1974 Stingray Help!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,062
Likes: 103
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
what is the asking price?? what we think it's worth without being able to see it in person is virtually impossible. giving us an idea of what the seller is asking for it will at least give someone here a good point to start from as to whether or not it's realistic after you look over the car more closely.
the engine compartment shows some original missing parts, but it's not the end of the world. if the engine isn't original, (and there were other non original modifications) that would impact on the value of the car.
the engine compartment shows some original missing parts, but it's not the end of the world. if the engine isn't original, (and there were other non original modifications) that would impact on the value of the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Not stock. Someone's been playing.
Lakeside: without more specific information about the 74, none of us can do much more than guess what this car might be worth.
On the other hard, we could tell you whether the seller is asking too much right off the bat.
Lakeside: without more specific information about the 74, none of us can do much more than guess what this car might be worth.
On the other hard, we could tell you whether the seller is asking too much right off the bat.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 434
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
The car is not stock. it has aftermarket seats and somebody's been in the engine compartment. now these are not bad things. My seats in my 74 suck on long trips.
I have a 74 convertible in a little better condition and I paid $14k for it 2 years ago.
I have put well over $5k in it since I got it.
Knowing what I know now I think I over paid for my 74.
I'd offer him $10k for it and be ready to go up to no more than $13k of so.
Good luck!
I have a 74 convertible in a little better condition and I paid $14k for it 2 years ago.
I have put well over $5k in it since I got it.
Knowing what I know now I think I over paid for my 74.
I'd offer him $10k for it and be ready to go up to no more than $13k of so.
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Don't plan on making $$ with a vette. They are not stocks/bonds. There meant to be driven/seen/admired/ and have a blast in! Once you buy a vette, no matter what the condition. You will ALWAYS find somthing that needs to be done either to your standareds or the cars standards. With what can be seen (and alot not seen=underneath/frame/engine) I woild not pay more then 10k. Only because it's a vert. If it were a coupe, 8k tops. Just my opinion, and everyone has there own. GOOD LUCK.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Pretty car but I am biased when it comes to red 1974s 
. I am **** so here goes.
-wrong and funky seats
-tilt lever on steering column is rusty
-crossed flags on gas lid incorrect
-later C3 steering wheel with beat-up horn button
-broken door panel on passenger side
-door lock **** MIA
-wrong air cleaner ***'y
-intake manifold is not 1974
-engine is ??
-the gas filter with rubber line is not correct (and actually seems disconnected)
-vacuum system on passenger side is disconnected
-most of the emissions equipment (incl. AIR pump) is MIA; no PCV
-aftermarket coil of some kind, in wrong position
-coolant recovery tank cap ajar
-A-arm flaps rotted
-apparently no return springs on throttle linkage
-aftermarket power antenna (1974 was fixed)
-a little hard to see but no licence plate lights in rear bumper?
-soft top looks worn
AND What happened to the alarm switch on the driver's front fender?
Just a few thoughts. But having said them I would say that that car (given good frame and birdcage) is an excellent start for a young enthusiast. If it runs well you can drive and clean up as time passes.
. I am **** so here goes.-wrong and funky seats
-tilt lever on steering column is rusty
-crossed flags on gas lid incorrect
-later C3 steering wheel with beat-up horn button
-broken door panel on passenger side
-door lock **** MIA
-wrong air cleaner ***'y
-intake manifold is not 1974
-engine is ??
-the gas filter with rubber line is not correct (and actually seems disconnected)
-vacuum system on passenger side is disconnected
-most of the emissions equipment (incl. AIR pump) is MIA; no PCV
-aftermarket coil of some kind, in wrong position
-coolant recovery tank cap ajar
-A-arm flaps rotted
-apparently no return springs on throttle linkage
-aftermarket power antenna (1974 was fixed)
-a little hard to see but no licence plate lights in rear bumper?
-soft top looks worn
AND What happened to the alarm switch on the driver's front fender?
Just a few thoughts. But having said them I would say that that car (given good frame and birdcage) is an excellent start for a young enthusiast. If it runs well you can drive and clean up as time passes.
Last edited by Paul L; Oct 15, 2010 at 02:11 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
I think 10K is too high...
Like I said...my '74 was less than 5K - numbers matching and all original... That's not to say I didn't get a good price...but I just know there are nice Vettes like that out there way under 10K.
Just my $.02 I regress...
Like I said...my '74 was less than 5K - numbers matching and all original... That's not to say I didn't get a good price...but I just know there are nice Vettes like that out there way under 10K.
Just my $.02 I regress...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Nasty things can happen when corrosion sets in (no, this is not mine). If you really want this car spend $100.00 or so and get a professional, independent evaluation of its mechanical condition.
Last edited by Paul L; Oct 15, 2010 at 02:53 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: Brighton Michigan
I agree with the previous post completely! Frame with these cars is everything, start there, and then move to the body, engine, interior etc. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. With me personally, it's all about frame condition, and then originality. And get ready to sink a few bucks into these cars...they always seem to need something unless it's been completely redone. I hate the phrase "getting your money back out of them", I don't really know any stingray owner who isn't underwater when they have to put some sweat equity into their pride and joy. But like any other big decision in life...do your homework, be objective, don't make an impulsive decison, and go from there. If you end up getting it great. Another Stingray on the road is a good thing! Thats my .02 at least.
Last edited by Peeps9823; Oct 15, 2010 at 02:39 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Lakeside09 - You're young and right now you can't see what the guys are telling you about this car because your eyes are glazing over. There are many good Corvettes out there at fair prices, so don't just jump at this one because it's the first one you've looked at. If it needs a paint job, there's 6k. The new convertible top will cost you at least $500 if not more by the time they add in needed weatherstripping. Door panels are another $500, and the list goes on and on. Keep shopping and find a Vette in the very best condition that you can afford. Your not knowing what it's worth shows that you have a lot of learning ahead, when it comes to Vettes. Slow down and take a few deep breaths and get your bearings. This is not the last Corvette you'll ever see. Just my "fatherly" 2 cents. Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Lakeside09 - You're young and right now you can't see what the guys are telling you about this car because your eyes are glazing over. There are many good Corvettes out there at fair prices, so don't just jump at this one because it's the first one you've looked at. If it needs a paint job, there's 6k. The new convertible top will cost you at least $500 if not more by the time they add in needed weatherstripping. Door panels are another $500, and the list goes on and on. Keep shopping and find a Vette in the very best condition that you can afford. Your not knowing what it's worth shows that you have a lot of learning ahead, when it comes to Vettes. Slow down and take a few deep breaths and get your bearings. This is not the last Corvette you'll ever see. Just my "fatherly" 2 cents. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Also, in 74 there where 37.5k corvettes made. 32k coupes, and only 5.5k convertibles, so you are paying a premium for getting a convertible. You would probably be able to get a coupe that is in nicer shape for less money if that's more important for you.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
You know what I mean. It gets all of us in trouble.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Here is a some more info I received today...
It has power windows that work. He has the air conditioning unit that was off the car when he bought it. The engine has been replaced but transmission is original. I put seat covers on them when I bought it. The car is solid and not rusty, it has been stored inside the entire time.
It has power windows that work. He has the air conditioning unit that was off the car when he bought it. The engine has been replaced but transmission is original. I put seat covers on them when I bought it. The car is solid and not rusty, it has been stored inside the entire time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
Go look at it 10,000 for a convertible I've seen a lot worse. Rust would be your biggest concern. Pictures only tell part of the story up close in person is the only way you will get the real condition of the car
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 323
Likes: 4
From: McKinney Texas
Lakeside09, how did this turn out?
I think some of the matching numbers valuation perspective is silly, but it will make a difference when you sell the car. However, <$10k for a C3 convertible? Assuming rust is not a problem (do not buy a rusty C3), you will probably never be too upsidedown in the car if you keep it a driver.
I think some of the matching numbers valuation perspective is silly, but it will make a difference when you sell the car. However, <$10k for a C3 convertible? Assuming rust is not a problem (do not buy a rusty C3), you will probably never be too upsidedown in the car if you keep it a driver.
