tdawggcat

OK, so I'll tell a quick story. Just looking for feedback. And, because I'm tired of only reading the forum and I want to feel loved.

So when my parents split up in 75, my dad and his friend went and bought matching '76 Stingray L82s brand spanking new. Dad drove it as his only car until '85 when he became an old man and got a Buick.

I remember him picking me and my sister up for the weekend with me riding in the space behind the seats (I was a youngun), or sitting on the center armrest. I always grew up knowing I'd get that bad boy. Afterall, even though it's not a collectable year, what's better than having your Dad's 'vette?

So in 1985 he got his Buick and parked the 'vette outside. 44k miles. He let it rot in the sun. When I was in highschool, I convinced him to "get it running". So he had some work done, brakes, freeze plugs, etc... Then, did nothing else.

So about 10 years ago, I go to the house, and it's GONE! I asked him where it was, and he said, "oh, I gave it to Joe." WHAT?!?!?! (Joe is his friend that he bought the matching pair with). Yep, he just signed the title over to him, and Joe drove it to his ranch in Arkansas. He has about 15 cars, and he parked it in his barn, where it's been ever since.

I talk to Joe once a year checking up on the old girl. "Still sitting here, come get her when you want her!" Here's the sticky wicket. He wants me to BUY IT! "I just want to be fair, I'd like to get what I have in it back." Um, he got it for free. He says he's put $2500 in it, so I'm guessing he wants $2500. He has brain problems from surgery about 5 years ago, so it's kind of hard talking about it with him. In fact, the price changes every year based on his financial situation. Some years, it's $1000, some it's $3500. Then the next year it might go back to $1000 he's invested in it.

I'm honestly not trying to be selfish and cheap, but I personally feel like he should give it back to my dad, or give it to me. He and my dad are still close, but that's a chapter in my dad's life that's "closed", so he doesn't even really want to talk about it.

Should I tell him I think the fair thing is for him to give it back?
Should I just shut up and pay the man?

I'd like to get it back and do a full body off resto. I want it to look and operate relatively original, but I'm sure going to want something with a little more oomph, so I'll be upgrading as I go along.
I've ALWAYS wanted to do this, and I feel like I've spent the last 20 years of my life "training" for this moment by only owning old cars and working on them. I've replaced an engined on my '87 Samurai, done tons of work on my other Fords, and I can read instructions like the best of them.

So, what do you think? How would YOU go about it if you were in my shoes?

T

oldalaskaman

shut up and pay him ,while you're at it quit whining too.

indydoug

My 2 ¢: I would go ahead and pay for it, though I would try to catch him on a "low price" day. Some considerations:
1) Like any car, it's market value is not based on what the current owner paid for it, whether he paid too much, or got it for free.
2) You cannot put a price tag on sentimental value.
3) Act while you still have the opportunity, so it does not get away.

Good luck!

Easy Mike

You should have made your move when the price was $1K.


He is under no obligation to return it to your Dad or to give it to you. Based on your post, legally it's his car. Does he still have the matching car? See if you can work a deal for both.

oh1vette

Shoulda jumped on it the day he gave ya the $1000 price!!!

indydoug

Well, that didn't work..

blckslvr79

I agree. Buy it on a low day.

Requesting he "give it back" may backfire on you.
That said...

Maybe you can track down the Buick???

bashcraft

^^^This, and in that order.

Go Vette Go

You're lucky you know where your Dad's car is! I can't count how many people here have been searching unsuccessfully for their fathers car!

Stop squirming around and buy it before someone else does!

John

oldC3guy

Get $1,500.00 in cash. Go over and offer it to him. You want the car, he wants some money. Everybody is happy. The issue with your Dad is a whole different problem.

C6Matt

Exactly. The man owes you nothing, and could sell it to someone else. Buy it and feel lucky.

BOSTONCAMARO

If the car has sentimental value as you insinuate, buy it back and be done with it.

Know that you will be putting a lot of work into it...and money

Will another similar year vette in running condition be sufficient in creating nostalgia? if so go that route, find a nice runner, you will still share the same passion as your dad did with his car

That being said, if my dad or I ever came across his 55...we would go above and beyond to get it back.

He sold right before leaving for Vietnam, running high 11's back in 68.

55 with a 409

Raphiki

If the current owner has mental problems you might want to see if he has a guardian caring for his needs. If so you might have to deal with them and not the old man. If not, buy it! I know what one of my dad's cars would be worth to me - a lot more than they're asking.

MrJlr

:rof l::r ofl: :rof l::r ofl: :rof l::r ofl:

mysixtynine

Pay them man on a low day as said before. Get it while you can as it seems to hold sentimental value and you read of so many others who simply will never find their dads car.

I would like to see pics of that 55 engine bay. Got any?

A small block is pain in the but by the steering box. My dads 55 has very little room by the box with the rams horns. I can only imagine that 409 head next to it.

Alan 71

Hi T,
From your description in your first post do you even know what might be left?
If it REALLY sat "rotting in the sun" it MIGHT not even be worth $1000. Rust can sound the death knell for Corvettes.
If you decide it's worth having, I think $1500 is PLENTY for the car you describe!
Regards,
Alan

tdawggcat

So much for the love.

Thanks all for the input. He's of sound mind so I can deal with him. Guess its time to schedule a trip.

Easy Mike

Careful there. Those two may not necessarily go together. He may be of sound mind, but you may not be able to deal with him.

At the least, you know this fellow and he knows you. If the deal gets done, it will not be between strangers.

Good luck.

jim-81

What a cheap a$$ ba$tard. The guy gets handed a car from his buddy and then wants to sell it to his son. Yeah, nice guy. What choice do you have though. Buy it if you can afford it and you want it.

BOSTONCAMARO

I have to scan pics in of the engine...

lifting wheels into second...


right after being painted, my grandfather had the whole roof flowing in lead, all moultan at the same time

before taillights went back in, caddy firemist blue, blue spray window tint, homemade traction bars and exhaust