Hi all, just another new guy to the forum, but not new to loving chevrolet's greatest creation. Anyway, to be completly honest, I don't own a vette...yet. Owning a vette has been a dream of mine for 46 years, but I always have had to spend the "extra" money (what little I have) on raising kids and getting them through college. Well that will all be behind me next spring and my sweet wife of 26 years has given her blessing for me to find my vette (I know some of you are saying "you had to ask your wife?" To that, I will say one thing... I have been married, to the same women, for 26 years, and I still like her...what else can I say?) Anyway, I have always thought I knew exactly what kind of vette I wanted, until recently. I have always wanted a 70-72 stingray, and still think that is what I want, but have friends telling me I will hate that style of vette and I should reconsider. That is where all of you come in. I was hoping to get input (pro and con) from some veteran vette owners to help me make a decision. I will be attending the vette show in Eureka Springs, Arkansas this weekend, with the plan to look around and try to gather information to help me make a decision. One of the arguments I keep hearing from my current group of "advisors" (all former vette owners) is that the 68-72 vette is very uncomfortable and rides like a "lumber wagon". I am hoping I can coax a couple vette owners at the show to allow me to sit in their vettes so I can get a feel for what I am being told.

In the way of future plans (just for your information), I plan to spend no more than 30-40k, and plan to do it sometime next spring. If I could get (and afford) any vette today, based on my current (limited) knowledge, it would be:

1970-72 convertible, numbers matching 454 4speed ps, pb, ac. The color would probably be Ontario Orange with about any color interior as long as it matches. I would like it to be fairly orginal, but does not have to be prefect. I don't want a "trailer queen" as I would like to drive it (not to work, but for fun, show, and crusing).

I hope I can get some guidance from you Vets on vettes!:

 

Hey buddy. Welcome to the forum. I'm right down I-70 from you, in Columbia. You should pop by sometime for a brew and I"ll take you for a ride in my '77 and have Curt take you for a spin in his '74.

The chrome bumper cars are generally a lot more expensive to build and restore. The rubber bumper cars are cheaper to start with and are usually more of a project car because of neglect by previous owners.

The last C3 with a bog block was a '74 so if you want a big block you'll want to stay there or before.

I guess a big factor is if you want to do any work yourself and have it restored personally or if you are looking to buy a complete and finished car.

Again, welcome.

 

Welcome, as you gather information don't hesitate to ask questions. The opinions you get here may just save you some headaches and dough!

 

If you have 30-40K to spend, get a 70 LT1! This is the most desirable, chrome bumper small block you can get, especially if it's a vert! &0 was also the last year of the high compression engines and was a low production year because of the strike at GM.
here's some pics of a gorgeous Laguna grey t-top that a friend of mine owns. Hope this persuades you a bit.
Glenn

 

WOW! You're wife's been talking to my wife for 20 somethin years!

My wife and I married young, (1971), had kids young, (1973) but I always wanted a vette, but could never get "permission". I went to car show in Salem Mass one day, and was talking to a vette owner, and told him my story. He said the same thing, but what he did was just rationalize that, everyone has grown, moved out etc. So one day, after his wife went to work, he went and bought his, figuring, what the hey, I may have to sleep in it for a few days, but eventually, the storm will pass.

Thats pretty much what I did as well in 1995. Had I not have had to sneak it in and come up with a "it followed me home" story, I probably should have shopped around for a better starting point. But mine is a rolling project that I figure I saved from becoming a parts car.

Unless you've got deep pockets, no tools, or don't like to work on a car (as a recreation, not necessity) I recommend bringing a mutt home.

you're on your own with the big block thing though. gas costs bread

 

I would disagree with your friends. The 68>73 chrome bumper vettes have style and are a good investment as they continue to appreciate in value. I would buy sooner than later to save some $$. Buying over the winter months can also save some $$. I prefer a convertible but this will add to the cost. I also prefer an original numbers matching drivetrain whether it's a sb, lt1 or bb again adding to the cost. A good rule of thumb is buy the best car (condition wise) you can afford because it will only cost you more in the long run if you have to restore it. Lastly yes it does drive differently than a modern car. Why wouldn't it, it's 30 years old but that's part of the great experience of owning a classic ride.

Best of luck with your search!!

 

He about said it all....don't wait too long the prices are going up fast.

 

*adds Laguna Grey to list of possible repaint colors...*

 

I'm right down I-70 from you, in Columbia. You should pop by sometime for a brew and I"ll take you for a ride in my '77 and have Curt take you for a spin in his '74.

The chrome bumper cars are generally a lot more expensive to build and restore. The rubber bumper cars are cheaper to start with and are usually more of a project car because of neglect by previous owners.

The last C3 with a big block was a '74 so if you want a big block you'll want to stay there or before.

I guess a big factor is if you want to do any work yourself and have it restored personally or if you are looking to buy a complete and finished car.

Durango boy, Thanks for the offer, next time I get east, I will give you a yell. Would love to check out your '77 and Curt's '74, well worth the price of a brew (or two)! I appreciate your comments on the "steel bumper cars" and will have to do more research on the cost difference. I didn't realize one year could make that much difference, (see you guys are already teaching me things). As far as restoring a vette, it is something that I would NOT be afraid to do if it were the right car. About ten years ago, I did a ground-up restore on a '67 SS Camaro, thinking that would replace my dream of owning a vette. It was near perfect and a very sweet car, but everytime I looked at it, I wished it was a vette. I sold the car eventually and continued to dream. The restore was very enjoyable, and I think I would like doing the right vette, even though it would be a totally new experience. As far as the big block thing goes, that would be in a perfect world and my perfect car, but as we all know, there are certain advantages to the small block also. Anyway, thanks for the info. Looking forward to talking to you again.

John

 

I'm curious to know what year car your advisors have ridden in or owned to say that a C3 rides rough. I would venture to say that compared to a nice riding familly car, all Vettes ride rough unless you are talking about the C5 or even C6 cars. My 79 is definitely not the best riding car, but the other side is there is no car of mine I'd rather drive. It's a 4 spd with a non stock engine, loud exhaust and the A/C doesnt' blow cold. Yes, I'm only 36, but I sure hope when I get older I dont' change my views.

 

If you have 30-40K to spend, get a 70 LT1! This is the most desirable, chrome bumper small block you can get, especially if it's a vert! &0 was also the last year of the high compression engines and was a low production year because of the strike at GM.
here's some pics of a gorgeous Laguna grey t-top that a friend of mine owns. Hope this persuades you a bit.
Glenn

GD 70

WOW! what a car. Tell me more about the 70 LT1. Your friend's car is a real looker and I would be very interested in a car like his! I think I read in 1970 GM had a strike, so less vettes were built than in other years, making them more rare? Did I get that correct? One of the posts mentioned justifying buying a vette (to his wife) by telling her 'It followed him home". Don't think that would work with my wife, but I did tell her if "WE" buy the right vette, it's value would at least remain the same, if not increase. I would be interested in hearing what you vette veterans would consider a good vette to purchase for investment value (C-3). What I mean is, one that would allow me to drive it (not daily, but for fun) and would at least maintain it's value. Please let me say, buying a vette is my dream, but as each of you know's, buying the right vette is not cheap. With that in mind, I want to buy one right (does that make sense?)

Thanks,
John

 

WOW! You're wife's been talking to my wife for 20 somethin years!

My wife and I married young, (1971), had kids young, (1973) but I always wanted a vette, but could never get "permission". I went to car show in Salem Mass one day, and was talking to a vette owner, and told him my story. He said the same thing, but what he did was just rationalize that, everyone has grown, moved out etc. So one day, after his wife went to work, he went and bought his, figuring, what the hey, I may have to sleep in it for a few days, but eventually, the storm will pass.

Thats pretty much what I did as well in 1995. Had I not have had to sneak it in and come up with a "it followed me home" story, I probably should have shopped around for a better starting point. But mine is a rolling project that I figure I saved from becoming a parts car.

Unless you've got deep pockets, no tools, or don't like to work on a car (as a recreation, not necessity) I recommend bringing a mutt home.

you're on your own with the big block thing though. gas costs bread

Today, I was in a training class for my job. One of the gals in the class made a comment about how things worked at her house. One of the guys in the class said she must have been talking to his wife because she would say the same thing. The gal's response was she didn't have to talk to the guys wife becuase they all just "knew" these things (by instinct I guess). Another guy in the class very wittingly said, "Ya, it is in the "manual", (meaning the "wife's manual" that apparently they have installed in their brains at birth). Anyway, my wife, without a doubt, has the "manual" installed in her brain, so in order to keep the peace, I have patiently waited until the time was right. It is near, she agrees, so I am "on the hunt."

I have no fear of restoring the right car (see former post) and think I have the skills, just lack corvette knowledge, but, with a wealth of knowledge I am finding on this forum, I have no worries.

John

 

gq82,

Why are the prices better in the winter? The convertible option is really not an option, it is something I have always wanted. Th bb option is not a requirment, just a would be nice. Can you or anyone else comment on the pro/cons of sb v bb (besides fuel costs)?

Thanks,

John

 

C3 4ME,

While I am a little older you, I am not that much older. I am retired military, work in the public service sector, and run about 3 miles per day. The ride does not worry me to be honest, but to hear "my advisors" tell it, riding in a C-3 could cause kidney damage. Sounds crazy to me. I ride a motorcycle 15-20K per year and have no issues with that, I just was looking for opinions from current C-3 owners. I honestly doubt I will be swayed by my "advisors" however, I want to be educated when I "pull the trigger". That gives me 5-6 months to gather information and make the final decision.

I like what I am hearing and you are right, the car I want is over 30 years old, it is not a family car (that is why I have waited 46 years to get it), and when you are driving something that looks that good, who really cares...right?

I'm getting pumped!

John

 

But...it was already on my list as a hot repaint color.

 

Swamp,

I'm nearly in the same boat as you. Been wanting a 70-72 Corvette since I was a little kid. There have been a few close calls over the years but i never was in position to pull the trigger. I've already learned a ton from the guys on this board as i get more serious about finding the right car.

I too was focused on a convertible but then i was bitten by the LT-1 bug and will sacrifice the fully open top for that option. I've got my eye on a couple right now.

There was a REALLY nice one just posted the other day in the for sale forum which is a convt. It's a little beyond what I want to pay but is close to your top end (42). I'd get a look at that if I was able to spend that much.

I'm addicted to these forums since I've been looking and hope to share my purchase and experience with the group in the near future. I have learned to be patient though... there's a lot of trouble to get into with these cars.

Greg

 

Swamp..you have been married 26 years...when you reach 40 years of marriage like me you can have two vettes....



Good luck in your search..and take your time...

 

I think when you bring home your new classic vette your "advisors" will fighting each other over who gets the first ride.

Greg

 

Thanks Greg,

Imput is well taken and I will consider your words. I will also check the bb fs, even though I am not buying until spring.

Thanks,

John

 

Sounds Great, but why only two? Nice twins you got there. I am jealous!

John