Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Thoughts?
Well,.. as Im restoring this beautiful '73 I realize that although I got it for a great deal ($5k), the $$ spending is starting to add up 
I was lucky enough to know Corvette knowledgeable people who worked on it and did a great job on suspensions, steering etc.
So far I have little over $20K invested on it including paint job + everything underneath has pretty much been replaced/fixed. I still have the interior and engine to refresh in the future... but both in good shape for now.
At this point I just wonder if I made a good choice...especially when I see even earlier years C3s for sale for same or less $$
Don't get me wrong, I love my vette and its a joy to drive..Im planning to keep it for a long time and maybe pass it on to my two boys one day. I guess I need some insights or encouragement from someone like you guys out there.
Please be honest, Im a big girl...:
Here it is:1973 BB Coupe..(born a big block by vin# with better suspensions and more rare?..)
I was lucky enough to know Corvette knowledgeable people who worked on it and did a great job on suspensions, steering etc.
So far I have little over $20K invested on it including paint job + everything underneath has pretty much been replaced/fixed. I still have the interior and engine to refresh in the future... but both in good shape for now.
At this point I just wonder if I made a good choice...especially when I see even earlier years C3s for sale for same or less $$
Don't get me wrong, I love my vette and its a joy to drive..Im planning to keep it for a long time and maybe pass it on to my two boys one day. I guess I need some insights or encouragement from someone like you guys out there.
Please be honest, Im a big girl...:
Here it is:1973 BB Coupe..(born a big block by vin# with better suspensions and more rare?..)
Last edited by Cattiva73; Mar 2, 2013 at 09:50 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
You're already a member of the "Upside Down" club! I'd bet that at least half the guys and gals here, have more money into their `Vettes than what they're worth.
If your Corvette puts a big grin on your face everytime you drive it, then it's worth every penny you put into it! These aren't 'common sense' cars, that's for sure.
PS: Love the black paint on that car! Sweet!!!
If your Corvette puts a big grin on your face everytime you drive it, then it's worth every penny you put into it! These aren't 'common sense' cars, that's for sure.
PS: Love the black paint on that car! Sweet!!!
Last edited by F22; Mar 2, 2013 at 09:51 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,174
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi c,
I think it's unlikely that the money spent on an old Corvette (except for the special few) can be justified.
If the car gives you the ******* when you look at it and drive it, the money is well spent.
It's really got to come down to that.
Regards,
Alan
Sometimes when I lift a corner on the cover on my car and see how red it is I can't believe it. It makes me smile inside!
I think it's unlikely that the money spent on an old Corvette (except for the special few) can be justified.
If the car gives you the ******* when you look at it and drive it, the money is well spent.
It's really got to come down to that.
Regards,
Alan
Sometimes when I lift a corner on the cover on my car and see how red it is I can't believe it. It makes me smile inside!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
True, but then you're just driving it around. It's different when you've gone through the car completely and you have had your hands on nearly every square inch of that car, rebuilding, replacing and refurbushing everything. Because when you're done, you can honestly say it's really yours and you have forged a solid relationship with your Corvette. You love it, and it loves you!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,856
Likes: 3,308
From: NYC NY
IMCO owning a Corvette is a hobby and hobbies are for entertainment. All hobbies have an expense. As long as the fun exceeds the expense you're accomplishing your goal. Boating, golf, trap shooting, vacationing, are all forms if entertainment too. They only pay you back if they've made you happy.
Enjoy the car and while you can still keep track of what you spent don't agonize over it.
Enjoy the car and while you can still keep track of what you spent don't agonize over it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 501
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
I agree with F22. Enjoy your beautiful vette, Cattiva73. I have had my 68 coupe for over 40 years now. My wonderful second wife has helped me change the frame and drop in a ZZ4 engine. As Alan say's, you get a smile inside whenever you get inside. And no other car has the sexy shape of a C-3. Lou.
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1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Your Vette looks great. To answer your question, I too have way more in my car than what it will ever be worth. With that being said, I'm in it for the enjoyment rather than the overall value. My goal is to attend the Hot Rod Power Tour one of these years so I am putting it together with reliability and comfort in mind which is turning out to be pricey but again, I don't care.
Like you, I will be passing my Vettes on to my kids one day so again, the amount of money in the car doesn't matter to me because I'm just having fun with them. The good part of what we are doing is that we know exactly what is in the car. I "for the most part" know my engine will hold up (knock on wood), because I had it professionally built. Same with the trans and rear end. Where-as if a person inherits these same parts as a portion of someone elses build, ya never truly know what was ever done to it. Bottom line is; you build it, you also build confidence in your project. You buy it completed, you'll always wonder.
Terry
Like you, I will be passing my Vettes on to my kids one day so again, the amount of money in the car doesn't matter to me because I'm just having fun with them. The good part of what we are doing is that we know exactly what is in the car. I "for the most part" know my engine will hold up (knock on wood), because I had it professionally built. Same with the trans and rear end. Where-as if a person inherits these same parts as a portion of someone elses build, ya never truly know what was ever done to it. Bottom line is; you build it, you also build confidence in your project. You buy it completed, you'll always wonder.
Terry
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 721
Likes: 105
From: hernando fl
if you like the car and enjoy driving it ,its a great choice even if you are upside down on it.
the way i look at it, if you buy a new car you are upside down before its a day old,with the older ones ,someone else has taken that hit and in the case of older corvettes the bottom has been hit and in theory anyway , should go up,some more than others but still going up.
the way i look at it, if you buy a new car you are upside down before its a day old,with the older ones ,someone else has taken that hit and in the case of older corvettes the bottom has been hit and in theory anyway , should go up,some more than others but still going up.
CF Community Team
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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You will almost always spend more on a restoration than you can ever get back. Corvettes aren't really anything more than investments in pleasure. It looks like a nice big block and you look happy sitting in it. That's all that matters. You now have a well sorted out big block that you can drive and enjoy. When you're out on the road with the roof off money will be the last thing on your mind.
Enjoy it
Enjoy it
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
I've got a small fortune tied up in my fishing gear/boat. So far as yet it's continuing to be worth less every year.
Old cars are a hobby if you work on them and get enjoyment out of it.
It's a poor hobby if you pay someone else to work on them.
If your making money on them, then it's a job, or making money is the hobby and the cars are just the method.
Someone once said you need to open the door and shovel money into them until their full. That's about right
Old cars are a hobby if you work on them and get enjoyment out of it.
It's a poor hobby if you pay someone else to work on them.
If your making money on them, then it's a job, or making money is the hobby and the cars are just the method.
Someone once said you need to open the door and shovel money into them until their full. That's about right
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,173
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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I'll hit $40K this year and maybe, if I wanted to sell the car bad enough, could see a little over $20K. Soft market, bad times, democrats, (just kidding about that one) etc, etc...there will always be a reason why our "return on investment" is negative. That said, I wouldn't trade the feeling I get when I drive/show/tinker with my car for anything. Your 73 is sharp and while I love steel bumpers, there is a lot to be said for the hybrid look of your year. Enjoy and have a safe, fun season.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 9
From: Marietta Ga
I have a '73 myself and my opinion is that you should enjoy it and think about the value of the things you can't buy. The admiration of the car from others, the smile it puts on your face and all the stuff you really can't put a $$ value on. Your car look s great.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
All those lower-price cars will need most likely need a lot more money to be at the level your car currently is, so don't feel bad.
Buying an older Corvette is merely paying for the opportunity to spend more money on it.
Buying an older Corvette is merely paying for the opportunity to spend more money on it.