Would you trade if you were me?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Well got a proposition..

my 71 Celica for a 72 nova.

I really dont care much for my Celica being a american muscle kinda guy but its worth at deicent chunk of change.. about 6k.

this 72 nova hes asking 6.5k on his normal listing but wants to trade strait across..

what do you guys think?

im also going for which one will be worth more to more people in the longrun cause im not really going to work on either one much other than to get it running.. i wouldnt mind the nova as a daily work horse tho..


heres the pics of the nova and the breakdown of what he told me he has done to it..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/5183942102_c1e2f89307_o-1.jpg
The car is painted flat black and has many upgraded components as it stands currently. 135k on chassis. Power train has 5k on it since rebuild per previous owner.

Powertrain:
1st gen small block 350 4 bolt main out of a corvette stingray
HEI ignition
edelbrock 650 cfm manual choke carb
edelbrock dual plane intake
long tube headers
glasspacks to turndowns off headers
factory power steering
NEW fuel pump
NEW plugs and wires
NEW clutch linkage
NEW battery
NEW GM 1 wire alternator
NEW water pump
NEW motor mounts
NEW GM starter
4 speed manual transmission (Muncie M21)
factory open diff (was going for taller gears and a mini spool)

Suspension:
Front- new monroe shocks and height adjustable 700lb springs
NEW tubular upper and lower control arms and bushings
Rear- factory multileaf with 3" lowering blocks and adjustable air shocks

Brakes:
4 piston Corvette brakes with NEW calipers front
NEW Corvette power booster and master cylinder
factory drum rear

Wheels:
15x8 Corvette Rallyes with beauty rings and tall center caps
staggered profile tires for fitment and a little rake

Body:
1969 Nova SS fenders
straight body and frame with only one or two dings
minor rust behind rear wheels and trunk floor

Interior:
complete minus carpet
-front buckets and rear bench seat, panels, dash pad, rear deck, and headliner all in grey
no compressor but it is a factory AC/Heat car

If i were to keep the car the next thing on my list is taller gears and minispool followed by aftermarket aluminum heads and bigger cam.

Cons:
Windscreen is cracked
Rust mentioned above
Bill of Sale only

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and heres my 71 Celica.
71 RA21 Celica
it has a 18rg engine that has been slightly hopped up.. quite snarly.
interior is very presentable/not show quality but very nice.
the body is 100% solid. this car was babied by an older toyota guru from day1.
it went into the hands of another for about 3 years and it sat in a garage for that time and in a carport for 6 months then it went to me.
paint is a dark purple, almost a blueish purple.. wold
the celica has Solex locks.. they are unpickable..
the car is a 5 speed.
it also has a quick release steering wheel.
air shocks in the the rear and i forget what suspension in the front
it also has a limited slip differential..


car is in Atlanta, email me to come and see her.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670603747_4b44dc128d_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670602781_4c2c136df1_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670603095_03cc56ab22_b-1.jpg
18rg.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4671260078_c55fc6e049_b-1.jpg
it was dark in the shop when i took flicks of the interior.. but yea.. you can see.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670634781_601420a7af_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4671264684_069df8df03_z-1.jpghttp://https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670603593_e13690af21_b-1.jpg
my car crew and I at Road Atlanta.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/4670603889_89568fec3a_b-1.jpg

[Rod]

Thats a tough one Ven I have a soft spot for old rice burners! and old heavy metal! the Nova might be worth more to more people in the long run

[Rhino]

What's really strange is that I'm an old muscle kind of guy, and I'd have to vote for the Celica.
For some reason that Nova is just doing nothing for me. I'm guessing that body is holding it's fair share of surprises.

[Flash68]

Go for the Nova... it's 2/3 the way toward a Grind House / Death Proof Nova replica!

[LateNight72]

That nova is beat. In that condition, no way it'd be a $6.5k car.

[MrQuick]

no way bro, too much rust on that Nova plus that Celi would be more of a classic than the Nova.....this coming from a Nova guy. 69 Nova then maybe.

[ArtosDracon]

The nova is pretty beat and the Celica is clean. Take the devil you know over the devil you don't any day.

[cobragt]

the Nova looks pretty beat, I think he's asking a bit to much for it.

[Jims78elky]

Iam in disbelief that Iam saying this but I like the Celica better, OK the Nova is a little rough,and though it has some cool parts I would say no to the swap...but I would say yes to a LS engine swap in that Celica,a nice hopped up LS2 or better a LS3 or LS7 in that little car would scream at the track dude, oh my that would be KILLER! ;-)

[rfalker1]

but I would say yes to a LS engine swap in that Celica,a nice hopped up LS2 or better a LS3 or LS7 in that little car would scream at the track dude, oh my that would be KILLER! ;-)
Ohhh I agree totally

But I would say stick with the celica myself also, Rust is a car killer and if you really wanted to make that nova "go" then you would have to upgrade all those parts (engine wise) anyway and that is quite expensive, also by some of the picture alot of stuff looks out of place, especially the interior.
But do what you want instead of what people suggest, that is what makes your life your own!!!

[73z-6sp]

Celica...no question for me.

[68Formula]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but looking at the condition of the Nova compared to the Celica... heck I can't say it, I'll just vote it.

[Big Eddie]

Celica for me too.

[Zanie]

Celica! That Nova is overpriced.
I don't know how rare old imports are on the west coast, but you NEVER see any 71 Celicas in the midwest.

[MarkM66]

"minor rust behind rear wheels and trunk floor"

So it needs quarters and a trunk. lol. Fenders don't look that great either. It's a 2-3k car IMO.

Pass on it.

Pass on any trades as a rule IMO.

[black73vette]

I gotta say when I read the title I thought wow what kind of question is this, nova all the way. Then I saw the pics and even though I have always hated toyotas, I gotta go with the celica on this one unless he would give you a couple grand on top of the deal. That celica is sweet.

[David Sloan]

I would have to agree with everybody on this one! Keep the Toy!

[94SNGLTURBO]

keep the celica. the nova looks like a turd. i wouldnt pay more then 2500$ for that thing your celica looks nice. and you can probabaly sell that alot easier and for more cash

[Scott Parkhurst]

The Nova is common, and that particular one is beat. It's not a '68-'70, it's not an SS, no big-block, nothing special.

You listed all the good stuff on it, but how much of that would you really keep? Not much, I think.

The Celica looks really clean, has decent paint, and doesn't look like a trailer park refugee the way the Nova does.

Keep the Celica, and bet big dollars no one pays $6,500 for that Nova as-is.

[twosaturns]

that nova is a parts car, not even a driver, and he wants $6.5K?!? see what happens when you make pot legal?
that celica is sweet, a nice clean turn key driver. very cool, and you don't see that many left.

[Damn True]

Celica, hands down.

[shortrack]

Wow, you guys can find Nova's like that with a 350 4spd, fact A/C car, tubular control arms Vette brakes for $2500????.....certainly NOT around here......was it a southern car its whole life??. Then the "rust" by rust belt and Midwest standards is not even rust.....you could fix it up with a prof paint job, get the A/C working, some Forgelines and get 15 or so

Nova all the way

Or you could do this......ha42265

[Steve68]

Keep the Celica!

[dadto2jays]

Here in south florida that celica is worth double what that nova is worth so I will have to stick with the celica plus I am Puerto rican besides a blade do you know what else they give us when we are born?

a key to a toyota!!!!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Ahshahaahahahahahahahahahha!

[DynoDon]

This is a tough one and only you will know what is right for you.
I'm not to keen on those second Gen Nova's at all and that one looks really rough for the money. Seems at least a couple of grand over valued. But then again I have no clue what 1st gen Celica's are worth, but a quick internet perusal shows you can buy fairly well restored and tricked out ones for $3,500-5,500.00.
So they might be fairly even value wise, but I wouldn't male that trade. If you would really rather have an American Muscle Car, either sell the Toyota and go shopping, or keep looking for a better trade. JMHO

[19sixtynine]

FWIW Vengance, my buddy sold his Nova about 2 months ago for $4k and it seems like a very comparable car to the one you're looking at, maybe even slightly nicer, so i'm not so sure that Nova is a $6500 car.....In addition, my neighbor was showing me his Celica, roughly the same year as yours but not in as nice of shape and without the aftermarket items and he was telling me how easy these cars are to sell and he's getting $5k all day long for the ones he sells. Personally I think the Celica is a known entity to you and that Nova isn't, and looks like it's going to hold a few unwelcome surprises...i'd hold out for a better deal

Here is a link to my friends Nova for reference
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?71337-71-Nova&highlight=nova

[Chevrolaine]

Tell him 5 grand and his car or go pound sand.

[dropit69]

keep the Celica..thing is sweet..

[406 Q-ship]

Keep the Celica.......that Nova is WAY to rough for 6.5k. I wouldn't want that Nova for 1500.

The front suspension in the Nova needs a redo to get it back to a reasonable ride height. I just reread the OP and the Nova only comes with a bill of sale......don't walk RUN!

[724tim]

The nova is pretty beat and the Celica is clean. Take the devil you know over the devil you don't any day.
x2 keep the Celica

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

the mob has spoken.. i hear you brothas.. and i felt like it wasnt even when he sent me the pics..

but my level of know about novas isnt up to speed.. and i dont know their pull.. so i had to ask the homeboys.

[6'9"Witha69]

Let me pile on more for the . . . gulp . . . Celica.

Hard to believe a website filled by mainly muscle car gearheads voted overwhelmingly for the Celica, but there is no value in that trade.

[Northeast Rod Run]

I can't bring myself to say "go with the Celica", but I can say that the Nova looks like it was pulled out of a scrap yard for about $100.00

I'm glad I looked at the pics before I placed a vote in the poll, because after seeing them both, now I can't even vote for one or the other

[mike w.]

as a nova guy even i couldnt see my way to 6.5k for that nova!! they can be cool but if there is that much rust that we can see just imagine whats lurking underneath!!! hate to say it but celica all the way!

[buickfunnycar.com]

That Celica is badazz...:smoke:

[69dean]

Got to say celica all the way but it needs a nasty 3TC.

[Derek69SS]

I almost voted before looking at the pics, because I thought any Nova would be cooler than any Celica. I was wrong... That Nova's a pile.

[mc84_zz4]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/wtfplate-1.jpg
I'll pile on another vote for the Celica too...
That Nova has been beaten, and put away wet.
Bill of sale only!? - No clear title?! absolutely not!.
Interior looks trashed, exterior is trashed, mechanicals are probably similar...
coils look hacked, lots of hidden bodywork to fix/undo.

[DarkBuddha]

I just saw a couple pics of your '71 Celica from the SouthrnFresh 1 meet posted on a local forum, and I gotta say I'd keep it over trading for the Nova. But that said, I think you should do whatcha want, 'cause owning a car for other people's reasons is not a good thing. If you want the Nova for whatever reason, then get the Nova.

[68Formula]

I think he conned us. Stacking the deck by putting a rotted out Nova against a clean as you can get Celica just to get people to say Celicas are cooler than Novas. You're busted, Veng. LOL!

[Zachalanche]

I do like how those celicas look like mini muscle cars. Keep it and put an LS in it. I see a lot of those novas around the celica would be more original.

[buickfunnycar.com]

I do like how those celicas look like mini muscle cars...

That they do...love the minilight wheels too.

[patriot68]

keep the celica

[Steve68]

Here in south florida that celica is worth double what that nova is worth so I will have to stick with the celica plus I am Puerto rican besides a blade do you know what else they give us when we are born?

a key to a toyota!!!!





I live in orlando you PR fools would hot rod grandma wagon, lol

what do I mean would!!!!, around here if its a Toyota, it been or being modded, now some are cool, some are just plain stupid,

[1969CamaroRS]

I'm guessing that body is holding it's fair share of surprises.

My thoughts too. If you do it, I'd go through the car with a fine tooth comb first. Just from the pics looks like he is getting a better deal (your Celica looks in much better condition).

[Scott Parkhurst]

I live in orlando you PR fools would hot rod grandma's wagon, lol



Hey!

[Steve68]

Hey!

Thats Toyota wagon!!!!

I'd hot rod a normal wagon in a minute, ala parkhurst!!! we had a 70 Buick Estate wagon 375 hp 455, that mother would run like no tomorrow!!!! this was the early 80's of course,

now back to Celica topic.......

[Damn True]

Let me pile on more for the . . . gulp . . . Celica.

Hard to believe a website filled by mainly muscle car gearheads voted overwhelmingly for the Celica, but there is no value in that trade.

The Celica appears to be in much better shape and has more unusual/cool going for it compared to the Nova.

[Vinz68]

I'd sell the Celica a put the money towards another car.

[justasquid]

I'd sell the Celica a put the money towards another car.

This is my thought too. If you want a Nova, sell the Celica and buy a Nova that is worth what the person is asking for it. But there is no way that is a fair trade.

Personally, I think someone has Barrett Jackson syndrome. $6500... wow.. just wow.

[Throttle]

Celica hands down, that Nova isnt worth the cash he wants for it..

[jfreakofkorn]

I hate to say it, but you better off with the Celica than you are with the Nova. Plus no title, thats a little deep for the pockets....

They will always have a another American iron out there waiting for you, with a better price...

[The Stickman]

BTW how is this guy running Corvette brakes with 15 inch wheels?

[CanyonKiller]

He's probably talking about the c3 corvette brakes which are a fixed 4 piston caliper. They were offered on 68 novas and the 1st gen camaros.

[Daren]

Non original paint and clearly visible rust to the point of being rotted out? Not a good thing at all. That nova's body is junk, keep the Celica.

[454bug]

That Nova is a beater... CELICA all the way!!

You know me, Vinnie...

Something like this is what I would have in mind for your ride:

fVCEDMi0iNk

[63Duece]

IMHO id keep the CELICA, those BIG HEFTY NOVAs r cool but those CELICAs r waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more RARE & COOLER

[derekf]

This thread is from November of last year. I suspect that if the trade didn't happen already, then it's off the table.