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1974 BB Convertible trade

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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 02:24 PM
  #1  
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Default 1974 BB Convertible trade

I currently own a 1979 L-82 coupe, automatic.

A Lot has been done to this car, it is a nice driver, but not a show car.Needs engine rebuilt, just due to age.Paint could be touched up.

I recently came across a 1974 BB convertible,4-speed, for trade, it needs some work, exhaust, engine rebuild most likely, paint.But other all it is in good shape.

this would be a Even trade no money exchanged.

Are the 1974 BB Convertibles hard to come by?
What are there value?

and what do you think of the trade? Worth it?


thanks for all of the input

Last edited by bballboy06; Mar 24, 2015 at 05:22 PM.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 02:32 PM
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You are getting the short end of the trade if the 74 needs all that work.

www.collectorcarmarket.com
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 03:44 PM
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And another question is whether either car is a 4-speed and do you care.
A '74 convertible BBC with 4-speed is a little more rare but still doesn't command the price that earlier verts do.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by dochorsepower


And another question is whether either car is a 4-speed and do you care.
A '74 convertible BBC with 4-speed is a little more rare but still doesn't command the price that earlier verts do.

my current car is auto.

the 74 is 4 speed.....i wanted 4 speed
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by bballboy06
...Are the 1974 BB Convertibles hard to come by?..
5474 produced but no figures for big block convertibles. Do you want the 74?

...What are there value?...
For an even trade, does it matter? What do you think your 79 is worth? Do you think the 74 is worth as much as your 79?

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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 05:04 PM
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it needs alot of work, interior, exhaust engine, almost everything.But other all it is in good shape.


That is a bit of a contradictory comment. And suggests big dollar expenditures are ahead. I would continue to enjoy your 1979.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 05:18 PM
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don't do it
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 05:26 PM
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Convertible, big block, 4-speed: all more desirable than t-tops, small block and automatic. Downside; condition.
Many years ago I traded my base-motor 62 that was a nice car even up for a 62 fuelie that was pretty correct but needed lots of refurbishing. I've never regretted it. I learned a lot doing most of the work myself, including rebuilding the FI unit.
Only you can decide, based on what you ultimately want, and how you would get there.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 07:31 PM
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Hagerty price guide puts an average 74 conv LS4 at about $9,000 more than an average 79 L82. So an even trade for you would be good. Check it for major issues (rust) since they willing to let it go so cheap.
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 07:49 PM
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This isnt about anyone here opinion unless you are concerned with value then that will get the opinions flying but if you are like me and only concerned with the car for fun then if the 74 had a good frame and bird cage I would be on a bb convertible c3 over any coupe sb...BUT that is me...what about YOU...do you dig the 79...into the coupes? keep it, however, would you rather have a convertible a bb and 4 speed then jump...if like I said the frame and birdcage are good on the 74....this is far more or should be far more about what you really want not what is worth more...
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by paul 74
it needs alot of work, interior, exhaust engine, almost everything.But other all it is in good shape.


That is a bit of a contradictory comment. And suggests big dollar expenditures are ahead. I would continue to enjoy your 1979.
The way I read it says nothing about interior, both cars need paint and motor work so not really too much difference. Go for it if that is what you want Phil
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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 09:38 PM
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Both need paint, engines rebuilt..so that's a push.
I'd do the trade in a minute, if rust is not present.
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 01:23 AM
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I agree with The13Bats. It depends on what you like, what you want, and which one is more appealing to you. If you are looking only at value, and want to do a quick flip, then looking at the condition of the two is important. If you are looking for a car to keep, work on, and enjoy (given the general condition, rust, etc are the same) then pick the one you want to live with.

Now for my opinion. I would take a BB 454 convertible over a 79 T Top any day. Two reasons. 1. 454 2. convertible.

kdf
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 03:07 AM
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 07:06 AM
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As always how about some pics of both cars.
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 07:22 AM
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Without telling you what YOU should do, I'll say I'd rather own a 74 BB, 4 speed convertible than a 79 350 automatic t-top. specially for the same money. The only thing I see you losing is the interior room for carrying stuff.
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 08:57 AM
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I'd personally rather have the '74. I think there's more room for price appreciation and collectability for the '74 vs the'79. While there are no numbers for colors, I think certain colors are very rare. 1975 as an example, had something like 1,025 cars painted in that weird metallic lime green. So if you got a BB '74 convertible in an oddball color like Dark Metallic Brown, you'll likely never see another one. I haven't personally seen a 1974 convertible in DMB yet. In fact I haven't personally seen another DMB coupe, in the three years I've had mine!
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 12:49 PM
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the 74 has tremendous upside potential. if correct color, numbers match and no rust. and you want to do the work, then easy decision. they made maybe 300 ( your calculation may vary) or so in 1974 vs your 79 which they made over 14,000..
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 62corvette
...Convertible, big block, 4-speed: all more desirable than t-tops, small block and automatic....
Only if convertible big block 4 speed cars float your boat. Yes for some; No for others.

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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 02:25 PM
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If the 74 has no rust issues, I would do it in a heart beat. I would rather have a big block 4 speed than the 79, 350 auto. With the fact its a convertible is icing on the cake. Sounds like they are in the same condition. Again, check out the convertible, make sure there is no rust issues.
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