Is this 69 worth picking up
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Kahului HI
Is this 69 worth picking up
Hello all,
I was hoping I could get some opinions from you all. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1969 Vette. It is in rough shape with no interior. Has a 350/TH400 auto. PB, PS (no pump). Original factory gauges. Has heater only system installed but have a complete factory A/C system (w/o compressor) included with car.
What do you think this may be worth? How hard would it be to get her back in shape, how much to get her in shape? Thanks for any info.
I was hoping I could get some opinions from you all. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1969 Vette. It is in rough shape with no interior. Has a 350/TH400 auto. PB, PS (no pump). Original factory gauges. Has heater only system installed but have a complete factory A/C system (w/o compressor) included with car.
What do you think this may be worth? How hard would it be to get her back in shape, how much to get her in shape? Thanks for any info.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
The hood is not a 69 hood. And I noticed the wiper mechanism door has been removed so that hood will fit. So basically this is going to be a customized car in this type of condition.
No alternator.
All exterior chrome is gone. Bumpers are missing, all chrome missing.
Windshield is missing.
etc.
But it is a 1969 with potential.
My guess is at $3000 ....IF....there is not the added surprise of rust in the birdcage or frame area, it would be a very expen$ive project.
kdf
No alternator.
All exterior chrome is gone. Bumpers are missing, all chrome missing.
Windshield is missing.
etc.
But it is a 1969 with potential.
My guess is at $3000 ....IF....there is not the added surprise of rust in the birdcage or frame area, it would be a very expen$ive project.
kdf
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
So many variables.......
Depends on how much you can tackle yourself, the state of the birdcage and frame, health of the motor, trans and rear end, the time you want to spread the restoration over, whether you restore for fun or profit, access to a car painter (for mates rates!), matching numbers, etc. Essentially, the more you do yourself, the cheaper it will be. You'll get great advice here anyway!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,672
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I honestly don't like much in what I see. All the chrome and emblems are gone, don't like the door gaps, wrong and rusty air cleaner, Bad wiring, wrong hood, missing wiper cover......
No pictures of the interior, frame or birdcage.
Without seeing something positive, I'd walk away from this money pit.
No pictures of the interior, frame or birdcage.
Without seeing something positive, I'd walk away from this money pit.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
If you could get it real cheap, 500-800.00$ buy it and part it out, save the money you made on the parts and look for another car. JMO. You would not believe how much it would cost just to be a driver. Plus if you make it a parts car, you will learn what and where to look on your next C-3.
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Kahului HI
Thanks everyone
Wow you all gave a lot of good info and fast too. I appreciate it. I thought the fact that it was a 69 made it worth it, but I think Ill pass. I am in HI. It is listed at $2000. Thanks so much for the specifics, (i.e wrong hood wiper cover etc... I want a restoration project that I can work on at my pace. I plan on doing every thing I can myself just for a hobby.
You guys are good, I noticed the bumpers, chrome and emblems. I guess I was star struck and missed so much else.
You guys are good, I noticed the bumpers, chrome and emblems. I guess I was star struck and missed so much else.
Last edited by Lowco8; Mar 20, 2013 at 03:50 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
If you are searching for a C3, I can help......I'm always scoping out craigsilst.
I'm always on craigslist and came across these:
1982 no price listed: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3682202536.html
78 for $5900 OBO in Ewa: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3644116131.html
78 with molded 1980 bumpers for $5k OBO in Ewa: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3686244541.html
and if you are interested in learning, I am going to be swapping out my power steering pump and converting to manual brakes this weekend.
I'm always on craigslist and came across these:
1982 no price listed: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3682202536.html
78 for $5900 OBO in Ewa: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3644116131.html
78 with molded 1980 bumpers for $5k OBO in Ewa: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/3686244541.html
and if you are interested in learning, I am going to be swapping out my power steering pump and converting to manual brakes this weekend.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Kahului HI
Im trying to find one, hopefully cheap. I want to do a restoration as a hobby, so I can learn and get better knowledge. I wish I was on Oahu, I would come help you for free and bring the beer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
It's only $270-$300 to ship a vehicle between islands with Young Brothers. You can use that for budgeting purposes and expand your search to all islands as long as you find one in running condition. Just an idea. Iokepakai is on the Big Island and I'm here on Oahu (only for another month). I'm sure if you find one on another island, we could help you out.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Wow! Abandon it.... really? NOBODY would touch that car? The main thing is going to be the frame & birdcage.... if it`s in good shape, the car can be a GREAT project!
OP said he was looking for a project. If the asking price is 2 grand, offer him half and start from there. A "project" is something you`re going to tear down and rebuild anyway, right?
You all must think I`m an idiot for picking this up (also with no interior)
The frame & birdcage were in very good shape, a little rust in the windshield corners & door bottoms, , but easily repairable. My kids & I have been having a BLAST bringing this thing back, and so far we`re up to here...
To the OP, I`d say check the birdcage & frame carefully, if it`s intact & salvageable, this could be a lot of fun for you! It won`t be cheap by any means, but who ever takes on ANY project to build with return on investment for an incentive?
When you say "project", I`m thinking "fun to build". Hell, anybody can write a check and go buy a car to drive around in, but some people are driven to take a worthless piece of crap and make it into something useful & beautiful again.
Maybe I AM an idiot? I wish I was closer, I`d offer him a grand for it!
OP said he was looking for a project. If the asking price is 2 grand, offer him half and start from there. A "project" is something you`re going to tear down and rebuild anyway, right?
You all must think I`m an idiot for picking this up (also with no interior)
The frame & birdcage were in very good shape, a little rust in the windshield corners & door bottoms, , but easily repairable. My kids & I have been having a BLAST bringing this thing back, and so far we`re up to here...
To the OP, I`d say check the birdcage & frame carefully, if it`s intact & salvageable, this could be a lot of fun for you! It won`t be cheap by any means, but who ever takes on ANY project to build with return on investment for an incentive?
When you say "project", I`m thinking "fun to build". Hell, anybody can write a check and go buy a car to drive around in, but some people are driven to take a worthless piece of crap and make it into something useful & beautiful again.
Maybe I AM an idiot? I wish I was closer, I`d offer him a grand for it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
If I wasn't about to go back to the mainland for good (and my wife wouldn't divorce me if I bought it), I would at least go check it out.
If you're looking for a "blank slate", there's a 78 SA (listing says 50th anny...lol) for sale one on the Big Island for $1k, but it's in touch shape, but there is potential....and you can learn a ton by restoring her.
http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/cto/3687728703.html
no engine, so you can put whatever you want in there. I'm sure the interior would have to be completely done because it is missing a windshield. But it is in a shed/barn, so the floor boards MIGHT be okay. Looks like surface rust on the birdcage, but you never know until you check it out.
The listing says he has all of the parts except the engine, but you never know.
It all depends on your vision and how much you are willing to spend. This forum is awesome though, so I'm sure you would be able to find any parts that you might need for a decent price.
If you're looking for a "blank slate", there's a 78 SA (listing says 50th anny...lol) for sale one on the Big Island for $1k, but it's in touch shape, but there is potential....and you can learn a ton by restoring her.
http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/cto/3687728703.html
no engine, so you can put whatever you want in there. I'm sure the interior would have to be completely done because it is missing a windshield. But it is in a shed/barn, so the floor boards MIGHT be okay. Looks like surface rust on the birdcage, but you never know until you check it out.
The listing says he has all of the parts except the engine, but you never know.
It all depends on your vision and how much you are willing to spend. This forum is awesome though, so I'm sure you would be able to find any parts that you might need for a decent price.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,108
Likes: 4,170
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi lowco8,
You mention that you want to do a restoration as a hobby.
I think in that case you need to buy AS COMPLETE and AS GOOD a car as you can possibly afford.
Rough, incomplete, cars require a LARGE amount of $$$$, knowledge, and labor.
It sounds like you need to find a much more defined and straight forward project that you will enjoy working on.
Regards,
Alan
You mention that you want to do a restoration as a hobby.
I think in that case you need to buy AS COMPLETE and AS GOOD a car as you can possibly afford.
Rough, incomplete, cars require a LARGE amount of $$$$, knowledge, and labor.
It sounds like you need to find a much more defined and straight forward project that you will enjoy working on.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
From an economical standpoint, just from what is visible in the pictures, that car is a losing deal if the intention is to try and restore it to anything remotely resembling original. There are simply too many parts missing. And being an island car that has likely spent the last few years out in the weather, the frame and birdcage may not be salvageable. On the off chance that they are in acceptable condition, the body would still have to come off of the frame.
I see potential as a vintage race car, but all that would remain of the original car when finished would be the frame, body, engine block/ crank, a few suspension pieces, and not much else.
I see potential as a vintage race car, but all that would remain of the original car when finished would be the frame, body, engine block/ crank, a few suspension pieces, and not much else.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
If this car had some worthwhile pedigree, like it was an original L88 car, then there would be merit in bringing it back. It looks to be a base engine car. And there's nothing about a '69 that makes it more valuable than a '68 or '70. It doesn't have the same distinction as say a '63 or '67 has over other C2s.
Unless you intend this car to be your life work and hallmark of accomplishment, just let it go.