1975 Corvette Value
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
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1975 Corvette Value
I have a base 75 coupe L48 auto that is currently getting restored. I was told that the car came without a radio. When I purchased the car it did have a somewhat newer aftermarket radio and antenna placed in the correct area on the rear deck. However I was also given an original radio block off plate that I was told came with the car. I did some research and see that only a small percent (around 862) came without a radio and have no way to verify if this is one of them. The car is getting restored now and I am wondering if I should go with or without a radio and if I will effect the value of the car if I put the radio block off plate back in and fill in the rear deck again as the car was delivered. Since I have no proof the car came this way will I devalue the car? I would figure more people would prefer a radio but the no radio option is kind of cool to!
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From: Danville Illinois
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Radio
I ordered mine with out the radio, buddy worked at stereo installer place and installed a Panasonic unit.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
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I dont think that you will effect the price either way. If there was proof the car came with no radio then that may increase the value slightly, however the value of an original delete plate is worth as much if not more then an original radio so I dont think you could loose money going that route. If you decide to go with a radio I would hold onto that original delete plate in case you change your mind one day. It was hard to hear those old radios over the stock motor anyway so I would say go without one, especially if you think the car came that way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Savannah GA
If you are truly "restoring" the car the original "as delivered" configuration is the way to go. If you are simply refurbishing it so you can drive it on nice days do whatever trips your trigger but as noted save the original stuff for a later custodian.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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If the car is being restored to NCRS specifications, I would not add the radio. If you plan to drive the car and utilize it as a cruiser, then put the radio in. 1975 base cars should not be too loud anyway considering that the mufflers in combination with the highly restrictive exhaust (first year for cats) make the car fairly quiet to begin with. 1975 is the year that Chevrolet hit its nadir with power in large part due to those catalysts. It took some time to learn how to overcome the emissions regulations and still maintain the driveability expected in these cars.
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From: Danville Illinois
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Noise
If i remember correctly, my 75 was very quiet when stock. For a car to drive put the a radio in. I don't think you get more points for not having a sound system. Not sure don't do the show thing.
CF JASOC Member
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
'75-77 Coupes are at the bottom of the C3 food chain as far as "market value" goes.
On the flip side of the coin though, they are a great "value" as far as buying what can be a really nice cruiser.
I wouldn't be real concerned about "de-value-ing" a '75 Coupe.
I'd make the car just the way you want it to be from an enjoyment perspective.
On the flip side of the coin though, they are a great "value" as far as buying what can be a really nice cruiser.
I wouldn't be real concerned about "de-value-ing" a '75 Coupe.
I'd make the car just the way you want it to be from an enjoyment perspective.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Confusion
How can you hurt the value of something that isn't worth anything!?!?!?!?!? Most likely the aftermarket radio you install will be worth more than the car!!! Just being honest (I have a 75 and was told value is practically 5 or less, nobody wants them)
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From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
'75-77 Coupes are at the bottom of the C3 food chain as far as "market value" goes.
On the flip side of the coin though, they are a great "value" as far as buying what can be a really nice cruiser.
I wouldn't be real concerned about "de-value-ing" a '75 Coupe.
I'd make the car just the way you want it to be from an enjoyment perspective.
On the flip side of the coin though, they are a great "value" as far as buying what can be a really nice cruiser.
I wouldn't be real concerned about "de-value-ing" a '75 Coupe.
I'd make the car just the way you want it to be from an enjoyment perspective.
Ignore them. Your '75 is a fine Vette. Matter of fact, That's the year I fell in love with America's Sports Car.
Guess that's why................
CF JASOC Member
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Le Mans Master
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It wasn't WHAT you said - it was the tone. People can be sensitive with statements like "bottom of the food chain" which can be equated with an opinion of nearly valueless to someone who highly values their car.
Asking someone to not concerning them-self with "de-value-ing" the Corvette also implies a lack of initial worth to begin with - also a side jab.
Yes the market may values 75 coupes less than other C3s but there are 75 enthusiasts out there who love their cars and do everything someone with a 67 tri-power coupe does to keep them looking and running great.
Asking someone to not concerning them-self with "de-value-ing" the Corvette also implies a lack of initial worth to begin with - also a side jab.
Yes the market may values 75 coupes less than other C3s but there are 75 enthusiasts out there who love their cars and do everything someone with a 67 tri-power coupe does to keep them looking and running great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Carmichael CA
I'd say the value would be about what you can get for it...no more and no less. A restored 75 could get $15,000 if you put $5,000 in advertising into it for a couple of years, or you might get $10,000 if you just put a sign on it and take a good offer.
Advanced
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From: Wasilla Alaska
Here's my take as a fellow 75 owner, for the most part the only claim 75's have to collectability is being the last year for a convertible. I can't see number's matching all original 75's being sought after the same as our chrome bumper brethren. Which is actually a tremendous source of freedom... I kind of like not having to worry about the originality of every part and piece on my 75. You have the opportunity to do almost anything to your car and not have the same worries as other vette owner with highly collectible rides.
So if a factory restoration is what your heart is set on don't let anyone dissuade you from that. Along the same lines, if you really want a asphalt churning beast and completely custom work throughout go for it...either way make sure at the end of the day you go after whatever is going to put the biggest grin on your face as your cruising down the road. At least that's the philosophy I've adopted with mine
So if a factory restoration is what your heart is set on don't let anyone dissuade you from that. Along the same lines, if you really want a asphalt churning beast and completely custom work throughout go for it...either way make sure at the end of the day you go after whatever is going to put the biggest grin on your face as your cruising down the road. At least that's the philosophy I've adopted with mine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Confusion
Don't worry about it, your tone was perfect and not in anybody's face, it seems on this forum people are "afraid" to really say what they think about these cars. Having owned every possible type Chevy, there is nothing elite or special about a Corvette, they are probably the biggest POS's and the biggest pains to work on------so because of that let's say they are in a group all their own!!!!
Now back to the 75, it has the base motor, a whopping 180 HP (if that) and blah looking and not worth a damn right now, you said nothing wrong and if the orig poster wants to restore it, to each their own, it's his money, but don't jump all over the few of us that have the reality of what they are worth...................you gave your opinion and we gave ours!
Now back to the 75, it has the base motor, a whopping 180 HP (if that) and blah looking and not worth a damn right now, you said nothing wrong and if the orig poster wants to restore it, to each their own, it's his money, but don't jump all over the few of us that have the reality of what they are worth...................you gave your opinion and we gave ours!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
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Thank You For All Your Help !!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe I should just save my money and not put it towards this C3 POS as I have now learned what it really is. I will see what time slot is available at the local junkyard to have it crushed. I guess I should just put this poor car out of its emission / catalytic converter equipped life. I think I will save the radio block off plate as a souvenir!!!!
It will go from looking like this
to this 
thanks for all your help, I am glad I joined this forum!!!!!!!!!!
It will go from looking like this
to this thanks for all your help, I am glad I joined this forum!!!!!!!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 15
From: Confusion
Maybe I should just save my money and not put it towards this C3 POS as I have now learned what it really is. I will see what time slot is available at the local junkyard to have it crushed. I guess I should just put this poor car out of its emission / catalytic converter equipped life. I think I will save the radio block off plate as a souvenir!!!!
It will go from looking like this to this
thanks for all your help, I am glad I joined this forum!!!!!!!!!!
It will go from looking like this
to this thanks for all your help, I am glad I joined this forum!!!!!!!!!!
Don't be discouraged, but hang on to that plate......Worth something!!!
If you do restore it, I have a large collection of NOS and used stuff for the 75, my 75 is in the sale stage and once it's gone the parts will be available............................... .......
Last edited by corvetteload; Mar 29, 2010 at 10:01 AM.