Thinking about buying a '70 Vette
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
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Thinking about buying a '70 Vette
I've been looking and I thing I have found one. It's
A 1970 convertible that has been restored including
A new 383 striker engine. I plan to have the car
Inspected as I am several states away. I was originally
Looking for a car with AC but this car looks great to
me and the only thing missing is AC. How important
is having AC for those of you that have it. Is it really
a need for a convertible car? Also can anyone
tell me about the 383 engine? Is it a good motor
that I will be happy with? Thanks for the feedback.
A 1970 convertible that has been restored including
A new 383 striker engine. I plan to have the car
Inspected as I am several states away. I was originally
Looking for a car with AC but this car looks great to
me and the only thing missing is AC. How important
is having AC for those of you that have it. Is it really
a need for a convertible car? Also can anyone
tell me about the 383 engine? Is it a good motor
that I will be happy with? Thanks for the feedback.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
1) I have a vert with AC and if its hot outside AC is nice.
If the car is just for fun you can live without it, but there are times it will sux.
2) post some pics of car price etc to tell if its a good deal or not
3) 383 stroker motor is a SBC that has been modified to accept a bigger (longer stroke) crankshaft. they are a potent engine if done right.
4) 383 requires some level of skill to build and if done wrong it can get expensive in a hurry. I would look into all the details on this.
good luck
If the car is just for fun you can live without it, but there are times it will sux.2) post some pics of car price etc to tell if its a good deal or not
3) 383 stroker motor is a SBC that has been modified to accept a bigger (longer stroke) crankshaft. they are a potent engine if done right.
4) 383 requires some level of skill to build and if done wrong it can get expensive in a hurry. I would look into all the details on this.
good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Here are some pics of the car. The owner is asking $27K and claims there has been over $35K in work done to the car. He has all of the documentation/receipts. The interior looks immaculate as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5lLk...ature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5lLk...ature=youtu.be
Last edited by Bhebert449; May 30, 2013 at 09:26 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 7
From: Bluffton,SC
If you want a "hot rod" instead of a restored car this may be OK to consider.Underhood pics would be helpful as well.
Check the frame carefully along with the other usual spots.
The two lower front grills do not line up properly and could be an indication of an improper repair from a front end collision or it could just be from sloppy installation either of which warrants a close look.
Check the frame carefully along with the other usual spots.
The two lower front grills do not line up properly and could be an indication of an improper repair from a front end collision or it could just be from sloppy installation either of which warrants a close look.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
If you want a "hot rod" instead of a restored car this may be OK to consider.Underhood pics would be helpful as well.
Check the frame carefully along with the other usual spots.
The two lower front grills do not line up properly and could be an indication of an improper repair from a front end collision or it could just be from sloppy installation either of which warrants a close look.
Check the frame carefully along with the other usual spots.
The two lower front grills do not line up properly and could be an indication of an improper repair from a front end collision or it could just be from sloppy installation either of which warrants a close look.
ths person has a lot of stuff in the driveway, and it seems strange he didn't show more of the interior, the top, and especially the engine. he never revved it and the body is not perfect.be careful that's a lot of $$ to shell out. where is the car?
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It was originally posted for sale on Ebay. Here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AQ:MOTORS:1123
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
I would wait and find a more original 70. These cars have the ability to increase in value but only if they are mostly or completely original. You can plan on spending approx $2K to add air conditioning. The ending bid on his ebay sale was probably a more realistic price. If you like the side pipes, wheels and such then make an offer.
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I really like the look of the car and prefer the side pipes which I know were not a factory option after 69. I like the fact that the engine is relatively new. I do think he is asking a little too much for the car.
What are your thoughts on whether this car will hold it's value? I would like to get my money back out of any car I purchase eventually, and do not really want to do alot of work. I am looking for something that has been restored and is a good driver to use on the weekends, etc.
Also what do you think is a fair offer price on a car like this? It has new paint, fresh interior, updated engine.
What are your thoughts on whether this car will hold it's value? I would like to get my money back out of any car I purchase eventually, and do not really want to do alot of work. I am looking for something that has been restored and is a good driver to use on the weekends, etc.
Also what do you think is a fair offer price on a car like this? It has new paint, fresh interior, updated engine.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Shearwater Nova Scotia
There are a lot of years in a C3 (68-82), they are not all the same and each year offers it's own 'thing'.
My first bit of advice is to narrow it down to a year/model or two and commit to it. If that's the 1970, then on to advice #2.
Get the car in the best shape possible for the budget you have allocated. You are looking at a car with a 383 stroker - so that moves you on to advice #3.
Determine what YOU want out of the car. A daily driver? A restoration project? Racer? The problem with buying a modified car is you cannot be too sure that the person who did it was competent and it could give rise to a number of issues. If everything is stock then you get 'factory setting' peace of mind. Also, you can pick up books and repair manuals and what's in the book will look like what's on your car. If you do your own work - will make things easier. But if you have experience, then a modified engine will pose little to no challenge (especially not a 383 as it doesn't operation much differently that the stock engine). The extra HP is a bonus.
Bottom line, know what you want.
My first bit of advice is to narrow it down to a year/model or two and commit to it. If that's the 1970, then on to advice #2.
Get the car in the best shape possible for the budget you have allocated. You are looking at a car with a 383 stroker - so that moves you on to advice #3.
Determine what YOU want out of the car. A daily driver? A restoration project? Racer? The problem with buying a modified car is you cannot be too sure that the person who did it was competent and it could give rise to a number of issues. If everything is stock then you get 'factory setting' peace of mind. Also, you can pick up books and repair manuals and what's in the book will look like what's on your car. If you do your own work - will make things easier. But if you have experience, then a modified engine will pose little to no challenge (especially not a 383 as it doesn't operation much differently that the stock engine). The extra HP is a bonus.
Bottom line, know what you want.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Shearwater Nova Scotia
What are your thoughts on whether this car will hold it's value? I would like to get my money back out of any car I purchase eventually, and do not really want to do alot of work. I am looking for something that has been restored and is a good driver to use on the weekends, etc.
As for holding value, as long as you maintain the car it will hold/increase in value in my opinion. It's 43 years old, it has depreciated about all it can in the 80s and is on the appreciation side of things now.
That being said, not being stock lowers its value. By how much? I don't know. Personally, I would prefer to buy a car with a 383 than an L-48 - boils down to personal preference. And as stated many times in this forum - a car is only worth what a person is willing to pay for it.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 51
From: Dallas TX
When I bought my 70 Coupe, it was $10,500 and the owner had $18k into it (showed and then gave me the receipts). At the same time, I passed on a 70 Vert, with sidepipes that was listed at 19,500. It was in excellent condition. I looked for several months before I pulled the trigger.
YOUR car is out there. Like a good woman...take your time to find her and then treat her right.
YOUR car is out there. Like a good woman...take your time to find her and then treat her right.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
1970 air conditioning
I bought my 1970 Corvette new in August 1970 and it has factory air conditioning. I would not buy a 1970 LT-1 because air conditioning was not an option with an LT-1 engine. I have over 160K on my 70 now and air conditioner still works. Dallas, TX in the summer time in my new air conditioned Corvette was a nice experience. Lots of highway miles enjoying factory air traveling coast to coast in summer time.
Remember one trip from San Diego to Dallas in the summer, it was to hot at night across west TX not to use the air conditioner, but it was so cold in the 70 using the air conditioner on low we put on jackets.
Remember one trip from San Diego to Dallas in the summer, it was to hot at night across west TX not to use the air conditioner, but it was so cold in the 70 using the air conditioner on low we put on jackets.