Help me value this '69 please.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 168
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
Slow down is my advice. If the seller is firm at 15K he is going to have it for awhile if you pass on it. I have owned several C-3s and I can tell you that while the car presented is a nice driver it is going to be difficult to move at that price. Remember you know it needs tires and there are always little things that don't get factored in. At some point you are going to want to sell it even though you may not believe it now. If you invest 15K in it plus add some more (which you will) you are going to be upside down. It is a buyers market right now with C-3s, even chrome bumper models. I think 12-13 is fair but at 15 you are paying too much. Don't worry about offending him, be polite but offer around 12 and let him get back to you. If you do a little searching you will find what you want at a price you can be happy with. This looks like a nice car but it does have issues that will effect it's resale value.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 10
From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
Hi SOG,
From your description it sounds like you may be able to look the other way on the engine, body color, interior color, and wheels/tires.
This might, therefore, make a nice car for you if it checks out well.
What $ is the owner asking?
Maybe $10,000?
Regards,
Alan
I'd wish it were a 4-speed.
From your description it sounds like you may be able to look the other way on the engine, body color, interior color, and wheels/tires.
This might, therefore, make a nice car for you if it checks out well.
What $ is the owner asking?
Maybe $10,000?
Regards,
Alan
I'd wish it were a 4-speed.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 12
From: wichita kansas
ok, the Vin on the state provided plate matches the Vin on the title....BUT is it a 1969 formatted corvette VIN or a state sequential number? in other words, did the state issue a new title for the car with a new VIN or did they put a plate on the car that matches the original 1969 VIN?? (big difference)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa KS
Seller and I have agreed on $12K for the car, pending a full frame and birdcage inspection by a professional mechanic. Seller found a soft spot on the frame near the rear wheel, quarter size area this past weekend.
When sweeping the garage he noticed a pile of leaf litter and debris under the car. When he bent down to inspect it he found that a mouse had made a nest in the frame hole near the rear tire. Understandible since this car sits for many weeks to months at a time in the garage without being driven.
While digging out the debris, he noted that the frame coating had bubble up just next to this. He started tapping it with a hammer and noted it sounded dull. He says he was able to chisel out a quarter to 50 cent piece size hole before hitting solid metal.
He was very upfront and honest about this with me and refuses to sell me the car until it is repaired.
He is going to have the frame inspected and repaired. I've asked that whoever inspects the frame also inspects the birdcage thoroughly. If frame and birdcage are still sound, repaired professionally, then I will be buying this car.
I think its the right car for me at this time.
Thanks again for all the advice, help, suggestion, and experiences posted in this thread. I'll let you all know how it goes from here.
When sweeping the garage he noticed a pile of leaf litter and debris under the car. When he bent down to inspect it he found that a mouse had made a nest in the frame hole near the rear tire. Understandible since this car sits for many weeks to months at a time in the garage without being driven.
While digging out the debris, he noted that the frame coating had bubble up just next to this. He started tapping it with a hammer and noted it sounded dull. He says he was able to chisel out a quarter to 50 cent piece size hole before hitting solid metal.
He was very upfront and honest about this with me and refuses to sell me the car until it is repaired.
He is going to have the frame inspected and repaired. I've asked that whoever inspects the frame also inspects the birdcage thoroughly. If frame and birdcage are still sound, repaired professionally, then I will be buying this car.
I think its the right car for me at this time.
Thanks again for all the advice, help, suggestion, and experiences posted in this thread. I'll let you all know how it goes from here.
Last edited by SonOfGaladriel; Jun 19, 2013 at 11:34 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa KS
Oh, VIN is a '69 Corvette VIN. However, the second digit is a '6', not a '9'. Still trying to figure out if this is a manufacturer 'typo', as the State police 'read' a '6' on the frame when they verified the car. I'm wondering if the State Police got it wrong or if the factory guy that stamped the frame inadvertantly put the '9' upside down. All other VIN numbers check out: VIN is 164379S737080
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 878
Likes: 2
Seller and I have agreed on $12K for the car, pending a full frame and birdcage inspection by a professional mechanic. Seller found a soft spot on the frame near the rear wheel, quarter size area this past weekend.
When sweeping the garage he noticed a pile of leaf litter and debris under the car. When he bent down to inspect it he found that a mouse had made a nest in the frame hole near the rear tire. Understandible since this car sits for many weeks to months at a time in the garage without being driven.
While digging out the debris, he noted that the frame coating had bubble up just next to this. He started tapping it with a hammer and noted it sounded dull. He says he was able to chisel out a quarter to 50 cent piece size hole before hitting solid metal.
He was very upfront and honest about this with me and refuses to sell me the car until it is repaired.
He is going to have the frame inspected and repaired. I've asked that whoever inspects the frame also inspects the birdcage thoroughly. If frame and birdcage are still sound, repaired professionally, then I will be buying this car.
I think its the right car for me at this time.
Thanks again for all the advice, help, suggestion, and experiences posted in this thread. I'll let you all know how it goes from here.
When sweeping the garage he noticed a pile of leaf litter and debris under the car. When he bent down to inspect it he found that a mouse had made a nest in the frame hole near the rear tire. Understandible since this car sits for many weeks to months at a time in the garage without being driven.
While digging out the debris, he noted that the frame coating had bubble up just next to this. He started tapping it with a hammer and noted it sounded dull. He says he was able to chisel out a quarter to 50 cent piece size hole before hitting solid metal.
He was very upfront and honest about this with me and refuses to sell me the car until it is repaired.
He is going to have the frame inspected and repaired. I've asked that whoever inspects the frame also inspects the birdcage thoroughly. If frame and birdcage are still sound, repaired professionally, then I will be buying this car.
I think its the right car for me at this time.
Thanks again for all the advice, help, suggestion, and experiences posted in this thread. I'll let you all know how it goes from here.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Oh, VIN is a '69 Corvette VIN. However, the second digit is a '6', not a '9'. Still trying to figure out if this is a manufacturer 'typo', as the State police 'read' a '6' on the frame when they verified the car. I'm wondering if the State Police got it wrong or if the factory guy that stamped the frame inadvertantly put the '9' upside down. All other VIN numbers check out: VIN is 164379S737080
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Why do you say that? If this were true it should sell for a rock bottom price, maybe a couple thousand? The value probably bottomed out in the 80's when the new generation came out, C3's weren't old enough to be classics, just old.
How much the value may increase depends on what the market for these old cars does.
How much the value may increase depends on what the market for these old cars does.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
If someone was looking at the serial number on the frame over the rear wheel with a mirror, It would be very easy to have put the 9 down as a 6.
As long as you get a clear title, buy it and drive it like you stole it.
As long as you get a clear title, buy it and drive it like you stole it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
So at this point do we know if its a clear title or a salvage title? I have no problems with state reissued vin numbers like I mentioned in your other thread, if they are on a clear title, but salvage may be another story. Combine that with the new found rust in the frame, and it may be time to walk on this one. Make sure whoever goes over the car for you knows C3 vettes like the back of their hand, could be more rust hidden in that car under that pretty body. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 6
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa KS
So at this point do we know if its a clear title or a salvage title? I have no problems with state reissued vin numbers like I mentioned in your other thread, if they are on a clear title, but salvage may be another story. Combine that with the new found rust in the frame, and it may be time to walk on this one. Make sure whoever goes over the car for you knows C3 vettes like the back of their hand, could be more rust hidden in that car under that pretty body. Good luck.
The title is clean and clear. The car has been in the family since the late '70's. They purchased it from their nephew in 1983 and began the restoration a few years after that. They assured me it has never been a salvage car and it has been insured ever since they have owned it.
I'm working on finding someone with experience to go with me to inspect it after the frame is repaired.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa KS
From the beginning this car has only been represented as a good condition, driver quality, non original, '69 corvette. Nothing more.
The only deal breaker for me now will be the condition of the frame and birdcage should they show extensive rust under further professional inspection.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Most of the comments here are good and should be of help to the potential buyer. The one comment I disagree with is that it is just "an old Chevy." It is not just an old Chevy...it is a Corvette. Great deal of difference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=oldschoolvette;1584027721in reality its an old Chevy and its worth what some one will pay, that's all, no more or less[/QUOTE]
Forget the old Chevy part. ANY car is NOT worth what "some one" will pay for it...it is worth what MANY people will pay for it. That is why it is important for a seller to market the car to as many people as possible. Telling good old Joe Six Pack down the street that you want to sell your car...and then he shoots you a good guy low ball offer...is not an accurate indicator of what the car is actually worth. Neither is advertising a car for sale only on the Corvette Forum.
Forget the old Chevy part. ANY car is NOT worth what "some one" will pay for it...it is worth what MANY people will pay for it. That is why it is important for a seller to market the car to as many people as possible. Telling good old Joe Six Pack down the street that you want to sell your car...and then he shoots you a good guy low ball offer...is not an accurate indicator of what the car is actually worth. Neither is advertising a car for sale only on the Corvette Forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
To the OP:
If you are having heartburn over this car and it's VIN plate...the issue will not go away over time. After you have poured a ton of additional money into this car...and when (not if) you are trying to sell it...because it will be sold again, eventually...these very same issues will rise again to the surface. Think about it.
If you are having heartburn over this car and it's VIN plate...the issue will not go away over time. After you have poured a ton of additional money into this car...and when (not if) you are trying to sell it...because it will be sold again, eventually...these very same issues will rise again to the surface. Think about it.