Ok guys, not sure how the wife is going to react, but thinking about adding a 2d vette to the garage. But needs some opinions on this.
Have a line on what appears to be a good 1971. Here's the story. 2d owner. Seems to have all paperwork. Original dealer sells it. Guy dies about 2 years ago. Wife tries to drive it, but craps out the engine. Selling dealer gets it back in trade. They toss engine, and put in year appropriate engine, but is nom now. a 350/270 base motor, which is what came on the car. All this is verifiable. Selling dealer is well known vette dealer, good friend to local clubs, here, etc. Guy buys it from dealer with 59k original miles on it, 2 years ago, and now has about 85k miles. Car is original red coupe, red paint. Has M22 4 speed, rear rack, a/c, and it works, he just replaced all seals in that, and is willing to upgrade to R134 and give original compressor with it. Has put in over $3500 in parts in last two years. Basically, whole underside has been re-done. Bushing, tie rods, trailing arms, u-joints, new rotors, stainless lines. REplaced all vacuum lines.
He wanted a better driver, so replaced the rear end with new eaton diff, spring from F-41 suspension, replaced manifold and carburator and distributor with holly and an eldebrock and MSD (though has all of the original parts if want to replace those). Basically, made a better daily driver. All weather stripping replaced. Dash pad has no cracks, seats ok. carpet and door skins very faded.
Few small cosmetic dents on bumper, and a little spider webbing around side grate and head light. Basically, a solid 3 in looks, and 2 on mechanicalls. southern car, frame is not even sniffing rust. If you painted it and redid the interior, it would be lights out. Car looks very good for its year, just red paint is fading.
He's asking $12k for car, and might take a little less.
What do you think? Is that out of line for a NOM?
What issues should I be aware of in inspecting the car, other than usual vaccum, etc.?
thanks