54 vette
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
54 vette
have a line on a 1954 vette in good condition. clean title. has 350 in it but has a blue flame eng. and trans w/it. unfortunatly its not the orig eng/tans.guy is asking 35,000 obo. this seams like a steal. what am I missing? most 54 on the internet go 110,000- 55k.looking at it tomarow would like feed back from c-1 experts. only neg is there is
no convert. top
no convert. top
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 77
Likes: 3
From: Cypress Texas
Also keep this in mind when considering an offer. Someone reproduces virtually every part on '56 and later Corvettes but that is not the case with '53 - '55's. It seems the only reproduction parts available are those that are common to all C1's.
If the car you're considering is missing high $$ parts such as ignition shielding, exhaust tips, air cleaners, distributor, cylinder head, etc., take that into account. These original parts are hard to find and sell for ridiculous money.
If the car you're considering is missing high $$ parts such as ignition shielding, exhaust tips, air cleaners, distributor, cylinder head, etc., take that into account. These original parts are hard to find and sell for ridiculous money.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
have a line on a 1954 vette in good condition. clean title. has 350 in it but has a blue flame eng. and trans w/it. unfortunatly its not the orig eng/tans.guy is asking 35,000 obo. this seams like a steal. what am I missing? most 54 on the internet go 110,000- 55k.looking at it tomarow would like feed back from c-1 experts. only neg is there is
no convert. top
no convert. top
A correct motor with all the correct "trimmings" will cost you close to $10,000. Yep, that much. You need a special oil pan, special water pump, intake and exhaust manifolds, etc. etc.
I think your Internet prices are WAY high. Wish I could have sold my 99 point NCRS National Top Flight car for somewhere NEAR that amount.
Chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 213
From: Niagara Ontario
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What he says, and what IS, are two different things. Check it out top to bottom.... and write it down, noting numbers where you can. Check Eng bay,interior, guages, seats, door panels, heater, Frame, body etc. Write it down... Do you have a Book on the '54's.... Get One before you go. Take Pics with your Camera as reference also. Seller shouldn't mind.
Don't be too hasty in buying. Once you "know" what is there, then, make an offer, if, this is what you want. Knowledge is a Big Factor in buying these old Vettes. Good Luck with the Search....Sam
Don't be too hasty in buying. Once you "know" what is there, then, make an offer, if, this is what you want. Knowledge is a Big Factor in buying these old Vettes. Good Luck with the Search....Sam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 101
From: Pendleton IN
Take someone along to look at it that knows these cars. Most have all been bumped in the rear as well as the nose. While they may look pretty on the outside, there may be underlying issues with old/poor repair that may end up being ugly and costly to re-do.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 72
From: Mississippi
Take plenty of pictures and write down all the parts that are missing and then post back. Example of part prices: Radio 2200.00, air cleaners 800.00, side curtains 2000.00, top frame and top 2000.00, ignition shielding 1200.00 and the list goes on. These are the most common parts missing. Of course if you dont want to go back original it could be a very fun car to restomod. As a side note these cars are very easy to work on. Mike