Hi Members

I was after some help.

I am in Australia and looking for a C3.

Looking at a 69 Coupe that was suggested to me from BrianOz on here.

The car is in Winfield IL USA.

It seems there are some parts missing from the photos.

I was wondering if anyone on here who has one and may live close by and be able to have a look.

Happy to look after you for your time.

Thank you

 

Can you post the photos?

 

If you can’t find someone on here to help you out some quick googling found something. There is a shop about 20 miles from Winfield called D&M Corvettes. I have no experience with this shop but reviews online seem ok for what it’s worth.

If you can’t get any additional help I’d see if maybe they would be willing to inspect it. https://dmcorvette.com/ who knows. Maybe they would be helpful getting to he car exported if the car turns out AOK.

 

I tried to do so from his messenger. Won't let me.

 

Thanks very much.

I will get onto them to see if they can help

 

you can't download the images to your device and then post them here?

 

Ok, worked it out.

Car Photos

I am a newbie so I'm sure you knowledgeable members may see the good , the bad and the ugly better than me.

I appreciate your help.

 

Somethings that I'm noticing right off the bat.
1. Somebody riveted over where the Wiper door actuator is and the wiper motor is gone. So I wonder did they retain the wipers and will they work with the wiper door closed or is there something else going on that I'm missing IE some kinda retrofit deal where it still works. Not sure.
2. Wire hanging down on right side of motor. I assume it's an aftermarket carb that doesn't have the electric choke hooked up.
3. Radio is gone.
4. Most of the OE gauges have been replaced with aftermarket gauges.
5. Has a mono leaf on it plus adjustable strut rods FWIW.
6. For sure one of the rear brake shields has been removed (left side) or cut up. Can't tell if the passenger side is still there or not. I have questions as to whether or not the parking brakes work at this junction.
7. Passenger head rest appears torn up.
8. Appears the car was an AC car. Note super sure but I'm thinking so based on what little I can see of the temp dials and the vents. Either way it appears the heater core/AC box have been deleted off the car.
9. Clutch fan is gone and locked solid via one of those spacer deals.
10. The car appears to have been undercoated or something along those lines. Looks to have had a product similar to NH undercoatings (google it if you don't know what it is) applied at one point. While not necessarily a bad thing the car REALLY REALLY REALLY needs to be really looked at in person. The car is from IL and they use something called road salt there if you weren't aware. Basically it will eat and destroy any bare metal over time, which is why bird cages and frames can be such an issue in cars from the northern parts of the lower US.
11. Appears that the car has some sorta aftermarket accessory setup installed for whatever reason with a non OE style water pump
12. Rear of the car at a minimum has been repainted at some point and not masked well. You can see paint all over the frame rails.
13. Spare tire holder plus other parts is gone.
14. Given I'm thinking the car had AC originally I would imagine it would have also had power steering. If so where did the parts/pieces go?

Car is a pretty color and doesn't look all too terrible from the pictures but you gotta make sure the bird cage and frame are AOK. If the frame and bird cage were good I still wouldn't pay alot for it, it needs alot of work. If I were buying it unless they have some super trick stuff going on with the wiper door and wiper motor; I'd immediately be putting the wiper stuff back on the car. In Maryland we get alot of fog/chilled nights even in the summer. You need AC/Heater stuff back on the car and if I purchased the car that would be something to straighten out immediately. Maybe I'm missing it but I don't think the car has power steering at this point but if I were making the purchase that would have to be ironed out as well via attention to the accessory drive. Perhaps a borgeson box with a serpentine setup off a mid 90's Chevy truck?

I wouldn't disqualify the car but it needs alot IMO. If everything is solid and you get it for the right price then OK but you gotta know it's solid.

 

Thanks so much for your thorough break down. That's amazing.

You're on the money with the wipers and picked up a whole lot more as well.

This is what the seller told me below:

It has no heat or windshield wipers none of these parts were there when he bought the car.

Said he never needed them as it was never driven in snow or wet weather.

This will need to be done immediately to get it licensed in Australia.

Everything else works in the car all the gauges Speedo tach, everything.

Original motor and transmission has been rebuilt it runs great.

No rust on frame or Birdcage. Frame has been rebuilt with new Springs and trailing arms.

Thats all I know ATM.

I have emailed a local Corvette specialist to see if they'll do an inspection.

The seller is happy to have it done and then discuss price.

Thanks for the great advice.

 

If you are looking to get an original 69, this car is not for you. Returning this car to its former glory will be very expensive, especially from down under. That said, it is a pretty car. Jerry

 

Thanks Jerry

Yes I'm sensing that.

I'm not too bothered as I was thinking of restomod style (I know purists won't be happy), but I like the style.

Also, seems the original or survivors I have seen so far our out of reach and still need just as much work.

A few decisions to make I guess.

I appreciate your valuable advice.

Cheers
Nic

 

As Jerry said definitely not a NCRS candidate but,,,,,,, if you’re one of those folks that are into resto mods this might be a good place to start. If I were to purchase the car I’d straight away put a Vintage Air kit on it and not even fool with factory parts. As I also mentioned previously I would likely convert the drive accessories to a modern truck setup.

There is also electric wiper door conversion kit that has a hide away wiper motor. https://www.detroitspeed.com/detroit...er-door-121621

Gotta know if her bones are good though.

 

Thanks Kossuth.

I appreciate your view and suggestions too.

There is something to be said about pure original cars (which i love) however the good ones are out of my league.

Realist vs Purist = owning something vs just a dream...if you know what I mean.

My view was that if the bones are good and there are parts missing or non-gen you can always change them back.

I'm really weighing up what's more important and expensive. With that said, from what little experience I have, the birdcage and frame being solid has got to be a priority.

If this does get inspected by someone and its a no go I'll move on.

Thanks for the link too 👍