I'm new to the forum but I've quickly learned a lot from everyone who has taken the time to post here. I am in the early stages of planning to purchase the car I've always loved -- the 70-73 era Corvette. This was probably the first car I remember seeing as a kid. I'll soon be in a place where I can enjoy one after I move back to the US next year after a stint overseas.

I have some basic questions that I'd like to throw out to all of you. I realize that these are pretty fundamental so I'll apologize in advance for asking basic stuff.

1) A lot of people seem to go to great lengths to buy/sell Corvettes with matching numbers, tank stickers, original paint, etc. This is great but where is the market for the "pretty much original" Corvette? For example, I would be more than satisfied with a well-running, sharp looking early-70s Corvette which will last for awhile even if the engine isn't completely original and the bumpers came from another vehicle. While the super-restored Corvettes seem to be $35K and up (way up!) I don't see that a less-than-original Corvette would command as high a price.

2) There seems to be a lot of frustration on this board that people can't seem to sell their Corvettes here. Where does someone buy the "pretty much original" Corvette on the net?

3) When you buy a car from eBay or from someone here, what is the best way to get a solid, trustworthy mechanical inspection done if the seller and buyer are in different states? Are there Corvette clubs that offer this?

4) Let's say you find that perfect car but it is a color that you hate. How much does it cost to repaint a Corvette with a high-quality paint job, ballpark?

5) A more specific question -- those awesome early-70s Corvette convertibles -- how leaky will they be in rainy weather? Do removable hardtops exist in the market for them?

Thanks. I look forward to learning a lot more from folks around here, and hopefully I'll get a chance to buy someone's well-loved Corvette one day soon

 

Welcome to the forum. Great to have you, and I hope you find what you're looking for.

#1 - It's true, even for a bumper car, that a non-numbers Vette will net a lower price than a numbers car. How much cheaper depends on what's been done or maintained and how much work is needed. You can buy a cheap project bumper car but will end up spending $10K just to restore it to driver status.

#2 - I would look locally first in the paper and on Craigslist. Then search Ebay, and these forums.

#3 - The best way is to have a forum member who's knowledgeable and trustworthy go look at the car. usually we do it for beer or dinner. I think there are services available to check out these cars but it's on a city to city basis.

#4 - For a good paint job with good product and no labor from you? $7K - $10K.

#5 - The verts can be dry or leaky depending on condition of the top and seals. Yes, hard tops are available but very expensive and usually they are damaged. No one makes them right now that I know of.

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

1) If all you want is a nice driver that you can enjoy and be proud of, buy a non-matching car and enjoy. You'll save some money in purchasing it and can change what you like since it's not original to begin with.

2) To buy a Vette there's more than just this website. There's Ebay, which may or my not be a plus...I've bought two Vette's through Ebay and each was a good buy, but other's have had less than good experiences. You can alway narrow an Ebay search to within 100 miles or so of your home so you can go physically look at cars for sale. You can check with local Vette clubs and see if any members know of a car for sale...local newspapers. etc. Lots of places to buy a Vette.

3) There are Vette clubs that have members willing to go inspect a car for you. Do a web search for Vette clubs...there are lots of them.

4) A high quality paint job is going to cost $5-$10k unless you can do it yourself.

5) A Vette convertible from that era that doesn't leak would be a rare car indeed. Dripping water in your lap is simply part of the Vette experience. Removeable hardtops are always on the market...again, Ebay. If you can get to places like Corvettes at Carlisle, you'll find plenty of them for sale.

There's lots of C3's out there for sale. You don't have to buy the first (or second) you look at. Take your time and you'll find the one best for you.

 

I found my 79 on collectorcartraderonline.com. Mine is a pretty much original car. It has all the original major components, but things like the smog system, air cleaner, etc are long gone.

 

Thank you all very much for your thoughts. This is great information -- looking forward to learning more in the weeks to come.