I'm finall at a point where I can concider buying my first Vette. I've been looking for something just above "project" class. I found a '74 350 4 speed locally and I had a chance to look at it yesterday. Took my camera along, but forgot to take any pics, so I'll post the Craigslist ad pics. Obviously the bumper covers and related hardware are missing, but the main structures are still there. Little obvious rust in the cowl/windshield area, didnt think to look up under the dash, and didn't take the T-tops off. It's been repainted(was originally blue). Doors open and close nice. Some chips in the body, but no big obvious cracks or spalling, and overall "ok" but not "good." I build street rods and kit cars for a living, so I know my way around fiberglass and bodywork isn't a problem.

It runs and drives, but needs a tune up and some fresh gas. It's got either 50K or 150K on the clock(interior wear makes me think 50K). It's got the base 195HP 350. Engine seems stock except for the side pipes and a Mallory dual point distributer. Got a leaky caliper in back, which means it needs replaced and the others might go soon. Side pipes are very rusty, but I was going to paint them black anyway. Pulls to the right(the leaky caliper or a sign of a bigger problem?)

Interior is complete, and in fair shape, but could use a throrugh cleaning. The seats aren't torn or overly worn out. Needle fell off the speedo, and the guy says the Tach bounces(cable probably needs lubed, the guy isn't really mechanically inclined)

The undercarrage and frame are very surface rusty, I couldn't tell how deep any of it went, but no big obvious holes. Rubber in the body mounts and bushings looked age cracked. Needs a few tires(dry rotted). I want to go back and do a more through rust search in the birdcage as I didn't know exactly what to look for the first time I saw it.

To sum up, except for the bumper skins and related parts, it's a very complete car in "ok" shape. Provided hidden fatal rust doesnt pop up, it could probably be a "fair" driver with minimal work, although it's not a full resto candidate. It was a base model Vette, small motor, manual windows and locks. The best thing this car's got going for it is that it's a manual trans. He's asking $3800, which seems high given that everything needs some TLC . Is $3,000 to low to offer? If I buy it and decide I don't like it or it turns into more project than I need, will I be able to get my investment(or most of it) back if/when I sell it? Thanks for the help.

 

You look like you've got youself a killer deal!
Buy it right now!!
If you don't want it, I will take it off your hands for at least what you paid for it.

 

$3800 isn't bad, but this '74 needs a lot of work. The question is: do you want this Corvette?

 

Whoa…..slow down. You absolutely need to know how to tell if there are structural rust issues in this car – frame rust, rocker channels, birdcage, etc. Search here for starters. This will be the difference of whether you get a great deal on a good car to fix up or pay way too much for a parts car.

 

Bah!
3k is like nothing- Round here, 4k will get you one that, say, went through a fire, was left outside with the top off for a decade or two, etc etc..
For one with a running engine, decent interior, and a manual transmission.. 3k ain't bad.

 

Famous last words !!! Peace,,,Moosie

 

Hi Jeff,
Please check out the many posts about how 'deep a pit' a rusty Corvette is. Could be everything's fine, BUT, you need to know for sure while the MONEY is still in YOUR pocket.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Your description of "above project class" is a bit different than mine. Try to figure how much money it will take to make the car satisfy you, and then see where that amount is compared to what you could sell the car quickly for at that point.

 

I agree only if you are NOT going to do a complete restoration....then the frame is a biggy. If someday you plan on doing a frame off, then replacing a frame is not a big deal. If you want something to paint and drive, then be very careful of that frame.

 

Thanks for the replys. I'm going to go back and have a through look at the typical problem areas. I've read a whole lot of posts about where to look for rust since I first went to see it. Since I don't want to do a full resto, if the rust is starting to look questionable I'll walk away. If it looks livable, I'll make an offer. I don't need this car, but if fits what I've been looking for. Not an assembly required project, but the basic needs some TLC but won't take much to be drivable type of car. Hope everything looks good when I go back

 

As a driver you need to know about not only rust, but brakes, front end, tires and exhaust. When was it last registered? Are any State or local taxes paid and current? Is there a clear title? A complete brake job and set of tires can cost more than $1000 on this car so know the costs up front BEFORE you dive in.

 

I wouldn't offer more than $2,500 based on the pics and not knowing what it looks like underneath. It will always cost a lot more than you think to bring it up to good condition.



Rick B.

 

the question that comes to mind is why were the front and rear removed? does he have the front and rear pieces?
the pulling to the right should have nothing to do with a leaky caliper.. if it pulls ONLY when stopping, then you would know why. it may be something as simple as alignment - in san antonio lifetime align cost about 130 last time i had one done.
tires (looked up yesterday) 90-120 per tire, so 360 to 480 just for new tires.
new calipers at ?autozone? were like 120 the last time i bought one
id say if he has the front and rear, 3000 would be decent to offer, with 3800 as start - minus about 700 for parts listed...

 

D'oh! Someone else got to the guy with a fist full of dollars before I could Sigh...the quest continues...

 

Anyone that thinks they can buy a functioning C3 without major body damage and in [essentially] stock condition for less than $4K is "smokin' somethin' "....unless the frame/birdcage is shot or it doesn't have a clear title. Check on the rust issue and look at the title; then buy it....