I know your probably right. She already has the tired frustrated husband. lol. After learning what I have here on the site, I'm almost scared to go buy one because I don't know what's been done to it. I guess part of it is this will be fourth 60's car I have missed out on in my life. First was when I was 16 and I bought a 71 Chevelle SS that the motor had jumped time. Dad may me return it because he said I didn't need that. Second I bought a 68 GTO at 19 only to realize that is a stupid age to think about rebuilding a car when your in college and working at a grocery store. Doubled my money on that one though. Third was after we had our first child and it was a 68 Camero. Wife vetoed that one real quick. Here again, the birdcage might be rotten, my sister in law may want more than I am willing or I may finally let all the wisdom you guys are giving me sink into this thick and determined skull and just pass.

Thanks Rob

 

 

Here is an update. Now she has decided to put it in the estate auction because the auction guy said it would bring more people in to buy more stuff. After to talking to several people they all agree that there are two types of people coming to the sale. Those interested in a car and those interested in stuff. Personally I think the auction guy just wants more money. Anyway, I am going to help her get it out and other stuff in March so he can photograph everything. All my friends said I am crazy since it went from being given to me, to being at the top of the list and to now bid with everyone else. I gave her my word I would help and I'm sticking to it. After my inspection and you all look at the pics, I will decide to either bid or pass. My son wants this this car, but that birdcage will have to be extremely clean as that is my biggest fear. I've been reading the inspection threads and have some questions but will start a new thread. I agree with many of you now that this may not be the right one for me, but I have to look at it real hard as I keep remembering a lot of times in that car growing up.

 

Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

I am likely in the minority here, but for a non-essential, i.e., hobby, I recommend only "investing" in it after all necessities are taken care of, including all debt, retirement savings, maintenance on current durable goods, and kids educations (if you're helping with that).

I limit Corvette expenses to no more than 1-2% of net worth, and recommend the same to others.

 

Do you see what a good nights sleep will do when thinking about something like this...

It's all about $$$, the auctioneer, the current owner, etc.. so be prepared for that.

Oh, by the way, don't get caught up in the moment and make a BIG mistake...

 

 

Here is the latest update. She said she would sell me the car out right but doesn't know a fair price. She wants me to look it over and get some estimates and make her an offer based on the quotes. She knows the car is not worth a ton a money because of what all it will need because she does have mechanical knowledge. She worked on helicopters when she was in the army. The auction guy she was looking to use was not the one she had used prior and this guy would only do the auction if the car was included. I called him and he confirmed this stating that the car was collectible and bring lots and lots of money even though I told him all the things that were wrong or not correct. Thankfully she did not sign a contract with him. I've called a couple other auction people and they are fine without the car. I'm going up in two weeks and will finally have some pictures for you.

 

First off, sorry for the loss of your Brother, as it's never easy when a family member, or a good friend passes away.

But, if I'm in your shoes, I think I would speak up a little more.

Aside from the fact that it has went from giving it to you, to putting you at the top of the list, and now you can bid on it.....pretty crappy.

I would talk to her and inform her of your connection to the car and that of it being your Brother's car, and you would really like to finish it out.

Get the car to your house and complete a thorough inspection of the vehicle. If it turns out that the birdcage is full of rot, then just tell her so, sell it and give her the proceeds.

As others have said on here, it can be expensive to restore the car. But, it can also be rewarding, and nothing can replace the memories of the car and time spent with your Brother.

Also, you can do many of the tasks bringing this car back to life, thus saving you money.

Hell, I know several friends who will ask me about cost(s) of my restoration projects, yet think nothing of spending thousands of dollars on anything from travelling and trips, to week-ends of gambling and alcohol.

Again, I would speak up before it's too late.

Pat

 

The auction guy is only looking at this to make money for himself!

Good that you called others.

Pat

 

Make a deal with the sister in law that if you ever sell it out of the family that you will pay her a decent percentage of the selling price.

What ever the case, can she take a few pics of the car as it sits right now......love those barn find pics.

It's a BIG bonus that you have the help and interest of your son. The project always goes faster with the exuberance and energy of youth.