Where in Northern Jersey is the car?

 

Phat Cat,
Hold off on a final payment until you can get an inspection on it.
I am in Northern NJ and there are a BUNCH of board members in the area that can help, I am sure.

Jerry has a fully restored 71, and there are a couple really nice 72 owners in the area as well.

I can tell you from my limited Vette experience that the proposed car is very nice.
I had purchased a sb 71 with air, t-tops in the area for $16,000.
Was a white car/red interior originally, changed to black on black.
Anyway- It had lots of issues.
Again, I bought another in the area, for a similar price.
A Bryar Blue 72 sb, auto, ttops, #s match and mostly original, but the original had issues with it like most 35 year old cars.
Frame and b-cage were ok so worth the price.

NOW- You are talking VERT, BIG BLOCK, 4-speed, with GREAT PAINT and both tops!
As long as your inspection prooves #s matching and no rust/birdcage damage I would dive in.
Even if you overpay a couple thousand- its something you will enjoy and not regret purchasing.
From looking at it, it is things people have mentioned to look for in those boxes.
CARB/FAN/little things like the T-style shifter with nickel or black ball.
The Spare carrier could be removed and repainted a nice black. Just do a search on this restoration project- there have been several.
Although I am in the area, I cant offer much in the line of expertese, just comparison.
If I was making an offer on it based soley on what I see in the images and possible included parts- $28,000-30,000 wouldnt be an issue, peniding the frame and birdcage review.
These are EXTREMELY expensive and involved repairs, that you have already stated you are not prepared to do yourself, so would equal alot of down time, and may not be worth it for you.
If they are good- Then I agree finish the deal as soon as you can, so you can get it all registered, and ready to roll for the Spring.
PS - Definetly make the trip to Carlisle to show off you new 72!

Eric

 

Eric, Carlise is a must! Maybe this year it will be cooler than 101 degrees and no tornadoes

 

Guilty as charged. It's a stealth Bentley.


I looked again at the photos I posted and the color fidelity is low. In person the car appears a light-medium blue with a hint of green. I've searched the web for photos of 72 Bryar blue cars and they look just like the car does in person. Guess I need a better camera.

 

Phat Cat,

$32k is not a bad deal for a fully restored LS5, Vert (2 tops), 4speed, AC.

Considering you could buy something that will probalby need a bunch of work for $25k then put another $10-$15k in paint alone.

If the main original accesories are there great - that is a huge plus. If not, it could be fun chasing some of them down but I guarantee you, they will sit on the shelf anyway. I am considering taking off my original carb due it it's value and I have the smog and starter sitting in boxes as well.

So what, an original alternator runs you $300, are you really going to put an original back on the car to drive and enjoy. It won't run any better I guarantee you.

If the bones are good (solid frame, no rust, everything works) and the engine numbers and tranny match the vin, you have a winner on your hands.

The good thing about '72 is that the engine option is in the vin code.

Good Luck, I am in Putnam county and work near Paramus but unfortunately can't make the time in the time frame you need or else I'd be happy to check it with you.

Good luck in your decision, keep in mind that you could and should use the fact that some original parts are not there to negotiate a bit on price.

 

Sounds like a nice car you're interested in there.
Lots of desireable options there. Plus, Bryar Blue is a very nice color.
BUT, the first thing you need to do though is get a thorough inspection.
Call the top 3 Corvette restoration houses in the metro area & tell them what you want.
If they don't offer inspection services
(many do), chances are you'll get a good referral.
Good luck. I hope it all works out.

 

this speaks volumes about your decision, it would cost way more than 32K to pay someone to bring a 8-10K car to this condition. some people on here think you can steal a nice car if the frame and cage checks out wich I am sure it will if it had a frame off resto you made a nice buy. you may be able to find some cheaper but not in this condition. you did good

 

Update. I have arranged with seller to have it inspected this weekend. I have one forum volunteer already but we haven't worked out the final details. If anyone else would be interested to go with me in case Plan A doesn't work out, please PM me.

I truly appreciate all the responses and support here. I'm going to enjoy being part of the community, whatever car I and up getting.

 

Phat Cat,

This should turn out well Considering that you have made a deposit and the seller has agreed to hold the car and the negotion ended at the $32K I think your opportunity to shave a little off the price has diminished.

You have done some great research and you know what the car is better than any of use as you have seen it. Once the inspection is done and YOU are confident that this is a nice Corvette, and YOU are willing to drive it for many years of enjoyment , then Go For It

When you get it home set your new Avatar and welcome

 

Be sure to get the car up on a hoist. There are areas that just cannot
be evaluated while sitting on the ground.
A neighborhood garage or muffler shop may put it up on a hoist for a few bucks.
Sounds exciting. From what you've described, it sounds like a good find. Best of luck.

 

I also live in Northern Jersey.What town is it in? As far as the color Bryar Blue has a Aqua/Greenish shade.From the pics it does look like aTarga/Mulsanne blue.If all checks out,I believe it is a very good price.

 

Unfortunately, neither of the two forum members who kindly offered to look over the car were able to make it this weekend. I've also tried my local Corvette Club w/ no luck.

My deal with the seller is hanging by a thread. Is there anyone who might be able to inspect it with me this week? i will pay in beer or $$$ . Please PM me.

 

Jeff,i am sorry i could not make it as i own my own place and my work schedule is crazy.Let me know what happens...JERRY

 

I wish that I could get there to help you out! Try starting a new thread in the general sections,and see,if it generates you someone that can help.Where are you in NY.I see your town,but I'm unfamiliar w/NY,so please,be more specific,and I may know someone in your area,or close enough that they could help you.I would start a fresh tread tho,so it will call out to people in your area.Good luck!I know that it is frustrating.

 

You know, the reality of the fact is, it's really not rocket science checking on of these out. You will need a lift, and you will need to pull the kicks and the rear wheel well plates the check the bird cage. 8 mounts to check total, and I also recomend pulling the pass side map holder interior plate, 7 screws total, just the vent hole and flasher to worry about. on the lift, get a pick and mainly look for pitting and a possible hiding the rust job, esp on where the frame transitions to the rear kick ups. Damn hard to hide on a lift with a good flash light. check around the front for tears and the rest for buckling from a hit. Put it on a smooth road and look for wonder. You can do it yourself. have the mech at the lift check the crank end-play, listen to the motor, look for leaks on the lift, run it through the gears once warmed up. You can do it yourself if you want to, but for 32k, you will be in a good position, even if this one gets away. Chris.

These are at the limmit, yours should be much better, for 32k and a frame off done, you shouldn't see any rust:

 

I went back and checked the trim tag, looked it up and found the car was originally Steel Cities Grey and not Bryar Blue as represented. Also, the trim tag had been painted over, which strikes me as Bubba-ish. This seems to be a big red (blue?) flag.

 

where there is smoke there is fire - recommend you be very patient and dig deeper. Be prepared for the current owner to become resistant/abrasive to your future request for info on the car.

I'll admit, I've not followed this thread word for word, post for post but from what you shared up front the current owner is very detailed and kept the original parts...but he failed to notice (or mention) that the color had been changed...

I'm not saying this revelation is a deal breaker but the price just dropped

 

Spoke to the mechanic and did some more calling. The deeper I look, the smokier things get.

A beautiful old Vette is a powerful drug that overwhelms rationality. Thanks to everyone who brought me down from the initial high.

 

Sometimes it's good when the blood flows away from the little brain back up to the big brain.

 

What else did you find? Its worth something, I guess its a matter of exactly what...