C2 Barn Find
07-07-2018, 07:55 PM
#42
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Barn Find Update 2
Sorry for the large picture size, I could not figure out how to make it smaller, BUT I got her home, (whew that only took weekends for the last month)
AND I blew through a quarter car wash on the way home and washed off over 20 years of dirt and some paint too.
Then I put the top down to try and blow out some more dirt on the road home.
Surprised that the tires held air for the time being,
I have been told Simple Green is the best thing to wash the top, seats and door panels with, I would like to get some thoughts on this as I don't want to damage them.
Going to take seats out so I can vacuum the interior good, and the top compartment also.
The frame is amazing clean and solid. I think the exhaust is factory original which goes along with my belief the mileage is correct at 56K.
Any other suggestions on clean up are welcome.
More pictures to come tomorrow. My phone is dead from the day long usage.
Thanks again guys for all your support.
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Lotsacubes (07-08-2018)
07-07-2018, 08:21 PM
#44
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It will be a money pit if you restore it. If you pay 30k for the car and are able to sink a few more dollars into the mechanical/electrical so it's safe to drive, but leave the cosmetics alone, you might be OK. Depends on how crunchy the seats and wiring are, and how bad the mechanicals are. What is your final goal with one of these cars? A restored masterpiece, a clean driver, or a grungy driver? Only the last one is economically feasible.
07-07-2018, 08:23 PM
#45
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
It could be a money pit, but maybe not. If the bird cage and frame are good, proceed. I think the cosmetics will turn out well with plenty of elbow grease simply because they are not worn out. Give the paint a professional buffing. You might be surprised at the results. The mechanicals will depend on your ability to do them. There is plenty of info here on the CF about how to revive a sitting engine. Getting in under $35k should make it a reasonable project, one that you could drive and get some smiles. Just my .10 worth. 
Dennis
Dennis
07-07-2018, 08:26 PM
#48
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Barn find
I think you are smart to sort out all your options. It is always best to buy a restored car and have the other guy take the hit on his resell. However there have been a lot of pretty pigs with lipstick that offer hidden treasures. So get as many eyes on it as possible even if buying a supposed nice car. Not everyone can come up with 50k or 40k, but if I wanted to get in the game it looks like a nice car to start if the price is right. Make a budget and add 15-20% and the numbers will be more accurate. Good Luck.
07-07-2018, 08:27 PM
#49
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Barn find
Looks not too bad to me!
I'll bet it cleans up real nice. Good wash and vac, a little mothers, good to go there.
You said you can do the mechanical. Probably will need SS brake calipers. I'll bet you can have it road worthy and have some fun for less than a grand. You don't need "restoration parts" for everything. I find most of the main mechanical wear parts are cheap and abundant.
So what it doesn't have perfect everything? You get get to drive a BB Mid Year Vette. Even with bad or no paint it is a thrill. Only other Vette owners are going to nitpick, cause that's part of the hobby. lol.
Only real showstopper would be rust.
I'll bet it cleans up real nice. Good wash and vac, a little mothers, good to go there.
You said you can do the mechanical. Probably will need SS brake calipers. I'll bet you can have it road worthy and have some fun for less than a grand. You don't need "restoration parts" for everything. I find most of the main mechanical wear parts are cheap and abundant.
So what it doesn't have perfect everything? You get get to drive a BB Mid Year Vette. Even with bad or no paint it is a thrill. Only other Vette owners are going to nitpick, cause that's part of the hobby. lol.
Only real showstopper would be rust.
07-08-2018, 11:54 AM
#54
Safety Car
Congrats and looks good after a bath.
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Vette5311 (07-10-2018)
07-09-2018, 07:31 AM
#56
Team Owner
Member Since: May 2005
Location: Madison - just west of Huntsville AL
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Just a suggestion...
Before you yank the 396 out of it, check and see if will run without too much work.
Assuming it is not seized up, it may be surprising easy to get running again.
And once the car is running, you can then check all of the other systems.
BUT, step 1 is to get a decent set of tires on it.
Congrats, keep us posted.
Before you yank the 396 out of it, check and see if will run without too much work.
Assuming it is not seized up, it may be surprising easy to get running again.
And once the car is running, you can then check all of the other systems.
BUT, step 1 is to get a decent set of tires on it.
Congrats, keep us posted.
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Vette5311 (07-10-2018)
07-09-2018, 08:24 AM
#57
Team Owner
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Rochester NY
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Congrats! I know the feeling of finally getting a project home and secure at your own place. It's a milestone!
I missed it at the time, but OP mentioned possibly having to go buy some cheap tires for moving the car. It worked out OK for him, but one thought for those who may be in the same situation. If your only intent is getting it on the trailer, moving it around the shop, etc, hit a few shops and see if you can find a set of takeoffs they are going to recycle. For my frame the tires on it would not hold air. I used a long-outdated set which I would never trust on the highway, but they worked just fine in the garage. I did pay to have them mounted (obviously no need for balancing) but cheaper than buying new.
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Vette5311 (07-10-2018)
07-09-2018, 09:09 AM
#58
Melting Slicks
That car looks like you could get it running, new tires, clean it and drive it as is.
If I had it, I'd take it to a good local shop where I know and trust the owner. I'd ask that he access all of the mechanicals. If the list is reasonable, I would probably ask that he do everything needed to get it safely on the road. If the list is onerous, I would consider full restoration or sell it before I get in deep.
Hopefully the critters didn't get to it.
If I had it, I'd take it to a good local shop where I know and trust the owner. I'd ask that he access all of the mechanicals. If the list is reasonable, I would probably ask that he do everything needed to get it safely on the road. If the list is onerous, I would consider full restoration or sell it before I get in deep.
Hopefully the critters didn't get to it.
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Vette5311 (07-10-2018)
07-09-2018, 03:51 PM
#59
Advanced
First of all congratulations! Looks like a great project to me with good bones. If you are going to go with the 454 I would work on functionality vs originality and don't worry about any negative comments. Without the born with engine its not going to be a 100k car but that doesn't mean it won't be a really nice, really fun car to drive and come on...it's a big block midyear!
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Vette5311 (07-10-2018)
