Hey everybody ive always wanted to start a project car. Specifically a 68 stingray. Ive found one on ebay which seems kinda perfect but i need some second opinions:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Chevro...4AAOSwuCBdh9BU

Is it reasonable?
Thanks

 

Welcome to Corvette Forum! This will be moved to the C3 Forum. A lot of knowledgeable folks there.

 

Ok thanks!

 

It needs a whole lot of work. Are you close enough to inspect the car prior to purchase?

 

I'd pass on that one. Be aware that the 68 model was the first year of production for the C3. Many parts are specific to that model hence harder to find.

 

What part of indiana?
no way is that car worth that. Pay doible that for a running all there 68 you would be miles ahead imo

 

I mean if i got positive replies from the forum i wouldnt definitely make the trip but seeing as the consensus opposes..Thanks for the reply!

 

Crystal clear, thanks!

 

I was an Indiana resident from my birth to age 58. There are LOTS of good C3 cars in the central Indiana area....and you can actually go to see them in person! That is a MUCH better idea than buying one over the internet.

Suggestions:

1. Know how you intend to use the car. Driver car? Museum piece to stick in a spare garage bay? Something to 'play' with...mechanically and operationally? The car you need to look for is one that has the potential to meet your needs when you get it built like you want. If you plan on doing your own mechanical work, make sure you get one with a sound frame and birdcage and with the engine/transmission and accessories you want. Trying to change all that stuff over to what you really want is a big time waster and wallet buster. Get what you want to start, even if you have to rebuild everything.

2. Unless you are buying some 'rare' or highly-desirable vehicle, forget about the "numbers matching" crap. You can create an exact clone of what you want, with proper parts etc, even though it didn't come from the factory like that. Just don't go nuts of the 'perfection' route unless you have DEEP pockets.

3. Go to a lot of car shows and/or Corvette shows/meets where you can talk to owners about cars you think might be of interest to you. You can learn more about the details of such vehicles and maybe fine-tune your interest and focus on what you really want.

4. Take someone with REAL experience (not just that they have always liked Corvettes) with you when you look for THE car. Maybe someone with a C3 that you have met in your research phase. Also, don't focus so much on the appearance items. The operational issues and having all the parts present for the configuration you want are much more important. You can redo the interior completely for $500-$1000, if you don't go crazy replacing all the original parts...because "they are old". [The more you know, the more you will understand that last statement.}

5. Take your time. When you have learned what you need to know in order to find the car you want, you will know it. Don't get into the buying mode until you feel you are ready.

It's as much fun to learn about these cars....then to search for something you have settled on....then to fix/upgrade the car to a good operational condition....and finally, to enjoy the use of that vehicle. For most of us, it is a JOURNEY--never to be completed, with lots of 'events' along the way.

 

I really appreciate the advice, truly. I am doing as you said, researching looking for shows etc. trying to locally find experts. My biggest problem is as follows: I am looking for a 68 C3 that i can work on, i dont want a finished car but i do admit that a car with an egnine and a transmission at least would be a reasonable place to start. So my question what is the value of 68 c3 not running lets say but with a decent frame and birdcage and of course engine and tranny?

 

run forest run. seriously though I would spend more and get a much better one. you have no idea what the frame and birdcage look like and even if its good you will have double or more into it than what it will be worth.

 

Hard to give a definitive answer but I'd say $5,000-10,000.

BTW - do you know how much a good paint job cost these days? You can easily spend $10,000.

I suggest buying the best car you can afford with updates that can be done affordably. For instance, I got my car as a good runner with nice paint but interior needed restoration, I did that as time/money allowed.

The cheapest project car can be the most expensive!

 

Ok! This brings up another problem, I actually want to build and learn about the car as much as i can by actually getting my hands dirty! But obviously taking this to the extreme would be a huge money trap and headache. So im trying to find the "fine line" like i said above i believe that the best would be obvi a good cage and frame with an existing engine and trannny.

 

I respect the idea of working and learning about the car, that will happen regardless of what car you buy unless it's a $30,000 fully restored car. Do you have the proper tools and shop to rebuild a motor, replace independant suspension parts or repair/replace 50 year old brake systems? [that will have issues after sitting for years]

Trust me, you will be far better off buying a running/driving car that still needs some TLC that you can "get your hands dirty"!
Otherwise, you could be looking at a 2-3 year project in the garage before you ever take a spin around the block.

I've seen some nice C3's [especially coupes] priced as low as $12K. What is your budget?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-Chevro...cAAOSwB99dRCgp


https://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-CHEVRO...sAAOSw5~pdcXqy

 

Ive got to admit that buying something ready would provide more immediate joy. But heres the deal: I have tools i have a space and ive worked on cars (but i know im an amateur!!) but more importantly i have time. 2 years is fine. Budget is not really an issue...what im really looking for is the "journey" the experience .

 

Then buy rust free anything that you fancy

 

You could always look for a car with a drivetrain in bad condition. The price would be substatially lower. If the engine block turns out to be serviceable, your tools and mechanical skills could pay for most of a rebuilt engine...and you learn about engines in the process. I would then recommend that you simply replace the transmission with a nice overdrive unit: 700-R4 or 200-4R, if automatic; lots of choices if manual.

 

One of the problems with buying a car like the ebay car you posted is that you have to replace everything! The interior is trashed. You could easily spend 5k or more making it nice. Missing parts like the rocker trim are high dollar items, and the repro parts have a bad rap. The engine must be inspected, hopefully it doesnt have a cracked block.
I paid $7500 for my complete car, I was able to reuse many interior items. It had all the SS trim, the car was all together except for the carb and alternator, but I was given those parts too. But it was a rust free car that lived its life in CA and AZ.
Now, I caution you to look for a running, driving car. One with paint you can live with. Auctions such as mecums, B-J have a bad rap on this website, but if you really look at prices, the cars that are in "need" or the base models often sell at reasonable prices. Especially no reserve auctions. Plus you can look the cars over.
As a guy who earns his living turning wrenches there is only 2 items I farmed out. Final paint over my body work and a professional who put my new short block together. Remember that part about inspecting for a cracked block I mentioned? Yeah, mine turned out to be a boat anchor. It wasnt running. Who knew? You can still find plenty of items to repair on a worn driver Corvette. The reality is, a base model early convertible C3 is a 25k car if its really nice not needing much of anything. You buy a car such as the one posted, you will exceed that before you paint it. Ask the guys who have really nice looking cars they brought back from the dead. If they are honest, to a man most of us will tell you that we have way more invested then the car is worth.
But, to me its a form of pride, accomplishment and my relaxation. Its my hobby car. Keep looking, they are out there.

 

I would say spend more for a car in better shape than this one. You will have all the work you can want with it.
What part of Indiana are you from, I am from indy.

 

I agree with everything listed above. Take someone with you that not only knows C-3s, but if looking at a 68, take someone who knows the ins and outs of the 68 model year. I have had my 68 for 47 years and can say that there are many many one year only parts. Start with a rust free birdcage and frame and go from there. Good luck. Jerry