my 1st vette
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: st.paul mn
my 1st vette
hi here is my pics of my first vette, that i paid $1,500.00 for i now it needs alot of help but its a vette. 350 4bbl turbo 400
not the orginal motor or tranny. im thinking of using the motor and tranny in my 1950 chevy pickup street rod. and then get a 454 and a 5 speed for the vette. how hard is it to put a stick in a vette.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette014.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette009.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette010.jpg
not the orginal motor or tranny. im thinking of using the motor and tranny in my 1950 chevy pickup street rod. and then get a 454 and a 5 speed for the vette. how hard is it to put a stick in a vette.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette014.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette009.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ndvette010.jpg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
You paid $1500 for that?
OK, well, get ready to spend some more, lots more.
Front Clip bout 1500
rear bumper cover 350
suspension rebuild $1000
paint $4k
Engine work...$1k to whatever
Interior...start with $1000
should be nice when ya get it all together though.
Welcome aboard
OK, well, get ready to spend some more, lots more.
Front Clip bout 1500
rear bumper cover 350
suspension rebuild $1000
paint $4k
Engine work...$1k to whatever
Interior...start with $1000
should be nice when ya get it all together though.
Welcome aboard
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Wow. Well, your first Vette may be your last...unless you are one skilled individual and have a lot of persistance [and some spare buck$]. If you've done a lot of engine swaps/changes in other cars, the differences between a small block set-up and a big block rig isn't significantly different (assuming you're not going for the "stock condition" thing). Lots of repair and glasswork ahead of you; and if you want the C3 heat/vent system to work as intended, you'll have to research that and find the parts you're missing. Is the interior in as bad shape? Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I don't mean to be rude but you paid waaaay too much money for that car. I'm sorry, but for the condition it's in it's just a parts car worth less than half what you paid.
I admire what you're wanting to do, but I wish you would have consulted this forum before handing someone money for that car. (Loose term.)
I admire what you're wanting to do, but I wish you would have consulted this forum before handing someone money for that car. (Loose term.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
sorry buddy, but i have to agree.
Should have only paid less than $500 for that. The body work is going to be tuff and expensive and everything else looks like it needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Major $$ to get this car in roadworthy shape. If the body was in great shape then I'd say ok.
BUT if you've got your heart set on rebuilding this car then we've got your back.
If your not up for totally rebuilding the car then I'd suggest trying to get your $ back or parting out the car and buying something more manageable.
Good luck either way you go.
Should have only paid less than $500 for that. The body work is going to be tuff and expensive and everything else looks like it needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Major $$ to get this car in roadworthy shape. If the body was in great shape then I'd say ok.
BUT if you've got your heart set on rebuilding this car then we've got your back.
If your not up for totally rebuilding the car then I'd suggest trying to get your $ back or parting out the car and buying something more manageable.
Good luck either way you go.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
LIfe is full of challenges aint it? Since you already got a street rod, I can assume you are planning on doing it yourself? They all have potential and its one more saved from the crusher! Good luck and you should be able to find most of what you need from the guys on here.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I'm afraid its a lesson learned here. I purchased my first hot rod at night & in the rain. Man was a surprised the next morning. 
I was young & didn't know any better. I thought all motor head guys were cool & honest. I wanted to shoot the scum bag. oh well like I said that's how we all learn.
I was young & didn't know any better. I thought all motor head guys were cool & honest. I wanted to shoot the scum bag. oh well like I said that's how we all learn.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: st.paul mn
Im not going for orginal. I thought 2k into a front clip and rear taillight panel.and say 3k for misc. im good with cars . ill be doing the work my self. i do have a addiction im a caraholic. I have 9 cars. 70 340 duster, 68 charger rt, 50 chevy pick up , 98 ram, 01 pt, 77 cj7 , 83 cj7, 73 dodge pickup with a camper on it. and the vette. so i need another car like i need another hole in my head
the 454 idea is a dream but never know what deals i could run in to .the doors open and shut fine.
the 454 idea is a dream but never know what deals i could run in to .the doors open and shut fine.
Last edited by jakemary; Jan 15, 2008 at 08:01 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Suffern NY
Jake,
I wouldn't get too discouraged with the posts above. IF you have a solid straight frame and decent birdcage, you've got a solid foundation.
Many cars purchased for alot more money require a frame off resto and whether you start with this car or any other, the time involved won't vary much. The difference here is you need a front clip and rear cover. Add that to the purchase price and you have a starting point of about $3000.
Many vettes have been purchased for alot more ininitially and still need a frame off resto. After you're finished, you will be no more upside down in the car financially than every other rubber bumper c3 that has been restored.
Good luck.
I wouldn't get too discouraged with the posts above. IF you have a solid straight frame and decent birdcage, you've got a solid foundation.
Many cars purchased for alot more money require a frame off resto and whether you start with this car or any other, the time involved won't vary much. The difference here is you need a front clip and rear cover. Add that to the purchase price and you have a starting point of about $3000.
Many vettes have been purchased for alot more ininitially and still need a frame off resto. After you're finished, you will be no more upside down in the car financially than every other rubber bumper c3 that has been restored.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 2
From: Kearneysville West Virginia
Don't let anybody here discourage you. Do what you want and have fun with it. I have bought and sold worse. Some turned out good, some did not. Just do your thing, follow what ever dream you have, and enjoy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
From: Pace Florida
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I want you to post pics of your work on this car. Can't wait to see it done. There isn't anyone on this forum who hasn't spent too much money on their hobby.
Start bangin
Start bangin
Last edited by spedaleden; Jan 16, 2008 at 06:31 AM.