My dad died from pancreatic cancer in 2000, at the too-young age of 49. He left me what I've affectionately always called my "sister" (I'm an only child)--a 1968 Corvette convertible with the original, numbers-matching 327.

It sat either in storage or in my garage ever since. For the past two years I've tossed up whether I should keep it or sell it. Sentimentality told me to keep it, but I didn't want to have this car be the vehicle version of The Money Pit. It hadn't been driven in five years and wasn't starting.

I finally decided I needed to make up my mind before the summer got here this year, and I decided to sell. I contacted the local vette club, had someone come out and look at it. He made a couple of suggestions for what could be done to get it running, and a voltage regulator and battery later (I can only hope it's ALWAYS that simple)--she started right up. That was all it took for me to get an ear-to-ear grin and say "nevermind--I'm keeping her."

I dug out all of my dad's old stuff, and saw an article in an old Corvette Fever magazine (circa 2000) about the forum. You all have already been so much help, and I'm so glad to have found such a great resource. I'm sure somewhere in Corvette Heaven my dad thanks you, too.

Jodi
(I'll post pics soon!)

 

That is great that you did not sell "her". That is a great thing to keep from somebody that loved it. Not only that, but it will sure make you happy as well!! Just make sure when/if you get married to do a prenup with the car...you wouldnt want to lose it ever!

 

I lost my mather to pancreatic cancer 4 years ago (i was 15) he left me no corvettes, but he left a history of owning 13 of them, 2 56's, a 57 fuelie, a 63 convertable, 64 hardtop, 84 coupe to name a few. I very very vaguely remember his 64 and I've driven his 84. Let me be the first to welcome you to the forum, and wish you good luck with the project. Would love to see pictures. You won't regret keeping it, trust me.

 

Thanks to both of you!

I had to laugh about the pre-nup: the first two entries in my will make provisions for (1) the corvette and (2) my dogs.

I have the same vague memories about this car. My parents were divorced when I was barely two, and 95% of the memories I have of my dad are related to this car--including killing it on railroad tracks (in my defense, they were on a hill!), and hearing him coming to pick me up when he was still six blocks away. I think that's why when I heard the engine start up, it was all over (for me, not the car).

 

Welcome to the 'disorder'!

So what's in October?

 

How could anyone ever get rid of their "sister"?? Especially when it meant so much to your dad.

We'll help you keep her running!

Yea - what happens in October?? School? Snow?

 

Thanks for the great story. It's always nice to have something around that brings back fond memories of a loved one.

As always we would like to see some pictures of your "sister".

 

THAT is a cool story .... the turn-around.
Money pit ? Go look at the prices from the latest Barrett-Jackson
auction. If all original, then she will be tempting to sell in a few years.

I hope your will power is good. $$$,$$$

 

Curious as to whether you spoke to your father about the car before his untimely passing. If not I am sure he would want you to think of him when ever you are out cruising it.

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome here!
That was a great story,nice that you are keeping here and fixing here up.

 

welcome onboard

 

Welcome to the forum! Good choice on keeping the car

 

Welcome!! That is really a touching story. I am sure all of us with kids hope that someday the kids feel the same way we do about the cars. You are very lucky and I am sure your dad would be proud. Good luck.

 

Cars were the only thing I ever had in common with my father, and about the only thing I have in common with my 14year old. I think you made the right decision--you can't unsell it once it's gone! Welcome to the shark tank!

JB

 

Now I can't believe, after reading some of these posts that no one could guess what October was. Someone from Detroit could have at least GUESSED. Hockey! Hockey is what starts in October. Or...at least it used to. But that's ok. Thank god for minor leagues...

My dad had the cancer for not quite two years, so we talked in length about that, us, and the car. In fact, one day I was in the kitchen, listening to my dad talk to my then-husband about "you have to make sure you take good care of her, she's special." I was SO completely touched to hear my dad talk about me like that--until I walked into the living room and saw them looking at pictures of the vette!

 

I'm sorry for your loss. We lost my Father-in-Law 5 years ago to pancreatic cancer at 50 years old. His '77 with an EFI 383 is still sitting in the garage. He loved that car so much. We start it up and take a spin around the block a few times a year. I wish I could get full time custody of it. My 3 1/2 car garage to full though.


.

 

Sorry to hear about your Dad!

Sounds like the bug bit you hard, some time ago!

Welcome to Troy's Corvetteforum... I cant really say welcome to my humble abode, cause I dont pay rent... but I could make for a really great door stop!

If you have any sort of life, I recomend leaving while you still can, because the forum is addictive!

 

Welcome. Glad you got her started. Looking forward to the pictures.

 

Welcome aboard. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

Welcome to the CF As many have said if you were to sell your sister you would surly miss her. As for making her what you wan't in her (unlike real sisters) the folks here will help you in anyway they can. Talking from experience you will continue your love hate sister relationship.