c5er getting into the second generation.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Albany NY
c5er getting into the second generation.
I own a C5 but need a C2 in the worst way. These are the most beautiful vettes to date. What are some of the prices I can expect to see for a project car that needs some love but still drives?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,748
Likes: 250
From: NJ
I think less for a small block. I bought my big block roadster for 38k. Drives well. Needed new interior(done) needed rear end bearings/ swing arms rebuilt(done) needed instrument cluster rebuilt (done) needed flares removed (back done front will be done this winter) needed brake calipers rebuilt(done) some electrical gremlins (in process) bumpers rechromed (done). I have put about 12k more into it since I got it this past winter and when I have the front flares removed this winter I will have it completely repainted for a total of 15k more. I looked for a C2 for about 2 years. Wait for the right one... lots of real bad junk out there for too much money. You need a good solid frame and original power train (either big block with all that makes it a big block or a small block. Not nesecarily the original motor. But not a BB in a SB car). Everything else can and usualy has to be redone. I figure that I will be at about 70k when I am happy with the way it looks. The ride isn't anything like my 2003 Z06 but the top down ride with the awsome sound of the Big Block with side pipes is worth every penny. Good luck with your search.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 2
From: Park City to SoCal - according to the map it's all down hill. No bad days in Indian Wells, California
C2's are out there, but it's not like going to the dealer and selecting a Vette and just test driving it. 
You have to do some homework and ask millions of questions and don't be afraid to come here and show lots of pictures and expect lots of opinions. Stamp pad this, trim tag that.....
We've heard and seen horror stories and some of the members here have been involved in deals that looked good and then went sour. All part of this generation of car and the people who are trying to make a fast buck.
But there are good cars and good people out there. Hope you find a C2 that meets your expectations
Got any idea what you may be looking for?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
I was in the same boat one year ago. The best thing I think I could say is be patient and keep looking. It took me two years of watching to find the right car. I ended up with a 64 convertible. It's a ten footer for sure, but the previous owner had gone thru much of the pain of one of these old cars. The rubber and chassis had been gone through completely, and it had a nice new interior and top. It's a rod however, as the front headlights have been glassed in and replaced underneath behind the grill, and the antenna has been "frenched" in on the rear fender right above the left rear wheel. 
As ugly as that is, I picked the car up for 30k, makes those things not so bad. Or at least I think so.
Good Luck and don't forget to wave!
As ugly as that is, I picked the car up for 30k, makes those things not so bad. Or at least I think so. Good Luck and don't forget to wave!
Last edited by Red64RoadsterMike; May 14, 2007 at 11:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 5
From: Wheaton IL
25-30k but expect it to need a lot of TLC. In this price range, it will need $$$ and time to keep it reliable and safe and pretty. I wanted something I could enjoy as I improved it so I went this route. To date I have rebuilt the engine, distributor, carburetor, muncie, new radiator, and a bunch of other misc stuff. It drove from day 1 but needed $$$ to stay reliable and SAFE.
In the 25-30k driver range, expect the car to have some fairly significant flaws. Mine happens to be minor frame rust and loose suspension which I will address soon. Other serious flaws are body mods, body panel fit, birdcage rust.
Brian
In the 25-30k driver range, expect the car to have some fairly significant flaws. Mine happens to be minor frame rust and loose suspension which I will address soon. Other serious flaws are body mods, body panel fit, birdcage rust.
Brian
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Winder GA.
Do some Google searches to get an idea of what is available. I got mine from a "broker" fours years ago at:
http://www.americanstreetmachines.com/
You can also see how much they have "appreciated" as I paid low $30Ks
then and now there is virtually nothing that low available which is driver quality.
http://www.americanstreetmachines.com/
You can also see how much they have "appreciated" as I paid low $30Ks
then and now there is virtually nothing that low available which is driver quality.
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