help I'm a newbie
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Caledon Ont
help I'm a newbie
How original do you have to leave a restoration to make it worth the most? Id like to get a little more umff outa ma motor but, if the numbers match how far can I go...ie header, intake, some chrome???
Its an 80.
Its an 80.
Last edited by falconview; Aug 2, 2009 at 07:42 PM. Reason: forgotten info
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Do what you want. The 80s are not the most desireable models. If you are worried about the value just keep the original parts. Don't worry about the value, go have fun with it and make it how you want it. If you want an investment a Corvette is not a good one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,001
Likes: 3,339
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Do what YOU want to do. My motor is still original, but I wanted more in the bling dept. So I added chrome but kept everything looking stock....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
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thanks for the input will take your advice...but i still love my car
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Fleetwood PA
As far as C3's go:
Years....68 to 70 are the ones to have, with 69 bringing the most....... all things being equal, engine, options...ect. 71 and 72 are getting there in value. These are all refered to as the "chrome bumper" or just "bumper" cars because they still had front and rear chrome bumpers.(no plastic)
Numbers matching is a MUST for top dollar. Big blocks bring almost double what Small blocks do, and sometimes MUCH more depending on the engine.
Verts seem to bring more although fewer t-tops were made in the early years. (in 68 twice as many verts were made compared to t-tops)
The more original parts the better. You might be able to find a deal on an early c3 that has been modified, had newer style seats put in, ignition sheilding removed, chrome dress up kits on the engine...ect,
but keep in mind that finding original parts can be hard to do not to mention expensive.
Basicly, if your looking to do a complete restore to original plan on spending a lot of money and time to do it. Unless you can find that all to rare "barn find survivor" it's best just to get it to good driver quality and drive!
Years....68 to 70 are the ones to have, with 69 bringing the most....... all things being equal, engine, options...ect. 71 and 72 are getting there in value. These are all refered to as the "chrome bumper" or just "bumper" cars because they still had front and rear chrome bumpers.(no plastic)
Numbers matching is a MUST for top dollar. Big blocks bring almost double what Small blocks do, and sometimes MUCH more depending on the engine.
Verts seem to bring more although fewer t-tops were made in the early years. (in 68 twice as many verts were made compared to t-tops)
The more original parts the better. You might be able to find a deal on an early c3 that has been modified, had newer style seats put in, ignition sheilding removed, chrome dress up kits on the engine...ect,
but keep in mind that finding original parts can be hard to do not to mention expensive.
Basicly, if your looking to do a complete restore to original plan on spending a lot of money and time to do it. Unless you can find that all to rare "barn find survivor" it's best just to get it to good driver quality and drive!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
dont take the wrong way, you asked what cars are desireable...the cars I listed all go for well over $200,000 US, very few of us here can say we own one of these, and those that do, do not think of you car as lesser. just less expensive.