ATXDB

Hi... I am looking at a 64 roadster that has been modified over the years to now look like a 1967 roadster.

The primary reason I am interested in buying this one, although its color is not ideal for me, is that it has a NOM 427 /390 engine in it and I can get it for 32K. It has a new top but I estimate a refreshed paint job and suspension bits, brake upgrade etc.. will be 5-8k will add to the final cost. While we all know how to add total expenses up, my primary reason of interest in this one is the visceral feel of acceleration through the gears and ability to customize as I see fit... FUN!

So.. your thoughts on buying this versus say a 1965 NOM 327/350 Nassau blue roadster with recent "frame off" resto (documentation yet to be seen) for 40K?

Thanks,

David

LB66383

I say buy the one that you're the most thrilled about. From the tone, it sounds like if you bought the '65, you'd be kicking yourself every time you drove it for not getting the '64.

ChattanoogaJSB

Impossible to say without photos. A frankenvette can be ok, or a real turd. Cosmetics will cost more than you think.

My vote goes to a car that appears to be mostly correct, NOM or not, based on what you've described. Maybe the 65.

Good luck and happy hunting!

sbaba

I think you are underestimating the cost to get the 64 to where you'll like it. Unless you can do most of the work yourself, it normally costs less to buy a car already done than to restore one.

Also, don't limit yourself to these two cars. There are lots of midyears out there for sale.

That said, I certainly appreciate the power of a BB.

Gary's '66

Very much. Even if you DO your own work unless you own a repair/body shop. Even then it's not cheap!

Gary

Frankie the Fink

And those BB cars sound good but in reality can really change the car's handling. I've driven a few and didn't like 'em much.... Many times those big motors are put in a car so somebody can flog on it and I wouldn't go for it unless you could compression/other checks before purchase...

bluestreak63

I would probably lean towards the 65. It's had a recent frame off (confirm who did it) and it's got disc brakes. The 327 is no slouch.

ATXDB

Hi... many thanks for taking the time to reply. I am tending to agree with the consensus of the replies that perhaps the '65 may be a better option for me, especially as a "newbie".

David

GTOguy

You would be on much firmer ground with the '65, IMO. What these gents said is true. I too have driven big block 'vette's, and while they fly in a straight line, they don't handle as well as a small block car, and they are hotter in the cabin. I always wanted one (still do!), but because I like to drive a lot, a small block would be my choice.

FasterIsBetter

If, indeed, the '65 has had a frame-off restoration, and all of the mechanical things like suspension, engine, transmission, rear end, etc., have been done and the car needs nothing, I'd go for the '65.

It is always better to buy a car that someone else did rather than doing it yourself, assuming they had it done right. Costs of repairs can mount quickly. Buying a fixer-upper is not always a bargain, unless you can do all of the work yourself and you are looking for a project. I learned that lesson the hard way, more than once because I'm a hard-headed, slow learner.

Bluestripe67

Since you are new to all this have you, or will you get someone to validate the stated condition of the '65? A number of pigs have had lipstick applied. Dennis

ChattanoogaJSB

Agreed. That is a low price for a true restoration, not a rolling paint job. Depending on what was done it could still be a good value.

desertpilgrim

How did the '64 handle the depression in the front crossmember to
clear the balancer and pulleys? Judge change them some how? Or is the depression there and you can add "What year frame is under this car?" to your list.

3JsVette

If the '65 is as described it is the better choice. As the others have warned it's real easy to under estimate the budget and don't forget the time involved to complete those little projects.