Bhebert449

Looking to buy my first vette. I am looking at a 71 BB coupe and have some questions about what to look for. It is NOM but has a rebuilt 454 out of a 71 chevelle. Has been repainted original bridgehampton blue and has original black vinyl interior in very good condition. Very clean car. Has vintage AC system. It is priced at $30k. Seller will sell for $25k. Thoughts? What questions should I be asking. What should I look out for?

Nowhere Man

Do a search on bird cage and frame rust. After that checks out the rest of any problems are easy to fix

oldgto

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

Alan 71

Hi B,
If you're not somewhat familiar with the 68-72 cars it's pretty difficult to learn enough quickly enough to make an informed decision on buying a car.
Have you looked at the list of 10 things to know when looking at a car?
Is there ANY chance that you know someone that is in FACT knowledgable about 68-72 cars and may be able to accompany you when you inspect and drive the car?
At least you should post a more detailed description and pictures of the car from which people might be able to give you their thoughts.
???
Regards,
Alan

DUB

Other than the previous advice...which is ALL CORRECT....make sure that you look at it really good and NOT get emotionally attached to it....BECAUSE I have had Corvettes come in my shop that looked GREAT....but a closer inspection showed it was going to literally fall apart due to the RUST.

DUB

Bhebert449

The car is optioned as follows:

454 rebuilt with around 400 miles, 4 speed manual, ps, pb, vintage AC, bridgehampton blue repainted good to very good paint, one paint chip on hood that will need touch up or repainted hood. Looked under car, frame appears solid and straight. Factory alarm, original rally wheels and new tires.

Have not driven the car but started up and it idles smooth. Head lights pop up cleanly as well as wiper door so vacuum system is working as it should. Interior is black vinyl and is in very good condition. Original glass.

Alan 71

Hi B,
It SOUNDS like a nice car.
Some pictures of the engine compartment and chassis would help people begin to form opinions of it's value.
Regards,
Alan

Nowhere Man

Why selling only after 400 miles?

BBCorv70

Sounds like it could be a nice driver.
Agree with previous postings, look carefully at the frame, especially in front of the rear wheels, windshield frame, and as much of the birdcage as you can. The #2 mount area may provide clues as to the general condition of the birdcage provided the seller is willing to remove the kick panels.

Did you put it on a lift? Looks for oil or other fluid leaks? Most can be fixed without much trouble, good to know what you're getting into.

Bhebert449

He gave a couple reasons for selling. Wants to purchase a newer vette and also it is difficult for him to get into the car. He's a big guy. I also think he is impulsive and buys stuff, gets bored and wants something else. He has a lot of toys.

Bhebert449

What is a fair price for this car as described?

BBCorv70

It's a NOM which we hear often means 20% less than a true numbers car, could be even more of a discount. Much depends on condition, how far from original is it? Pictures including shots of the under carriage, frame, engine bay, and interior would be helpful. Without much more information it's nearly impossible to guess at a fair price. IMO for $25K it had better be in very good condition.

Bhebert449

The hagarty nada value is $29k in good condition.

BBCorv70

Neither valuation guide accounts for non original engine. Some say it makes a huge difference, others say not to much, depends on rarity of that option. Without pictures you may not get much more response on your question as to what is a fair price. Impossible to tell without pictures.

Bhebert449

Here are some pics. I drove the car today. This is my first time to drive one of these cars. I was surprised by the amount of heat the radiates into the cabin from the engine. <br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br >

Bhebert449

a few more pics. Noticed some oil on the intake manifold <br >

<br > <br > <br > <br > <br > <br >

mjfrank

I'd wait for the more knowledgeable members to chime in to verify, but based on the shot of the rear end, I'm thinking that isn't an original big block car. I believe the side yokes should have caps, not u-bolts.

The oil looks like a valve cover leaking on the head/header flange.

Nice looking car though, I'd say you'd probably price that like any other NOM Small block 71 coupe.

Alan 71

Hi Bh,
The pictures show quite a nice car!
I think if you can determine for sure that there's not a rust issue you can take the car seriously.
The front and rear suspension looks pretty much untouched at least recently. This might mean you'll need to have redo the bushings and shocks in the near future.
I find the 'price guides' and peoples ideas where their car fits in the price guide to be pretty meaningless.
Do YOU like the car enough to spend $25,000 for it?
How would you feel if you needed to spend another $2500 on it while you're enjoying it?
Regards,
Alan

Are you sure the nom won't bother you in the future? It's the one thing you really can't do anything about.

Bhebert449

What is cost to redo bushings and shocks? It has a few other small things to sort out like the horn is not working, reverse lights not coming on, AC is not blowing cold. Also not sure about the oil on the manifold.

Alan 71

Hu Bh,
Cost?
Working on old Corvettes sets "the one thing leads to another syndrome" in motion!
That why I mentioned $2500. That's probably more than enough for the obvious things with a bit left over for the unforeseen things.
You really need to remember this isn't a 'used car' that likely won't need much of anything…..45 year old Corvettes take a bit of constant tending.
Will you work on it yourself? NOTHING to be ashamed about if you can't, some folks can and some folks can't.
I was pleasantly pleased with how nice the exterior looks…. at least in those pictures!
Regards,
Alan