1968 Silver Big Block
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
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1968 Silver Big Block
I've always wanted a big block C3 Vette and my friend (or a friend) is selling his 1968 427/390 hp convertible. Car appears to be super clean and seller represents he's had it 15 years, drove it 1,000 miles and car is numbers matching. Prior owner (supposedly) did frame off restoration and dumped a ton of cash into car. Here is the rub: seller has ZERO documentation on vehicle -- I mean zero. Not a single repair record, no Gm docs, tank sticker or photos of restoration.
He wants 41k for the car. Appears to be on the high end of the range. Before I dump $500 into an inspection, is this an ok deal or should I hold out for a 1969 big block with side pipes? I seek all informed opinions. Thank you in advance....Marty
He wants 41k for the car. Appears to be on the high end of the range. Before I dump $500 into an inspection, is this an ok deal or should I hold out for a 1969 big block with side pipes? I seek all informed opinions. Thank you in advance....Marty
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I have to ask... would you prefer a '69 with side pipes? If so, you should hold out for that, regardless of how convenient this might be.
Get the car, configuration and color you want. Believe me when I tell you settling is always a mistake.
Get the car, configuration and color you want. Believe me when I tell you settling is always a mistake.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,145
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From: cary Il
that car seems to be a fair asking price, looks to be a real nice car
no docs is not a big deal, a lot of cars don't have any. 68-69 BB # matching convertibles
in that condition are in that price range and much higher.
no docs is not a big deal, a lot of cars don't have any. 68-69 BB # matching convertibles
in that condition are in that price range and much higher.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
you sound like you are wanting a 69 and considering this 68 because its handy and nice, but if you are at all OCD
Like me you will never be satisfied, hold out and find your 69...
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
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Question: is the 69 big block more desirable than a ‘68?
Heard that the ‘68 is viewed as inferior to the ‘68 due to historical reliability issues. I was told by an old timer that the ‘68 won’t appreciate the same...
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Im no purist, and investment value means zero, i have a low end 69 convertible
68 was the first year of the mako body style,
Yes, it did have one year things like the super cool ign on dash or 4 stop/turn lamps,
And some things like the door handles were redesigned by gm, saying they 68 were harder to open, i disagree,
But a nice 427 68 is going to appreciate just fine, things that were bad have long been worked out or replaced,
As time passes some 68s might just do better than 69s because 68 was the first year.
But all that will vary car to car,
Edit : 69 does normally win polls as most popular shark body corvette, but its not because its a better car than any other year
Last edited by The13Bats; Jun 16, 2018 at 01:57 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Goose Creek SC
I have a lot of photos and some notes on my project 1968 but to me the condition stands for itself. If I look at a mint interior, why do I need to see a document talking about the interior, if I am looking at an excellent paint job why do I need to see proof that it was repainted? Maybe some things like engine internals I can understand the documentation but bottom line is most of this stuff if going to be there or it isn't. Now, moving on from that. I tend to agree that that seems pretty high dollar and I agree that if your preference is for a '69 then you would be better off to hold out for one.
BTW, I also agree that a '68 being "inferior" is bs and/or Hogwash.
BTW, I also agree that a '68 being "inferior" is bs and/or Hogwash.
Last edited by 68/BB; Jun 16, 2018 at 08:22 AM.
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From: NYC NY
Words of wisdom for sure. Don't settle.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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why dont you put the 69 pipes on the 68? I did, it looks cool and its still fun. I wont tell anyone I swear.
You can ask him to split the $500 inspection fee too can t you, or take it off the price. You can do an inspection your self looking for rust and you'll be able to tell if it was a frame off. Then go from there. IT looks really nice.
You can ask him to split the $500 inspection fee too can t you, or take it off the price. You can do an inspection your self looking for rust and you'll be able to tell if it was a frame off. Then go from there. IT looks really nice.
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jun 16, 2018 at 10:09 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 968
Likes: 122
From: Lighthouse Point FL
I don’t think many people would go to the trouble of “faking” a 427/390 car. It was the “base” big block. If the stampings and date codes all match, then I’m good. My ‘69 427/390 was an unrestored car with no docs. Didn’t worry me. Numbers all matched and the condition of the car was enough to tell it had not been messed with. You can’t really do that for a “restored” car. If the car was restored, every bushing should be new, everything should work correctly and it should run and drive like new. The word “restoration” means a lot of different things to different people. Dumping a lot of money into a car is no guarantee of a quality restoration.
Those pictures are pretty worthless for judging the quality of the restoration. The smog equipment is missing, so right there, I’m out. Not because I like smog equipment, but it tells me the car was at best “refreshed” not restored. Maybe they have the original, smog stuff in a box. That’s OK.
Do a search for member Alan71. Look at the pictures of his car. That’s my definition for restoration. Like the day it came off the assembly line.
Those pictures are pretty worthless for judging the quality of the restoration. The smog equipment is missing, so right there, I’m out. Not because I like smog equipment, but it tells me the car was at best “refreshed” not restored. Maybe they have the original, smog stuff in a box. That’s OK.
Do a search for member Alan71. Look at the pictures of his car. That’s my definition for restoration. Like the day it came off the assembly line.
Last edited by maj75; Jun 16, 2018 at 10:26 PM.