Hmmm... You guys have me a little scared about my first Corvette!
10-27-2017, 07:47 AM
#41
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: Russell Ontario
Posts: 2,537
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St. Jude Donor '09
with 68/BB , it's yours and it's a runner , take your time and fix it right , no BUBBA stuff. it will be worth it .
You can get all the info you need right here for FREE
Last edited by RonR80; 10-27-2017 at 07:48 AM.
10-28-2017, 11:35 AM
#42
Instructor
Thread Starter
I offered him a finders fee if he could figure out who owned it, get me in touch with them, and if I could convince them to sell it. It took him a month, but he found the owner. As it turned out, the owner had tried to sell it years before, and actually handed it over without getting the money first. (Small town, hand shake deal.) The buyer took it and stored it in this barn. But, he never paid for it. The owner didn't raise too much of a fuss, he knew the guy, had known him for years and figured he would get his money someday. In the mean time, he had no idea where the car was. I tracked him down and offered to buy it for cash immediately. It took me 5 months for me to convince him to sell it to me, but two weeks ago, he finally said yes!
As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel in Sacramento, CA waiting to go rent a truck and car hauler, and then drive 3 hours north to Mt. Shasta to pick her up! Tomorrow will be the long drive to Southern California (about 10 hours). I have read everything you guys have written, and plan to check everything out and get a lot more pictures today. Like I said, I have already agreed to buy it and placed a deposit. So, regardless of what I find, I am probably taking this car home regardless of the condition of the birdcage or frame.
But you have all made me feel pretty good about this deal, and if it is half of what I think it is, it's hard to beat the backstory! Thanks to all, and I will post more pictures tonight!
10-28-2017, 11:37 AM
#43
Le Mans Master
Well oyealiz... Pretty much, that is exactly what happened! I posted about it in the intros section, and the What is the story behind your C3 section... but basically, I was doing a property inspection in Mt. Shasta, CA and they had a massive 60k square foot barn. I walked into the barn and buried in the back among a bunch of other stuff (A LOT of cars..., a Studabaker Police Cruiser, a VW Beetle Convertible, a Jeep CJ7, and BBQ trailer, etc.) there she was... this '69 Stingray Convertible C3. I asked my escort, "WOW! That's beautiful! Does it run?" He said, "I don't know. The last care taker let someone store it here a few years ago, and then he died. We don't know who it belongs to."
I offered him a finders fee if he could figure out who owned it, get me in touch with them, and if I could convince them to sell it. It took him a month, but he found the owner. As it turned out, the owner had tried to sell it years before, and actually handed it over without getting the money first. (Small town, hand shake deal.) The buyer took it and stored it in this barn. But, he never paid for it. The owner didn't raise too much of a fuss, he knew the guy, had known him for years and figured he would get his money someday. In the mean time, he had no idea where the car was. I tracked him down and offered to buy it for cash immediately. It took me 5 months for me to convince him to sell it to me, but two weeks ago, he finally said yes!
As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel in Sacramento, CA waiting to go rent a truck and car hauler, and then drive 3 hours north to Mt. Shasta to pick her up! Tomorrow will be the long drive to Southern California (about 10 hours). I have read everything you guys have written, and plan to check everything out and get a lot more pictures today. Like I said, I have already agreed to buy it and placed a deposit. So, regardless of what I find, I am probably taking this car home regardless of the condition of the birdcage or frame.
But you have all made me feel pretty good about this deal, and if it is half of what I think it is, it's hard to beat the backstory! Thanks to all, and I will post more pictures tonight!
I offered him a finders fee if he could figure out who owned it, get me in touch with them, and if I could convince them to sell it. It took him a month, but he found the owner. As it turned out, the owner had tried to sell it years before, and actually handed it over without getting the money first. (Small town, hand shake deal.) The buyer took it and stored it in this barn. But, he never paid for it. The owner didn't raise too much of a fuss, he knew the guy, had known him for years and figured he would get his money someday. In the mean time, he had no idea where the car was. I tracked him down and offered to buy it for cash immediately. It took me 5 months for me to convince him to sell it to me, but two weeks ago, he finally said yes!
As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel in Sacramento, CA waiting to go rent a truck and car hauler, and then drive 3 hours north to Mt. Shasta to pick her up! Tomorrow will be the long drive to Southern California (about 10 hours). I have read everything you guys have written, and plan to check everything out and get a lot more pictures today. Like I said, I have already agreed to buy it and placed a deposit. So, regardless of what I find, I am probably taking this car home regardless of the condition of the birdcage or frame.
But you have all made me feel pretty good about this deal, and if it is half of what I think it is, it's hard to beat the backstory! Thanks to all, and I will post more pictures tonight!
The following 2 users liked this post by caskiguy:
cyxelsid (10-28-2017),
Yankeededandy (10-28-2017)
10-28-2017, 11:38 AM
#44
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks Ron! And I promise, no Bubba stuff! That being said, I do have a lot of duct tape and wire coat hangers...
10-28-2017, 10:34 PM
#45
7th Gear
Just my 2 cents, but i think the only way you could lose on this deal is if the cage is rusted to dust. i cant wait to see the photos and find out what shape it is in. One thing you should look at before you drive it is the date code on the tires. i bought a '76 at an auction a few months ago and drove it home and then checked the date codes on the tires and found out that one was made in the early '80's and the newest was late '90's. they had a lot of tread left and looked good from the outside but there is no way i would trust rummer that is over 35 years old.
Good luck and hurry up and post some pic's!
Good luck and hurry up and post some pic's!
10-29-2017, 02:37 AM
#46
Instructor
Thread Starter
Well gang... I took a long hard look at her today, loaded her up on the trailer, and started the trip home! We made it 200 miles from Mt. Shasta back to Sacramento, and tomorrow we will travel the 600 miles back to Southern California. So here is the report from the field...
First, the one question on everyone's mind... I think I am in EXCELLENT condition on the rust front! I opened the kick panels on both the driver and passenger sides and the birdcage looks completely intact! (See the first two photos below.) The underside looks solid as well, not even the exhaust pipes are rusted out! I check the rear kickups as best I could, and they look good! I was not able to get the windshield wipers up to get a look at the birdcage under the windshield.
I did see that there has been at least one accident, as the right front fender has had some fiberglass repair, and that is leading to some spider cracks and buckling on the fender. It is briefly observed in the video below. More picks of that to come. I think I will need to find a could body shop for, I want it fixed right.
I also found the trim tag completely intact, and extremely bright and shiny! I was correct, the paint is the original Monza Red (Paint Code 974), but the seller was incorrect in that it is not the original interior. The original was Red Vinyl (Trim Code 407). The seats are clearly not original.
I fired her up, and she started, although hesitantly... I am not sure if it is just a ridiculously old battery or the starter, but either way that is an easy fix. The engine runs smooth. I had to put brake fluid in her to drive her around the block, and she did OK... but she is nowhere near road worthy. In just a quick trip around the block, I lost almost all of the fluid, and observed leaks on three of four wheels, so Item Number 1 on the repair list is a complete brake overhaul. She is also losing power steering fluid almost as fast as I put it in, so that needs a complete overhaul as well. The transmission shifted smoothly, although definitely stiff (4-speed manual), and I only got her to third gear. I was being super careful given the condition of the steering and the brakes.
The convertible top mechanics work well, but the top itself is need of replacement. But the fact that mechanics are working is a good sign.
The engine is Chevy Orange, and although it is not original, the seller was able to provide the AIM and original owner’s manual for the car, and in that I THINK I found the engine code for the engine that is currently in the car. The code is V1119TJY, and according to what I have looked up, that was a 1973-78 350 pick-up engine, and a low HP engine at that. There is another number in the paperwork (042126660), but I am not sure what that is... could that be a transmission number? According to what the seller was told by the previous owner, the engine was actually installed by a specialty Corvette Shop, so I am hopeful it was done right. I am going to see if I can track down that shop, see if they are still in business, and if they can tell me anything.
The tires are clearly shot, and the seller told me they are well over 10 years old, so those will need to go as well. Although, I am seriously thinking of throwing some solid used tires on her for now, until she is road worthy. No sense in putting good shoes on her until she can walk.
There are a lot of ticky-tac things she needs. Everything from a rear view mirror to the hood stand, and the door lock ***** etc. I also haven't figured out the tilt-wheel steering (it is stuck in the down position and my fat legs barely fit under the wheel). I am assuming it has the tilt steering column.
All in all, I think I did pretty damn well for my first venture into the C3 world! Why don't you all tell me what you think?
First, the one question on everyone's mind... I think I am in EXCELLENT condition on the rust front! I opened the kick panels on both the driver and passenger sides and the birdcage looks completely intact! (See the first two photos below.) The underside looks solid as well, not even the exhaust pipes are rusted out! I check the rear kickups as best I could, and they look good! I was not able to get the windshield wipers up to get a look at the birdcage under the windshield.
I did see that there has been at least one accident, as the right front fender has had some fiberglass repair, and that is leading to some spider cracks and buckling on the fender. It is briefly observed in the video below. More picks of that to come. I think I will need to find a could body shop for, I want it fixed right.
I also found the trim tag completely intact, and extremely bright and shiny! I was correct, the paint is the original Monza Red (Paint Code 974), but the seller was incorrect in that it is not the original interior. The original was Red Vinyl (Trim Code 407). The seats are clearly not original.
I fired her up, and she started, although hesitantly... I am not sure if it is just a ridiculously old battery or the starter, but either way that is an easy fix. The engine runs smooth. I had to put brake fluid in her to drive her around the block, and she did OK... but she is nowhere near road worthy. In just a quick trip around the block, I lost almost all of the fluid, and observed leaks on three of four wheels, so Item Number 1 on the repair list is a complete brake overhaul. She is also losing power steering fluid almost as fast as I put it in, so that needs a complete overhaul as well. The transmission shifted smoothly, although definitely stiff (4-speed manual), and I only got her to third gear. I was being super careful given the condition of the steering and the brakes.
The convertible top mechanics work well, but the top itself is need of replacement. But the fact that mechanics are working is a good sign.
The engine is Chevy Orange, and although it is not original, the seller was able to provide the AIM and original owner’s manual for the car, and in that I THINK I found the engine code for the engine that is currently in the car. The code is V1119TJY, and according to what I have looked up, that was a 1973-78 350 pick-up engine, and a low HP engine at that. There is another number in the paperwork (042126660), but I am not sure what that is... could that be a transmission number? According to what the seller was told by the previous owner, the engine was actually installed by a specialty Corvette Shop, so I am hopeful it was done right. I am going to see if I can track down that shop, see if they are still in business, and if they can tell me anything.
The tires are clearly shot, and the seller told me they are well over 10 years old, so those will need to go as well. Although, I am seriously thinking of throwing some solid used tires on her for now, until she is road worthy. No sense in putting good shoes on her until she can walk.
There are a lot of ticky-tac things she needs. Everything from a rear view mirror to the hood stand, and the door lock ***** etc. I also haven't figured out the tilt-wheel steering (it is stuck in the down position and my fat legs barely fit under the wheel). I am assuming it has the tilt steering column.
All in all, I think I did pretty damn well for my first venture into the C3 world! Why don't you all tell me what you think?
The following users liked this post:
Yankeededandy (10-29-2017)
10-29-2017, 03:29 AM
#47
Race Director
Wow, it all looks great, nice find.
There is a really good place to eat breakfast in downtown Sacramento. It's the Capitol Garage. It's at 1500 K St at the corner of K and 15th, right on the east side of the convention center. Great food and atmosphere. Not pricey. Have a safe trip home.
There is a really good place to eat breakfast in downtown Sacramento. It's the Capitol Garage. It's at 1500 K St at the corner of K and 15th, right on the east side of the convention center. Great food and atmosphere. Not pricey. Have a safe trip home.
Last edited by OldCarBum; 10-29-2017 at 03:36 AM.
10-29-2017, 05:25 AM
#49
Safety Car
I think you did alright on your purchase 
You can't beat a red C3 vert with a white top.
Seeing the picture of your '69 on the rental car trailer - brings back memories when I imported my '68 into Canada from North Dakota in mid winter January 1993 - car was frozen solid when I got back home.
If any upcoming questions on your '69 - you are at the right place - lots of knowledgeable members here willing to help.
Have a safe trip back home - enjoy your new ride.
BK3
You can't beat a red C3 vert with a white top.Seeing the picture of your '69 on the rental car trailer - brings back memories when I imported my '68 into Canada from North Dakota in mid winter January 1993 - car was frozen solid when I got back home.
If any upcoming questions on your '69 - you are at the right place - lots of knowledgeable members here willing to help.
Have a safe trip back home - enjoy your new ride.
BK3
Last edited by bkvette3; 10-29-2017 at 05:29 AM.
10-29-2017, 12:04 PM
#50
Melting Slicks
$8500.00 for that is a good price. Once you pull the entire car apart and give it a proper body off rebuild come back and tell us how much you have into it. Be closer to $40,000.00. Local guy here paid $42,000.00 for a numbers 70 454 4spd car was fairly nice to begin with. Is now into it for another $60K for a four year body off restoration. I saw this car Friday, its simply beautiful. This car will never get driven. The guy is RICH and just likes toys.
10-29-2017, 12:08 PM
#51
Instructor
Thread Starter
$8500.00 for that is a good price. Once you pull the entire car apart and give it a proper body off rebuild come back and tell us how much you have into it. Be closer to $40,000.00. Local guy here paid $42,000.00 for a numbers 70 454 4spd car was fairly nice to begin with. Is now into it for another $60K for a four year body off restoration. I saw this car Friday, its simply beautiful. This car will never get driven. The guy is RICH and just likes toys.
But I will get her running, clean her up, and treat her right!
10-29-2017, 12:14 PM
#52
Melting Slicks
,I bought my 80 vette after selling my camaro. I should of never bought this car as it really wasnt the car i wanted. I was emotional after having the camaro for 25 years,and then seeing it leave on an open trailer? Man now i know why guys are reluctant to sell anything. these cars are like children. Any way i had a hole in the garage to fill and this came up so i grabbed it. Then proceeded to dump Pails of money into it. At the end of the day i have come to enjoy the car and love driving it.
Congrats on a great car.....
Congrats on a great car.....
Last edited by Grumpy 427; 10-29-2017 at 12:14 PM.
10-29-2017, 01:28 PM
#54
Team Owner
You did great, get it safe to drive and enjoy it.
10-30-2017, 02:25 AM
#55
Melting Slicks
Just fix the safety items and drive it. Mine came from CA. too. Pretty much going to get a solid car, if it didnt come from another state! Mine was about in the condition yours was in. I paid 7500.
10-30-2017, 02:40 AM
#56
Instructor
Thread Starter
She's home!!!
Well... 36 hours, and 1,000 miles, later, she is in her new home! I have some retooling to do, moving my BBQ gear to a storage unit (my primary hobby before this weekend was my competition BBQ team), and getting the garage reset for automotive work.
I am planning on ordering a full set of brake parts for all four wheels... hoses, calipers, rotors, and pads. Plus the power steering hoses. Then I plan to put a set of gently used 215/70R15 tires on her. No sense going wild on tires just yet.
That should make her safe to drive, at least to get her over to a couple of Corvette Specialty shops in the area and have her inspected carefully, and get some opinions on what the next priorities are.
I will post my progress as I go! Thanks again to all who posted and gave me some great advice!
10-30-2017, 10:44 AM
#58
Le Mans Master
Well... 36 hours, and 1,000 miles, later, she is in her new home! I have some retooling to do, moving my BBQ gear to a storage unit (my primary hobby before this weekend was my competition BBQ team), and getting the garage reset for automotive work.
I am planning on ordering a full set of brake parts for all four wheels... hoses, calipers, rotors, and pads. Plus the power steering hoses. Then I plan to put a set of gently used 215/70R15 tires on her. No sense going wild on tires just yet.
That should make her safe to drive, at least to get her over to a couple of Corvette Specialty shops in the area and have her inspected carefully, and get some opinions on what the next priorities are.
I will post my progress as I go! Thanks again to all who posted and gave me some great advice!
Enjoy man.
10-30-2017, 10:58 AM
#59
Instructor
Thread Starter
Brisket is my specialty, so let me know when you are in town!
The following users liked this post:
Tonio (10-30-2017)
10-30-2017, 11:00 AM
#60
Instructor
Thread Starter
Sweet ! So as you proceed with "any" work on your new car, make sure you take "photos" of every move you make. Post your photos on this forum, because everybody loves photos. The best thing is that people here have a tremendous amount of knowledge they will share with you at every turn.
Enjoy man.
Enjoy man.