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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 01:06 PM
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Default Mileage???

I am not sure where to post this but here goes. I have a 1969 tri black 300/350 4 speed corvette. I live in Maryland and I bought the car in California. I did not go to look at the car I looked at about 200 photos and talked with the owner lots of times. He advertised the car with just 1200 miles on it. When it showed up with the car carrier company it showed just over 34,000 on the odometer. Yes I know I should have flown to see it or walked away but too late now. Everything I have checked is correct with numbers matching and the car had a frame off a few years ago and is spotless top and bottom. My big concern is the mileage. How do I know what is the correct mileage? I know it is not 1,200 but is it around 34,000 or 134,000.
Thanks for the time
Paul
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 01:21 PM
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/fact...e-mileage.html
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 01:24 PM
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Paperwork and detailed ownership history is the only way to know on a frame off restored car. Have you contacted the seller for an explanation of the disparity? Perhaps the restorer could shed some light on it.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 02:07 PM
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I agree with Mike's post in that other subforum. I would assume the owner meant 1200 miles since restoration.

I personally feel that mileage on a 45 year-old car is not too important, especially after a restoration. You can try and dig back talking to these people, but I would concentrate on the mileage that is on the engine and suspension, these would be your long term mileage replacements.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 02:52 PM
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Thanks for the replies Easy Mike, Capevettes, and LeMans Pete. I did not get any documentation from the PO and he will not return emails or phone calls. I feel like I took it in the shorts but I still think the car is beautiful and worth the money. I am just looking way ahead when the time comes to part with her. I thought there was a way when you look at the odometer you could tell if it went over 100,000 miles. Myth?
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul.Ebach
...I thought there was a way when you look at the odometer you could tell if it went over 100,000 miles. Myth?...
Myth on C3s. Odometers can be replaced.

You could possibly try a title search in California. The DMV will not be able to reveal personal information on prior owner's, but mileage might have been recorded in the past.

Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 16, 2014 at 02:58 PM.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 03:20 PM
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Are there any problems with the car? Does the title have an odometer reading on it? You said you're happy with it, just move on and enjoy then
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 03:20 PM
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Which would you rather have- a tired car with 34000 miles on it or a freshly done frame resto done 1200 miles ago?

Judge the car on it's present state not on some numbers on a gauge.

And yes, shame for buying sight unseen. You got off very lucky.
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 03:22 PM
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I will agree with Mike, this time , you did get lucky - ask me how I know, on second thought don't ask
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Old Jul 16, 2014 | 03:47 PM
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Hi Paul,
I think even on a fully restored car there are still hints as to the original miles, (especially 34,000 or 134,000), by looking closely at what parts have obviously been replaced, as opposed to being restored.
On a car with only 34,000 many, many parts are still usable even with very little restoration.
But I agree, in your case, at this point it doesn't make much difference.
Regards,
Alan

Triple black cars are notorious for being extremely high mileage cars.

Last edited by Alan 71; Jul 16, 2014 at 03:49 PM.
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