how original do I keep it?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 579
From: Pittsburgh PA
how original do I keep it?
so i bought a "barn-find" 68 convertible a few months back.
I've poked around the car a bit, and as far as I can tell, the car is 100% original. Its a L79 4spd vert with 40k miles. I've got the tank sticker, and protect-o-plate.
I understand the small block cars are generally less collectable than the big blocks, however I don't want to do anything to hurt the value of the car being that it is original.
here's my question- the frame of the car has no rot, just flaking surface rust. should I leave the frame rust as it is, or should I throw some paint on it? My gut reaction is to clean and paint as much of the frame as I can with the body still on, but if this would hurt the value of the car I don't want to do.
I've poked around the car a bit, and as far as I can tell, the car is 100% original. Its a L79 4spd vert with 40k miles. I've got the tank sticker, and protect-o-plate.
I understand the small block cars are generally less collectable than the big blocks, however I don't want to do anything to hurt the value of the car being that it is original.
here's my question- the frame of the car has no rot, just flaking surface rust. should I leave the frame rust as it is, or should I throw some paint on it? My gut reaction is to clean and paint as much of the frame as I can with the body still on, but if this would hurt the value of the car I don't want to do.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 607
Likes: 122
Two schools of thought here.
1. Keep it original as possible
2. Make it how you want it.
If you want it original, see rule number one.
I do not think painting the frame to preserve it would detract from its value and would show to me you are taking care of it. Looking at some of the pictures of restorations I see that are commanding big money have painted and or powder coated frames. But I am no expert by any means.
1. Keep it original as possible
2. Make it how you want it.
If you want it original, see rule number one.
I do not think painting the frame to preserve it would detract from its value and would show to me you are taking care of it. Looking at some of the pictures of restorations I see that are commanding big money have painted and or powder coated frames. But I am no expert by any means.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW: the frame was painted semi-flat black by the manufacturer (A.O. Smith Company) before it was shipped to St. Louis. I would think you should still be able to see remnants of the factory black.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 41
From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
Post some pics.
You can always clean it. Be careful as some products will remove the original finishes that you are trying to preserve.
Who cares that its a small block. Better than what your neighbor is probably driving.
Gary
You can always clean it. Be careful as some products will remove the original finishes that you are trying to preserve.
Who cares that its a small block. Better than what your neighbor is probably driving.
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi TJ,
When I read about a "100% original" car being found my ears always perk up.
If in fact the car is untouched there might be a great deal of interest in it.
Do you know about the NCRS Bowtie Award?
It's given to cars that have remained untouched to a large degree since leaving St.Louis.
You might want to consider having someone take a look at your car and advise you as whether it might be a candidate for Bowtie judging before you do anything.
With that information in mind you could then decide how you might want to proceed.
Regards,
Alan
The finish used on 68 and 69 frames was asphalt based so really didn't do a very good job of protecting the frame, and wasn't long lasting in many environments.
When I read about a "100% original" car being found my ears always perk up.
If in fact the car is untouched there might be a great deal of interest in it.
Do you know about the NCRS Bowtie Award?
It's given to cars that have remained untouched to a large degree since leaving St.Louis.
You might want to consider having someone take a look at your car and advise you as whether it might be a candidate for Bowtie judging before you do anything.
With that information in mind you could then decide how you might want to proceed.
Regards,
Alan
The finish used on 68 and 69 frames was asphalt based so really didn't do a very good job of protecting the frame, and wasn't long lasting in many environments.
Last edited by Alan 71; Dec 15, 2016 at 12:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Plymouth MN
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A '68 convertible - L79 car is a very nice car.
I would love to have one of those in my garage
Let's see some photos of it for those of us that love these cars.
Kevin
I would love to have one of those in my garage
Let's see some photos of it for those of us that love these cars.
Kevin
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 579
From: Pittsburgh PA
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...th-a-68-a.html
There's a thread I had started in the welcome section with some pics.
In the second pics you can see the frame since the PO removed the rocker trim.
I'll try to get some better pics of it soon
There's a thread I had started in the welcome section with some pics.
In the second pics you can see the frame since the PO removed the rocker trim.
I'll try to get some better pics of it soon
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
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From: Springfield Missouri
removing the dust lessens the value of the car, you should sell that to me for $4000.00. NICE car, you have a few decisions to make, listen to Alan and some of the other people here to help decide whay you are going to do with the car. If you want a driver, I would look to sell the car, if you want a collectable(not much driving here) I would keep the car that way. If you want a good driver, sell this car and buy one that is not as good as shape to drive more(one that has had a body on restoration or better). That way you can have fun driving the car and not worry about devaluing the car(this is like mine).IMO
Last edited by lvmyvt76; Dec 15, 2016 at 03:10 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
There is no value in rust at all!
Blast and paint it
See who many buyers say Id rather have all orignal rust come sell time...NONE.
Do what you want with it not what some ????mystery person may or may not want. Enjoy your hobby too many cant.
Blast and paint it
See who many buyers say Id rather have all orignal rust come sell time...NONE.
Do what you want with it not what some ????mystery person may or may not want. Enjoy your hobby too many cant.
Safety Car
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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Welcome my 68 Brother.....
I believe in preservation 1st if it doesn't jeopardize driver safety.
Keep all the take offs as suggested.
Maybe get it judged first so it has some pedigree.
Than drive and enjoy.
I drive mine life is too short.
I have a fairly original car but worn out and broken get replaced.
Welcome to the Forum.
Let the fun begin!
Marshal
I believe in preservation 1st if it doesn't jeopardize driver safety.
Keep all the take offs as suggested.
Maybe get it judged first so it has some pedigree.
Than drive and enjoy.
I drive mine life is too short.
I have a fairly original car but worn out and broken get replaced.
Welcome to the Forum.
Let the fun begin!
Marshal