1975 corvette convertable value
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
devalue it from what.....a car with a rotten frame?
a replacement frame is a replacement frame if you need it theres not much choice , i would rather have a replacement straight frame then try to explain the rust repair
a replacement frame is a replacement frame if you need it theres not much choice , i would rather have a replacement straight frame then try to explain the rust repair
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
80-82 used a different rear end and mounting crossmember. Something to keep in mind - you'll either have to modify the new frame for the old crossmember or use the 80-82 aluminum D44 rearend and batwing.
Value? Would have to be more than a 75 that's about to break in half...
Value? Would have to be more than a 75 that's about to break in half...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Va
"Devalue" is an interesting word. Considering you have a "rotted out" rear end, right now the car is not worth anything to most people.
To a purest, using a frame from a different year will always hurt the value just like not having the original motor.
To a guy looking for a good running vette, he will appreciate your effort at fixing the car up and making it nice....
Fix the car so you can get out and enjoy it. Try not to invest more money in the car that you would lose if you sold it. Or if you do invest more money in it than it's worth. Enjoy the car, admire your work, and have as much fun as possible!!!!
my .02
Rd
To a purest, using a frame from a different year will always hurt the value just like not having the original motor.
To a guy looking for a good running vette, he will appreciate your effort at fixing the car up and making it nice....
Fix the car so you can get out and enjoy it. Try not to invest more money in the car that you would lose if you sold it. Or if you do invest more money in it than it's worth. Enjoy the car, admire your work, and have as much fun as possible!!!!
my .02
Rd
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Stick with a '75 frame. 80-82 frame is not a direct swap.
Go here and read all about it. http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html
Go here and read all about it. http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,983
Likes: 6,211
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Given that 68-76 frames were made for both coupe and convertibles, and the 80-82 was just for coupes, I'd find a frame closer to your convertible's year. They aren't that expensive. Especially at swap meets late in the weekend... no one wants to drag them home.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I'd go with a new frame. There are OEM type replacement companies that deal with corvettes and it would be a direct fit. Not to mention it would be a lot safer than a weld job. Look in Corvette Entheusiast or Corvette Fever Mag. Good luck 
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