Cessnapilot89

My dad used to have a 1968 327 coupe back in the 80's before I was born. He sold it to a friend, who has not driven it the 20 years he had, it is just sitting in a garage uncared for. We still see his friend on occasion. I would really love to have my dad's old car, but what would be a reasonable offer to make for it? Would it ever be worth the time and money put into restoring it?

Bruthish

Depending on the condition of it, I say "Yes!". Even if its due for a total frame off resto..it would have sentimental value(I would hope) as it was your dad's. Unless it is rotted, go for it! I think its pretty neat!

vettebuyer6369

Yeah, I'm usually pretty hard core when it comes to numbers and low prices, etc, but in cases like these you have to throw a little bit of logic out the window.

If its not horribly rusted, try to buy it low but you many have to pay over market, because he'll know he has you over a barrell. On the other hand, he might even be a cool human being. Wont know 'till you try.

At any rate, its worth trying, and overpaying a bit, too.

Ak. Mal

It depends on two questions. 1. How much work does it need? 2. How much money and time are you willing to devote to restoring it?

SuprJames

Without actually seeing the car or you being a little more descriptive about it we really can't give you any idea on value. The condition on these cars vary so much. If it's been garaged for 20 years, it's probably worth buying. Check the "bird cage" for rust and the frame for excessive rust (you'll find some). The bird cage is a metal frame that surrounds the window and the rest of the cockpit. Bad rust here can cause doors to sag and leaks, and it is a PITA to fix depending on where the rust is. You'll have to remove the kick panels and some trim panels around the window to see it.

Seymourvettelover

I say buy it if you can and hold on to it, in addition to my vette I have a 69 plymouth gtx that my father loved to ride in before he passed on,dad has been gone 15yrs. but I still think of him every time I look at the car!

Cessnapilot89

I have not actually ever seen the car. How ever, I have been toying with the thought of offering to trade him for my C4 and some cash. I'll have to call him and see if he would even part with it.

vettebuyer6369

You might have better luck trying to dump the C4 and bringing cash.

VettePower

you have not even seen the car. it could be trash. Why would you offer your C4 AND cash????

trw

Why not first ask:
1. Does he want to sell it back.
2. Would love to have Dad's car back.

See where it goes from there. He might be kind hearted and give you a deal.
Terry

Red70vette

A car in storage will have issues after 20 years. How bad are the issues will depend on how it was stored and maintained. Even if it was indoors if it has not been started in 20 years you will likely have to have the engine rebuilt.

I would offer to buy it from him for what he paid for it 20 years ago. You should be ahead of the game if he agrees. The value of that car to you and your dad will be well worth the time, effort, and cost$$$ to restore it.

7T1vette

If it is something that you really feel strongly about, you should check into it. Call the guy up and talk to him...see if he has any interest in selling. Don't even ask about price, yet. If he seems interested, go look at it and take someone who has experience with you (ask for help on the Forum). If it has been stored in a bad environment, expect the worst. If stored in a dry environment (and mice haven't eaten it up), you may have something to work with. DON'T TRY TO START IT unless you've gone through a thorough purge and readiness process. A 20 year storage '68 small block coupe shouldn't be over $7500 if it's in good shape...heck the engine/tranny/etc. could all be frozen up. Expect LOTS of work.

682XLR8

cessna-I see you're from my neck of the woods. I have a 68 that has a history similar to the one you're thinking of buying(sat in my uncle's garage for 15 years, served as a rodent motel, place to stack stuff, etc.) if you need help checking it out, let me know, I'll see if I can help out

7T1vette

There you go! You boys have fun, now.

682XLR8

Always fun helping out another CF member

0A.Young

I agree with VetteBuyer on this one, and I think that you have a pretty cool opportunity. Years from now you may be kicking yourself because you didnt get it, however, there are several parts that are not available for that car. Fortunately you have plenty of people on the c3 forum with extra stuff lying around and if you need new stuff Myself and others have forum discounts. Just realize that you MAY be in for a long restoration, and you are going to have to be certain that you can commit that time to doing it and doing it right. Otherwise do not waste your money or time. In other words, dont Joe Dirt the car.

C3 4ME

I would try to contact the guy and tell exacty what you said here, that you'd like to get your dad's car back. I always try to look at the good side to people, and hopefully the guy would be cool and let you have it back for a reasonable price.

GD70

I'd go for if it was my dad's old C3. Be prepared to work with this "friend" over time. He may say not interested right off the bat. Be persistent in a positive way, how much it means to you, yada yada yada. We hear these stories from time to time where it took a year of prodding to finally get the car.
Hopefully he'll be willing since it's sat untouched with no interest for so long. You'll be doing him a favor and freeing up space in his garage.
As the others said be prepared to walk away if it's in bad shape.
Keep us posted and get some pics if you can.
Good luck, Glenn

Cessnapilot89

Hey Everyone, thanks for the help and advice with what to do. I will go digging through my parents phone book and find his number. His brother said he would help me in any attempts to convince him to sell it. This april I got my 89 coupe as my first car. I love it but I really love the C3 body style.

ghoastrider1

Wish I had a car my Dad owned. Go for it.