Would you buy it?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Would you buy it?
Hey corvette community! I'm a new member looking to get in to the addiction that is owning a corvette. I'm looking for a project car/hobby with minimal work needing to be done to the fiberglass. (painting is fine and minor work is ok.) Not worried about engine or transmission work as I'll be pulling both and rebuilding with my father. Anyways, I have found a local car that may be a good match but being new to the scene I wanted your opinion. http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/2886482806.html That is the link for the ad. I have emailed the gentlemen and he has assured me that the cars engine and tranny are both strong and run well. Engine is a 350 crate motor although I'm unsure of the exact engine. Also he assured me that the frame is straight and free of rust. Obviously I have to take this with a grain of salt and I would inspect the vehicle thoroughly before the purchase. Just curious if you think this is a decent deal. Also talked on price and he'd be willing to accept $3750. Thanks for the feedback!
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
I don't like the fact that he says "NO MORE PICTURES AVAILABLE, IF YOU ARE TRULY SERIOUS AND INTERESTED COME LOOK AND TAKE A TEST RIDE" Well not for nothing but not everyone is going to see one picture and hop on a plane to look. Rude.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
....I would definetly want alot more pics and info, price is always an issue, not bad price if as good as he says, but I would investigate into it alot deeper, before committing.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
don't even think about it until you see it and inspect it - there's a fair chance frame and birdcage rust is an issue and if that's the case - -keep walking.
E-mails and photos mean zip - - go see it, or find someone knowledgeable that will-
E-mails and photos mean zip - - go see it, or find someone knowledgeable that will-
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi smjh,
If you're interested in a non-original motor, automatic 73 it's worth checking out.
His math makes me a little nervous... a paint job will increase it's value from between $11,000 to $16,000!!! WOW!!!!!
Regards,
Alan
If you're interested in a non-original motor, automatic 73 it's worth checking out.
His math makes me a little nervous... a paint job will increase it's value from between $11,000 to $16,000!!! WOW!!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
looks like it might be a good project at that price. That is assuming that everything is there, and there is no rust issues.
His reason for "CANT FINISH RIGHT NOW. NEED TO SELL." might be that he discovered that it had a rusty birdcage! Read all the rust threads (birdcage/body mounts/kickups), and make sure there aren't any issues.
If there is no rust issues, there are a lot of parts that can add up quickly, and get very expensive. Make sure that everything is still pretty much with the car.
If that all checks out, it looks like a pretty good deal.
His reason for "CANT FINISH RIGHT NOW. NEED TO SELL." might be that he discovered that it had a rusty birdcage! Read all the rust threads (birdcage/body mounts/kickups), and make sure there aren't any issues.
If there is no rust issues, there are a lot of parts that can add up quickly, and get very expensive. Make sure that everything is still pretty much with the car.
If that all checks out, it looks like a pretty good deal.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Go check it out. I'd recommend taking someone who also knows a good deal about these cars, especially if you do not know exactly what to look for.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
When I put up a car for sale I have about 5 pics and thats it, because you can give a 100 pics that you think is good and someone else may not like them so you wasted your time anyway.
You want a car go look at it if its too far away you either take the gamble or you don't need it, look closer to home.
You want a car go look at it if its too far away you either take the gamble or you don't need it, look closer to home.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
Maybe save yourself a trip and have him send you the VIN so you can pull a CARFAX. It may show nothing, but then again it may, even on an older car. I found one car that looked good, but had been sold a auction too many times, including to the guy who was trying to sell it to me.
Even if the report doesn't show any problems, it will have details that should match up with the seller's statements. If they don't, assume the seller is lying. (Sure, Carfax could be wrong, but what's more likely: Carfax is wrong or the seller is trying to get your money?)
Good luck!
Even if the report doesn't show any problems, it will have details that should match up with the seller's statements. If they don't, assume the seller is lying. (Sure, Carfax could be wrong, but what's more likely: Carfax is wrong or the seller is trying to get your money?)
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Carfax on a '73? Did something change where Carfax is now taking VINs older than 1981?
It's a 1973 for UNDER $4k. It's a complete 1973 than moves under its own power for under $4K. If it has a solid structure and clear title (perfect restoration project), why would anyone care about its past?
It's a 1973 for UNDER $4k. It's a complete 1973 than moves under its own power for under $4K. If it has a solid structure and clear title (perfect restoration project), why would anyone care about its past?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
The fact that he does not post a lot of pictures COULD work in your favor. That is going to limit the number of people that will respond, because anyone with a brain would not buy it without seeing it. So if it is close to you I would think it would be with the trip. Like was mentioned above if you can take somebody with you that knows the stuff, that would be great. Otherwise read up on what to look for as far as structure.
Could turn out to be a great car and a great project. I really like the '73. Good luck
Could turn out to be a great car and a great project. I really like the '73. Good luck
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Wow, first and foremost thank you all for the quick responses. I was so amazed to see this many post in such a short time. I feel like a lot of great tips have been shared and I appreciate all of them. I read a post a few months ago about the "10 things to look for in a c3 corvette" and I feel like you have all confirmed these thoughts. As many have said more pictures would be great, but that is not possible. Nevertheless I'll be in the area this weekend and get a chance at a first hand look. I'll be inspecting the vehicle looking for rust on the frame and birdcage as you all have Insisted is the make or break deal. My question now is, does anyone live in the Colorado springs area and would be willing to come look at this car with me? I assure you lunch and beer would be on me 
. Thanks again all!
. Thanks again all!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Argh....my daughter just moved from "the springs" we went up fairly often to visit...great place. Mmmm don't let your heart strings get in the way of your head. Check it out and let us know how it goes....have fun. Be sure and go to the Old City section and to Manitu cool place.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 4
From: caraquet N.B Canada
It's not a easy task checking a car for someone else, when he's not there with you. I did it a few times for peoples that wanted a corvette in my area before they drive over to see it in person. Going with the person and givin your advise as you walk around the car with the potentiel buyer is the best way because this way you know what he's tolerance to imperfection. Some will just need a good driver with minor flaws and some will want the perfection out of a $4000 car. I have a friend is a good corvette restorer but i will never ask him to check a car for me because i will have to wait that im retired to find a car the he will consider a good car to buy.
Last edited by den(thevetteman)78; Mar 9, 2012 at 09:13 AM.