OldKarz

I came across a 56 vette last week in a guys shop while I was looking at another car. It is solid white, red interior, 265 hp engine. The car was extremely dusty, but seemed to be all there. I could not take pictures. The car had not been licensed since 1976. I looked the car over as well as one could without actually wiping the dust off, and the whole body looks very good. As I was leaving I asked him what it would take to buy the car and he said 12-14K. I said " I will take it" he then said let me talk to the wife as she really likes this car and "I hope to have it on the road soon", remember it has not been licensed since 76'. I plan on re-visiting him soon and wanted to make sure that before I go back I know what to look for. I know how to check the bird cage on a C-2, Is it the same on a C-1? Any places to look at on the frame, (I will not have it in the air) for problematic areas? What about the "hard to get pieces" what would those be? The front chrome teeth are all there. I live in a desert climate, so rust is not much of an issue here. I am comfortable the the paint is still "good enough", but do know that I will have to go through the rest of the car. Please give me an idea of a realistic price range. I am looking to drive it and fix/repair as needed. I was thinking it was a good buy up to 20K, but I think I can buy it for 15K cash. All advice is much appreciated.

hedgehead

capevettes

The rear cross member portion of the frames (at the very rear of the car) are prone to rust but can be repaired/replaced.

At $12,000 to $15,000 it would be hard to find enough wrong with it for it not to be worth buying, especially if it's a complete car.

Original motor would be a bonus at that price. Aside from the frame issue I would explore what is needed mechanically to make it roadworthy. Good luck

1954corvair

Let's put it this way, if it isn't going to take much to get it going and you can get it for $20,000, if you don't want it let me know and I'll buy it.

rayvaflav

just curious.....just where exactly is this car located and what is the owner's wife's phone number ? And what kind of wine does she like ?

Stingray1967

I don't know much of anything about C1s, other than I love the 55-57 body style. If you can get it for that cheap, and all of the major parts are there, wow..........heck of a deal.

I've seen completely restored 56s with date code correct but probably not original engines EASILY going for $65K. If you can get it for under $20K, you might be one of a few of us who would NOT be upside down on a full frame off restoration....good luck and post the pictures when you buy it!

bluestreak63

Something tells me the 12-14k just went up based on your response. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a little more expensive when you go revisit him.

Bill Irwin

What you should have said when he quoted the price, was let me talk to MY wife and see if we can go 12K. I think I can talk her into it maybe. I'll try, and let you know what she says.
If you can get it for 12K, GO FOR IT. Hell you could part it out for 3 times that much. Play the game. Bill.

Trophy Blue

Why can't I find a '56?

zadspal

Any C-1 at that price would be a deal. I have bought them for $5k and $6500. in the past year but they are total junk. If this car is remotely close to what you described it's a bargin.

OldKarz

I appreciate the input from everyone. I plan on going out to see him in the next week or so. I plan on taking 12K cash in one pocket and another 8K stashed in a few other pockets and see what I can do. I am not holding my breath, but ya never know.....Do I check the bird cage the same way as a C2? Flashlight, mirrors and camera? Thanks.

Bill Irwin

Take the 12K in 20's, looks more impressive, lay it on the desk, spread it out a little, let him think a few seconds, and say, got the title here? Bill.

62Jeff

There's not much of a birdcage on an early car, and I'm not sure if it was even in place the entire 56 production year. I remember something about the metal supports changing.

Anyway remove the kick panels, and that pretty much exposes all there is to see, if a 56 even has anything TO see.

OldKarz

Nothing up under the dash?

62Jeff

Aside from some thin metal bracing running up to the underside of the windshield channel, there's just a bracket or two. This picture barely shows a bracket moving right to left up towards the center of the grab bar area of my 62, which MAY be different in this area than a 56

StingU2

To late on this one... I just bought it for $16.5

Only kiddin'... good luck

rengawdor

If you pull the kick panel, this is what you should find something like this:

vintagecorvette

1956 do not have the metal supports like in the photo. The metal supports came out in later 1957's.

Check the frame it will be where the rust is..

oWEN

Qblue92

Pics! pics!

65Maroon_Coupe

Around when? I have not noticed those on my Dad's December build '57 (Car # 1339), and we have the whole thing pretty much apart....