deleted ....dupe

 

I've found a 1968 L-88 convertible over here in sunny Yurrop. I'd like some advice on what my issues should be before buying it.

The numbers all match between the IT code motor, M22 trans and the chassis. The motor was built a few months before the chassis, so there is nothing that looks odd. The gas tank was replaced in 2001, the tank sticker was "unreadable". It has the right tachometer (6500 redline), carb and brake calipers. The headers and wheels (Crager SS) aren't original. The fan has a shroud (which I gather it's not supposed to?), the radiator looks different than others I've seen in Corvettes, perhaps a bit smaller (was this for weight?, I would have guessed bigger to cool that power). It doesn't have any "frill options" just as you would expect on an L-88. It doesn't have the sticker warning to use 103 Octance gas that is supposed to be on L-88s. The current owner runs it on 98. He's a mechanic so I suppose he might have just set the timing to avoid ping? (or maybe worse case is that somebody changed the heads?)

It was likely delivered over here. The car has 75K miles on it and has always been garaged. It looks like a 5 year old car that has been well kept. It was repainted in the 80s, originally green, now red. No stress cracks. Good chrome. Interior is good, no rust visible anywhere on the chassis, minimal flexing when put on a lift (maybe the door gap changes by a mm, but these convertibles were never stiffer, I suspect?) I can find tiny faults, like the chrome fittings that holds the window visors show rust. Leather seats are only in good-/fair+ condition.

My biggest concern is that the heads might have been changed, maybe the radiator. But, all in all, it looks like a great car. What should I be ask/check/look at?

I know that there are lots of clones out there. Is the matching numbers together with the right options feel enough to convince anyone that this really is an L-88? The owner seems trustworthy and isn't really trying to promote it as an L-88. He's had it since 1990 when there was much less motivation to fake one. They are casual about these cars over here.

Gosh, having written this, I think I talked myself into buying it! (It's only $31K!!) But, I'd still like to know how I really verify what it is and what it might be missing.

Thanks for your expert advice!

 

Does the radio and heater still work?

 

"IT" is the L-88 engine suffix for 1968 vette. 1969 would be ""MR". Sounds obviously to be a poor attempt at a clone, although not too far off on price for a '69 BB convertible..........If the vehicle is sound, go for it!

 

The first question you should ask yourself is "What is a REAL L88 in this condition worth?" Then ask why the price is so cheap for an L88?

I judged a 1968 L88 car at the NCRS event in Cypress Gardens in Jaunary of 1990. The owner admitted to me that the engine was a restamp, but it was undetectible.

Restamping has been occurring for a LONG time.

 

Funny Len !!! In all seriousness you need to do a lot of research before you buy this car if you are hoping it is a real L-88. I would give you 100 to 1 odds it is not a real L-88. There is lots of info out there, do a search on this forum. L-88's have been a topic of conversation here a lot.

 

...is this car in Nigeria or Brazil and on eBay???

 

Well, I'm no expert, but I do know a couple of things to look for on those cars.

First they did not come with a radio there should be a plate where the radio goes. Of course there should be no radio antenna either. From what I understand, all the bodies had the hole cut for the antenna but radio delete cars had it plugged and glassed over at the factory.

There should be a factory heater block off plate.

Nearly all of these cars came with transistor ignition (I've heard there were a couple of exceptions though). Look for the transistor box.

The correct starter, alternator, and carb are very hard to find. I don't have the numbers handy here at work, but as far as i know these are L88 only items. Even if it's a clone, if you have any of these parts they are pretty valuable.

 

A '69 BB ragtop in very good condition for $31K? Who cares if it's a real L-88? For that money you'll do allright either way!

 

I'm sorry, mistype, it is a 1968, so the code is correct.

Well, L-88s are rare enough that I figured it wasn't one as well, but with my limited knowledge, I'm fairly convinced despite what seems like long odds.

With some makes of this vintage, you can get an original build sheet from the VIN. I take it that this isn't possible with these cars?

If it's a clone, it seems like a good enough one to be worth the price.

I've seen photos in posts, but couldn't see how to add one. I have photos of the engine stamp..

No, it's not in Nigeria or on ebay, I've looked at the car and ridden around in it. I've bought it now, but this just makes me more interested in figuring out if it is what it appears to be.

The seller knows that "IT" means L-88, but he did not advertise it as an L-88 because he doesn't have other documentation. That's about all that makes me doubt the car now.

It does indeed have the transistor ignition. I thnk that the tach is in common with the tripower L71. I'll have to check things like the radiator and alternator once I take delivery. The radio blank out is gone as it has an aftermarket radio. Those are all good things to know about and check off.

Also, I realize that I was being thick about the shroud. Namely, the fan has a shroud but the radiator doesn't. That's what makes it look smaller. When I misread and thought that it wasn't supposed to have a fan shroud, that seemed very odd as they are critical to enhance cooling.