If that had everything done to it a perfectionist would want, he'd be asking a ton more for it.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I put the deposit down to buy time to perform "due diligence" and I need to hear both sides.

The owner is meticulous. He pointed out all the things that he changed and showed me the receipts, as well as the receipts from the previous owner who did the frame off. He also showed me all the corresponding original parts neatly boxed on shelves.

I like things original. Heck, I spent 7 years of my life restoring my first house to its 100 year old self and the debates about originality were much the same as here. I either rebuilt or refinished whatever I could, but I replaced the original ConEd fuse box from 1906 with circuit breakers and I replaced the coal furnace that had been converted to oil with an efficient gas furnace.

I spoke another owner who actually restored his car to "original" down to the bolt heads, etc. and got it NCRS judged. He then swapped out many of the components for upgraded/updated ones and put the originals on the shelf. That made a lot of sense to me.

In the case of this car, my thinking is that the #s matching drive train and cosmetics are "original". If I (or anyone) wanted to put the rest ofit back to original, I'm out the cost of switching the original parts back in, but not the time and $$$ of obtaining those parts. Granted this isn't easy or cheap, but it's at least something I could manage. I don't have the skills or time to do the amazing work that some folks do here.

 

Phat Cat,

If you like the car, then that's what counts. It's your money. It looks like a great car for a good price. Yes, some things have been done to it that makes it non-original, but overall it looks like something nice to drive and enjoy. But, if you're getting the original parts, then that's good news. If you look at My Corvette Photos, you'll see what an original BB Roadster looks like....pretty boring compared to yours.
After a few years, you could probably make a few $$ selling it without doing anything to it. Having it inspected by someone with C3 knowledge would be worth the money. Enjoy it!

Good luck,

Dave

 

It MIGHT be worth 32K IF all the original, correct parts are actually there- and in good reusable condition- AND (big and) it's the original engine and drive train, not just 'numbers matching' AND the trim tag checks out with correct interior and exterior colours.

Try pricing a correct smog system, exhaust system, carb, intake, master cylinder, booster, steering wheel, shifter, door panels (or carpets and console, the car is a mix of regular and deluxe right now), radio, PCV system, fan, fan clutch, distributor, HT wiring and dist cover, etc. etc. Maybe even the A/C compressor it appears to be missing???

As it stands, the car needs at least 7K worth of parts and labour to bring it up to what a 32K car represents.

I wouldn't even drive it until the rubber fuel line and plastic in-line filter get ditched. That's a fire waiting to happen, no excuse for Bubba stuff like that.

Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful car and very desirable, but not at 32K

 

Please see my second post, and please have somebody very knowledgeable look at things in person. I picked out more than 14 things just from the few photographs posted, it's worth spending a few hundred to have someone go through the cars stem to stern. Having the 'wrong' alternator won't affect your enjoyment of the car or it's function, but it would lower the value of the car by $300 or more. I think you get the idea.

Good luck.

 

Somebody hasn't been watching what prices on C3s are doing these days.

There are several people looking for good driver bumper small blocks for around $25K and aren't finding them.

A restored BB roadster with air for $32?

I picked up Corvette Milestones on the magazine stand earlier this week, chrome bumpers, especially bb's are the up and comers. Normal folks can't afford C2's anymore.

If it checks out I'd jump on this one

 

Mike, I think he will be in good shape and he never said he was on the way to an NCRS judging event tomorrow. Cars like that are a good foundation for the guy. Ten people come along and say something nice and you pick it apart. If the cage is good an the frame is as good as the parts that we saw in the pictures then it is much better than most.

 

Phat Cat, after you determine if the engne, trans and diff are the original pieces look through the boxes of parts and see if the carburetor is a 7042217. If it is, it is a $700+ original carb. The cooling fan should have points or "finger tips" on one corner of each of the 7 blades. If that matches, it is another $500-$700 original part.

These are just a couple of components on a 72 BB that will either cost you dearly or you will have to decide to live without if they are not there.

I'm not saying it is a bad deal but for $32K you really want those parts to be there somewhere so you don't have to find them and buy them yourself. Mine does not have either and I have watched two carbs go for over $700 and one fan go for $650.

I am not in the league these guys are to be able to bid that high on one part so I live with a remanufactured generic carb from Advance Auto and a 72 small block AC fan.

cc

 

ccrane72:

I appreciate your patience in educating me.

I should have been clear that when the current owner bought the car it had been restored to "original." He is aware of the importance of originality but he wanted performance. So he systematically removed the "original" parts and carefully stored them as he upgraded.

While I don't know enough to recognize true OEM spec, he did show me the "original" radiator, fan, QJet carb, manifold covers, A/C unit (it must weigh 40 lbs), air filter.... All were as clean as the rest of the car shown in the pix.

While he worshiped more at the altar of performance, he respects the religion of originality and clearly reveres this car and its heritage.

 

It's A great looking Vette. I wouldn't give a _____ what people say about what it's worth. It's only worth what you are willing to pay for it. If your not looking for a NCRS 100 point winner, Then buy the car, drive it , enjoy it, and know that you have VERY nice looking BB/72. Like some of the guys have said .. we put a lot of money into our Vettes trying to make them look this good. I paid 14,100 for my 1972/350 basic Vette and I know I could very easly put another 15, to 20 in to it ( and I think mine looks good, but it could still use more work ). If your the type of guy who has a lot of time and likes to work on his own car then you could look for a vette that's less. But in the end you will still be spending close to the same money if not more. So go for it and ENJOY !

 

i think that 32k for that car is a good deal and a good investment. i'd actually pay a premium for a bb car over a small block that was more correct. well bought now find a good place to keep it out of the snow until spring.

 

Check the bird cage and the frame, Then but it. It'll be worth 50k in 5 years.

 

I don't know if it's possible to "restore to original," unless the original purchaser had the take-off parts in his basement and he put them back on the car. Cars are original once. Maybe it was "restored to stock?"

Anyway, without seeing the car in person, $32k doesn't sound too horribly high for what is described. Assuming the numbers are correct, trim tag matches, the frame is good and there aren't any terrible surprises, I think a cosmetically nice big block chrome bumper air roadster is as good a place to put $30k as any. I say this knowing I'd prefer to see it myself.

Mike makes valid points, though... there's a bunch of nickpicky stuff to do on the car which could add up in the price column. But, you might get lucky in the parts you are getting plus part of the fun on the car will be you can enjoy the heck out of it while still scrounging for stuff at swap meets. When I run out of parts to buy for my cars is when I start thinking about selling them. Good luck.

 

That's a nice Vette.....even nicer because it's a 4-speed, a big block, a roadster and you get a hardtop too !!!!!!

Somehow I don't think they're going to get any cheaper....and original parts don't make them drive any better.....

Well done !!!!!

 

If he has all the parts,and everything checks out....you just purchased yourself one awesome BB vert.Enjoy it....Run the dog pi&s outta it...you break it..fix it,if you scratch it...repaint it.These cars were built for fun,and to enjoy...not to have a bunch of guys w/clip boards disecting it.Nice find.....

 

Big Block Vert, you have to love it no matter what it cost. It is not so perfect you won't feel bad driving it.

Just enjoy, it is the true American sports car. Good looking ride.

 

To He11 with the missing pieces. Do what God and Zora intended with it.


















DRIVE IT!

 

Then you should be in great shape. You have found every Corvette lover's dream. A beautiful car, performance additions and the original parts kept for posterity. This car can be driven and enjoyed right now and then later if prices go into the stratosphere, you can put the original parts back on and sell it...or not totally your choice but the point is you have a car that will allow you to do whatever you want.

Congrats!


cc

 

ESPECIALLY if he gives you all the original parts. That must be part of the sale....
Eddie

 

No offense but....I would have dropped $34K on that car without blinking when I was shopping last winter.

BB, 4sp, A/C, 2-tops....what more could you ask for?