It is strongly suggested you make a check list of things to look for and test when looking for that car of your dreams. Whether you are looking for a daily driver candidate or a Chevelle you plan to do a full, Concours restoration on you should have an idea of what you are looking for, what works and what does not work on the car.

Often our heart overrules our brain when buying a car and looking for a nice Chevelle is no different. Before handing over a lot of cash or writing a check for that shiny Chevelle, step back and take a deep breath. The last thing you want to do is hand over a fist-full of cash only to find basic safety items like lights, wipers, brakes, etc. are in good working order or at least you are aware they need immediate attention.

Even if your plans are a full blown, body off frame restoration, you need to know what you are getting and what needs attention. As a buyer, knowing what that Chevelle is going to need is a very good negotiation tool. For example, is the shiny paint hiding a ton of bondo filler meaning you are going to have to replace floor pans, major body panels, etc.? Suspension, brakes, and driveline components may be on the list to refresh or replace anyway so they may not be as important during inspection. Look for the number of original parts that Chevelle has. Many components, especially engine items like distributor, carburetor, air cleaner assembly, are unique to a specific year and engine and can be difficult and expensive and time consuming to find in a useable or rebuildable condition.

If your goal is to build a nice daily driver, seemingly little things like windshield wipers, wiring, heater, air conditioner, glass, etc. are things you will have to address at some point and can affect negotiations on the final price of the Chevelle.

It is wise to hire a respectable person to inspect the car you have decided on, especially if you are considering laying out thousands of dollars for a specific car. While a professional inspection may sound expensive up front, it can potentially save you thousand of dollars in grief if the car in question is not what it is represented to be.