? for you C3 Experts
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
? for you C3 Experts
If you look at my profile I have an 08 C6, so I don't post much here in the C3 section.
I'm considering a project car next year and I'm down to a C3 vert (68-69) or a Firebird (68-69) and I'm trying to get a feel for a realistic build cost. I'm going to build more of a resto mod than an original.
Here's what I'm thinking and if anyone can help with their first hand knowledge or experience that would be great.
Looking to find a decent bodied car, so minimal body work, just a new paint job. I'll replace the engine with some kind of crate/stroker & I guess I'll need a new trany.... will I need a new rear end as well? Hopefully it'll have a decent interior, but I'll replace that if need be. Would like to upgrade the brakes to disc & add new wheels & tires.
I'm not looking to do a full out resto just more of a splash & dash upgrade so I can drive it & have fun.
What's a reasonable expectation for cost? Would I be better off looking for one thats already been updated? I don't really have anything that special in mind other than the paint color.
Thanks
I'm considering a project car next year and I'm down to a C3 vert (68-69) or a Firebird (68-69) and I'm trying to get a feel for a realistic build cost. I'm going to build more of a resto mod than an original.
Here's what I'm thinking and if anyone can help with their first hand knowledge or experience that would be great.
Looking to find a decent bodied car, so minimal body work, just a new paint job. I'll replace the engine with some kind of crate/stroker & I guess I'll need a new trany.... will I need a new rear end as well? Hopefully it'll have a decent interior, but I'll replace that if need be. Would like to upgrade the brakes to disc & add new wheels & tires.
I'm not looking to do a full out resto just more of a splash & dash upgrade so I can drive it & have fun.
What's a reasonable expectation for cost? Would I be better off looking for one thats already been updated? I don't really have anything that special in mind other than the paint color.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Personally, I think you'd be dollars ahead finding one already upgraded and then make whatever minor changes you wanted to personalize it. If you like the idea of a challenge and project for its own sake, have at it.
I would suggest looking for a '69 as the '68s had a number of one year specific parts that are somewhat more expensive to find. If you find a '68 at a great price, go for it.
C3's are great cars, but keep this in mind..."There are few things more expensive than a cheap Corvette"!
I'm not very familiar with Firebirds of that era so I can't say which would be less expensive. I can tell you that nearly every part you would need for an early C3 is available...not all, but most are available as new or reproductions and there are many vendors specializing in it. I don't know if many other cars can say that to the same degree as a Corvette.
I would suggest looking for a '69 as the '68s had a number of one year specific parts that are somewhat more expensive to find. If you find a '68 at a great price, go for it.
C3's are great cars, but keep this in mind..."There are few things more expensive than a cheap Corvette"!
I'm not very familiar with Firebirds of that era so I can't say which would be less expensive. I can tell you that nearly every part you would need for an early C3 is available...not all, but most are available as new or reproductions and there are many vendors specializing in it. I don't know if many other cars can say that to the same degree as a Corvette.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 295
Likes: 2
From: Columbus OH
If you look at my profile I have an 08 C6, so I don't post much here in the C3 section.
I'm considering a project car next year and I'm down to a C3 vert (68-69) or a Firebird (68-69) and I'm trying to get a feel for a realistic build cost. I'm going to build more of a resto mod than an original.
Here's what I'm thinking and if anyone can help with their first hand knowledge or experience that would be great.
Looking to find a decent bodied car, so minimal body work, just a new paint job. I'll replace the engine with some kind of crate/stroker & I guess I'll need a new trany.... will I need a new rear end as well? Hopefully it'll have a decent interior, but I'll replace that if need be. Would like to upgrade the brakes to disc & add new wheels & tires.
I'm not looking to do a full out resto just more of a splash & dash upgrade so I can drive it & have fun.
What's a reasonable expectation for cost? Would I be better off looking for one thats already been updated? I don't really have anything that special in mind other than the paint color.
Thanks
I'm considering a project car next year and I'm down to a C3 vert (68-69) or a Firebird (68-69) and I'm trying to get a feel for a realistic build cost. I'm going to build more of a resto mod than an original.
Here's what I'm thinking and if anyone can help with their first hand knowledge or experience that would be great.
Looking to find a decent bodied car, so minimal body work, just a new paint job. I'll replace the engine with some kind of crate/stroker & I guess I'll need a new trany.... will I need a new rear end as well? Hopefully it'll have a decent interior, but I'll replace that if need be. Would like to upgrade the brakes to disc & add new wheels & tires.
I'm not looking to do a full out resto just more of a splash & dash upgrade so I can drive it & have fun.
What's a reasonable expectation for cost? Would I be better off looking for one thats already been updated? I don't really have anything that special in mind other than the paint color.
Thanks
Engine 3500-5000
Paint 3500-5000
New Tranny 1500-2500+ depending on how much hp its behind
Brakes upgrade (not sure what you want) 500-1000
Wheels/tires 1000-1500
You didn't mention suspension, that's another expense. This is considering there are no frame/birdcage issues.
JMHO
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Fleetwood PA
Sounds like a rolling chassis would be the way to go. Like was posted before, go 69 or 70 for parts availability and lower cost. I have 2 68's and some of the parts are much more expensive.( 200.00 more for the weatherstrip as an example) Vetts had disc brakes all the way around anyway, but stainless lined calipers are almost a required upgrade, and may have already been done at some point. The rears in vetts were very good to begin with, so a new rear probably would not be needed....maybe a mono-spring and good shocks for improved ride. I think the vette would be the way to go(obviously) they tend to be a bit "classier" .The old birds were very cool but still say teenager to me when I see one drive by(showing my age I guess)
Last edited by whitehause; Aug 3, 2009 at 07:59 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
To restore or rebuild a 1969 C3 give you a pain in the wallet. It's better to find one that just about what you are looking for, then you can go from their $$$$$$$$$$$$ Some years are more expensive than other for parts and value. A C3 is a good looking car.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
Thanks for the info! Obviously I lean heavily toward the vette too. I figured somewhere in the range of $20k to make it how I want it(+ the car itself), so I'm not far off. I know with vettes or any car for that matter the sky can be the limit, but I'm looking for a good quality strong driver that can scream as well. I'd love an all original 427 1969, but so does everyone else.... hence their prices these days. I was hoping for somewhere in the neighborhood of $30-$35k I could build both a beauty & a beast.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll be around this side of the forum more as the day gets closer to me starting my project. I'm sure I'll choose the vette.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll be around this side of the forum more as the day gets closer to me starting my project. I'm sure I'll choose the vette.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I had a 69 Firebird 400 conv. & a Trans Am before the Corvette. They are cool cars but they are not Vettes.
An issue w/ the Firebirds is rust.
To me the Corvette is the way to go!
Look at some other years also.
An issue w/ the Firebirds is rust.
To me the Corvette is the way to go!
Look at some other years also.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Your best buy for a C3 would be a '72 or '73 SB coupe. In today's market, you should be able to pick one up with a good body...but worn/damaged paint...for around $10K. But, with a new paint job, engine and overdrive tranny, it will clean up nice and the car's value will be somewhere near $20K.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
Your best buy for a C3 would be a '72 or '73 SB coupe. In today's market, you should be able to pick one up with a good body...but worn/damaged paint...for around $10K. But, with a new paint job, engine and overdrive tranny, it will clean up nice and the car's value will be somewhere near $20K.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
If you are looking for a 68/69 to resto-mod try to find one that doesn't have the original motor. Non-original cars of that vintage are worth considerably less to collectors so you can find one for a much more reasonable price. If you want to go crazy and put a SRIII tube frame under it with C4 suspension you won't feel guilty about it.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
Thanks for the info! Obviously I lean heavily toward the vette too. I figured somewhere in the range of $20k to make it how I want it(+ the car itself), so I'm not far off. I know with vettes or any car for that matter the sky can be the limit, but I'm looking for a good quality strong driver that can scream as well. I'd love an all original 427 1969, but so does everyone else.... hence their prices these days. I was hoping for somewhere in the neighborhood of $30-$35k I could build both a beauty & a beast.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll be around this side of the forum more as the day gets closer to me starting my project. I'm sure I'll choose the vette.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll be around this side of the forum more as the day gets closer to me starting my project. I'm sure I'll choose the vette.
For less then 30 - 35K, you should be able to pick up a decent driver quality small block car and just replace that engine with a built small block, build up the motor that comes with the car, or drive it as is. A decent driver quality 69 'vert shouldn't be more the 25K, add the motor for another 5K and you're good to go. Be patient and wait for the "right" car. Stop in and ask questions, and more questions, and more questions. Like others have stated, buy the most car for the money to start with. You don't want to buy a car that turns into a money pit. Good luck with your search.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: Macomb Township MI
Change to stick from Auto for 1979 ???
I have a line on a 79 Black on Black automatic. Want to make the change to a 4 or 5 speed. Will need ALL the change parts. Are they available from vendors?? Of course buying one with stick would be the way to go, but not many are stick cars. So will have to go the change route. Imput would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
I think your estimate of 20K plus the cost of the car is pretty good for a nice cruiser.
All C3's have disc brakes. You can upgrade those if you want, but a properly operating stock C3 setup is pretty good.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Spring TX
Again thanks for all the info.
If I buy say a cruiser with a non matching engine (don't care which since I'm going to pull it, I guess a 350 will be least expensive) can I just swap out the engine and leave the tranny (stick) that came in the car? Won't I need to swap that for the extra power (and torque) the new engine will have? What about the rear end? If they already have disc breaks are they of good quality? Do they even need to be updated?
From what some of you are saying I might be able to pick a decent driver car, swap the engine, maybe paint it & fix up the interior some and be done... true????
I've watched 69 prices for quite some time (6-7 months) and noticed something thats hard to find.... power windows in a vert. Why???
thanks
If I buy say a cruiser with a non matching engine (don't care which since I'm going to pull it, I guess a 350 will be least expensive) can I just swap out the engine and leave the tranny (stick) that came in the car? Won't I need to swap that for the extra power (and torque) the new engine will have? What about the rear end? If they already have disc breaks are they of good quality? Do they even need to be updated?
From what some of you are saying I might be able to pick a decent driver car, swap the engine, maybe paint it & fix up the interior some and be done... true????
I've watched 69 prices for quite some time (6-7 months) and noticed something thats hard to find.... power windows in a vert. Why???
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Again thanks for all the info.
If I buy say a cruiser with a non matching engine (don't care which since I'm going to pull it, I guess a 350 will be least expensive) can I just swap out the engine and leave the tranny (stick) that came in the car? Won't I need to swap that for the extra power (and torque) the new engine will have? What about the rear end? If they already have disc breaks are they of good quality? Do they even need to be updated?
From what some of you are saying I might be able to pick a decent driver car, swap the engine, maybe paint it & fix up the interior some and be done... true????
I've watched 69 prices for quite some time (6-7 months) and noticed something thats hard to find.... power windows in a vert. Why???
thanks
If I buy say a cruiser with a non matching engine (don't care which since I'm going to pull it, I guess a 350 will be least expensive) can I just swap out the engine and leave the tranny (stick) that came in the car? Won't I need to swap that for the extra power (and torque) the new engine will have? What about the rear end? If they already have disc breaks are they of good quality? Do they even need to be updated?
From what some of you are saying I might be able to pick a decent driver car, swap the engine, maybe paint it & fix up the interior some and be done... true????
I've watched 69 prices for quite some time (6-7 months) and noticed something thats hard to find.... power windows in a vert. Why???
thanks
The rear end in the early C3's can withstand quite a bit. I seem to recall 550 or 600 or something like that.
The stock C3 brakes are actually quite good. Four wheel four piston calipers and 11.75 rotors were ahead of their time in the late 60's. They do suffer from fade after repeated hard stops and they are quite heavy. You can upgrade to Wilwoods to cut out some fade and weight.
C5/6 upgrades are available, but offer minimal gains over stock.