[mr48chev]

I'd do just almost exactly what Newfisher suggested in post #3. I probably wouldn't invest in new belts and hoses until I had heard it run for a few minutes though. Then after you have actually heard it run do replace all of the hoses and belts before you drive it more than up and down the driveway. The only reason that I say that is if the Previous owner changed oil after the engine started knocking or had other issues you don't have 50 to 100 bucks tied up in belts and hoses and a bad engine. Hearing it run and firmly believing that it is in decent shape is just cause and good preventative maintenance before jumping in it and driving it.

I think he hit it pretty good on the "patina" thing too. the guys on here know that I am no "patina" fan as to me it shows neglect that needs to be taken care of unless it is gently worn original paint with no rust showing up. The Scrubbing with CLR will do wonders for an old dead paint job. I've also seen guys scrub a crusty old car with Bon Ami and actually have it come out pretty nice. That was a couple of seargents at Fort Hood at the local car wash in 1969 scrubbing a 56 Ford sedan.