SAMPLE INSPECTION REPORT

Year, Make & Model: 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 Sunliner Convertible

Appointment Information

Test Drive

Comments: QUITE A BIT OF PRESSURE IS NEEDED TO STOP THE CAR.

Engine

Comments: PUMP THE THROTTLE A COUPLE OF TIMES AND ENGINE STARTS AND IDLES NORMALLY

Transmission

Comments: TRANSMISSION SHIFTS THROUGH THE GEARS NORMALLY.

Steering

Comments: POWER STEERING WORKS GOOD, NO BELT OR BEARING SCREAMING WHEN TURNING A TIGHT RADIUS

Brakes

Comments: CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING, NEEDS A LOT OF FOOT PRESSURE TO STOP CAR. NON-POWER.

Rear End

Comments:

Air Conditioning

Comments: THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING.

Suspension

Comments: CAR STEERS NORMALLY AND DOES NOT WANDER

Cooling System: Radiator

Comments:

Wheels / Tires Type:

Comments:

Exhaust

Comments: NICE SOUNDING EXHAUST SYSTEM.

(OP–Operational     INOP–Inoperable     UNK–Unknown     N/A–Not Applicable )

Comments: RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INOP. WIPER SWITCH DID NOT WORK.

Interior

Comments: TRIM IS ALL THERE, SOME OF THE MOULDINGS HAVE SMALL DENTS.

BODY & PAINT

Comments: #1 WAVY QUARTER PANEL ON LEFT SIDE. #2 ORANGE PEEL ON SIDES. #3 BOTH SIDES LOWER, SEE COMMENTS. #4 SURFACE COMING OUT ON ALL PANELS EXCEPT RIGHT FENDER. SEE OVERALL COMMENTS.

UNDERCARRIAGE FRAME

Comments: #1 TAR LIKE COVERING, MIGHT CONCEAL PROBLEM AREAS.

Vehicle Modifications (Please List):

Comments:

WHAT IS THE VIN RECORDED ON THE VEHICLE? AVAILABLE IN OFFICIAL REPORT

** THE VALUE WAS DETERMINED BY USING A SIMILAR VEHICLE SOLD AT AUCTION IN APRIL.

OVERALL COMMENTS:

1. MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE CAR WAS FAVORABLE. WALKING UP TO IT, THEN AROUND THE CAR LEAVES YOU WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE FOR BEING OVER 60 YEARS OLD. OVERALL, THAT IS TRUE. I LOOKED AT THE UNDERSIDE FIRST, AS THE CAR WAS ON A HOIST WHEN I ARRIVED. THERE WAS THE BLACK TAR LOOKING COVERING THAT WAS APPLIED TO THE ENTIRE UNDERSIDE WHICH COULD COVER UP SOME PROBLEM AREAS. THE FLOOR PANS APPEAR SOUND FRONT AND BACK. I DID NOT SEE ANY SIGNS OF HOLES OR SOFT SPOTS. THE REAR INNER QUARTER PANELS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED SOMETIME IN THE PAST, BUT ALL THE INNER PANELS LOOK ORIGINAL TO THE CAR. THE REAR FRAME RAIL REINFORCEMENTS HAVE TACKY LOOKING WELDS. THE TRANS PAN IS WET, DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A BAD LEAK, BUT THE BOTTOM IS WET FROM SOMETHING.
2. ALL THE DRIVELINE LOOKS NORMAL.
3. THE PAINT CONDITION BOTHERS ME. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SMALL SPOTS WHERE THE PAINT HAS COME OFF, OR IS COMING OFF, AND RUST IS FOLLOWING RIGHT BEHIND IT. ALL PANELS HAVE THIS EXCEPT THE HOOD AND RIGHT FENDER. THE ROCKER PANELS HAVE THE MOST PRONOUNCED AREAS, BUT THE OTHER SIDE PANELS DO HAVE AREAS WHERE THIS CONDITION IS SHOWING. BOTH ROCKER PANELS DO NOT HAVE PROPER GAPS TO THE DOORS. THE LEFT ROCKER IS OUT AT ONE AREA, AND IN A COUPLE FEET AWAY. THE DRIVER DOOR SETS OUT A LITTLE AT THE QUARTER PANEL. THE INSIDE SEAM OF THE DRIVER DOOR HAS HAD WORK DONE TO IT, AND THE SEAM SEALER WAS APPLIED SLOPPILY. THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR SHOWS A WEATHERSTRIP THAT WAS POORLY MASKED.
4. DOOR PANELS ARE VERY WAVY, AND ARE MARGINALLY ACCEPTABLE.
5. THE FRONT BUMPER HAS SOME MINOR DINGS BUT THE PLATING IS NICE. THE REAR BUMPER PLATING IS STARTING TO BUBBLE.
6. THE RIGHT DOOR GAP SEEMS A BIT TIGHT FRONT AND REAR. TIGHT GAPS ON A CONVERTIBLE ALWAYS BOTHER ME.
7. SOME OF THE DASH COMPONENTS ARE INOP, WIPERS, RADIO AND CLOCK. THE RIGHT SIGNAL IS INOP, PROBABLY NEEDS A BULB.
8. THE SEATS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, SHOWING MINIMAL WEAR. CARPETS ARE STAINED, MAY SHAMPOO CLEAN.
9. CAR STARTS RIGHT UP AFTER A COUPLE OF PUMPS. NO SMOKE OR RATTLES. I COULD ONLY DRIVE THE CAR DOWN A SIDE STREET, ABOUT 35MPH MAX. STEERS STRAIGHT, SHIFTS WELL, TURNS FINE, BUT PULLS TO THE LEFT WHILE BRAKING. TRANSMISSION ENGAGES RIGHT AWAY, NO DELAYS. I DID NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS.
10. I THINK THIS IS IN GOOD SHAPE FOR A 1959 FORD. I WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE PAINT. I BELIEVE LONG TERM, THIS CAR WILL REQUIRE A STRIP AND REPAINT. THERE ARE SIGNS OF PRIOR BODY REPAIRS WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AT THAT TIME.
11. ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CALL.

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.

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.