1969 as a daily driver ??
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Team Owner
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1969 as a daily driver ??
I want to get rid of my 88 coupe. I don't know what i will replace it with.
But there is a Black 1969 Coupe with Sidepipes for sale here 10k or best offer.
It looks nice but i dont know how it is up close.
But anyone use their C3 as a daily driver?
Basicly by daily driver I mean a 6 mile trip into my school, 6 miles back.
And cruising on the weekend.
But there is a Black 1969 Coupe with Sidepipes for sale here 10k or best offer.
It looks nice but i dont know how it is up close.
But anyone use their C3 as a daily driver?
Basicly by daily driver I mean a 6 mile trip into my school, 6 miles back.
And cruising on the weekend.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Germantown Maryland
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
If by school you mean college? I wouldn't want to leave that car in the parking lot every day. If nothing else it might get picked for parts. You've heard of midnight auto, well happens in the day too.
As far as the distance it would be fine to drive tht far everyday.
:flag
As far as the distance it would be fine to drive tht far everyday.
:flag
Le Mans Master
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
I have driven corvettes as daily drivers for many years. Never had a problem with midnight auto supply. I drive my 69 427 to work and back every day and love it. You just have to use common sense as to where to park, and don't worry about it. :)
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Guam
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
I too have a 69 roadster. Sadly though, it is inconveninet for me to use it for a daily driver. But if you can keep her safe from the envious few, and the harsh natural elements...then do it! Enjoy the ride! There is not enough time in life to enjoy all our toys! Go for it!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Timmins ON
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
You can use what ever car you want to get to school/work/hobby(/brothel :D ) you want to... There have been occaisions last summer that I used my 'Vette to get to work when my GP decided to it didn't want too... Your question should be... " If I can only afford one car, should I beat the living Je"eppers" out of a limited production car????"...
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Team Owner
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Sharky Guam)
College no? Well almost im a senior in HS. Next fall I will be in college. And I think Vette will be staying home.
10k obo for a 69 is a good deal right?
How well do c3's handle?
I haven't called the guy yet, but are there any visual signs as to what engine it has? 427 or 327?
I'm guessing you guys get alot more attention then us c4's?
10k obo for a 69 is a good deal right?
How well do c3's handle?
I haven't called the guy yet, but are there any visual signs as to what engine it has? 427 or 327?
I'm guessing you guys get alot more attention then us c4's?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 0
From: Germantown Maryland
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
College no? Well almost im a senior in HS. Next fall I will be in college. And I think Vette will be staying home.
10k obo for a 69 is a good deal right?
How well do c3's handle?
I haven't called the guy yet, but are there any visual signs as to what engine it has? 427 or 327?
I'm guessing you guys get alot more attention then us c4's?
10k obo for a 69 is a good deal right?
How well do c3's handle?
I haven't called the guy yet, but are there any visual signs as to what engine it has? 427 or 327?
I'm guessing you guys get alot more attention then us c4's?
As for price: too many unknown variables
Engine: you mean 350 or 427. It should be obvious when the hoods open, and the hood itself is completely different, also says 427 on it.
Handling: Not too good. This is older technology. Without power steering you need some muscles to turn in the parking lot, especially with large front tires. these cars are best in a straight line.
:flag
[Modified by Clink69, 5:50 PM 3/4/2002]
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Pro
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From: Pflugerville/ Colllege Station TX
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
I have a 69 roadster as my only car. I am in college and I live on campus and have never had any problems with other people. It is a great car to drive and I tink it handles pretty well for having a 33 year old suspension. As long as the driveline, suspension and brakes are in good condition it will be fine for a daily driver. Mine was advertised fro 10k and I got it for 8 last summer but I have put a lot of work into it myself to make it a more reliable car. I wouldnt have even considerd my car if i didnt enjoy working on it myself.
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Jester69Stingray)
Tay Jay,
You are worried about your 88 not being reliable? and you want a 69 vette instead? While the 69 could be made to be reliable, it's going to take some money and time. How much do plan on working on it yourself? If you will be taking it to a mechanic a lot, I don't suggest it. Personally, I would only use a 30+ year old car as a daily driver if I had put enough time and money into it to ensure it was quite reliable. I would also want to have a back up 'beater' just in case something happened that put the vette on jackstands for awhile. Of course, 6 miles isn't too far to walk.
From reading your previous posts, I don't really think you want a '69 vette.
You are worried about your 88 not being reliable? and you want a 69 vette instead? While the 69 could be made to be reliable, it's going to take some money and time. How much do plan on working on it yourself? If you will be taking it to a mechanic a lot, I don't suggest it. Personally, I would only use a 30+ year old car as a daily driver if I had put enough time and money into it to ensure it was quite reliable. I would also want to have a back up 'beater' just in case something happened that put the vette on jackstands for awhile. Of course, 6 miles isn't too far to walk.
From reading your previous posts, I don't really think you want a '69 vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
I had a 92... One shock and control motor cost me almost $400.00 to fix, You can do a lot of stuff to the 69 for that$$$ and there are no electronics to troubleshoot. Go for the 69.. :D :D
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (sharklover)
Tay Jay,
You are worried about your 88 not being reliable? and you want a 69 vette instead? While the 69 could be made to be reliable, it's going to take some money and time. How much do plan on working on it yourself? If you will be taking it to a mechanic a lot, I don't suggest it. Personally, I would only use a 30+ year old car as a daily driver if I had put enough time and money into it to ensure it was quite reliable. I would also want to have a back up 'beater' just in case something happened that put the vette on jackstands for awhile. Of course, 6 miles isn't too far to walk.
From reading your previous posts, I don't really think you want a '69 vette.
You are worried about your 88 not being reliable? and you want a 69 vette instead? While the 69 could be made to be reliable, it's going to take some money and time. How much do plan on working on it yourself? If you will be taking it to a mechanic a lot, I don't suggest it. Personally, I would only use a 30+ year old car as a daily driver if I had put enough time and money into it to ensure it was quite reliable. I would also want to have a back up 'beater' just in case something happened that put the vette on jackstands for awhile. Of course, 6 miles isn't too far to walk.
From reading your previous posts, I don't really think you want a '69 vette.
This is gonna be a big decision for me, and I want it to be right. So input is always welcome.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Uxbridge MA
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
When I bought my '69 last year, the first thing I went for was the trailing arms and the section just infront of the rear wheels where the trailing arms meet the frame. These are the rust areas and can get quite expensive if frame work needs to be done. Although my vehicle was from the mid-west and saw little salt, I have rear bearings that needed to be replaced(one of my projects this month). I have a shop intown that only works on muscle cars, so I know if I get in trouble I can wheel it down to him. I am ok with most mechanical items on a car of this age, but I did not what to do any major welding and/or worry about the integrity of the frame. Get that vehicle on a lift and start poking at the frame. Good luck on your quest....
---Andy
[Modified by andyg, 7:04 PM 3/4/2002]
---Andy
[Modified by andyg, 7:04 PM 3/4/2002]
Le Mans Master
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (999)
George,
I have to ask. In those 10 years, did you ever have another vehicle to drive if you needed it. How many times were you without the vette for more than a day or two? How long ago was this 10 year period?
I'm not saying he can't get a good reliable car, I'm just saying that the chances are less likely since it is now over 30 years old. It's also not that cheap to buy parts and repair things, especially if you have to take it to a mechanic. I just see him getting frustrated because he is constantly working on it, even if it is little stuff that can be fixed in between quarters. On the plus side, I think it would be a good learning experience if he is going to work on it himself, as long as everything is fixed properly and not bubbafied.
BTW, I've been looking at getting a '69 for quite awhile, just can't afford a second vette at the moment. And I'd never sell my '79 to buy another vette. The '79 stays with me forever.
[Modified by sharklover, 8:30 PM 3/4/2002]
I have to ask. In those 10 years, did you ever have another vehicle to drive if you needed it. How many times were you without the vette for more than a day or two? How long ago was this 10 year period?
I'm not saying he can't get a good reliable car, I'm just saying that the chances are less likely since it is now over 30 years old. It's also not that cheap to buy parts and repair things, especially if you have to take it to a mechanic. I just see him getting frustrated because he is constantly working on it, even if it is little stuff that can be fixed in between quarters. On the plus side, I think it would be a good learning experience if he is going to work on it himself, as long as everything is fixed properly and not bubbafied.
BTW, I've been looking at getting a '69 for quite awhile, just can't afford a second vette at the moment. And I'd never sell my '79 to buy another vette. The '79 stays with me forever.
[Modified by sharklover, 8:30 PM 3/4/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,985
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From: SoCal.
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (sharklover)
Ran the Vette from ’80 to ’89. Did have use of my bro’s extra car when I needed it.
Let me it this way, if you are going to be driving an old used car then it might as well be an old used Vette. Most of the parts are actually not expensive and with the exception of the dash and the rear end are easy to work on.
If you also have a ’79 then no issue, drive that when you need to.
Don’t get me wrong these are OLD cars with even older technology dating to the ‘50s and ‘60’s. They need a constant eye on them. For daily driving the cars get little stress, they were engineered to drive hard. On the other hand we bought our daughter a ’79 four years ago that she drives every day 40 miles. It took one year to work out the problums. Since then it has been almost trouble free.
Aside my father taught at the University in Terra Haute a long time ago.
George
Let me it this way, if you are going to be driving an old used car then it might as well be an old used Vette. Most of the parts are actually not expensive and with the exception of the dash and the rear end are easy to work on.
If you also have a ’79 then no issue, drive that when you need to.
Don’t get me wrong these are OLD cars with even older technology dating to the ‘50s and ‘60’s. They need a constant eye on them. For daily driving the cars get little stress, they were engineered to drive hard. On the other hand we bought our daughter a ’79 four years ago that she drives every day 40 miles. It took one year to work out the problums. Since then it has been almost trouble free.
Aside my father taught at the University in Terra Haute a long time ago.
George
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (999)
George,
I have a daily driver that I'm not thrilled with, but it fits the budget. I also have my 79 that I love dearly and try to drive at least once a week. Lately the weather has not been conducive to driving the vette, so it has been garaged for a couple weeks. In the spring/summer/fall, I drive it much more often.
I'm actually going back to school at that same University right now. :) Been ten long years since I was a full time student, now I'm a full time student and full time worker. Keeps me busy but I still manage to have time for the vette and the forum.
I have a daily driver that I'm not thrilled with, but it fits the budget. I also have my 79 that I love dearly and try to drive at least once a week. Lately the weather has not been conducive to driving the vette, so it has been garaged for a couple weeks. In the spring/summer/fall, I drive it much more often.
I'm actually going back to school at that same University right now. :) Been ten long years since I was a full time student, now I'm a full time student and full time worker. Keeps me busy but I still manage to have time for the vette and the forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
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Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (sharklover)
I have a '69 that I used to drive daily. Now I am living in Europe, and my Dad prefers to drive my '72 Beetle.
The best advice, of course, is to buy a cheap, reliable small car and save your money until you can afford to keep a C-3 as a "toy." Incidentally, do NOT buy a C-3 if you have to drive it in snow.
That said, there is no reason, IMHO, that you cannot drive a well-maintained older car every day. Older cars will require more maintenance, they can almost always be repaired.
So you will have to do more maintenance with a C-3. If you really want one, and $$ is limited, get a low-powered, low-option car that has been well-maintained.
Stay away from the flashier Vettes (LT-1, convertibles, etc) if funds are limited. You can get a low-option car in better shape for the same money. Girls won't know or care if it is a big block or not.
Don't spend extra for a numbers-matching car, and make sure that the frame is rust-free.
Don't buy a car that "just needs a few things." Chances are, there will be more problems than meets the eye,.
Shop around; don't buy the first C-3 you see, and don't let yourself fall in love. Buy with your head. This is harder than it sounds.
That's my $.02 worth, good luck!
The best advice, of course, is to buy a cheap, reliable small car and save your money until you can afford to keep a C-3 as a "toy." Incidentally, do NOT buy a C-3 if you have to drive it in snow.
That said, there is no reason, IMHO, that you cannot drive a well-maintained older car every day. Older cars will require more maintenance, they can almost always be repaired.
So you will have to do more maintenance with a C-3. If you really want one, and $$ is limited, get a low-powered, low-option car that has been well-maintained.
Stay away from the flashier Vettes (LT-1, convertibles, etc) if funds are limited. You can get a low-option car in better shape for the same money. Girls won't know or care if it is a big block or not.
Don't spend extra for a numbers-matching car, and make sure that the frame is rust-free.
Don't buy a car that "just needs a few things." Chances are, there will be more problems than meets the eye,.
Shop around; don't buy the first C-3 you see, and don't let yourself fall in love. Buy with your head. This is harder than it sounds.
That's my $.02 worth, good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,411
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From: Wylie TX
Re: 1969 as a daily driver ?? (Old Sport)
I'm trying to test the water, I dont know much about c3's. But i'm, getting scared here about how you all talk about their reliablity.
This is gonna be a big decision for me, and I want it to be right. So input is always welcome.
This is gonna be a big decision for me, and I want it to be right. So input is always welcome.
I use my '69 as my daily driver. I define daily driver as the car I use most, as I don't drive it in the rain due to leaks. My car has also seen some pretty long down times for repairs, but I don't have a lot of big chunks of time to get things done in a timely mannor. I've had the car for 3 years and have put 13K miles on it.
In those 3 years, I've completely replaced/rebuilt the entire front springs, tie rods, ball joints, idler arm, steering box, rear trailing arms, rear spring, all shocks, all u-joints, all brake calipers, and engine. Not counting the engine, I probably have about $3000 in parts on my car and I did all of the labor (excpet rear wheel bearings). My car was completely original and the guy I bought it from has owed it since '73.
I'm just as confident driving my '69 daily now as I would be driving my backup ('99 Formula Firebird).
