Banzaitrey

I ran across a 69' corvette convertible in pretty good shape, the interior is perfect and the motor runs and drives. The convertible top is also in excellent shape. Someone along the way has installed a later model front clip and rear and I was wondering what would this do to the value of the car. I am unsure of which motor is in the car, but i believe it is a 350 with automatic transmission. The conversion was done well and the body is in good shape and ready to paint. I would likely change it back myself to original, but I was wondering what the value is so I don't overpay. Thank you for any help and I know this can be difficult without pictures but I appreciate any insight.

Easy Mike

Usually these types of changes lowers the value of the car.

That could be expensive, but if you choose to return to stock, do it now before paint.

What is the seller asking? Second question is whether you want this 69 and the changes which have been made to it.

F22

It also depends on how experienced you are mechanically and body-work wise. If you're not familiar with Corvettes, they're unlike anything else GM has ever produced, period. They are tough cars to work on, with their own unique requirements.

And you're also, very likely going to run into the infamous "While You're There...", because there's a lot, that you can do to a Corvette, that's far easier to do, with the body off, like the body mounts, front suspension, radiator and radiator support, headlight mechanism rebuild, vacuum line replacement and the list goes on, so have some money in you're budget for that.

You should also know what price a typical, clean front and rear clip will go for on these cars as well. Not a project for the unknowing or the meek!

Banzaitrey

We have a 60, 67 and 69 corvette, so I am familiar with working on the cars. The 69 that has been changed is 5,000 but I will likely get it for much less. I know that is a great deal, at least it seems to be to me. Like I said, the interior is in great shape. I am also wondering what you think it would cost to purchase the original front and rear pieces. I have spare bumpers already for the car. The good thing is, I would be in no hurry to finish the car. I am building my 69 convertible right now and it is almost ready to be painted so I would be in no hurry, I just can't pass up a good deal.

540 vette

For that price, if you did the work yourself it would be well worth it.

F22

Good deal! Good thing you're not in a hurry either. I don't have an idea on what the clips cost (maybe somebody can chime in), but I'm wildly guessing at least $1K for the front and maybe $600 -$750 for the rear clip, bare with no tailights, wiring, license plate bracket, etc.

Easy Mike

Check with the aftermarket providers. Several of them carry reproduction stock fiberglass. You can check prices and shipping.

Your second option would be to purchase used clips from Corvette salvage places.

You could try to scrounge together actual NOS pieces, but you will need to win the lottery beforehand.

Good luck.

doorgunner

I am in the same situation....but I am collecting needed body sections as I rebuild the suspension/etc....

Hope you find what you need!

qwank

for that price and knowing you already have a '69, I would leave it the way it is and drive it. '80s look great as convertibles

Banzaitrey

I was able to purchase the car today. Already got in running, interior is in great shape. I was able to give way less than the asking price so it was a great deal. I might just drive it as is.

Alan 71

Hi B,
I'd still be curious as to just what you've bought since '80 front and rear clips don't just fall 'naturally' onto a car with a '69 frame.
I'm wondering just what's under there? Is it still the '69 frame?
???
Regards,
Alan

vettebuyer6369

Along these lines, I dont understand how you have an '80 rear clip, which is a coupe, on your '69 "convertible."

A convertible conversion usually has an 80-82 front clip, and a '74-75 rear clip, with an 80-82 rear bumper cover, which makes the entire body look like it was an 80-82, the only basic configuration that did not come from the factory in convertible form. Thats the thing that makes them interesting.

Is this what you have? You cannot attach an '80 rear bumper cover (without wild modification) onto a '69 rear clip, and an '80 "rear clip" would have a big back window coupe section on it.

Any chance you could provide a picture?

Generally speaking, if the engine is NOM and theres nothing special about the car otherwise, the 80-82 convertible conversion could be a cool car and a much, much less expensive proposition.

tokim

Pics?

qwank

rudolph schenker

Banzaitrey

Sorry guys, I may have been wrong about the rear clip. I will take some pictures this evening. We just got the car to the shop this afternoon. Will have some uploaded shortly. Thanks again for your input.

persuader

I am imagining the car to be just like Vettebuyer has described it as. In which case I like it already. 80-82s do look really cool as convertibles.

Banzaitrey

Banzaitrey

I really appreciate everyone's insight into the car. They have obviously changed some things, but the interior is all intact and in pretty good shape. The wheels will be the first thing to go, probably going to put some torque thrust d's or rally's on it to start off.

qwank

I call dibs on the front lip if you sell it LOL