'59 Value?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Copperas Cove Texas
'59 Value?
I'm considering a NOM '59 project car thats just about 95% complete. It seems to be lacking some very minor assembly and seats. Assuming the trans & rear end are original, whats the value of a car like this?
Last edited by unreel1967; Jan 7, 2006 at 07:26 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Pembine Wis
59 value
Well, I'll be the first one to put my head on the choping block. I've had a 60 for 33 years, and these two years are almost the same.
When they say 95% complete, it is almost always off the mark. Things you have to consider is the frame, body and other major componets. If it is a NOM car, this takes a little cost out of it. If it's painted, who did the work? Is the body on or off the frame? Things you have to look at is seat rails, windshield posts, door hardware,guages, all of this stuff ads up fast. If it is as you say...95% and all is well with the major componets...here's the drum roll.....20 to 26 thousand. I would have to see the car first. If it is 95% complete, why is the owner giving up on it?
When they say 95% complete, it is almost always off the mark. Things you have to consider is the frame, body and other major componets. If it is a NOM car, this takes a little cost out of it. If it's painted, who did the work? Is the body on or off the frame? Things you have to look at is seat rails, windshield posts, door hardware,guages, all of this stuff ads up fast. If it is as you say...95% and all is well with the major componets...here's the drum roll.....20 to 26 thousand. I would have to see the car first. If it is 95% complete, why is the owner giving up on it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 4
I have a 59, and it's a good driver NOM. What do you mean when you say it is 95% complete? Does it run? Is it a driver at this time? What condition is it in. ie; is it a basket case? Is the motor and tranny in? I figure if it runs and looks good, with o major bangs or cracks even if it is a NOM it's worth at least 30K. Maybe more.
Like kbong said, BR SURE to look at the small stuff. Especially the steering, suspension frame (rust) or Bent. and the windshield side post. Chances are the tabs are broken and it's a pain in the butt to take the windshield off PROPERLY and replace the side post. Don't let someone do it if they have not done it B4. I can help you with that.
Good luck. Keep me posted
George
Like kbong said, BR SURE to look at the small stuff. Especially the steering, suspension frame (rust) or Bent. and the windshield side post. Chances are the tabs are broken and it's a pain in the butt to take the windshield off PROPERLY and replace the side post. Don't let someone do it if they have not done it B4. I can help you with that.
Good luck. Keep me posted
George
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Copperas Cove Texas
Originally Posted by kabong
Well, I'll be the first one to put my head on the choping block. I've had a 60 for 33 years, and these two years are almost the same.
When they say 95% complete, it is almost always off the mark. Things you have to consider is the frame, body and other major componets. If it is a NOM car, this takes a little cost out of it. If it's painted, who did the work? Is the body on or off the frame? Things you have to look at is seat rails, windshield posts, door hardware,guages, all of this stuff ads up fast. If it is as you say...95% and all is well with the major componets...here's the drum roll.....20 to 26 thousand. I would have to see the car first. If it is 95% complete, why is the owner giving up on it?
When they say 95% complete, it is almost always off the mark. Things you have to consider is the frame, body and other major componets. If it is a NOM car, this takes a little cost out of it. If it's painted, who did the work? Is the body on or off the frame? Things you have to look at is seat rails, windshield posts, door hardware,guages, all of this stuff ads up fast. If it is as you say...95% and all is well with the major componets...here's the drum roll.....20 to 26 thousand. I would have to see the car first. If it is 95% complete, why is the owner giving up on it?
Heres what happened;
I initially went to his place to inquire about his '63 SWC (says he got the car in '71 for $1500
). As he was explaining why he would'nt sell, I noticed the '59 behind him. I did'nt notice at first because it was in the PM and the area was'nt well lit. So I asked, what about that one? He took me over to the car and he started showing it to me and telling me a little bit about it. 20mins later: ME; Think you might want to sell this one?
HIM; make an offer.
ME; well, what do you think you want for it? HIM; not sure but make an offer anyway. ME; gimme a few days. HIM; you have my number. The body is painted, mounted on the frame, engine installed and seemed mostly assembled. He has yet to install the windshield and the seats are totally wrong.
I'll try to get more details and maybe some pics after our next meeting. Wish me luck!! 
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Pembine Wis
59
Originally Posted by unreel1967
He is'nt necessarily "giving up on it"
Heres what happened;
I initially went to his place to inquire about his '63 SWC (says he got the car in '71 for $1500 ).
As he was explaining why he would'nt sell, I noticed the '59 behind him. I did'nt notice at first because it was in the PM and the area was'nt well lit. So I asked, what about that one? He took me over to the car and he started showing it to me and telling me a little bit about it. 20mins later: ME; Think you might want to sell this one?
HIM; make an offer. ME; well, what do you think you want for it? HIM; not sure but make an offer anyway. ME; gimme a few days. HIM; you have my number.
The body is painted, mounted on the frame, engine installed and seemed mostly assembled. He has yet to install the windshield and the seats are totally wrong. I'll try to get more details and maybe some pics after our next meeting. Wish me luck!!
Heres what happened;
I initially went to his place to inquire about his '63 SWC (says he got the car in '71 for $1500
). As he was explaining why he would'nt sell, I noticed the '59 behind him. I did'nt notice at first because it was in the PM and the area was'nt well lit. So I asked, what about that one? He took me over to the car and he started showing it to me and telling me a little bit about it. 20mins later: ME; Think you might want to sell this one?
HIM; make an offer.
ME; well, what do you think you want for it? HIM; not sure but make an offer anyway. ME; gimme a few days. HIM; you have my number. The body is painted, mounted on the frame, engine installed and seemed mostly assembled. He has yet to install the windshield and the seats are totally wrong.
I'll try to get more details and maybe some pics after our next meeting. Wish me luck!! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,934
Likes: 657
From: Norwalk ohio
2019 Corvette of the Year Winner
St. Jude Donor '15
sorry everyone....but I have to say that it is minimum $30k.......pieces of junk...and I mean pieces of junk are going for low $20's......and if it is just the windshield and the seats.....perhaps $32k......
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Pembine Wis
59 Vette
Originally Posted by firstgear
sorry everyone....but I have to say that it is minimum $30k.......pieces of junk...and I mean pieces of junk are going for low $20's......and if it is just the windshield and the seats.....perhaps $32k......
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Originally Posted by Supersportt396
I would agree with a new paint 95% done car at EASILY 30 Grand
If all the trim/chrome is there in good shape! Mechanicals are relatively cheap compared to the cosmetics.Plasticman
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Originally Posted by unreel1967
I'm considering a NOM '59 project car thats just about 95% complete. It seems to be lacking some very minor assembly and seats. Assuming the trans & rear end are original, whats the value of a car like this?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Copperas Cove Texas
I know it's been awhile (conflicting schedules) but we've finally arranged to meet over the weekend the owner says it's OK for me to take some pics of his car. I was hoping someone here could help post the pics for me after I got 'em. Anyone?
I was hoping someone here could help post the pics for me after I got 'em. Anyone?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 844
Likes: 2
From: Westminster Maryland
St. Jude Donor '08
I just got mine it's a 60, it has a built 350, good paint, good chrome, new interior, and roof. The emergency brake and wipers do not work, that's what I found so far. I'm replacing wipers with a 2 speed system $526.00 for the kit. Don't plan on alot of driving in the rain, but need wipers. I paid 40,000 for mine in Nov. 05. Paid too much????? It's a driver and I'm loving it. If you look in any of the parts books, parts are big bucks, so 95% done, could be just enough little stuff, to add up pretty quick.
Jack
Jack