Clock |
OP |
Trunk Release |
N/A |
Wipers |
INOP |
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Security System |
N/A |
Fuel Door |
N/A |
Hood Release |
OP |
Power Antenna |
N/A |
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Radio |
N/A |
Rear Defrost |
N/A |
Cruise Control |
N/A |
Heater |
OP |
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Convertible Top |
N/A |
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Comments: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOT INSTALLED DUE TO CLEARANCE INTERFERENCE WITH THE AIR FILTER. THE OWNER DOES HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR AVAILABLE. THE DASH AND GAUGES ARE AFTERMARKET DIGITAL DISPLAYS, WHICH ARE NOT CURRENTLY ILLUMINATING. THE SELLER STATED THE GAUGES WILL BE REPAIRED.
Interior:
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Interior: |
GOOD |
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Seat Color: |
BEIGE/GRAY |
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Seat Cover Material |
VINYL |
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Seat Cover Condition |
GOOD |
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Headliner/Dash/Carpet |
GOOD |
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Trunk Area, Under Carpet |
GOOD |
Comments: THE STEERING WHEEL, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND GAUGES ARE VISUALLY IN GOOD CONDITION. THERE ARE TWO SCUFF MARKS ON THE TOP OF BOTH DOOR PANELS WHERE THE VENT WINDOWS OPEN. THE WINDOWS OPEN AND CLOSE NORMALLY.
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Exterior |
TWO-DOOR POST |
Quality of Paint |
GOOD |
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Body Straight? Waves? |
STRAIGHT |
Any scratches, orange peel? (please comment) |
NO |
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Color |
GRAY/BLUE AND BLUE |
Collision Damage – |
NO |
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Sports Options |
N/A |
Glass Condition – |
GOOD, NO CRACKS |
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Any Signs of Bondo? |
YES, SEE COMMENTS |
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|
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Rust anywhere? (please be specific) |
NO |
Condition of chrome - |
GOOD |
Comments: THE INSPECTOR NOTED THE MAGNET ATTACHED ON ALL BODY PANELS. THIS INDICATES IF THERE IS ANY BODY FILLER USED IT IS LIMITED TO A SKIM COATING. THE LEFT DOOR DROPS SLIGHTLY WHEN OPENED. THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR DOES NOT DROP WHEN OPENED. THE HOOD HINGES ARE AFTERMARKET CHROME AND TIGHT. CONSEQUENTLY, THE REAR CORNERS OF THE HOOD HAVE TO BE PUSHED DOWN AFTER CLOSING THE HOOD. THE TRUNK SPRINGS ARE WEAK. THERE IS A SLIGHT GAP BETWEEN THE TRUNK LID AND FENDERS ON BOTH CORNERS WHERE THE TRUNK LID ROLLS DOWN.
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Front End Type: |
INDEPENDENT DOUBLE A-ARM |
Condition? |
GOOD |
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Floor Pan: Hard or soft? |
HARD |
Any rust? |
NO |
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Trunk Pan: Hard or soft? |
HARD |
Any rust? |
NO |
Comments: THERE ARE A COUPLE BUBBLES UNDER THE PAINT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE INDICATING POSSIBLE RUST. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS VERY CLEAN AND HAS BEEN DETAILED WELL.
Vehicle Modifications:
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1) AFTERMARKET CRATE ENGINE. |
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2) DUAL AFB CARBURETORS |
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3) MILD PERFORMANCE CAM SHAFT |
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4) CHROME DRESS UP KIT |
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5) NON-ORIGINAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION |
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6) AFTERMARKET FRONT POWER DISC BRAKES |
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7) AFTERMARKET AIR CONDITIONING |
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8) LOWERED SUSPENSION |
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9) ALUMINUM RADIATOR |
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10) DUAL ELECTRONIC COOLING FANS |
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11) AFTERMARKET WHEELS AND TIRES |
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12) DUAL FLOW-MASTER EXHAUST |
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13) HEADERS |
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14) RESTORED INTERIOR |
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15) DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND CLOCK |
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16) PAINTED UNDERCARRIAGE |
Comments: THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.
IS THE TITLE AND/OR REGISTRATION AVAILABLE? YES
WHAT IS THE VIN NUMBER ON THE TITLE AND/OR REGISTRATION? VC55B028924
WHAT IS THE VIN # ON THE DASH PAD? VC55B028924
VIN DECODED THROUGH “http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/55chevy_vin.htm” AS FOLLOWS:
1955-1957
FIRST DIGIT V= V8
SECOND DIGIT C=BEL AIR
THIRD & FORTH DIGIT 55=1955
FIFTH DIGIT ASSEMBLY PLANT B=BALTIMORE, MD
DIGIT SIX-ELEVEN CAR SERIAL NUMBER
1955&1956 STARTED WITH NUMBER 001001 1957 STARTED WITH 100001 SOME PANTS STADE WITH 001001 FOR 1957
WHAT IS THE BLOCK NUMBER ON THE ENGINE (IF ACCESSIBLE)? N/A- NOT LEGIBLE
RECORD PLATE INFO (all info on firewall tag, fender tag, door tag or dash tag depending on the car):
STYLE No 55-1011D = 1955 BEL AIR 2-DOOR SEDAN
BODY No M 3310
TRIM No 589 – UNABLE TO FIND A SITE TO DECODE
PAINT No 588 – UNABLE TO FIND A SITE TO DECODE
ARE THE ODOMETER TUMBLERS ALIGNED? N/A- DIGITAL DASH
CURRENT MILEAGE: N/A- DIGITAL DASH INOPERATIVE
IS THERE MUCH BRAKE PEDAL WEAR? NO
CONDITION: CLASS TWO
(See attached breakdown of Classes)
FAIR MARKET VALUE: $41,500.00
OVERALL COMMENTS:
1) THE SELLER STATED THE ENGINE IS A CRATE MOTOR WITH A MILD CAM INSTALLED. THE ENGINE STARTED EASILY AND IDLED WELL WITH NO SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST. THE TRANSMISSION IS A NON-ORIGINAL 700R4 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SOFTLY AND DECENTLY. DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S MODIFICATIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN UNDER HARSH ACCELERATION. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION.
2) THE EXTERIOR IS IN GOOD OVERALL CONDITION. THE PAINT DOES NOT HAVE ANY VISIBLE SCRATCHES, ORANGE PEEL, CHIPPING OR CRACKING. THE INSPECTOR NOTED THE MAGNET ATTACHED ON ALL BODY PANELS. THIS INDICATES IF THERE IS ANY BODY FILLER USED IT IS LIMITED TO A SKIM COATING. THE LEFT DOOR DROPS SLIGHTLY WHEN OPENED. THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR DOES NOT DROP WHEN OPENED. THE HOOD HINGES ARE AFTERMARKET CHROME AND TIGHT. CONSEQUENTLY, THE REAR CORNERS OF THE HOOD HAVE TO BE PUSHED DOWN AFTER CLOSING THE HOOD. THE TRUNK SPRINGS ARE WEAK. THERE IS A SLIGHT GAP BETWEEN THE TRUNK LID AND FENDERS ON BOTH CORNERS WHERE THE TRUNK LID ROLLS DOWN. THE CHROME TRIM AND GLASS ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
3) THERE ARE A COUPLE BUBBLES UNDER THE PAINT ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE INDICATING POSSIBLE RUST. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS VERY CLEAN AND HAS BEEN DETAILED WELL. THERE IS NO VISIBLE RUST OR INDICATION OF PRIOR COLLISION DAMAGE.
4) THE INTERIOR IS IN GOOD OVERALL CONDITION. THE STEERING WHEEL, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND GAUGES ARE VISUALLY IN GOOD CONDITION. THE DASH AND GAUGES ARE AFTERMARKET DIGITAL DISPLAYS, WHICH ARE NOT CURRENTLY ILLUMINATING. THE SELLER STATED THE GAUGES WILL BE REPAIRED. THERE ARE TWO SCUFF MARKS ON THE TOP OF BOTH DOOR PANELS WHERE THE VENT WINDOWS OPEN. THE WINDOWS OPEN AND CLOSE NORMALLY.
5) THE INSPECTOR NOTED THIS VEHICLE IS IN SHOW QUALITY CONDITION. IT COULD BE A STREET CAR IF THE REAR SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS ARE REMOVED, THE DASH IS REPAIRED, THE WIPER MOTOR IS INSTALLED, THE AIR CONDITIONING IS REPAIRED ETC.
Click on the following links to see the photos of this car.
DISCLAIMER:
This inspection and the opinions expressed are exactly that, opinions. Many parts perform perfectly until the moment of failure. Failure may occur suddenly and without warning. The inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report cannot accept liability for failures, which may occur after the inspection is completed. By accepting this report, the consumer acknowledges that the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report, cannot be held responsible for any and all alleged vehicle defects, and further, the consumer releases and holds harmless the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report from any and all further claims on this vehicle. No warranty for this vehicle is implied or given by the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report. In each case, the consumer has the opportunity to see the car in person before he or she buys the car. Buying this car based on this report alone is completely at the consumers’ own risk.
JJ’s Auto Pre-Purchase Inspections does not do the inspection for you. JJ’s Auto Pre-Purchase Inspections is a company that facilitates the completion of your inspection through its affiliates, inspectors, or their contractors. The inspections are placed with an independent inspection service or contractor in the area where the vehicle is located.
The Independent Inspector provides a visual inspection of the vehicle. That statement is not meant to imply that we warranty the vehicle. The inspector does not move, remove or reposition anything during the inspection process. Due to potential liability, the inspector does not drive the vehicle but will be in the passenger seat with the owner, or a person authorized by the owner, to do the actual driving. We simply give you a good visual report on the vehicle. No warranty is implied or given. It is up to the buyer and/or seller to provide a lift to inspect the underside. A jack and jack stands are NOT acceptable. The seller and/or buyer must also provide a well-lit area for the inspection to take place with ample room for the inspector to perform his/her job.
We like to say that the Independent Inspector is like having your best friend look at a vehicle for you when you can't physically look at the vehicle yourself. It's the next best thing to being there. The Independent Inspector is working for the buyer in this instance.
We are dealing with vehicles that are 40 years old or older in many cases. If you contract for an inspection you must understand that the Independent Inspector will NOT find everything wrong on a particular vehicle. If a vehicle has a leak that is not constant (often called seeping,) the Independent Inspector might not detect it. He will not find every problem on a vehicle. Often these vehicles have far more Bondo in them than can be detected in a visual inspection. What this service should be used for is to make sure that a vehicle that is advertised as being in No. 2 condition is not in fact a No. 4 condition vehicle. In other words, the Independent Inspector will help to determine if you are buying a vehicle that was grossly misrepresented based on its condition class and purchase price. (See the definition of condition classes at the end of your report). The appraisal fee is based on the inspectors’ written/typed report and digital pictures. JJ’s Auto Pre-Purchase Inspections, and Quality Control are determining the appraisal based the inspectors’ report and pictures. Neither JJ nor Quality Control has seen the vehicle first hand.
The Independent Inspector simply inspects the vehicle. We do not counsel the buyer. We do not make recommendations on whether to buy a vehicle. As in all cases, the buyer makes his or her own decision on whether to buy a vehicle. We suggest that the best way to use the Inspection Service is to have us look at a vehicle and issue the report. Then if the vehicle seems to be what was represented to you by the seller, make a final inspection of the vehicle yourself, prior to purchasing the vehicle. Because we are dealing with 30- to 50-year-old vehicles, we do not warrant the condition of any vehicle. That means we will be happy to look at the vehicle to see if there are any visible problems, but we are not providing any guarantees or warranties on the vehicle.
Understand in advance that if you buy a vehicle and you find something wrong with the vehicle after your purchase, we will NOT reimburse any expenses that you are charged to fix the vehicle. This is not a mechanical warranty. JJ’s Auto Pre-Purchase Inspections, or its affiliates, inspectors, or their contractors related to the inspection, will NOT reimburse you for any repairs, mechanical failures or bodywork you have done after the purchase of a vehicle.
The inspection reports show the areas of the vehicle, which are visually looked at in the report. The report covers only those areas. Do not assume that the Independent Inspector will inspect anything other than the areas covered by the report form.
The contents of this report will tell you what the Inspector finds at the time of the inspection. Please understand that after the Inspector leaves the vehicle we are not in control of what might occur to the vehicle, nor do we have control of parts that may be on the vehicle at the time of the inspection, but taken off or switched later.
CONDITION CLASSES
Class One (Excellent):
Almost always a “body off” restoration, or an untouched, factory-perfect, piece that is very close to perfect. All components are either original or appear as new and are fully operational. This car is a top show winner and is not driven, but transported to shows by trailer. This car is almost “one of a kind”. This particular class of vehicle is very rare. The vehicle is completely detailed, including the engine compartment, interior trim, wiring, suspension, paint, and frame. Ideally, this vehicle has been judged with other vehicles in its class and achieved the highest point ratings.
Class Two (Very Good):
This car is well restored with an eye for detail. The interior and exterior show minimal wear, and it runs and rides smoothly. The car is driven very little (maybe 800 to 1,000 miles per year). This class is a slight grade below Class One. A Class Two has not been detailed to the extent that a Class One has been. This class (Class Two) has some evidence of use and wear, although not very much. It is considered “cherry” or “mint”. This vehicle might appear as a Class One until judged against one. It would not qualify as a 95, or better, “point” vehicle. (This class should have no rust on the undercarriage, not even surface rust.)
Class Three (Good):
This is a functional, drivable vehicle in good overall condition needing no, or only minor work. Most vehicles at car shows reflect this condition. This car is what is termed a “20 footer”. From 20 feet, it may look very good. Close inspection, however, would reveal some worn interior trim, and less than perfect paint (worn, and perhaps faded). You may even see some early evidence that surface rust is beginning in the body panels. This car is completely operational and is an “older restoration”. It is driven fairly often, runs great, and is enjoyed by its owner. It is probably a candidate for a full restoration. The undercarriage may display surface rust, and may be in need of detailing. Chrome and trim may exhibit limited pitting.
Class Four (Fair):
This type of car is a fun “driver” with a solid frame and is structurally sound. This car is in need of considerable work. It needs work in and out. Cosmetics, body, and mechanical components all need work, to some degree. It is not a serious collector candidate. Soft floors, isolated areas where rust has eaten through (but not structural), excessive use of Bondo, lots of pitted chrome, glass repairs are symptoms of this condition. Badly soiled headliners, badly soiled and ripped upholstery, rusted out trunks are also signs.
Class Five (Poor):
This type of car is in need of complete restoration and may, or may not, be able to be driven. The exterior body panels have significant areas of rust-through. The floor and structural components may, or may not, be intact. This car is usually the first project for layman’s attempt at restoration.
Class Six (Parts Car):
This type of car is good for parts only.
