Hi, new guy, if I'm out of line let me know

Looking at buying a 68 corvette. My first one. Not sure what to look for regarding pricing and repair ease. Guy is asking $4k

Mechanically, the engine sounded good, visually, one oil leak by the transmission but otherwise ok. Not pristine, but not ugly. Need to look at brakes and undercarriage, but no visible rust.

Headlights don't go down, but owner says vacuum system works...?

T-tops leak slightly, floor is squishy. Interior is about what you would expect for a 48 year old car. Door seals leak as well.

Chrome around Windows is split

Paint is peeling, well 'clear coat' is?

Hood latch is 'tricky' - works sometimes, doesn't work other times. Not sure what to make of it, is it a cable that goes through to both sides?

All lights work.

Anyhow - I think $4k is a bit steep, but just curious. I know the info is scanty. I don't know if it's the rarer engine or not, I think if it was he would have said so.

Thanks

 

Great thread, thanks!

 

Where are you located?....I know most members would be happy to either show you what to look for on their car in person or would look at the car with you... I would. If you are looking for a driver, from what you describe it sounds like a good place to start. Engine size and trans? Better yet, did you take any pictures?

 

Moving question from Cars For Sale classifieds to General discussion.

 

Thanks again. I'm near Syracuse, NY. No pictures yet, just did a cursory look, want to see more this weekend.

For a drivable car, in seemingly ok condition, would $4k be reasonable? I read the other thread for fatal flaws to look for, and I am able to do most repairs myself other than structural, although I don't necessarily paint too well either...

But thanks again, appreciate the help.

 

A rarer engine would be one of the BB options.

Sight unseen, to restore this car to a really like new condition, the money required will make the $4K purchase price is irrelevant when you finally look at the final cost to restore the car. If you can financially afford to restore the car, you can have a lot of fun if you like mechanical things to work with. You can dissassemble and reassemble the car relatively easy with hand tools...but you really need air power tools to take apart the suspension....rusty fasteners can be difficult to work with and under dash work is confined. Their are a few parts on a 68 that are hard to find, especially since the first 68's made can be a little different than the last 68's made.

I have a 68 convertible that's a resto-mod. ZZ4 engine, Tremac 5 speed, and so on. Love it.

Good luck.

 

I would not hesitate to buy it for 4K...

 

A drivable '68 without frame or birdcage rust for $4K is a good deal.
As for the other items you mentioned, they are typical repairs you will come to deal with ownership, of these cars.
Post up pics when you can.
Good luck!

 

Hi Dave,
WELCOME!!
You must be pretty excited about buying a Corvette!
It's difficult to make any meaningful comments about the car you're looking at from the limited information you posted.
From my point of view $4,000 is just about as low as a price for a 68 can go and still be a complete car. Just a very average 68 coupe will sell for $12,000-$15,000 which makes me wonder about this one.
I believe that a 68 that someone is willing to sell for that amount is likely a VERY NEEDY car. The low price is attractive today but only means YOU'RE going to have to spend more as time goes by.
I agree that the question of serious rust in the frame or birdcage need to completely addressed before you even consider this car.
If it's determined that the frame and birdcage are in good condition are you prepared for the amount time, work, and $$$$ this car is going to take?
If you could post a few pictures of it it might help folks determine just what you're looking at.
Good Luck! And, keep your money in your pocket for the time being!
Regards,
Alan

 

I'm not sure how much rarity matters on 68's (l88 and 89 aside) because a base engine automatic coupe is a rare combination but I don't think most people would consider that the car to have.

Just don't let someone convince you it's always worth more If it's rare.

 

Welcome to the 68 club, if you get it. Im like you. Im not worried about anything but rust. If the owner will let you, take off the door sills and take out the kick panels so you can look behind them for rust where the body mounts are. There should be 2 screws on the foward side of the kick panel covers infront of the vent holes. Bring a couple of flash lights and a low profile floor jack so you can get underneath to look around. Start it and check the wiper system. If the wiper door works then the vacuum system works. The other mounts are behind the doors. You can pop off a tire and open the access in the wheel well to check those mounts.

Im not good with trim but you need to look for windshield frame rust. With the hood up you can see the base of the windshield and looking through you can check the edges and top. Taking the trim off is the best way to check but if you see rust with it on its most likely really bad.

The hood has a cable that opens the latch on the drivers side which should be connected across the hood to the passenger side release. That is adjustable to solve that problem and parts are available from vendors.

Check the general forum for 10 things to know before you buy.
$4k to get started is a really good deal. The vette that got me interested was $6500 for a 74, but I read the 10 things list and opted to spend $19k for my 68 verte. Good luck. Everything you listed is repairable, it just gets pricey. Im in it for the long haul so my plans are in blocks from year to year.

There are a few guys that have vette boneyards that can get you original parts that arent made or made well and they are resonable and honest.

Definitely get pics of everything to post. It helps us a lot in helping you. When your underneath use a screw driver around the frame holes to check for rust going through. Has this been stored outside for a long period?

 

First 68? First C3? First Corvette? All three combined?

Welcome and good luck.

 

"T-tops leak slightly, floor is squishy. Interior is about what you would expect for a 48 year old car. Door seals leak as well."

I think you have rust holes under the windshield trim. Better look close.