Junk 1970 LT1 worth saving?
#21
Le Mans Master
Hi TJ,
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
#22
Pro
Thread Starter
Hi TJ,
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
Thank you
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Mdbirk (09-14-2022)
#25
Race Director
With the few indicators used, in just a couple pictures, I'm leaning more towards the side of it being a base motor AC car, looks like green/standard saddle? It's not uncommon for the console plate to have been replaced along with the (easily seen) non original hood.
Earlier, I posted as a question about the tach, in an attempt to "let you down easy", and hoped you might research it further. The way the car is sitting on the ground also makes me VERY concerned about it's frame. I can say through experience that, THAT car, will cost more to restore than you could sell it for. But to many that means absolutely nothing, like me. I want every last remaining Corvette, roaring down the highway!
Lastly, any '70 LT 1, IMO, has to have some factory documentation or I'll be a sceptic about it's true identity, period.
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seacliffe301 (07-16-2022)
#26
Melting Slicks
Hi TJ,
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
#27
Pro
Thread Starter
TJ,
With the few indicators used, in just a couple pictures, I'm leaning more towards the side of it being a base motor AC car, looks like green/standard saddle? It's not uncommon for the console plate to have been replaced along with the (easily seen) non original hood.
Earlier, I posted as a question about the tach, in an attempt to "let you down easy", and hoped you might research it further. The way the car is sitting on the ground also makes me VERY concerned about it's frame. I can say through experience that, THAT car, will cost more to restore than you could sell it for. But to many that means absolutely nothing, like me. I want every last remaining Corvette, roaring down the highway!
Lastly, any '70 LT 1, IMO, has to have some factory documentation or I'll be a sceptic about it's true identity, period.
With the few indicators used, in just a couple pictures, I'm leaning more towards the side of it being a base motor AC car, looks like green/standard saddle? It's not uncommon for the console plate to have been replaced along with the (easily seen) non original hood.
Earlier, I posted as a question about the tach, in an attempt to "let you down easy", and hoped you might research it further. The way the car is sitting on the ground also makes me VERY concerned about it's frame. I can say through experience that, THAT car, will cost more to restore than you could sell it for. But to many that means absolutely nothing, like me. I want every last remaining Corvette, roaring down the highway!
Lastly, any '70 LT 1, IMO, has to have some factory documentation or I'll be a sceptic about it's true identity, period.
My friend with the car is getting married next month but when he returns from his honeymoon I'll be stopping by to take a look at the car closer.
You have a good eye, as he did say the car had been wrecked at some point.
#29
Le Mans Master
Hi TJ,
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
Philosophy 101.
I strongly believe that each of us that 'plays' with cars only has a certain number of serious restorations/rebuilds 'in us' before we say… 'enough'; sorta like cat's lives. (I'm not talking about having someone else do it.)
For that reason I think that anyone who undertakes a car like you picture better REALLY want to do THAT car because they're using up one of the car 'lives' AND a good bit of their enthusiasm, energy, and money!
Regards,
Alan
#31
Pro
Looks fairly rough but but I don't think it's unsavable. Especially if there's very little rust and the body is solid. Even if it wouldnt be cost effective to do an original restoration, I think it would make a great hot rod project for someone.
And you say your buddy will just give it to you? What are you doing here, go get a trailer!!
And you say your buddy will just give it to you? What are you doing here, go get a trailer!!
#32
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
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St. Jude Donor '05
The main reason being I've followed a few restore threads on this forum and see how they can take over your life and bank account.
Sure free sounds good but may be too expensive. If it was worth it your buddy would have done it already he just wants some free junk removal.
Youll have years in it and more than it will ever be worth imo
#33
Team Owner
If you don't have the money to refurbish that vehicle into a decent Corvette and then keep it for yourself....or take it as only a 'parts' car to disassemble and sell off...you should just take a pass on it. The amount of personal labor you would need to put into that car would never be recovered by the sale of the resulting car.
Restoring that car would have to be a 'labor of love'. And, it appears that it is not a real LT-1 car, anyway. There were no air-conditioned LT-1 cars in 1970.
Restoring that car would have to be a 'labor of love'. And, it appears that it is not a real LT-1 car, anyway. There were no air-conditioned LT-1 cars in 1970.
Last edited by 7T1vette; 10-28-2016 at 08:32 AM.
#34
Instructor
I know this doesn't answer your question, but what about just saving it from its horrible grave ? Bring it home, just clean it up & sell it to someone who has the time , but not the money, to get into a big restoration. I've seen this many times. A person with very limited resources buys a vehicle that looks like its not worth anything, but its all they can afford. Five years later, they have a running car they can drive. But they did it with the few extra dollars they put aside each week.
Yes, I'm a bit of a romantic about these things. But I am a big supporter of " Bring Them Back From The Grave ". This car, or any one for that matter, deserves a better life than rotting away in a field ( or under a pepper tree ) If not you, then another member ?
Just my emotional opinion, Tim
Yes, I'm a bit of a romantic about these things. But I am a big supporter of " Bring Them Back From The Grave ". This car, or any one for that matter, deserves a better life than rotting away in a field ( or under a pepper tree ) If not you, then another member ?
Just my emotional opinion, Tim
Last edited by Tim Ware; 10-28-2016 at 03:09 PM.
#35
Pro
I know this doesn't answer your question, but what about just saving it from its horrible grave ? Bring it home, just clean it up & sell it to someone who has the time , but not the money, to get into a big restoration. I've seen this many times. A person with very limited resources buys a vehicle that looks like its not worth anything, but its all they can afford. Five years later, they have a running car they can drive. But they did it with the few extra dollars they put aside each week.
Yes, I'm a bit of a romantic about these things. But I am a big supporter of " Bring Them Back From The Grave ". This car, or any one for that matter, deserves a better life than rooting away in a field ( or under a pepper tree ) If not you, then another member ?
Just my emotional opinion, Tim
Yes, I'm a bit of a romantic about these things. But I am a big supporter of " Bring Them Back From The Grave ". This car, or any one for that matter, deserves a better life than rooting away in a field ( or under a pepper tree ) If not you, then another member ?
Just my emotional opinion, Tim
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seacliffe301 (07-16-2022)
#37
Melting Slicks
First, I would get it home, get it cleaned up, and then evaluate it. See what you need for your BB project, then decide what you want to do. Parting out is a real PITA especially when it interferes with the other projects!
Then advertise it online as a project car for someone else to enjoy
Then advertise it online as a project car for someone else to enjoy
Last edited by mikem350; 10-31-2016 at 11:56 AM.
#38
Team Owner
Parting it out sounds good...but what if the very first person to want a part chooses the crankshaft? Then you have to completely disassemble the motor to get at it--then clean it up and box it up--then ship it out.
Of course, you could say you will only sell the motor "complete", but you get my drift: you have to disassemble, clean, package and ship ANY piece that someone wants. And you can recover no costs for that work, OTHER than what you can fairly charge for that part. In many cases, since the parts are all USED, that amount would not pay for itself.
You should go whatever route you choose with this car; but you should be aware of all the 'negatives' involved with every possible scenario.
Good luck
Of course, you could say you will only sell the motor "complete", but you get my drift: you have to disassemble, clean, package and ship ANY piece that someone wants. And you can recover no costs for that work, OTHER than what you can fairly charge for that part. In many cases, since the parts are all USED, that amount would not pay for itself.
You should go whatever route you choose with this car; but you should be aware of all the 'negatives' involved with every possible scenario.
Good luck
#39
Pro
Parting it out sounds good...but what if the very first person to want a part chooses the crankshaft? Then you have to completely disassemble the motor to get at it--then clean it up and box it up--then ship it out.
Of course, you could say you will only sell the motor "complete", but you get my drift: you have to disassemble, clean, package and ship ANY piece that someone wants. And you can recover no costs for that work, OTHER than what you can fairly charge for that part. In many cases, since the parts are all USED, that amount would not pay for itself.
Of course, you could say you will only sell the motor "complete", but you get my drift: you have to disassemble, clean, package and ship ANY piece that someone wants. And you can recover no costs for that work, OTHER than what you can fairly charge for that part. In many cases, since the parts are all USED, that amount would not pay for itself.
#40
Former Vendor
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
To me the bottom line question is if this car is worth restoring.. In my humble opinion.. NO. We see this every week in our shop and as recently as three weeks ago where we re-framed a 1972 coupe. The cost to re-frame the car was close to the value of the car so it's like throwing good money at bad. We tried to talk the customer out of it but the car had sentimental value to it and he elected to do it.
If this car is free.. or if there is even a small cash transaction I'd gladly take it because there are too many valuable parts on the car to pass it over. If the hood is the real deal then that alone would cover your cost of removing the car.
Again.. It's just my opinion, but parts wise.. The suspension alone is worth 500, the rear the same, the hood the same (maybe more).. then you figure the small parts.. Seats, Dash pads if good..
I doubt this car is the real deal and you'd need more proof to go with it to say it's an LT-1. The tach, the rear end, the core support and fan blades, and the fact that this car has an AC dash seems to point to me that someone was trying to clone one in the past.
Willcox