?? about buying..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
?? about buying..
Right now I am in the market for a 1970 Big Block. I have found one or two I am interested in. Both are number matching 454s
One is original - under 100K - What should I be worried about etc.? I know rust. The car is all original - Should I be worried about certain things that go bad.
One has been restored - engine and tran have been rebuilt and front springs, battery, upper and lower ball joints, tie-rod ends, master brake cylinder, shocks, brake hoses, brake calipers, fan clutch, valve cover gaskets, thermostat and power steering kit -
Both are the same price...
Opinions -
thanks!
Mark
One is original - under 100K - What should I be worried about etc.? I know rust. The car is all original - Should I be worried about certain things that go bad.
One has been restored - engine and tran have been rebuilt and front springs, battery, upper and lower ball joints, tie-rod ends, master brake cylinder, shocks, brake hoses, brake calipers, fan clutch, valve cover gaskets, thermostat and power steering kit -
Both are the same price...
Opinions -
thanks!
Mark
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Pics Pics Pics...will be the first response. So many experts here will want to see pics and you'll get valuable input instead of general conversation.
On the second car, it sounds like a lot of the fairly simple things were addressed. (the bolt-on mechanical stuff that most any novice can attempt to do)
If the owners will approve...I would ask them to remove the interior parts near your feet to reveal the condition of the frame (birdcage). Their reaction to that request alone may be worth as much as the opportunity to see the frame. If it's solid and they know it, they'll welcome the opportunity. If you're not comfortable assessing the structural parts then you should take an expert.
I bought mine knowing there were problems...and the price was in line with the condition. My point being... be careful because you don't always get what you pay for.
Post the pics...and the experts will certainly chime in. (and for the record...I'm not an expert)
- Gordon
On the second car, it sounds like a lot of the fairly simple things were addressed. (the bolt-on mechanical stuff that most any novice can attempt to do)
If the owners will approve...I would ask them to remove the interior parts near your feet to reveal the condition of the frame (birdcage). Their reaction to that request alone may be worth as much as the opportunity to see the frame. If it's solid and they know it, they'll welcome the opportunity. If you're not comfortable assessing the structural parts then you should take an expert.
I bought mine knowing there were problems...and the price was in line with the condition. My point being... be careful because you don't always get what you pay for.
Post the pics...and the experts will certainly chime in. (and for the record...I'm not an expert)
- Gordon
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,889
Likes: 3,324
From: NYC NY
Price? Pretty tough to offer opinions without more info and pictures. What colors...automatic or 4 speed.....options......coupes or convertibles?????? Not trying to be a smart a$$ but it's really an open ended question.
Last edited by 3JsVette; Oct 27, 2010 at 10:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
The price is $31,500 for either one.. I know I need to give more information. I will see about posting pics for you guys. Also more info.
thanks
Both are about the same as far as features and options -
Original -
Automatic
Convertible
454
Both tops
Restored -
Automatic
Convertible
454
AC
One has both tops
Sorry - been looking at tooooo many cars for sale...
thanks
Both are about the same as far as features and options -
Original -
Automatic
Convertible
454
Both tops
Restored -
Automatic
Convertible
454
AC
One has both tops
Sorry - been looking at tooooo many cars for sale...
Last edited by ultimix; Oct 28, 2010 at 06:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
Sorry - Made a mistake about the A/C..
Been looking at too many cars lately.
I know there are a lot of details involved in making which one is best determination. Sorry to be so vague.
Been looking at too many cars lately.
I know there are a lot of details involved in making which one is best determination. Sorry to be so vague.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
2nd one doesn't sound like a restoration, more like a lot of maintenance..
Agree on checking the birdcage and frame. I just paid a bit over $2500 to have the header on my windshield frame replaced, new windshield as well. Rust was rather minor compared many I've seen. Almost looked like it just needed cleaning until the body man hit the header with a hammer. Thin metal, replaced with a donor part in excellent condition. Pillars, lower corners and #2 mounts were fine. Rust repair can get very expensive in a hurry.
The first may get points if it's truly a survivor.. Both seem a bit high to me not having a frame off, thorough going over, renewal. It's easy to replace bolt on parts. There's a lot you can't easily see..
Agree on checking the birdcage and frame. I just paid a bit over $2500 to have the header on my windshield frame replaced, new windshield as well. Rust was rather minor compared many I've seen. Almost looked like it just needed cleaning until the body man hit the header with a hammer. Thin metal, replaced with a donor part in excellent condition. Pillars, lower corners and #2 mounts were fine. Rust repair can get very expensive in a hurry.
The first may get points if it's truly a survivor.. Both seem a bit high to me not having a frame off, thorough going over, renewal. It's easy to replace bolt on parts. There's a lot you can't easily see..
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,056
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
(but not as an owner of one. everything else is accurate and helpful)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
Here is the restored one that I am looking at -
http://www.autotraderclassics.com/fi...ml?adId=300754
http://www.autotraderclassics.com/fi...ml?adId=300754
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,241
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi u,
The car in the link you posted looks nice.
For that money I'd want the car to have MOST of it's original parts still there; FAR beyond the typical 'matching numbers' that everyone thinks of.
The pictures only show the pretty parts, not the serious parts that make this a $31,500 car (or not).
It's certainly worth checking out further WITH someone who knows 70 BB cars very well.
If you can afford this kind of money you need to be getting a car that's actually worth this kind of money!!!
Regards,
Alan
The car in the link you posted looks nice.
For that money I'd want the car to have MOST of it's original parts still there; FAR beyond the typical 'matching numbers' that everyone thinks of.
The pictures only show the pretty parts, not the serious parts that make this a $31,500 car (or not).
It's certainly worth checking out further WITH someone who knows 70 BB cars very well.
If you can afford this kind of money you need to be getting a car that's actually worth this kind of money!!!
Regards,
Alan