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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).
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 ?