Thanks to everybody who has taken the time to reply! A lot of good information here for me to process and thanks for injecting some reality in to my search .

The gentleman did call me back and I got to talk to him a bit more - so some more back story. He is elderly I do believe and this car was his wife's car and she has died. After her death apparently he lost interest. He is selling his house and property and moving back closer to family and so disposing of some his vehicles that he does not want to transport. He has this 68 and a 65 with a big block (he described as a "hot rod") and a 69 Camaro convertible. He is keeping the 69 Camaro and disposing of the Corvettes. From my conversation with him I think he is motivated seller.

My plan is go personally look at the car within a few days (about a 2 and 1/2 hour drive), get more information, pictures, video, etc. He said the car is on a trickle charger and I can drive it around his property if I wish, probably no real road testing though. Before I go I will verify he is OK with me pulling up a sill plate and removing a kick panel to inspect the frame. Also I am going to take some ramps and look at the undercarriage. I will also get some pics of the 65. Any more inspection advice?

What is the best way to determine if the car has had some collision repair? I noticed that there was no Stingray emblems and asked him about that and he seemed puzzled and did not really have an answer. That is a good catch that the trim for the wiper doors is missing, the rocker molding may not be correct, fan shroud, incorrect valve covers, etc. None of that matters too much to me, just wanting a driver but I do not want to overpay. I felt his ask was high, but I did not know how high.

Again thanks! If the car checks out not sure how much he will be willing to negotiate. Oh well the worst that can happen is that he says no, and I get some C3 inspection experience.

 

Collision repairs are not a huge deal if done correctly. Bear in mind it’s a 50 year old car and things happen. The missing emblems and wiper door trim could be missing not from collision damage but from the oldish repaint where they got damaged during the removal and just didn’t get replaced for whatever reason.

Checking for frame damage. Not an authority but I would pay attention to areas that will take the immediate stress of an impact. Front bumper area being obvious but I would also give the frame kick outs under the A pillar a good look and also in and around the control arm mount points. I would look for anything crinkled or dented in frame wise.

I’m sure someone better versed will have more suggestions but frame damage wise basically that’s what I would be looking for.

 

There are no holes for the corvette emblems on The fenders as far as I can tell, so something more than a repaint was done.

My advise is before you go is to verify that he is flexible, very flexible!!! Otherwise you are wasting your time.

I have seen this seller before, meaning his type, many times before and it usually is a waste of time!!!

Good luck!! Ike

 

This is a mandatory read for you and anyone who is considering buying a C3.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

When I first looked at my 73, I felt the price was to high.
The owner allowed me to check everything I could at the car show.
He actually invited my wife to sit in it and start it up, which sold her.
I wrote down his number and continued my search for a couple of months keeping his number and the pictures at the top of my list.
When I called him I had two things in my favor, time had passed and he was wanting to pick up a C2 his friend was selling.
When I asked him if he still had his 73 for sale he said he did and just lowered the price $2,000.
I figured the price was still a bit on the high side, but after looking at several real losers for a slightly lower price I settled on the amount and the deal was made.
Only you will be happy with the deal you make, just be careful, because there are always going to be hidden issues that you won’t find until you get it home and start driving or working on it.

 

I agree. Even if everything checks out OK during your inspection, this is a $20K car, tops, Asking $30K indicates that the seller hasn't a clue about the market, and unless he is willing to make a BIG adjustment in his asking price, you are just wasting your time.

 

FYI and to follow up, I was planning a trip tomorrow to check this car out but it sold. Sold for 24k down from asking price of 30k.
Thanks everybody for their advice and comments!

 

This is not good news if you're a buyer. And way more than I would have paid for this car, but then, I'm not partial to the 69's amongst chrome bumper cars.

 

Whomever bought it paid about 10k more than they should have TBH.

 

Sorry to hear that you missed out on this car, but most likely it's for the best. Even at 24k, you could be upside down quickly, with still much left to do.
If 30k is in your budget, start a diligent search for a car in this price range that is truly worth that price. At that price point, you should be able to find a car with respectable paint, sound mechanicals, and numbers matching, with no frame issues. Find someone that has owned the car for a while, who has executed these upgrades and can provide you with details and timeline.
Believe it or not, these scenarios do exist, more than you think. If shopped correctly, 30k will buy a decent '69 - '72. BTW, have you watched the for sale section of this forum?
Best of luck.

Ps. Here is exactly the type of example I was referring to.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...970-coupe.html

 

I totally agree, and that yellow '70 is a perfect example. I'm mystified that the car hasn't sold already.

 

I am glad it sold for that kind of money (24k) , High water lifts all boats.

 

Great if you're looking to sell a boat; not so great if you're looking to buy one.