I am in the market for a 1969 to 1972 Vette. Simply because I have read the 68's are harder to find parts for. I am essentially looking for a fun weekend car that is fast and looks great...and somewhat reliable Originality is not important to me.

Here is what I want so far...or so my research/desires have led me to...
- Exterior Color (needs to be in nice-great shape) = Red, Black, Blue or White
- Interior Color (needs to be in nice-great shape) = Black
- A/C
- Automatic
- 350-400HP minimum
- Convertible
- Would be nice to have the hard top...is there a place I can buy one if the car doesn't already have one?
- Power Steering
- Power Brakes
- doesn't have to be numbers matching
- can have aftermarket performance parts...not picky about staying original on drivetrain.

what else should I want/look for?
Where should I be looking and what should my range be?
Does anyone know someone who can help me find a car?

Thanks,
Ryan (a future long-term Vette Owner)

 

When you start to find and examine Vettes, here's some things to look for.
Check for rust in the frame and kick-ups (in front of rear tire, part of frame that goes over the rear suspension) & bird cage. Surface rust is ok. When you lightly tap it with a hammer it should have a metallic ping. If bad rust it will sound more like a dull thud.
The kick-ups are the frame area in front of the rear tires where the frame goes up and over the rear suspension.
The bird cage is the steel frame around the passenger compartment. Look for rust along the windshield pillars, viewed from outside the car. Also pull the kick panels (down on the sides by your feet) inside the car to see what the body mounts look like and if there's just surface rust or serious rot, if the owner will permit you to.
If you can get it up on a lift and let the wheels hang so you can check the front & rear wheel bearings. Grab the 12 & 6 o'clock positions on the tires and pull back and forth to see if there's any movement. Front bearings are an easy replacement, but the rear is much more involved and costly to repair.
Check engine for visible oil leaks around the valve covers & oil pan.
Just a few things to look for when you check it out.
The radiator support is another rust prone area to check. Replacements run around 300-350 and are a PITA to remove & replace.
Check headlight operation (and wiper door up to 1972) and that they open fairly quickly. Vacuum system issues are common.
Ask to see all repair & maintenance receipts.
Remember, ALWAYS buy the best car you can afford

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juliet/rearsusp.htm

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...home&pageID=11

Glenn

 

$20,000 - $25,000 area should get ya something decent.........TOPLESS !!
Curious : why is a/c important ???

 

Thanks

A/C...becuase I live in Texas and want to be able to drive it in the summer time at 95degrees without sticking to the seats

 

OH...would also love to have the 427 hood (not sure what it is officially called)

I would love to find something within the next few weeks so I can start enjoying it asap

 

That depends on the specific part you need. My advice would be not to pass up a potentially nice '68.

Good reading here.


Good luck with the hunt.

 

If he's not looking for matching numbers... that much? I'd guess $15,000 to $20,000 for a NOM.

That hood was factory installed with a big block. I've seen owners put them on small blocks. It also appears on LT1 Corvettes.

 

Hi Ryan,
69-72... NICE!!!!
You asked about the name of "someone to help you look for a car".
Where are you? Filling out your profile would help people make suggestions.
The more home work you do now the more informed your choice will be.
Be careful, cars that appear to be really good deals sometimes aren't!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan