| ByeByeChrysler |
I'm looking to buy a 30 to 40 year old car as a project.
I'm thinking of a convertible or a two seater.
I know some of you out there, are up to speed on
the do's and don'ts, and you may already have taken on
this kind of project.
So, my question is, what models and years should I avoid?
I heard it's very difficult to get parts for some old imports, etc.
Any tips.
Being the only male in the household, I'm going to have plenty of time on my hands as the girls get older. |
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| evoge |
Muscle car? Sports car? Cruiser? American? European--British, German, or Italian? Any of these directions will give completely different answers. I had a '60 Caddy convertible and early 1970s BMWs at the same time, and each had own pros/cons (and needs for $$$.)
OTOH, buy a good used Miata or Corvette convertible and just have fun driving and tweaking. |
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| catzx6 |
quote:
Originally posted by evoge
OTOH, buy a good used Miata or Corvette convertible and just have fun driving and tweaking.
That's what I did! Everyone who rides in my Celica gets out of it smiling ear to ear. It's a blast to do that to people. Sure, it needs a couple of little things here & there, but no one else notices, just the owner & car washer!
Enjoy looking around, and even though I'm partial, get a convertible!
You're family will wonder why you didn't get one years ago.:2: |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by catzx6
That's what I did! Everyone who rides in my Celica gets out of it smiling ear to ear. It's a blast to do that to people. Sure, it needs a couple of little things here & there, but no one else notices, just the owner & car washer!
Enjoy looking around, and even though I'm partial, get a convertible!
You're family will wonder why you didn't get one years ago.:2:
Great choice! The 6th generation Celica is so much nicer than the current spaceship prototype. Like the Miata, it has great classical sports car styling wedded to great reliability, plus a 2nd row which makes it more of a family oriented vehicle when this is needed.
Here's a bunch of pics:
http://www.toyotacelicas.com/member...gen.html#static |
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| Jim03MDX |
LOL ByeByeChrysler, you sound similar to where I was ~3 years ago. I had a yearning to get a Corvette for a "fun" car I could drive on weekends in nice weather. After talking it over with Mrs. Jim03MDX, setting a budget and doing a lot of research I ended up getting a 91 convertible. It was great. Went to shows, get togethers and met a lot of nice people. I had so much fun that about a year ago I sold it and bought a slightly used 2002 vette coupe. The nice thing about vettes is there is a camaraderie with the car that goes back five model generations (soon to be 6) and 50+ years.
So my suggestion is get something that will make you happy, maybe something you've always wanted, and you can share with others because if you're going to spend a lot of time and/or money on it, you might as well make it something you will really enjoy.
Good luck! |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
A co-workers husband as a 1980 vette.
I've done my homework and if he is willing, I'll buy it in Spring.
The car is well maintained and looks sharp.
All my reasearch on the Corvette websites, mentions the good stuff.
Anyone have any negative info to share?
:readit: :roadtrip: |
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| Jim03MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by ByeByeChrysler
A co-workers husband as a 1980 vette.
I've done my homework and if he is willing, I'll buy it in Spring.
The car is well maintained and looks sharp.
All my reasearch on the Corvette websites, mentions the good stuff.
Anyone have any negative info to share?
:readit: :roadtrip:
Early C3s are starting to come into their own. 1980 would be a later year since the C3 ran 68 - 82. These later C3s have not hit any real type of "collectibility" yet (and possibly never will) so if it requires any restoration you will most likely be putting more into it then you will ever be able to get out of it ....but who cares if your just doing it as a project and for fun. Parts are plentiful and there are lot's of very knowledgeable people out there willing to help. I highly suggest you check out the C3 forums on http://www.corvetteforum.com Lot's of good info and people to answer your questions. Good luck!!! |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
1980 was the last year of the L-82, and only 5069 of them were made.
That caught my attention too, for someday to be worth more or maintain its value.
By the way, that's a nice vette site. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
Ok, now I'm looking at a 1970 Coupe with a new small block, numbers don't match, but looks sharp.
Jim03MDX thanks for your guidance, I'll let you know if I pursue or look at something else. |
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| mn-mdx |
| Two years ago I was looking for a fun car and ended up with a 94 Corvette Roadster. My wife and I have loved it so far. We have met lots of other Corvette people and have joined clubs done driving schools and had a blast. I'd recommend nothing older than a C4 if you want to drive. The older the vette the more expensive to maintain and the more you have to maintain. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by mn-mdx
Two years ago I was looking for a fun car and ended up with a 94 Corvette Roadster. My wife and I have loved it so far. We have met lots of other Corvette people and have joined clubs done driving schools and had a blast. I'd recommend nothing older than a C4 if you want to drive. The older the vette the more expensive to maintain and the more you have to maintain.
I've got all my options open, I don't want a money pit.
If all the C3's I look at are in rough shape, then I move up to the C4's, unless they are all too expensive for my budget. |
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| mgtr |
| There is a danger in going down the fun car road. Fifteen years ago I chose a 1965 MGB, bought it restored it, drove it , loved it. I now have 4 MGs, 2 Triumphs, an Austin Healey, and a Jensen Healey (not counting parts cars). None of these are for sale, by the way, they are just fun cars. I'd guess I am an addict, but they are fun. |
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| Pauls MDX |
| For power and fun for the money, you can't beat a Corvette. For fun and long term reliability, I would go for the Infinity G-35 coupe or the Nissan 350Z. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by mgtr
There is a danger in going down the fun car road. Fifteen years ago I chose a 1965 MGB, bought it restored it, drove it , loved it. I now have 4 MGs, 2 Triumphs, an Austin Healey, and a Jensen Healey (not counting parts cars). None of these are for sale, by the way, they are just fun cars. I'd guess I am an addict, but they are fun.
nice |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by mgtr
There is a danger in going down the fun car road. Fifteen years ago I chose a 1965 MGB, bought it restored it, drove it , loved it. I now have 4 MGs, 2 Triumphs, an Austin Healey, and a Jensen Healey (not counting parts cars). None of these are for sale, by the way, they are just fun cars. I'd guess I am an addict, but they are fun.
Very nice, indeed. What year Austin Healey? |
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| Tispco |
I have owned a 'fun' car since I was in college. I have had a '66 Mustang coupe and a 64.5 Mustang convertible. I currently have a '00 Corvette hardtop and a '94 Jeep Cherokee as my 'fun' cars. I have to agree with mgtr, they can multiple on you.
Of course, I am biased, but I think the Corvette is a great choice. Parts and service are easy to find and there is a large following of fellow 'Vette owners you can get involved with.
Just a couple thoughts --
Buy the best car you can afford. In the long run, it is always cheaper to buy a car that needs nothing, than one that needs work, especially if you don't do the work yourself.
Older cars will always need more attention than newer ones.
Are there parts available and can you find people who know how to service this make / model? You can spend a lot of money and time hunting down a rare part. (Not a big issue with a C3 or C4 Corvette.)
Other owners. Part of the fun of having a 'fun' car is getting together with the other owners. I would go to a local club meeting or car show and see if you have a lot in common with the people there. For example, the Corvette owners tend to be in there 40's and 50's with various social events and cruises. Cherokee owners tend to be very young in there 20's and are mainly interested in playing in the mud and rocks. |
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| mgtr |
robrecht-
My Austin Healey is a 1954 BN1, aka 100-4. It was made in December 1953, one of first 1,000 made. It is Healey Blue (sort of silvery). Most people are far more familiar with the 3000 from the 1960s, but all Healeys are special. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by mgtr
robrecht-
My Austin Healey is a 1954 BN1, aka 100-4. It was made in December 1953, one of first 1,000 made. It is Healey Blue (sort of silvery). Most people are far more familiar with the 3000 from the 1960s, but all Healeys are special.
Very special! |
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| jswift2000 |
| I was in Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT and they had a SL500 for sale - red with a tan leather interior. I sat in the car and I wanted it that day... the boss would have killed me !!! |
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| mgtr |
| You have think seriously about what you really want out of your fun car, particularly if it is older. If you want to do car shows, etc., then things like originality, numbers match, colors right are very, very important. But if it is a driver, then you can save money by getting a car which isn't quite right - newer engine or tranny, a few parts not quite right. It won't matter to you after six months. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
I've been focusing on early C3's the last few months.
I really like the vettes with some chrome.
Hopefully within the next few weeks, I can announce
the arrival of my new baby, so I can further preserve & baby my X. |
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| nwaring |
ByeBye...I too would like a fun car and have been leaning towards the Corvette. Tuesday I walked in from the parking lot with a woman I work with and she told me she really wanted to get rid of her car and told me to make an offer. It is a red 1990 convertible, auto with 36k miles. She has on and off been after me to buy it for a couple of years. A year and half ago she wanted 17K which I thought was pretty high. I find it difficult to find out what really is a good\bad deal on these older vette's. If you look at KBB or Edmunds then look at what people are asking on Auto-Trader or Ebay there is a big difference.
Anyone have an idea of a fair price for a 90 convertible that is in excellent condition?
Good luck
Niles:) |
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| DaleB |
quote:
My Austin Healey is a 1954 BN1, aka 100-4. It was made in December 1953, one of first 1,000 made. It is Healey Blue (sort of silvery). Most people are far more familiar with the 3000 from the 1960s, but all Healeys are special.
I remember the 100-4's....But yes, everyone wanted the six. Sounds like a rare beauty! |
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| Jim03MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by nwaring
ByeBye...I too would like a fun car and have leaning towards the Corvette. Tuesday I walked in from the parking lot with a woman I work with and she told me she really wanted to get rid of her car and told me to make an offer. It is a red 1990 convertible, auto with 36k miles. She has on and off been after me to buy it for a couple of years. A year and half ago she wanted 17K which I thought was pretty high. I find it difficult to find out what really is a good\bad deal on these older vette's. If you look at KBB or Edmunds then look at what people are asking on Auto-Trader or Ebay there is a big difference.
Anyone have an idea of a fair price for a 90 convertible that is in excellent condition?
Good luck
Niles:)
~2 years ago I sold my 91 vette vert with 67K miles for $13,000. Prices have held pretty steady on the older C4s so that is about what you should expect to pay today (maybe a little less) for a similar car from a private seller.
Another good site with lots of vettes for sale....
http://www.vettehound.com/geo/classifieds.php? |
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| nwaring |
Thanks for the links. I will check them out.
Niles |
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| BlueStreak |
quote:
Originally posted by Pauls MDX
For power and fun for the money, you can't beat a Corvette.
I'll second that. My 2000 vert is our 2nd Corvette and they are an absolute blast. I'm prez of our local corvette club and with the exception of Harley owners, you won't find a better group of people when you need anything.
They are fun automobiles and with the C5 generation, quite fuel efficient vehicles as well.
This is car was designed to take a beating and will hold up well, so get one and enjoy it. |
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| DChan415 |
Whoa... alot of vette guys on here... I feel outta place!
I gotta say one of the funnest cars I've driven is the s2000. |
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| Ceenit |
I got the bug about two years ago as well. My requirements were ragtop, under 20k (preferrably 15k), ability to do some maintenance myself, couldn't be something you see everyday, and it had to have head turning ability.
I quickly found that the older vettes I liked (64-67) were out of my price range or were basket cases, the older camaro's felt like I was just settling cause I couldn't get a vette (athough I really like them), there are too many mustangs out there.
And then I figured that I did not want a garage queen so something newer (but not too new might fit the bill).
I looked at the Z3 (great car but they are everywhere)....Then finally I ran accross my new pride and joy.....a Guards Red 1994 Porsche 968 Cab.....very low production numbers, excellent handling and speed, a very religious following, and turns more heads than anything else I was looking at because there are so few on the roads.
Hope you find something that puts a smile on your face every time you turn the key.
, |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by Ceenit
I got the bug about two years ago as well. My requirements were ragtop, under 20k (preferrably 15k), ability to do some maintenance myself, couldn't be something you see everyday, and it had to have head turning ability.
I quickly found that the older vettes I liked (64-67) were out of my price range or were basket cases, the older camaro's felt like I was just settling cause I couldn't get a vette (athough I really like them), there are too many mustangs out there.
And then I figured that I did not want a garage queen so something newer (but not too new might fit the bill).
I looked at the Z3 (great car but they are everywhere)....Then finally I ran accross my new pride and joy.....a Guards Red 1994 Porsche 968 Cab.....very low production numbers, excellent handling and speed, a very religious following, and turns more heads than anything else I was looking at because there are so few on the roads.
Hope you find something that puts a smile on your face every time you turn the key.
,
Post some pics Ceenit
I'm going on Tuesday to check out the vette I want.
The sellers says I got first dibs on it, as I was the first caller.
He's away for the weekend, so thats why Tuesday.
I hope he is true to his word, as I'm losing sleep over this car.
I posted a picture in my gallery, check it out. |
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| Ceenit |
Here she is...I posted a few under my gallery as well. Great feature.
Chris |
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| Ceenit |
before I get flamed by any other 968 owner/lurkers, as I know a few others also own MDX's.....the pics I attached are not my actual car, but identical twins of my car....I did not have any on my PC so these pics are from the 968 forum.
If you are interested in purchasing a 968, the 968.net site is an excellent referrence...lot's of enthusiasts just like here. Also, for people with serious interest, either I or any of the other 968 owners are happy to share info or give first hand looks/rides.
Chris |
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| phins2rt |
| Nice! Very Nice!!! :29: |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by ByeByeChrysler
I'm going on Tuesday to check out the vette I want.
The sellers says I got first dibs on it, as I was the first caller.
He's away for the weekend, so thats why Tuesday.
I hope he is true to his word, as I'm losing sleep over this car.
I posted a picture in my gallery, check it out.
IT'S MINE, I BOUGHT IT, IM SO FU@KEN EXCITED
Its a 1971 Matching #'s Blue Vette, check out my gallery.
I pick it up later this week, I'll probably sleep in it too.:2: |
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| Ceenit |
| Very nice, I'm gettin the bug again for a corvette. Trolled through eBay yesterday and found an ad for an auction coming up in a few weeks..... |
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| mgtr |
| While I am doing british cars now, I have owned a couple of Corvettes. On the whole, they were likely the most satisfying, least expensive fun cars I have ever owned. Now if I could just find a 57 priced right .... |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I put my vote in for a G35 coupe. The more I drive my wife's Infiniti the more I like/want one to drive myself. Very fun automobile. |
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| timbrwolf9 |
Old Vettes are great to tinker with and depending on what you are wanting to do with it, I.E drive it, show it, etc., you should shop based on those criteria. If you are going to show it, I would try and find a numbers matching one. If you are only interested in cruising on the weekends, then originality isn't as much of an issue.
As someone else mentioned, www.corvetteforum.com is a great Vette website with all kinds of good info. I have been a member there for a year or two and it has been helpful. I have a 62 Vette that is my weekend toy/project. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by timbrwolf9
As someone else mentioned, www.corvetteforum.com is a great Vette website with all kinds of good info. I have been a member there for a year or two and it has been helpful. I have a 62 Vette that is my weekend toy/project.
I've also found the Corvette Action Center to be a cool place to visit:
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/index.php
As far as I'm concerned, '56-'57 were the best years in terms of styling, by far, with the larger displacement of the '57 taking the nod between these two! |
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| mgtr |
robrecht-
As a prior '57 owner, I agree completely. It was much closer to the idea of a sports car and less a personal car. It was lighter weight, with minimal accessories (no AC, power steering, etc). Towards the end of the model year you could get a 4 speed. Everybody wants FI, but it is troublesome. There are probably 4 times as many supposed '57s out there than ever existed in 1957. Other versions, even the base, had plenty of power, due to the lighter weight and less junk on it. Of course, it wouldn't throw you out of the car like the 427s would. That car was an animal. |
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| mgtr |
| Well, I was trying to say that there are a lot of fake 1957 FI Corvettes out there. Whew! |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
Well, only a few more months, before the 'fun' cars get put into storage for the winter.
With winter comes road salt.:mad: |
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| SteveNsx |
| How about staying loyal to Honda and buying an s2000. I had a 93 corvette and the thing is a quality nightmare!!! It literally fell apart on my garage floor. I currently own an NSX and this car is THE car to own!!!!! I have driven a LOT of cars and this is the most enjoyable of any I have been around. A good alternative for the C4's you guys are talking about would be a 95-99 M3. The car will run all over the c4 in everything but a drag race and it is right there even then. I just sold my PERFECT 96 for 14.5 k. The new owner loves the car. Drive the C4, then drive an s2k or a 2nd gen M3. The c5 is a much better car than the 4 but you will pay more. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
SteveNsx
My vette is a C3, you are correct, it doesn't compare to the cars you mentioned, my thrill is from my childhood, I remember them being so cool, and I love the look of them. |
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| dipersp |
Sorry to trounce on the Vette guys, but how about one of these:
TOTAL sleeper - looks like a regular TBird, except for the factory body kit, factory supercharger and factory 5-speed. This is a '94 model, which was also made in '95. The Thunderbird SC began it's life with the '89 TBird (Motortrend Car of the Year!) Only about 50k were produced in total, and mine is 1 in about 700. I've even raced it at Pocono with the Corvette club and they weren't happy to see me pass by (Depends on the Vette, though - now that everyone has those Z06s, forget it!)
Really great car and fun to drive. You never expect the performance from it for a factory car back then, and it's also a really nice ride. This is MY fun car!
Check out www.sccoa.com for more info on the TBird SC. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
A friend of mine had a red SC.
Very nice and quick, and can be used as a family vehicle. |
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| Jim03MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveNsx
How about staying loyal to Honda and buying an s2000. I had a 93 corvette and the thing is a quality nightmare!!! It literally fell apart on my garage floor. I currently own an NSX and this car is THE car to own!!!!! I have driven a LOT of cars and this is the most enjoyable of any I have been around. A good alternative for the C4's you guys are talking about would be a 95-99 M3. The car will run all over the c4 in everything but a drag race and it is right there even then. I just sold my PERFECT 96 for 14.5 k. The new owner loves the car. Drive the C4, then drive an s2k or a 2nd gen M3. The c5 is a much better car than the 4 but you will pay more.
Staying loyal to Honda? I believe the discussion is about (all) FUN cars. Vettes are fun. The cars you mention are fun, but it seems you have an attitude of my car is better then your car. :rolleyes: |
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| SteveNsx |
No, not my car is better than yours. I have owned a vette, my sister had a ZR-1, a 73 big block and a C4 convertable. The older cars are great investments. I would love to own a mid 60's big block. As far as fun cars go, my OPINION is that the quality in comparison with the cars I mentioned is the older M3 and the S2000 are more car for the money. The M3 has a back seat and is a great alternative for the guy that needs a usable driver. I call it as I have seen it......The 3rd Gen RX-7 is a great car also.....but NOT dependable as they go about 50k miles and then CROAK. There are a lot of great cars that are not HONDA. There are few that I trust like I trust my Honda. The ZR-1 is a great collector car and can be purchased at a reasonable price. My idea of fun is diff. than others here. I like dependable, light, normally aspirated, rare.....(NSX)
People in Z28's laugh at my 270 HP P.O.S. everyday cause they think their camaro is better/faster/prettier.../cheaper. So what, I drive what I like. Give me a raise and I will go for the new GT3 Porsche. It is all of the above, although probably not as dependable as my Honda! I love ALL FUN cars!!! One other not mentioned yet..........the new ELISE. Fun??? YEEESSS!!!
Quality........don't know yet......sorry if I offended any chevy owners..
But my C4 was fast in it's day but did fall apart a few days later.
The new c6 ZO6 should be a MONSTER!! |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by SteveNsx
The new c6 ZO6 should be a MONSTER!!
wish I had the money. |
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