shrev94412

I have located a barn find 1974 Corvette Convertible L48 Automatic, White with Red/Tan interior ALL ORIGINAL, Matching Frame, Engine Block, Original numbers on Exhaust Manifold, Intake Manifold, transmission and Carb. Has new Fuel Tank, gas lines, brakes and tires. Everything else is original. It has been repainted at some point, lousy paint job. VIN says all clear and no negative history. VIN matches frame and title.

The car needs Paint, Interior and the engine compartment although all original (Including Air that blows warm) is very tired. Looks 40 years old but engine runs great and sounds perfect. The car pulls to right, could just be alignment. No Rust damage. Car has been in VERY Dry Climate past 24 years.

So.....What is it gonna cost me approximately, assuming engine is ok, to restore this car to show quality condition. 1st Option would be a bare metal restore, Cost? 2nd option would be to refresh engine compartment and strip and repaint and refresh interior. I will be hiring the work to be done. I have no time for the rebuild. Everything in interior works except clock, of course. Everything else on car works fine, headlights etc.....

I know there are alot of thing to consider but I am looking for ball park numbers and any other comments.

Seller is Asking $12,000....I think I might could get it for $9,000. Still seems high to me.... Please advise...Call upon the experts here.... Thank you.

Mike Ward

Minimum $30K, most likely $50K and you'll have maybe a $15-$20K car for your trouble.

Bare metal restore?

How can people call cars 'ALL ORIGINAL' with new Fuel Tank, gas lines, brakes and tires and been repainted at some point?

shrev94412

Agreed....it's 95 percent original....I guess after 40 years you have to replace tires an fuel tank....they just don't last that long. I was amazed that the engine had never been touched...Thanks

markids77

There is a pristine 1974 454 4speed convertible listed in the for sale section here which is spectacular. It has been redone to an exacting standard with no expense spared and the owner only wants $30K. If you want a 74 convertible don't waste any time fooling with a restoration... get down to Florida and buy that car.

Jasonb86

Run, don't walk from the car, unfortunately. Even if you did all the work yourself and only subbed out paint and suspension work, you'd be in it another $15k easily. If I didn't have time I'd look for a cherry example and pay more $ for it. Though with what he's asking, I wouldn't think it would be too much more. Sellers of cars like that rarely know what it would really cost to restore them. Or if they do, then that's why they're selling it..

spf72

Probably not what you want to hear but I see no way you could hire out a frame up rebuild of a 74 that would ever be worth it financially even if the car was free. Unless there is some personal attachment to the car, and it doesn't sound like there is, it doesn't make sense.

I am doing a frame up on a 72 doing much but not all of the work myself and will have at least $25k- $30k into it when done. I have owned the car for 27 years so it is worth it to me but when I am done it will be a $18k car on a good day.

One of the biggest and most overlooked expenses is paint and body work. When you strip off the paint you will need some body work even if it is marginal it isn't cheap. You said a show car condition so just the body work with paint is $10k on the low end if someone else is doing the work. That is just the body. Now you need to strip the frame meaning suspension work. Add in interior and chrome and are you really going to trust that motor in a show car?

All this for a car that you could buy all done for $20k and be in show mode.

noonie

You may well end up with 30 grand in this car to make it showroom.
On the other hand, you will look long and hard for a car in the condition you described for less than 9 grand. Probably more if in Cali because of the emissions testing exemption.

The solution is a cheap paint job, interior repaint/refresh, do a diy complete detailing and hope you stay under 16 grand.
With decent paint (not show quality) decent interior and everything working, it would probably sell for that in a decent time frame.
This does not include any enjoyment depreciation.

Not all cars need to be brought back perfectly.

72and86

Probably lottsa hidden problems you'll find later. For a no-chrome bumper Vette, I'd say find one someone already restored (if you don't like doing the work...). Lots of deals in this economy!

shrev94412

Thank you so much for your valuable comments. Agree with all and makes good sense. I Will look for something already restored. Already notified seller that I am gonna pass. Just in case someone else is interested the car is listed on Lubbock Texas Craigslist. Thanks

Easy Mike

Sounds like it could be a nice '74. I am assuming you mean tan for the folding top color since there were no two-toned interiors for '74.

24695bob

This depends on what you plan on doing with the car..

I currently have 6 Corvettes in my garage all in show condition (except need to be washed lol) FOUR of them sound a lot like the 74 you were looking at...I purchased them ONLY because I needed another project ...in 2-3 years when one is done I start looking for another... (still got room for one more )..BUT working space is now kind of limited.. lol ...

Bottom line..while I refuse to keep track of the money I put into each car I know darn well that I'M UPSIDE DOWN on every one of them

BUT I don't care..its a hobby and I relax and enjoy rebuilding (not going to call it restoring) the cars... besides all my hobbies cost me money... !!!

Bob G.

Mike Ward

But-but-but it's 'all original'

PRNDL

Maybe the oil was never changed.

srs244

the car you are looking at will be a money pit based upon your own description of the desired completed product.

noonie

From the craigslist pics and your description, it would easily sell for $12,000.00 here in S Florida.

hicswa

Hey, we have a smart one here! Good for you and hope you find what you are looking for.

Danny

mrmagrath

And I don't believe tan tops were an option in 74. Even though I have one on mine!