62 corvette
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Frankie, but that's why I asked some of the questions I did about goals. As we know some folks here enjoy the build and sell the car shortly after they finish, some enjoy the ride, and some - like me - enjoy the build until the repro parts stop fitting and then I get frustrated and find something that runs, to enjoy for a while!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
Sorry but I have a "restore-to-ride ratio" in my head most of the time. When I first get a classic car I figure 3 hours of restoration to 1 hour of riding is not unusual. I won't buy it if I think it will take more than that....I know I'll lose interest.
As I get farther along I like to be able to get to 1 hour of restoration (or repair) for 6-8 hours of riding. I'm d@mn near to 1 hour's work for 10 hours of riding on the '61 (and improving). Anything below these numbers is too much darn work (for me at any rate)...
I keep a restoration log which clearly shows how the work has reduced over time and the pictures and trophies to show how the riding has increased...
As I get farther along I like to be able to get to 1 hour of restoration (or repair) for 6-8 hours of riding. I'm d@mn near to 1 hour's work for 10 hours of riding on the '61 (and improving). Anything below these numbers is too much darn work (for me at any rate)...
I keep a restoration log which clearly shows how the work has reduced over time and the pictures and trophies to show how the riding has increased...
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 27, 2010 at 09:02 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 768
From: Waterford WI
You might want to look at the barn find thread from a couple of weeks ago. That 59 cost me $19k--it has both tops, original jack, 90% original paint, original shielding (all 5 pcs.), wonderbar, original wheels, hubcaps, etc. It's essentially an untouched car other than having a 62 Corvette 300hp motor from pan to air cleaner and water pump pulley thru bell housing. Original 4-speed, 3.70 posi, shifter, power windows, seat belts, etc. The frame is soft, and I'll probably replace that. That's not a lot of hours, actually, and it will be on the road quite soon.I realize that I got a steal on it, but just another perspective for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,934
Likes: 657
From: Norwalk ohio
2019 Corvette of the Year Winner
St. Jude Donor '15
I think the OP needs to think about what he wants to do with it and how much satisfaction it will bring him. IF you just want to drive it, that is one level of satisfaction. If you want to take it some local shows and place, then you will have to put more money in it....you need to think through this because you are going to be upside down in this car.....
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Loveland CO
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
...This car is better than I thought at first, but still a sink hole for money and labor. Still say there are drivers out there for 2/3 the money that it will take to resurrect this car to even a half-@ss driver.
Frankie, but that's why I asked some of the questions I did about goals. As we know some folks here enjoy the build and sell the car shortly after they finish, some enjoy the ride, and some - like me - enjoy the build until the repro parts stop fitting and then I get frustrated and find something that runs, to enjoy for a while!
There are better buys out there if you have the time to look and have a little more to spend. This looks like long term money hole with still a NOM car in the end. It still comes down to the cost of the car to begin with! My 62 NOM 327 340hp 4-speed driver with less than 3000 miles on engine, both tops, original interior in decent shape was high 20's two years ago. Good luck!
Originally Posted by Frankie the Fink
...This car is better than I thought at first, but still a sink hole for money and labor. Still say there are drivers out there for 2/3 the money that it will take to resurrect this car to even a half-@ss driver.
Frankie, but that's why I asked some of the questions I did about goals. As we know some folks here enjoy the build and sell the car shortly after they finish, some enjoy the ride, and some - like me - enjoy the build until the repro parts stop fitting and then I get frustrated and find something that runs, to enjoy for a while!
There are better buys out there if you have the time to look and have a little more to spend. This looks like long term money hole with still a NOM car in the end. It still comes down to the cost of the car to begin with! My 62 NOM 327 340hp 4-speed driver with less than 3000 miles on engine, both tops, original interior in decent shape was high 20's two years ago. Good luck!
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From: "You may all go to Hell- and I will go to Texas- Davy Crockett
St. Jude Donor '12
The staked pin is worn down and wont push the tin bracket up far enough to break the connection. With it at rest, push up on it with a flat screwdriver; that should tell you if that is the problem. (It is)
