New Here - Need Purchase Advice
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
New Here - Need Purchase Advice
This is my first post, but I have been lurking for a while. I have been wanting a c3 for most of my life. I think they are beautiful cars and I am finally in a position to pull the trigger on one. I have found two locally that have peaked my interest and need some help making the decision. I was hoping I could get some input on the nuances between the two options that will help me make my decision.
Option 1: '76 350 w/ M21, Power Steering, and AC. Unclear if numbers are matching. Red (original) w/ black interior
Option 2: '74 454 w/ 4 speed manual, power steering, AC, and power windows. Numbers matching. Red (not original color) w/ black leather interior
This will be a restomod build. My intent is to build the car out to be a fun street machine. The major difference between the two is price. Option 2 is $11,000 more than Option 1.
What are your thoughts? Any advice on what to look for or check when I take a look at these in person? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Option 1: '76 350 w/ M21, Power Steering, and AC. Unclear if numbers are matching. Red (original) w/ black interior
Option 2: '74 454 w/ 4 speed manual, power steering, AC, and power windows. Numbers matching. Red (not original color) w/ black leather interior
This will be a restomod build. My intent is to build the car out to be a fun street machine. The major difference between the two is price. Option 2 is $11,000 more than Option 1.
What are your thoughts? Any advice on what to look for or check when I take a look at these in person? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
Even for the same price, the answer is Option 1 for a Restomod. You'll end up swapping for a crate engine eventually, so you get a NOM discount, plus original paint. The real question is birdcage and frame condition. Please read the 10 Rules sticky. Everything else can be fixed, but rust is the real project killer.
I'm assuming you want a red car? Pictures would help. Good luck!
I'm assuming you want a red car? Pictures would help. Good luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Even for the same price, the answer is Option 1 for a Restomod. You'll end up swapping for a crate engine eventually, so you get a NOM discount, plus original paint. The real question is birdcage and frame condition. Please read the 10 Rules sticky. Everything else can be fixed, but rust is the real project killer.
I'm assuming you want a red car? Pictures would help. Good luck!
I'm assuming you want a red car? Pictures would help. Good luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Option 1: https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ct...582920592.html
Option 2: https://www.mroldcar.com/inventory/details/42622694
Option 2 may have a buyer lined up. We'll see.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
Some observations on the ‘76. There is rust on the frame and the suspension bushings are shot. Interior looks pretty good. I’m a mechanical systems guy so trashed bushings are a turnoff. They tell me that the owner put his money into cosmetics and ignored the mechanical side of the car. If you are immediately going resto-mod, the suspension will get redone anyway. I would be most concerned about the rust on the frame. Body mounts and trailing arm pockets are two areas you haven’t photographed and are more likely to have bad rust. No pics of the windshield frame, but I’d bet there is rust there too. I have yet to see a C3 Corvette for sale in Florida without windshield frame rust. Rust is your enemy.
Without good underside pictures of the ‘74, I wouldn’t even consider it.
Without good underside pictures of the ‘74, I wouldn’t even consider it.
Last edited by maj75; May 22, 2018 at 04:05 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
You are talking about restomod. Are there emission regulations where you are? That may be a serious consideration. Here in California, 1975 and earlier are exempt from emissions testing.
Like the others have said, rust is a serious concern, especially with respect to birdcage.
Have you checked the for sale forums here?
Like the others have said, rust is a serious concern, especially with respect to birdcage.
Have you checked the for sale forums here?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
If you plan to totally redo the car, why spend so much? Get one for a couple grand. I would get a '74 because I like the smooth bumpers. Or a '72 or older with the chrome bumpers!