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Old Nov 14, 2011 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
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Default help me make a decision / value question

I have a 1971 vette, that has been sitting for about 12 years. The paint was stripped by hand and then primed, then parked. The interior carpet is shot, and the rest of the interior is rough at best. The block is original 350/270 but the bolt ons are aftermarket and had not been touched for over 10 years. Chrome is in ok shape.

As it sits what would it be worth?

I know there are ALOT of variables but roughly how much $$ would it take to get it in decent/drivable shape (paint, interior, check out/freshen up engine).

I am trying to decide if I should unload it and buy another that is already useable or fix this one.

Thanks
Sky
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 08:10 AM
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Are you paying taxes on it? What's its assessed value?
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 08:33 AM
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If the engine runs, I'd pay 3-4k for it.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 08:58 AM
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Paint, interior, tires, brakes, exhaust, add 50% for other stuff that will come up..
if rust, then you wll struggle to find any interest.

you will just have to find someone willing to give you anything then put 15K into it..

yes, maybe 5K.. won't hurt to try.. sell it on this forum and craigslist.. it is free. won't hurt to get some feelers out there..
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 09:38 AM
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First Thing! Is it a Convertible or T Top? Big $$ Difference.

Is the body original Front & Rear with chrome bumpers More $$$? Or did someone modify it Less $$$? Any other major mods?

You have the L48 Engine and not the LT1 or 454. Less $$$

What condition is the Frame and Bird Cage?

Can you post some pics? One picture worth 1K words

If you can answer the above, next discussion: "Should you keep or sell for one which needs less work?"

Cheers
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 11:15 AM
  #6  
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MY rough guess is it would cost you between 10 and 15 K to completely redo the interior and have it painted (good paint job)...and it would cost you at least that much to buy a 71 that was a driver ...

You know the car...go over it and see what else you would have to do..MY GUT tells me that if it were my car I'd spend the money to bring it back rather then buy a unknown

Bob G.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 11:20 AM
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you also have to put a value on unloading it now and buying one more complete.
you can be on the road immediately vs. down for 2 years with a 1000 hour project.

for the same amount of money.
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:16 PM
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not paying taxes on it so no assessed value.

Engine ran when it was parked, so I would assume it runs now, but I would go through it 1st

Original body and chrome bumpers, did have the lover valance replaced, it is the t top, I have not looked at the frame in a decade, but it has been parked under a cover so I hope it has not deteriorated too much.

I will post some pics when I get to go home (working out of town)

It has peen parked for 12 years waiting for me to have the $$ to start on it, so I guess another 2 years would not be a killer, but it would be nice to have one to drive if I could do it for the same $$$. I hate decisions

Thanks
Sky
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:49 PM
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It maybe much better for you to sell it and find a runner. The only real reason to rebuild a car completely is because you enjoy doing it and or sentimental reasons for just about any other reason it is a total waste of time and money! IMO
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Old Nov 15, 2011 | 12:50 PM
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If I was looking to buy it, I would figure:

$3000 car purchase
$2000 interior
$8000 car paint/bodywork/weatherstrip/new chrome etc
$3000 engine/exhaust/fuel line/brakes repair
$2000 misc parts/labor/cost over-runs
$2000 for time and effort

$20,000 break even

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