1969 possible rust issue...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I realize I am setting myself up for flaming likely by ones who tend to do it, ( they will want to deny and justify ) but in general I see a lot of replies in many threads that are just negative and in many cases offer no real info or help,
Oh hell, now I am all paradoxical for even posting this...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
I just don't like how so many in this thread jumped to saying that the frame is junk, needs a new one, or serious repairs from one picture of one rust hole in a common spot(i say that only because mine did the same thing) When in reality it's no worse than mine which cost only a few hundred $$$ to fix...
Since you already didn't know that this was a serious rust issue, I would say that you would not know how to tackle a job of this size. Most likely the rocker channels are also rusted out along with the bird cage. Save yourself a lot of expense and misery and keep looking. Nice ones are out there.
12 negative responses into the thread the first one to actually question the majority.... Bats
I guess my questions are ones that no one wants to stir,
But really...this car is 100% worthless even if free?
Seriously, what is the car worth the way it is...I know we don't know the full extent of the rust but know enough that everyone says avoid this car, so how much IS it worth as is?
Then how much to hire a shop to restore it correctly?
How much is it worth restored?
I will ask again, what options does the owner really have?
But really...this car is 100% worthless even if free?
Seriously, what is the car worth the way it is...I know we don't know the full extent of the rust but know enough that everyone says avoid this car, so how much IS it worth as is?
Then how much to hire a shop to restore it correctly?
How much is it worth restored?
I will ask again, what options does the owner really have?
I could keep going as there were just as negative responses to follow but I'll stop lol.
I just wish everyone didn't have such huge rustphobia without getting all the info first! I'd bet a LOT on this forum would buy the car if it was being sold for $5000.
Last edited by PUNISHER VETTE; Jan 10, 2015 at 07:44 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I just wish everyone didn't have such huge rustphobia without getting all the info first! I'd bet a LOT on this forum would buy the car if it was being sold for $5000.
I doubt that. The days of frame-offs are disappearing. Too easy to buy a C5 or C6 for much less.
I doubt that. The days of frame-offs are disappearing. Too easy to buy a C5 or C6 for much less.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
I'd be a buyer for $5k.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
That's a fair statement for those who just don't want to deal with possible problems/repair work, which is understandable. But without more details(price+ way more pics of interior/birdcage/frame) your statement couldn't be further from the truth for other buyers(like myself) who could only afford a bumper car like this knowing they can get it for much cheaper than a typical one goes for and deal with the repairs.
I just don't like how so many in this thread jumped to saying that the frame is junk, needs a new one, or serious repairs from one picture of one rust hole in a common spot(i say that only because mine did the same thing) When in reality it's no worse than mine which cost only a few hundred $$$ to fix...
12 negative responses into the thread the first one to actually question the majority.... Bats
I could keep going as there were just as negative responses to follow but I'll stop lol.
I just wish everyone didn't have such huge rustphobia without getting all the info first! I'd bet a LOT on this forum would buy the car if it was being sold for $5000.
I just don't like how so many in this thread jumped to saying that the frame is junk, needs a new one, or serious repairs from one picture of one rust hole in a common spot(i say that only because mine did the same thing) When in reality it's no worse than mine which cost only a few hundred $$$ to fix...
12 negative responses into the thread the first one to actually question the majority.... Bats
I could keep going as there were just as negative responses to follow but I'll stop lol.
I just wish everyone didn't have such huge rustphobia without getting all the info first! I'd bet a LOT on this forum would buy the car if it was being sold for $5000.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
I don't speak with lack of experience. I have been building cars for over forty years and specializing in rust restoration of bodies and frame rebuilding. I've seen it all and am fully aware of how corvettes rust and believe me when you have major rust in this area I can assure you that the rocker channels are also bad and what usually rusts in a car like this is the bird cage. As I stated , if he has to ask then he does not have the ability to tackle a job this size and would not want to pay the price tag to have it professionally done.
I knew nothing about cars and ended screwing up an oil change on my '96 six years ago which is what prompted me to sell it and buy a restoration project so I could learn. So I take offense when you assume someone can't tackle a job knowing nothing about them or their intentions.
Luckily I thrive on people saying I can't do something or else I would have had to quit and "pay a professional" to do my whole project based off what others suggested a long time ago.
I'm not saying this car is perfect or that he should buy it. All I'm saying is we need more information and not to jump to conclusions so quickly.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
But nobody knows what the guy is selling the car for so you can't make that decision.
I knew nothing about cars and ended screwing up an oil change on my '96 six years ago which is what prompted me to sell it and buy a restoration project so I could learn. So I take offense when you assume someone can't tackle a job knowing nothing about them or their intentions.
Luckily I thrive on people saying I can't do something or else I would have had to quit and "pay a professional" to do my whole project based off what others suggested a long time ago.
I'm not saying this car is perfect or that he should buy it. All I'm saying is we need more information and not to jump to conclusions so quickly.
I knew nothing about cars and ended screwing up an oil change on my '96 six years ago which is what prompted me to sell it and buy a restoration project so I could learn. So I take offense when you assume someone can't tackle a job knowing nothing about them or their intentions.
Luckily I thrive on people saying I can't do something or else I would have had to quit and "pay a professional" to do my whole project based off what others suggested a long time ago.
I'm not saying this car is perfect or that he should buy it. All I'm saying is we need more information and not to jump to conclusions so quickly.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,294
Likes: 1,579
From: Western NY
Where's the OP??
I know that some people are "tempering" their responses. Maybe it's because unlike myself, they don't live in the rust belt, so they don't regularly see where cars can get pretty eaten up after just a few winters worth of use. Given my personal experience, if I see the kind of rust the OP's pictures showed, it's "Run, Forrest, RUN"!!
Secondly, given the fragile nature of the birdcage, and since the body parts are bonded to it, making repair/replacement of it a total PITA, I just can't see willingly getting involved in a car like that unless you have extensive mechanical skills, an extensive shop to work in, and an extensive bank account.
The way I see it, is that it's either a parts car or a mega-dollar restoration project.
I know that some people are "tempering" their responses. Maybe it's because unlike myself, they don't live in the rust belt, so they don't regularly see where cars can get pretty eaten up after just a few winters worth of use. Given my personal experience, if I see the kind of rust the OP's pictures showed, it's "Run, Forrest, RUN"!!
Secondly, given the fragile nature of the birdcage, and since the body parts are bonded to it, making repair/replacement of it a total PITA, I just can't see willingly getting involved in a car like that unless you have extensive mechanical skills, an extensive shop to work in, and an extensive bank account.
The way I see it, is that it's either a parts car or a mega-dollar restoration project.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Price points...
Hi rp,
I re-read the thread because I though perhaps I'd been too harsh.
But no, I still think the same as my original post.
I think it's interesting that no one asked you the price!!!!…. I believe that's because it really doesn't matter.
The OWNER has to face this bad situation, there's no reason for YOU to go into it knowingly.
There are too many cars available that have no or very little rust to take this one on.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I re-read the thread because I though perhaps I'd been too harsh.
But no, I still think the same as my original post.
I think it's interesting that no one asked you the price!!!!…. I believe that's because it really doesn't matter.
The OWNER has to face this bad situation, there's no reason for YOU to go into it knowingly.
There are too many cars available that have no or very little rust to take this one on.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thanks for your input - its greatly appreciated.
Red Perch
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,108
Likes: 4,170
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi RP,
I think this is price flash is an indication of the truth about this car.
Don't you now wonder if he would have snapped at $8000?
Certainly ANY car can be restored, but you need to be completely aware of what this car IS, and what that MEANS, while the MONEY is still in YOUR pocket and you can walk away unharmed.
It'll be interesting to hear what the inspection shows.
Wouldn't it be great if the rust is confined to just this one location and the rest of the car is nice and you can have it for $12000!!!!
Regards,
Alan
PS: I wouldn't pay $12,000 for it even if that's the only rust. The side frame rail is made of 2 long sections welded together. You can see a longitudinal opening where the pieces have begun to separate. This is what makes me think something serious is going on here. I think this is an indication that the rust extends into the #3 crossmember too.
I think this is price flash is an indication of the truth about this car.
Don't you now wonder if he would have snapped at $8000?
Certainly ANY car can be restored, but you need to be completely aware of what this car IS, and what that MEANS, while the MONEY is still in YOUR pocket and you can walk away unharmed.
It'll be interesting to hear what the inspection shows.
Wouldn't it be great if the rust is confined to just this one location and the rest of the car is nice and you can have it for $12000!!!!
Regards,
Alan
PS: I wouldn't pay $12,000 for it even if that's the only rust. The side frame rail is made of 2 long sections welded together. You can see a longitudinal opening where the pieces have begun to separate. This is what makes me think something serious is going on here. I think this is an indication that the rust extends into the #3 crossmember too.
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 12, 2015 at 09:34 AM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Comparables
Hi RP,
I think this is price flash is an indication of the truth about this car.
Don't you now wonder if he would have snapped at $8000?
Certainly ANY car can be restored, but you need to be completely aware of what this car IS, and what that MEANS, while the MONEY is still in YOUR pocket and you can walk away unharmed.
It'll be interesting to hear what the inspection shows.
Wouldn't it be great if the rust is confined to just this one location and the rest of the car is nice and you can have it for $12000!!!!
Regards,
Alan
PS: I wouldn't pay $12,000 for it even if that's the only rust. The side frame rail is made of 2 long sections welded together. You can see a longitudinal opening where the pieces have begun to separate. This is what makes me think something serious is going on here.
I think this is price flash is an indication of the truth about this car.
Don't you now wonder if he would have snapped at $8000?
Certainly ANY car can be restored, but you need to be completely aware of what this car IS, and what that MEANS, while the MONEY is still in YOUR pocket and you can walk away unharmed.
It'll be interesting to hear what the inspection shows.
Wouldn't it be great if the rust is confined to just this one location and the rest of the car is nice and you can have it for $12000!!!!
Regards,
Alan
PS: I wouldn't pay $12,000 for it even if that's the only rust. The side frame rail is made of 2 long sections welded together. You can see a longitudinal opening where the pieces have begun to separate. This is what makes me think something serious is going on here.
My 1975 coupe I paid $7500 for in September 2014 in very good condition overall.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The seller was originally asking $21,500. I offered $12,000 knowing possible issues, and he snapped at it right away. Its making me rethink even at that price after doing more research and getting all the great feedback here. I do believe he secretly knows he may have issues with the car. Today, its being inspected by a corvette shop......the verdict will be in today!
Thanks for your input - its greatly appreciated.
Red Perch
Thanks for your input - its greatly appreciated.
Red Perch
Racer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 269
Likes: 1
From: Flemington New Jersey
The real call here is Depends.
Depends on how much work you are willing to do yourself or have someone else do.
Depends on if you think this is a driver or a project car
Depends on what your total budget is
Depends on how much you like, love, need this car
I personally would not move forward. If it was given to you it could be a parts car for one with a better frame.
How do the kick panel mounts look?
Depends on how much work you are willing to do yourself or have someone else do.
Depends on if you think this is a driver or a project car
Depends on what your total budget is
Depends on how much you like, love, need this car
I personally would not move forward. If it was given to you it could be a parts car for one with a better frame.
How do the kick panel mounts look?