Pretty much the same things as with any other car...frame rot,excessive bondo in the quarters and fenders, etc. One other place to look at is on the rear roof pillars where they leaded the top onto the rest of the lower sheet metal. On my project, and my parts car they both have the same "bubbles" which look like body cancer, but is actually globs of lead. If it has a vinyl top, look at the headliner closely for signs of water leakage from rust pin holes. The rust below the tail lights is fairly commom on the Galaxies for 69/70 the exhaust usually stopped right under the bumper and the corrosive gases would eat away at the metal ledge that runs between the rear bumper and the body. Its more like a filler strip. They're spot welded on, but not too big a job to make a new one. Mine will need replaced as well. Not sure what else to advise, other than being aware that these bodies were for only two years and sheet metal is kinda hard to find. One other thing to be aware of....the doors are huge on these and more than likely he'll need to replace hinge pins and bushings.

 

Thanks Bruce, I knew you'd come to the rescue.
I had answered him in my reply email, but my answer is not really that relevant being on the other side of the world.

 

The 70 XL is only the greatest car in the world! However, not everybody lives in my world, so your opinions will vary. ;-)

 

X2!

 

Frame rot over the drivers rear frame rail between the shock mount and the top of the hump over the axle, real bad spot there.

 

With a car at or around 1K price, you've gotta figure virtually everything mechanical is worn. Some will not be, and will have much life, but I think that if you start with the assumption that you'll have to replace or shore up everything mechanical in short order (either right away or over the next 3 years), it is a good mindset to have. From bushings, to brakes, hoses, water pump, muffler and pipes, intake gaskets, carburetor, differential service, minimally transmission service (if not major work), belts, radiator, tires, and many more I have missed. If some are in good shape, and the engine sounds solid, 1K is more than reasonable.

Does it have to be a 1970? The 1969 is essentially the same car, and in my opinion, a little sharper looking. I have one of each!

Poke around under the front seats, both the passenger and driver side, where the pan is at the lowest point. Feel for crunchiness. If I recall right, for the 69/70, it is double walled at this point, so under the car it might be solid, but rusted through at the top just under the seats.