jumping ship
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
jumping ship
Normally over on the C4 site, Need you're guys an gals advice, Friends uncle has a 72, New brakes , calipers, tires . Was a big block, 4 speed car. Changed over to a small block with a 400 turbo( replaced console) but left the clutch pedal hanging....??? New frame do to rust,(I would think the frames are different from a big block , small block?) bushings an running gear are "redone"....Having my mid life crisis....Always loved the two front fenders sticking up over the dash, back when I was washing the neighbors 70, when gas was10 cents...LOL...wants 14 for it, needs some TLC....Should I add on to my garage or just stick to my two C4s? Thanks
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I'm a rookie and I'll have $13,000 in my project car when it is completed---to give you an idea of selling prices. Cars that need work to make them drivable/cars that need body work....sell for much less than $14,000.
Post some photos of the car interior and exterior/engine bay and underside.....so expert members can give you a better answer on what the car is worth.
Post some photos of the car interior and exterior/engine bay and underside.....so expert members can give you a better answer on what the car is worth.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Gotta take two hour drive...Sent me some pictures from his cell phone.....What he wants you to look at....Just found this yesterday, been sitting for a year. Guy's lost interest. Got to be a difference between 427 frame an small block frame??? Still has Big block hood....He just sent me the vin# Time for some detective work
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
No difference In Frame. The 4 speed cars had a welded in Crossmember and the auto cars had a removeable trans crossmember. Prices vary widely due to condition of interior paint etc. could be a nice find or a major project. Be careful.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Do yourself a favor and read the following sticky:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Focus particularly on rule 5. Having had to replace the frame bodes I'll for the birdcage. Relatively speaking, the frame is easier to replace.
A 72 is a nice year the facts that it needs work, doesn't have the original drivetrain and has had a frame replacement lead me to believe that the asking price is about double what it's worth.
One additional note. While changing a pedal assembly from 4sp to auto is an ENORMOUS PIA, leaving a clutch pedal hanging screams half a$$ed. Assuming the same person did the frame swap, I'd be very concerned about it being done properly.
If I haven't already discouraged you, now that you have the VIN, you can easily verify that it was originally a big block car:
http://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
The fifth digit should be a W. Also, the 72 big block is a 454. 427s were last in the 69s.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Focus particularly on rule 5. Having had to replace the frame bodes I'll for the birdcage. Relatively speaking, the frame is easier to replace.
A 72 is a nice year the facts that it needs work, doesn't have the original drivetrain and has had a frame replacement lead me to believe that the asking price is about double what it's worth.
One additional note. While changing a pedal assembly from 4sp to auto is an ENORMOUS PIA, leaving a clutch pedal hanging screams half a$$ed. Assuming the same person did the frame swap, I'd be very concerned about it being done properly.
If I haven't already discouraged you, now that you have the VIN, you can easily verify that it was originally a big block car:
http://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
The fifth digit should be a W. Also, the 72 big block is a 454. 427s were last in the 69s.
Last edited by CA-Legal-Vette; Jan 17, 2015 at 08:43 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
There's nothing wrong with you adding a C3 to your garage......but that might not be the one.
If the frame was replaced due to rust what else that you can't see is rusty?
These cars (as any "old" car) can turn into major money pits at a moments notice. The price seems very high especially if you want to put it back to a big block with a 4 speed.
If the frame was replaced due to rust what else that you can't see is rusty?
These cars (as any "old" car) can turn into major money pits at a moments notice. The price seems very high especially if you want to put it back to a big block with a 4 speed.
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You can do far better for 14 grand than a car like the one you described. Motor change, tranny change, frame change, needs TLC etc. You can buy very nice, correct cars in the teens.
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As mentioned above, if the frame was rotted, the bird cage may still be and that is a deal breaker by far.
Look around on the for sale section of this forum and get an idea of what you can get for that kind of money.
I like the way you think, and really believe you would like a c3.
Look around on the for sale section of this forum and get an idea of what you can get for that kind of money.
I like the way you think, and really believe you would like a c3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Gotta take two hour drive...Sent me some pictures from his cell phone.....What he wants you to look at....Just found this yesterday, been sitting for a year. Guy's lost interest. Got to be a difference between 427 frame an small block frame??? Still has Big block hood....He just sent me the vin# Time for some detective work
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
As mentioned above, if the frame was rotted, the bird cage may still be and that is a deal breaker by far.
Look around on the for sale section of this forum and get an idea of what you can get for that kind of money.
I like the way you think, and really believe you would like a c3.
Look around on the for sale section of this forum and get an idea of what you can get for that kind of money.
I like the way you think, and really believe you would like a c3.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 10
From: Grand Ledge
I paid 14k for my 1970 coupe project but frame and birdcage had no rust. Paint and interior were excellent and the only thing mine needed was the motor. No other work was needed, it was drivable other than that. I think I over paid for mine.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 288
Likes: 10
From: Proctor WV
Thanks for all your pointers. Believe I'm going to pass on this "project" I do all my own work an really don't need to get somebody's money pit. Did some searching on the C3 for sale thread, and also parts...I can find something better...My emotions were getting to me...lol Thank again Ziggy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Pass on it... and I mean PASS! If the frame was replaced then the Bird Cage (if not replaced at the time) will still be bad. I speak from experience. My wallet still has the bruises on it. I replaced my frame, luckily from a donor car left at the Corvette Shop. And yes, the Bird Cage was equally rotten. It's quite a labor-intensive project just to separate the body clips from the cab frame. And the search for a replacement frame took even longer. Fortunately a forum member had a Bird Cage from a '76. I had to move all of the clips and brackets from my '80 Bird Cage to '76, but it worked. And even then I can't breathe a sigh of relief. I still have to put the body parts back together! Total cost... $8000.00.