C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

69 corvette value? Please help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 04:18 PM
  #1  
Jobujobu's Avatar
Jobujobu
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Default 69 corvette value? Please help

A friend of mine has a C3 corvette for sale. I do not have a lot of knowledge of C3s so I am asking for help on making a fair offer. I need to go look at it and see if it is numbers matching engine, hp, etc but I want to be prepared in case I make an offer that day, especially if it is tri-power or L88 (yeah I know I am dreaming).

Known information:
1969 corvette
427 engine
4 speed
T tops
Silver exterior
Saddle interior
Car has sat in his barn for twenty to thirty years (has not been started or moved)
He is second owner
Interior needs to be replaced
I doubt paint, chrome, etc will be good since it sat uncovered in an animal barn (he's a farmer) for the entire time

I also think I know what to check besides the block number and vin related to the big block:
Door sticker, plate on console
Tach redline, number of fuel lines along passenger side frame

Can anyone please help with values for a 427 in this condition for the various horsepowers? Worth the work if not matching numbers?
Any other things to look at or rare options?

He also has a 69 chevelle 396 ss that has sat for over 40 years (it was his car in high school and not for sale).

Thank you in advance C3 gurus!
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 04:50 PM
  #2  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,660
Likes: 2,562
Default

If the car sat for twenty to thirty years nobody can tell you what it is worth without pictures, it could be a total rusted basket case.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 04:58 PM
  #3  
theblackvette's Avatar
theblackvette
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Default

Originally Posted by Jobujobu
Car has sat in his barn for twenty to thirty years (has not been started or moved)
This would make me but not in a circle though.

You do need to post some pictures if anyone will be able to assist. Good luck.

Reply
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 05:01 PM
  #4  
Jobujobu's Avatar
Jobujobu
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Default

Originally Posted by theblackvette
This would make me but not in a circle though.

You do need to post some pictures if anyone will be able to assist. Good luck.

Ok I will take pictures and also confirm if it is numbers matching and what the hp is. Thanks.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2013 | 09:36 PM
  #5  
REPZ06's Avatar
REPZ06
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Bethpage New York
Default

What a waste to let 2 nice cars like that sit in a barn for that period of time. I bet they are both in bad shape and will need a serious restoration which will cost you a lot of money. Even if you're doing it yourself its a lot of time and money. Consider that when making an offer. 1969 Chevelle SS 396 one of my favorite cars but what a shame he's not selling it .
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2013 | 06:05 AM
  #6  
oldschoolvette's Avatar
oldschoolvette
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
Default

you are looking at some serious $$ to fix that. I will say that without a pic. If its in decent shape you will likely spend what its worth to get it right again.

be careful with this and post some pics
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2013 | 08:00 AM
  #7  
Panhead59's Avatar
Panhead59
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va.
Default

In todays market you can find one already "done" for the same price as fixing one up yourself!!! It's just not worth it unless of course you just want a long, expensive job.
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2013 | 08:25 AM
  #8  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

What's your friend asking? If he has a ridiculous figure in mind, a "fair" offer would be a moot point.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 5, 2013 | 11:20 AM
  #9  
CaseyJones's Avatar
CaseyJones
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Default

If it sat that long in a barn with animals I'm going to hazard a guess that the frame is rusted through in all the known places. The motor will be locked and every seal will leak dramatically. Frame mounts will be questionable. The fuel system from the tank to the carb will be ruined. Every rubber piece will have to be replaced and mice may have taken a toll on the wiring. So unless it is a really special car by its options or it is VERY cheap, without more info I would pass unless you need a parts car.

My '80 sat for seven years in a garage and was almost that bad. No rust or mouse problems at all but I've replaced about everything else over the past two and a half years. It's a labor of love and so far I've done all the labor so I have as much in the parts as it is worth. But its mine. You have to make the same decision.

Last edited by CaseyJones; Sep 5, 2013 at 11:22 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2013 | 06:25 AM
  #10  
Ret.Horsecop13's Avatar
Ret.Horsecop13
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Reply
Old Sep 7, 2013 | 01:22 PM
  #11  
razman's Avatar
razman
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 12
From: wichita kansas
Default

when do you get to look at it? this is the kind of find that would prevent me from sleeping!! LOL....i would have to go check it out ASAP, just kind of cool to see it, and start investigating current condition, originality, and history. like others have mentioned though, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to even start approximating value, as it could be anywhere from "i wouldn't even haul it away for you" to $??????... please keep us posted with info and pics! Rick
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 07:21 PM
  #12  
Jobujobu's Avatar
Jobujobu
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Default update with pics

Sorry it took so long to get some pics, but finally went there and here they are.

http://s785.photobucket.com/user/jobujobu/library/

Here is updated info to my original post
car is a 427/390.
Missing keys and driver side door locked (hence the broken rear glass i guess)
Back of car paint is not good, but the doors all the way to the front looks decent and might clean up/buff to be ok original.
It was in a narrow space, so I could not get a look underneath with it jacked up, but inside feels like original no hit body and frame looks ok.
The rear spoiler area is cracked where someone sat on it.
All the parts look to be there.
Could not see a tank sticker and did not check for paperwork under dash. etc. Assuming any paper gone from mice.

Looks like a lot of work considering it's not a 435 hp, but I do not know a lot about C3s and would appreciate any and all input.

Last edited by Jobujobu; Sep 15, 2013 at 07:34 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 09:13 PM
  #13  
3JsVette's Avatar
3JsVette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,890
Likes: 3,324
From: NYC NY
Default

IMCO it's a major money pit. You sound optimistic. Do you really think you would be able to only paint the damaged area? What do you think the chances are of matching the paint that's there? Even the bottom of the shift handle is rusted. From the pictures the interior looks like everything thing has to be replaced. Even if the frame is "good" the car needs total restoration. By the time you rebuild the suspension, replace the interior, repair and repaint the body, then take care of all the things you "find" as you go.....start adding up just the parts, then the body and paint work and as the others have said it would be more cost effective to by a "done" car.
Good luck with what ever you choose to do.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 09:43 PM
  #14  
509 rat's Avatar
509 rat
Safety Car
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 673
Default run for the hills

Originally Posted by 3JsVette
IMCO it's a major money pit. You sound optimistic. Do you really think you would be able to only paint the damaged area? What do you think the chances are of matching the paint that's there? Even the bottom of the shift handle is rusted. From the pictures the interior looks like everything thing has to be replaced. Even if the frame is "good" the car needs total restoration. By the time you rebuild the suspension, replace the interior, repair and repaint the body, then take care of all the things you "find" as you go.....start adding up just the parts, then the body and paint work and as the others have said it would be more cost effective to by a "done" car.
Good luck with what ever you choose to do.
unless its a l88 or somthing.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 10:31 PM
  #15  
arkus's Avatar
arkus
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 7
From: CA
Default

How many miles are on it ?
Its funny , Im currently selling a 69 rear glass and frame ..
The dirt needs to be taken off to see just how extensive the damage is .
. dont try to start it without professional advise .
Any documentation ?

Last edited by arkus; Sep 15, 2013 at 10:39 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2013 | 10:49 PM
  #16  
Solid LT1's Avatar
Solid LT1
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Default

Looks like $4-6K at most to me
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2013 | 09:24 PM
  #17  
jnealg's Avatar
jnealg
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 9
From: Winston Ga.
Default

Originally Posted by Solid LT1
Looks like $4-6K at most to me


I was just thinking, offer $5k and spend the next 5 years dropping $20k and working on it with your kid.

poke the cage and see how bad the rust is. if the frame and cage are gone its a parts car at best.

Last edited by jnealg; Sep 16, 2013 at 09:28 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 69 corvette value? Please help





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:52 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE