So I may have found the vette I have been hunting for but just wanted to get some thoughts from you all before I pull the trigger. The story on the Vette is this. The guy has had it for 25 years. He changed the motor and tranny in it but kept the old ones and he also swapped the hood but has the original as shown in the pics. The car by VIN is a 72 Vert with the engine code of K so its is the base model engine which is a 350 cid, 200 hp. The car comes as a package running with its original motor tranny and hood.

The car has never had a frame off but well kept as a driver over the years but has its share of wear as you can see from the interior pics. It runs and drives. It is stored under cover. I will be getting a better look at it tomorrow but it is said that are no rust issues. I will be checking the frame along the rear wheels and bird cage very close.

I will check for the Tank build sheet to see if it is still there.

Can anyone tell me what else I should look for and what price range is considered decent for a car in this condition. Can any of you see ay issues from the pics even though they are not the best quality?

 

 

 

aftermarket:
hood, wheels, mirrors, seat covers, radio, seat belts, shifter, carb, air cleaner, exhaust, intake manifold (both). Transmission appears to be a Borg Warner so also not original to the car. Be sure to ask about/for the original "stuff" and for the windshield wiper door & its actuator. All that stuff will prove expensive later.

 

Is it the photo or are the front wheel wells flared into a spoiler going under the nose?

Is that blue right? What color does the trim tag say? The red ledge under the hood suggests it was changed with a very poor paint job.

Given how there's body changes, stick- on fake wood grain on the gauge cluster and other interior changes, a really sloppy, messed-with engine compartment as well as the completely speed-shopped "original" motor, (it shouldnt have the oil fill on a '72 intake, plus...) it seems nothing has been left alone on the car and none of it looks particularly good.

It better be cheap.

 

That custom front wheel flare then explains why the rear "whale tail" looks exaggerated as well. Hard to tell from the photos in the dark.

 

Agree, the spoiler is definitely molded higher. Tough pictures.

 

This is why I love this place. You all know exactly what is and IS NOT what it is supposed to be. So based on the pictures ...when you say better be cheap? What is cheap? What price range?

 

Impossible to give a number without inspecting the frame and the rest of the car up close. But from my own personal perspective with very limited information, the car needs serious body corrections, a full paint job, a full interior, a complete renewal of the engine compartment (at a minimum cosmetic- or just rebuilding the original motor and trans and install as well as cosmetics), plus lots more not determined yet.

My opinion is that you would easily be into the car for well more than it would be worth, and thats if the frame or other serious issues dont start adding in.

I wouldnt buy the car, period. However, if someone was looking for something to practice working on as an entry level toy and the price was very low, it could be the right sort of project for the right person. People have completely restored worse cars.

Not sure what you are looking for- a full project? Are you doing body/paint? Do you care about the body mods and all the other changes? if you dont thats fine, but it hurts the value significantly. I guarantee the body needs to be fully stripped and disassembled for body and paint. You have to look at the body very closely as well as the frame, and know what you are looking at. You also need to verify YOURSELF that the numbers match on that engine. Do not believe a seller.

What's he asking?

 

Hi cmb,
I agree that this car has had a LOT of owner inspired modifications.
As is so often said.... an owner should be able do to his car what ever he wants since it's his car. But, that doesn't mean those changes may not decrease it's value to future buyers.
I think that's the case with this car. As an example the 68-72 wiper system is part of what makes those cars interesting... this car's wiper system is missing.
This car is a convertible with a hard-top; that's it's strong point. But it needs lot's of money and work to be even a 'more or less' original appearing car.
It really depends what you're looking for in a car as to whether this would be a wise choice for you.
I'd think if the car is not rusty $2000 or $3000 is plenty. And that's REALLY because it's a convertible.
Regards,
Alan

 

What it is worth to you depends on what you want - a fairly expensive and long project or a car to drive today. Also depends on what your budget is to spend today and going forward.
I would set a value by comparisons - there is a great looking 70 roadster in the for sale section for $18k. I think he underpriced that car and it looks like he has a line of people that want it. The point is those cars are out there. You will never get this 72 as good as that 70 and to get even close you will spend at least $15k if the frame and birdcage are perfect. So if you pay $3k and spend a few thousand hours of your life you will have a car that is worth less then you could have bought day one. With that said if you are looking for a project I would pay around $3k although he can probably part it out for more so he probably wants more. Just know upfront if you expect to bring that car back to near stock it is going to cost you more than the car is worth when you are done.

 

What is his asking price?

 

Good luck, but do not expect to find a sticker. Your time would be better spent checking the frame, suspension, brakes, and bird cage. Ask the seller whether he/she has any original factory documentation for the car.

What is the seller asking? This car is not stock, but not Bubba'ed beyond reason.

 

I agree with everyone else, that this is a heavily modded car, and because of that, I'm not sure the original engine adds any value.

But I don't agree with those who seem to think that only original cars have any value. If it had an Ecklers body kit on it, would that make it worth only a couple of grand? Long hood, and no wiper door matches what was done in 73 - are 73 convertibles only worth 3k?

This car is not for me, but I still think it's a pretty decent car. If the value of a car is decreased by the amount it would take to put it back to original, does that mean all coupes with an LS1 conversion are worthless?

 

you guys are TOUGH! a 72 vert with no or only surface rust, t/t column, p/s, p/b decent paint, more or less complete that drives for $3000? if i was looking for another car (one divorce is enough, so i'm not) i'd jump on this.

 

Decent paint?

He doesnt know its no or only surface rust, either.

 

I cant speak for others, but I dont think people are saying all modifications would necessarily be worthless. Many high end, well-done restomods (i.e., some LS1 conversions) sell for strong money. However, this isnt one of them. The car needs pretty much everything.

 

I have to admit. I kind of like the brutal honesty here. I mean it is kind of like leave your feelings at the door as you enter the man cave because no one is going to sugar coat it. It is exactly what I was looking for as far as the responses because as much as I have looked into these cars I am still a rookie a trying to know what is original and what is not.

It is not my car ad I would rather the people here be honest about their thoughts on the deal as it makes one think a little more before pulling the trigger.

The seller I do not believe is dishonest. When asked he has provided the information I have requested. Below is his quote when I asked him if it had been modded.

"I too prefer them unmodified you can’t mess with perfection. This car is exactly the way I purchased it but it had been modified by the previous owner. I can take more pictures especially of the mods if you are still interested if not it has been my pleasure talking with you. The extra hood is stock but is missing the wiper pan."

He was originally at 15,000 and was down to 12,500. Considering the information you all have provided I am leaning towards walking on it. It is not known if the spare motor and tranny are original and would take me making a drive to compare the numbers which is not necessary if I am not going to make a deal with him. I do appreciate continued responses as it gives me more information and is a learning process.

I will go look at the 70 you all had mentioned. If I had my pick it would be a 68 or 69 only because I like the side vents that look like shark gills. I prefer an automatic (I know I am a loser LOL). Can anyone tell me if the big blocks in any of those years came with an automatic and if they are rare or common?

 

Here are the pics he sent of the mods:

 

There will ALWAYS be someone who finds something wrong with something.

I stopped by to say that you've read the pros and cons......so......."If it's your dream car---Get it!"