I am looking to purchase a corvette 69 manual and the car sounded like it was fine mechanically but I had some issues with the exterior of the car. The t top has a crack in it, and the side exhausts have chipping in the chrome. It also does not have stock radio but everything else seems to be original and in working condition.



how much would this run for me to fix it these issues, and what would you offer someone if you've were in my position wanting to buy this car off of them? Everything else is stock, 87k miles total, and the paint has some small chips in it.

 

More information and details of the car needed to even guess

plan on a couple grand on what youve posted unless you buy used

 

For the T top and to repair the chrome on the exhaust would be a few thousand?

Those are the main issues with it that I am concerned about

 

Hi R,
A 69!
Very nice!

The mirrored roof panels were not available during the 68-72 model years. So the panels presently on the car are later panels. You can look on line to see what replacements for your broken mirrored roof panels may cost. Look at 'Melrose T-Tops'.

The side exhaust chrome plated covers are very prone to rust deterioration. New/reproduction covers, (they're referred to as shields, 6 pieces make up a set.) are available. They're made by Paragon Corvette reproductions. You can look at their site to see what they cost.

There's a LOT to consider when buying a 68-72 Corvette. Have you taken a close look at it. For instance have you determined whether or not the car may be rusty?

Are you at all familiar with or knowledgable about 68-72 Corvettes?

Regards,
Alan

I notice in the one photo that a round head screw with a flat washer is holding the side exhaust cover in place while the next fastener in line is missing. Hopefully this sloppiness isn't indicative of the car in general.

 

Thanks Alan!

I saw the car in person and sounds amazing but the looks of the car is what I am concerned about. The paint is not the best, it's not the worst. It has minor chips in it, and the radio itself is not stock but am updated cassette radio.

My main concern is that the price he wanted it at seemed a little high and he told me himself that the car is stock but apparently not if the mirrored t top wasn't available for this year. The car looked to be in great condition besides that, I would have a mechanic or someone with more experience than me look at it before I finalized the purchase. I'm just not so experienced with how much these parts cost to fix, like perhaps I can just keep the t top and take it someplace to repair the cracked glass?

Thanks so so much for all your help

 

If it's for a Corvette it's expensive. Before you buy it run it through a car wash and see if the t-tops leak, if they do be advised they're a bitch to fix.

 

Hi r,
I would like to advise you to find someone familiar with 69 Corvettes to take a serious look at the car with you.

It sounds like you may have been 'swept off your feet' by this car without really knowing what it is and what you should be paying for it.

Old Corvettes can get VERY expensive VERY quickly if caution isn't practiced when buying one.

I think there are many much more important things to be considering than the tops and side exhaust.

Regards,
Alan

It appears both the roof panels and the side exhaust covers are each about $1300 per pair.

 

Depending on what TYPE of mirror top will dictate on the potential cost of fixing that ONE top. It may be that it might NOT be able to be repaired due to the type of mirror glass in it and IF it is replaced...it then might not match the other top.

It is hard to tell in your photo if the t-top is actually MIRROR top that looks silver like a mirror or if the top is s glass top that does not look like a mirror.

And IF that t-top is a LOF 'blue' top...that it REALLY EXPENSIVE to repair due to that type of mirrored glass is really hard to find and 'off the charts' expensive.

The spot on your side exhaust will more than likely need to be replaced ..and this problem is not due to rust...because it can not rust due to the side exhaust is made out of a non-ferrous metal...it is due to corrosion and possible due to salt or a harsh chemical got on it and ate into it and it was left alone.

Hopefully you have a good friend or someone who knows where to look on this Corvette to make sure you are not buying a problem.

All I can advise is like what I tell many people who come by my shop who are bringing a Corvette by for me to inspect is to take the emotion out if it. I often times let them know that they are going to have to spend $5000 right off the bat due to what I am seeing JUST to make it SAFE to drive and they still buy it and then wonder and do not understand that the costs of the repairs when they bring it back by are exactly like what I told them BEFORE they bought it. Sometimes I tell them to RUN from it FAST and they still buy it and wonder why it is so messed up.

DUB

 

You have just heard from a couple of the very knowledgeable guys on this Forum, they are not saying run away screaming but be informed on what you are taking on if you purchase this car and limit the surprises. There are many members across the country that would be glad to lend a hand or suggest a shop to take it to for inspection.

It is a rare find to one of these cars without issues, rust or more correctly hidden rust forms in the structure under the fiberglass and in the frame, the term beauty is only skin deep was referring to our cars!

Be informed, limit expense!

Dave

 

I am by no means a Corvette expert but from reading your posts you are way too anxious. Slow down. If this Corvette doesn't work out there will be others. It's not a race. There's lots of potential pitfalls when purchasing and old car/Corvette. Take your time. Don't be afraid to get all your questions answered whether by personal or independent inspection. Do diligence will same you lots of money in the long run.
Sorry old guy lecture over. Good luck going forward.

 

Please listen to the sage advice from Alan, Dub and The Phantom. If there is hidden rust, the car could be a beautiful parts car. It is sometimes not easy for a new corvette enthusiast to see.

In the big scheme of things, the issues you mention are no big deal, but there are many more issues deal killer issues that are possible. Please save yourself many years of grief by allowing someone who is familiar with these issues to look at the car.

End of rant. I hope it is just what you want.

 

When buying a C3 I think it's wise to have it put on a hoist and have it inspected by a professional. And dont forget about the birdcage.
Good luck.

 

Thank you all for your help. I am for sure going to take it to a mechanic but before I did I wanted to double check on the price of a few aesthetic flaws that I personally noticed to see how much that would cost to replace and further use that to bargain to a reasonable price.

My whole thought process on this was to find a car that I liked for the right price, and then at that point take it to a mechanic to get checked out before I bought just so I don't have any surprises down the road. I have been looking for this specific model for the past year so by no means am i in a rush to buy this specific one right now but this one has shown the most promise.

Again thank you all for your help, I hope to join the corvette community soon enough with the right car

 

Some of the issues to look for need to be looked for by someone who knows how to check for them, Either you or your "mechanic" need to make sure you educate yourselves on how and where to look for rust, or have someone who knows how to check. Even a simple google search for "Corvette rust" will teach anyone a lot.

Do as much research on these cars before you buy one, then it will be a more pleasurable experience to buy/own one.

 

I was basically going to mention the same thing.

Kinda think of it like this...if you are not mechanically inclined and NEED someone to repair it for you. Would it not make sense to MAKE SURE that there is someone in your area that KNOWS this type of car you plan on buying???

Hopefully in your area there are Corvette clubs an events where you can go and ask around on who those people use. And not knowing if you know this or not...so excuse me if you already do know this...much of the work on the Corvette is basic mechanical and not hard for competent mechanic to figure out. BUT...there are areas on the car that are quite specific and require specif tools and knwo-how.

'Ramvm'
Not that it matters....but with you not filling out your Public Profile..and not even needing to be really specific about it...we do not know if you live in the United States, across the pond or somewhere else.

DUB

 

It would be best to have someone that specializes in Corvettes to do the pre-purchase inspection than just any Mechanic. There are several things about these cars that are not like most other cars. The one that jumps out to me is the rear suspension. Not just anyone can perform repair or replacement. Did you know that this family of cars has to have a 4 wheel alignment, not just the front end? Remember, these cars are approaching 50 years old and if the suspension needs work be it front, back or both, this can be thousands of dollars depending on what needs to be replaced if you cannot do the work yourself. I bought a 69 about 6 months ago and I knew it was going to need work. When I got in to it, I found that it needed more work that I expected and at this point I am probably in it for 10k just in parts.

 

x2 on location!!

there are SO many people all over differnet countries on this board I have never not been able to find someone who hasnt been able to check out a car for me.

Unless you are looking for something perfect, dont worry about small flaws if cost is a big factor. Get something that runs and drives well, and drive it til the wheels fall off. Missing parts are a no no these guys arent kidding when they say these cost $. Dont buy super cheap either hoping to fix it up cheap, lots of broken dreams.

73 was my first one I was shocked just at the cost of brake pieces. lol

 

Sorry I'll update my information but I am located in Los Angeles

I also had a question in regards to the 69 model and if they came with the side exhaust as an option, it looks questionable that this is stock because he has put rear exhaust on it to avoid the side exhausts from getting hot and burning your skin upon entry and exit.

I also have a concern in regards with the air conditioning. The owner had told me that the car has vents but no air conditioning and so I would just need to get the ac pump to retrofit the car for ac. I was a little skeptical on this as to whether the cars that did not have ac would come with the vents maybe just as an aesthetic thing?

I will try to get more photos but are these causes for concern as to whether they are stock or not? He told me previously the car has not been touched but I have found out the t top pieces are not stock as well as the radio!

And if I decide to purchase I will be taking it to a reputable mechanic with experience in corvettes so thanks for the input on that!

 

yes the 69 model was the only year for the factory side pipes N14 . If ordered the back panel under the bumper had no cut outs for the rear exhaust .


But what sounds strange is his explanation for putting rear exhaust on , those covers are factory designed and do keep your legs from getting burned . If he has bypassed it , it's more likely the pipework is rusted out and they are useless . Its probably a cheap fix for someone who's selling the car !

that's just my thoughts anyway.

 

You will never get back the money you put into it so make your money when you buy it. Just my .02