Rusty Frame
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Just for comparison, a buddy recently acquired a complete, running, fairly nice looking 75 rust free AZ corvette for a mere $5k. If it were me I'd part it out and look for a better car to start your corvette passion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
HI Guys
Thanks for all the brutaaly honest responses - that is why I asked.
In response to Markids77 - here are some photos of the poor beast
I never intended to buy a 'Vette, but I was stupid enough to searcg kijiji for cars for less than $2K, and this one jumped out.
And here is a link to my previous project.
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...php?f=35&t=775
I like to think I am fairly handy in the garage, and while I am not doing this to enter Barret Jackson I haven't got funds to burn. The car was $1200 with a rebuilt engine, almost complete interior and solid front underbody. The '71 frame is $900, (the change in rear x-member is a bit more extensive than I had hoped) and I maybe able to pick up a birdcage for $400. So for $2,500 I think I have a solid vette, in 3 pieces that needs a lot of TLC but hopefully not too much more $$$$.
I have no sentimental attachment to the car, my wife seems fairly excited about it though. If anyone out there knows where I can get a better start for $2,500 I am all ears. If anyone knows where I can get a 75 frame for less than $900, I am all ears.
This is a challenge no doubt. I want to explore all my options before quitting.
Thanks again, and keep the comments coming.
Thanks for all the brutaaly honest responses - that is why I asked.
In response to Markids77 - here are some photos of the poor beast
I never intended to buy a 'Vette, but I was stupid enough to searcg kijiji for cars for less than $2K, and this one jumped out.
And here is a link to my previous project.
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...php?f=35&t=775
I like to think I am fairly handy in the garage, and while I am not doing this to enter Barret Jackson I haven't got funds to burn. The car was $1200 with a rebuilt engine, almost complete interior and solid front underbody. The '71 frame is $900, (the change in rear x-member is a bit more extensive than I had hoped) and I maybe able to pick up a birdcage for $400. So for $2,500 I think I have a solid vette, in 3 pieces that needs a lot of TLC but hopefully not too much more $$$$.
I have no sentimental attachment to the car, my wife seems fairly excited about it though. If anyone out there knows where I can get a better start for $2,500 I am all ears. If anyone knows where I can get a 75 frame for less than $900, I am all ears.
This is a challenge no doubt. I want to explore all my options before quitting.
Thanks again, and keep the comments coming.
My car looked worse than that when I bought it for $2500. Part of the enjoyment for me was learning new skills and becomming part of something bigger. Take your time. Get it drivable and decent looking for a while, then go back for more in a year or two. Just remember the point is not to make $. They're money pits from which no tree shall ever grow.
There's lots of camaros and chevelles rolling around, but when a stinger comes on the scene, people notice.
Last edited by RobbSalzmann; Sep 28, 2011 at 04:09 PM.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Well it seems to be fairly conclusive, which is a shame. I don't like giving up on projects, but I am not made of money either.
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Well it seems to be fairly conclusive, which is a shame. I don't like giving up on projects, but I am not made of money either.
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Well it seems to be fairly conclusive, which is a shame. I don't like giving up on projects, but I am not made of money either.
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Rob-thanks for the positive comments, but you cannot see the frame from those photos. It is bad under there.
I can get a cheap frame and birdcage, but getting it home will cost thousands.
Before I put the ole lady up for spares, here is another far out idea:
can i use the 71 frame and convert mine to chrome bumpers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Conversion to chrome bumpers is more involved than simply splicing an earlier nose/tail to your tub and would likely be cost prohibitive. As an example, my local Craigslist recently had a 1971 one piece upper nose in new unmounted condition for $600.00. You would still need the lower fenders, a front lower valance and all the internal metal bracing just to hang the glass parts of the nose... never mind a hood, wiper door, grilles etc.
Before you quit on this car, there are lots of members in Canada and I am certain someone up there has the bits you would need to resurrect this car. In its current condition, unless someone buys it to part it out I bet it will be there for awhile just because it needs soooo much. I also hate to walk away from a project... I only paid $450 for my 77 and I hope to paint the body next week with first ride sometime early this spring. I'll have about $6500-7K in it by then so I at least might break even if it needs to find a new home. FWIW I'd rather redo a birdcage than try and scratch build that frame under your blue bomber...
Before you quit on this car, there are lots of members in Canada and I am certain someone up there has the bits you would need to resurrect this car. In its current condition, unless someone buys it to part it out I bet it will be there for awhile just because it needs soooo much. I also hate to walk away from a project... I only paid $450 for my 77 and I hope to paint the body next week with first ride sometime early this spring. I'll have about $6500-7K in it by then so I at least might break even if it needs to find a new home. FWIW I'd rather redo a birdcage than try and scratch build that frame under your blue bomber...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Ohio
To make the 71 frame work will take a weekend at the most but you need to have you body off which will take considerably more time than a weekend. LOL
You just cut the last 12 inches or so off you toasted frame. Get it cleaned and patched or whatever you need to do. Bondo or whatever to get it smoothed out.
Measure both frames prior to cutting. Take precise diagonal measurements and relative points from the ground to the crossmember to set the correct height. Simple graft at that point. Cut both sections precisely. Move it to the 71 and tack it on. Grind and fill and paint, no one will ever know but you.
You just cut the last 12 inches or so off you toasted frame. Get it cleaned and patched or whatever you need to do. Bondo or whatever to get it smoothed out.
Measure both frames prior to cutting. Take precise diagonal measurements and relative points from the ground to the crossmember to set the correct height. Simple graft at that point. Cut both sections precisely. Move it to the 71 and tack it on. Grind and fill and paint, no one will ever know but you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I agree with the majority here. I think you would be much better off selling it or parting it out. You could also find a nice looking car with a trashed motor and interior and use yours for parts to get it going.
I really wish I had bought a nicer car when I got mine. It would have cost more up front but would have saved me a ton in the long run.
The birdcage replacement is very involved. From what I have seen, you have to essentially cut all of the fiberglass off of the cage, repair it and then put the fiberglass back on. I have been working on cars my whole life and I would not attempt it. You need to have excellent welding and fiberglass skills.
Good Luck with whatever you decide.
I really wish I had bought a nicer car when I got mine. It would have cost more up front but would have saved me a ton in the long run.
The birdcage replacement is very involved. From what I have seen, you have to essentially cut all of the fiberglass off of the cage, repair it and then put the fiberglass back on. I have been working on cars my whole life and I would not attempt it. You need to have excellent welding and fiberglass skills.
Good Luck with whatever you decide.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Lansing MI
Greasy:
I bought my 76 for 3250.00
The frame is good, slight rust on windshield pillars.
Motor is 30K fresh, runs and does not smoke.
Bumpers are toast, body is near perfect. Seats and rugs need new.
I will be lucky to only have 7-8K total investment when done and my car will only be worth that amount.
There are better cars than yours available for less than 3-4K.
I would part the thing, make a little more than you spent and put it down on a little better car. IMO.
I bought my 76 for 3250.00
The frame is good, slight rust on windshield pillars.
Motor is 30K fresh, runs and does not smoke.
Bumpers are toast, body is near perfect. Seats and rugs need new.
I will be lucky to only have 7-8K total investment when done and my car will only be worth that amount.
There are better cars than yours available for less than 3-4K.
I would part the thing, make a little more than you spent and put it down on a little better car. IMO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Ohio
Just food for thought. There is a ALWAYS a better car for the same or less money. There is ALWAYS a better car for more money. The question you really have to ask yourself is, how much pride and pleasure do you take in resurrecting a turd from the grave or parts bin? For some, those two things are worth way more than the money or time invested.
Just saying. Ever see 69MYWAY's (Chris McDonald http://www.lateral-g.net/mcdonald/) corvette? Took a total hunk of crap 69 vert and built it into a total kick *** show car. Took it down to the bare birdcage and rebuilt the entire car his way. I don't think he worried about the money. And essentially became a cult phenom with his car getting into calendars, writing books about it etc.
Again, someone eventually has to pony up to save the old cars, or eventually there will be very few left period. Eventually every car gets old and crusty and is going to need work, save the museum and survivor cars that never see the light of day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A3RB...eature=related
Just saying. Ever see 69MYWAY's (Chris McDonald http://www.lateral-g.net/mcdonald/) corvette? Took a total hunk of crap 69 vert and built it into a total kick *** show car. Took it down to the bare birdcage and rebuilt the entire car his way. I don't think he worried about the money. And essentially became a cult phenom with his car getting into calendars, writing books about it etc.
Again, someone eventually has to pony up to save the old cars, or eventually there will be very few left period. Eventually every car gets old and crusty and is going to need work, save the museum and survivor cars that never see the light of day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A3RB...eature=related
Last edited by dboz; Oct 5, 2011 at 11:58 PM.
