Hey guys,

Looking at a 1970 LS-5 Corvette T-Top Coupe. Supposed to have been “restored” within the past year. M-22 tranny (did Chev put M-22’s in a 70?), a/c, pb, ps, and pw, tilt, leather (black) interior and Corvette bronze (my favorite color).

The car is being billed as a “numbers matching” drivetrain however, not all other components are necessarily original. The only docs that come with the car are the original owner’s manual and the receipts from the shop that did the engine rebuild. Paint is supposed to be new.

Dealer is willing to allow complete inspection on lift prior to sale. Mileage is believed to be around 112k. The current seller (a reputable muscle/sports car dealer) says he has the names of the first three owners and will provide that information to the buyer.

I have been looking for a 1970 with all these options, especially the 454and the Corvette bronze, that is not so perfect I fear driving it (like my 71), yet is in nice shape.

Given this information, what do you experts estimate the value of this car is, assuming all the normal stuff one should checkout on a C-3 before buying it checks out?

FYI-I have a list of 30 some questions (normal questions about the birdcage, block numbers, Trim plate numbers, restoration etc mentioned on this website) I am going to ask on Monday when I call them about the car (I have talked to them once about the car, but not seriously, so didn’t get real detailed on my questioning).

Thanks for the help!

John

 

without pictures, our guesses are not really worth much.

the M-22 was an option in 1970, look for the vin stamped on it.

If you get pictures, make sure to get close ups of all the places where the VIN and serial number are stamped.

 

Yes the M22 was an option for 1970

Hmmm With all those goodies... 454, and an M22

Is it in really good shape? Check it out.. Do that complete inspection by an unbiased fellow Vette guy.

If it does check out close to what they are claiming it seems to be an enticing buy.. Obviously at the right price.

 

Thanks wer2xu.

I understand where you are coming from. I have not posted much on this site in the past, but I found my old instructions and hopefully I have done it correctly. Obivously I don't have all the pictures I would like and plan to ask for more Monday (undercarriage, engine tranny, and rear-end numbers. But I was hoping I could get a general idea based on my description (should it all pan out to be accurate). Anyway, here are a few of the pictures I do have. Help any?

Thanks Augustus,

If I feel comfortable after talking to the seller on Monday, I have arranged for another vette lover, who will give me his honest opinion, to go with me to take a look-see At first glance, she does look a little enticing, don't ya think? I do understand however, that pictures can hide a lot and nothing replaces a personal inspection

 

It worked! Sometimes I even amaze myself!

 

Looks good to me!

As long as the price is acceptable to you and you give it a thorough inspection, it seems like a nice car from where I sit. Nice color too!!

 

Hi Augustus,
Cosmetically the car looks VERY nice in the pictures.
I think you need to determine just WHAT PARTS are or are not ORIGINAL to THIS car. I believe that will ultimately determine it's value.
Do you have the NCRS 1970-72 CORVETTE TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL & JUDGING GUIDE? I think that will help you and your advisor figure out if this is the car for you.
I realize you said you want to drive it, but you need to know just what it is to decide how much to pay for it.
IT does look like quite a beauty!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS: I notice it has 71 grills (mounting screws), much more common and MUCH cheaper. It also has a replacement distributor. You need to know what else on this car is/might be like that. Then decide what matters to you.

 

Thanks Alan 71 (I always enjoy your posts since I also have a 71!)

Your post is exactly why I posted my questions on this site. I didn't even notice the grills being 71 (should have since I have one). Can you really tell the distributor is a replacement by the picture or is it from the cap?

I also notice the gear shift is not stock (at least I don't think it is?) Any comments?

I do not have a judging guide. Anywhere I could get one within the next few days? I am a NCRS member, just for reading purposes only (definently not an expert)

Thanks again,

John

 

Also difficult to tell from the pictures, but a '70 would only have raised chrome edges on the horizontal lines on the side-grilles; this one looks to have the vertical bars chromed too, like the '71-'71 versions.

But again, it could just be a reflection of light in the paint.

Oh, and that wingnut for the aircleaner isn't exactly stock...

But other than that, it seems to be a gorgeous car! Good luck with it!

 

...but the seller told me that wingnut added 10hp is he telling a fib? Thanks for the obs bobbarry, I will ask about the side-grills.

John

 

the front grills and the side grills are incorrect, that is a Hurst shifter in there, the distributor is a late 70's HEI, the distributor shielding is all missing, those cheap Chinese re-pro valve covers, when they painted the engine bay they left the vacuum relay in, I think I see a heater core bypass valve...it has a mirror on the passenger side, not original radio.

that's what I get from a quick glance.

What is he asking?

looks like the 454 badges are red...that was for 1973.

 

wer2xu, You are the man! I am impressed (again, why I came to this site). You have convinced me, I am going to pass. I think the car could be had for low to mid 30's, still too much I think?

Thanks again, I think you probably saved me some future disappointment!

John

 

my black book states 25 M22's were delivered with 25 ZR1's.. if it is a M22 then it is not original... alot of people/sellers don't know better and think they have a M22 because the gearbox wines so much, when really it is bearings screaming and about ready to blow...

all the above issues are fixable... a restored car with the above fixed issues and correct drivetrain and good metal would be listed at 45k or more.. low to mid 30s is not so bad if engine checks out and metal is good..

 

Is the clutch linkage slightly out of adjustment? Looks like it is higher than the brake pedal, or is that normal?