69 Vette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Sorry, partner, I just don't see it that way. I've never had any problems getting to where I want to go on this forum. The format here is pretty much identical to multiple other car forums. Besides the dilution of the technical aspects of this particular section, isn't anybody else getting tired of the money/investment/
"what can I make off this thing" aspect of this hobby? There's plenty of wheeler/dealer types in the General and the For Sale sections to talk to about money if that's your angle for owning a Corvette.
FWIW, my '69 (numbers matching) has similar mileage (69k), and yet I could give a rats rear what it's worth is to a large group of people I've never met before. My car is used like a sports car was designed to be used for: going fast on winding roads (and as often as I can, road courses). Other people's monetary opinions don't make it go any faster or handle any better.
Just a guy here who bought this car for the driving experience.
"what can I make off this thing" aspect of this hobby? There's plenty of wheeler/dealer types in the General and the For Sale sections to talk to about money if that's your angle for owning a Corvette.
FWIW, my '69 (numbers matching) has similar mileage (69k), and yet I could give a rats rear what it's worth is to a large group of people I've never met before. My car is used like a sports car was designed to be used for: going fast on winding roads (and as often as I can, road courses). Other people's monetary opinions don't make it go any faster or handle any better.
Just a guy here who bought this car for the driving experience.
YMMV = Your mileage may vary
I don't see the point of that remark either since it doesn't really apply to the post nor the OP's question.
The OP was asking for an opinion so he/she is liable to get many differing opinions and that is fine. We should respect that we all will likely have a different one.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
I don't think it is an exclusionary thing. We all love our cars, but they are major investments as well. Everyone is curious about value (well apparently not 69427, but most of us anyway). I would say there are lots of reasons to love corvettes:
1. Performance
2. Nostalgia
3. Fun to tinker and modify or restore
4. Financial/investment
probably lots of others as well...
As to the original question: this is a very difficult decision. The purists would say leave it original. As stated, original cars are becoming very rare, and restored cars can be dubious in quality. An original car is only good if it is in excellent shape, however. No one admires an old rust bucket with ripped seats and a smoking knocking motor
1. Performance
2. Nostalgia
3. Fun to tinker and modify or restore
4. Financial/investment
probably lots of others as well...
As to the original question: this is a very difficult decision. The purists would say leave it original. As stated, original cars are becoming very rare, and restored cars can be dubious in quality. An original car is only good if it is in excellent shape, however. No one admires an old rust bucket with ripped seats and a smoking knocking motor
Well said
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Every time somebody posts on the NCRS board that they have an "original" car, almost everybody says to leave it alone. Of course, they want you to bring the car to a regional or the national so that the judges can have a look at it. This luxury appears to be reserved for those who can afford multiple vettes and just keep the old dog in the barn for the purists to ponder. I think most of us can only afford one vette and we want it to be as clean, nice and reliable as possible. A car that is 41 years old is just that...old. I suppose if your car was a rare high value car, like an L89, then it MIGHT be worth more in very good original condition than correctly restored, but I have yet to see it.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 13
Every time somebody posts on the NCRS board that they have an "original" car, almost everybody says to leave it alone. Of course, they want you to bring the car to a regional or the national so that the judges can have a look at it. This luxury appears to be reserved for those who can afford multiple vettes and just keep the old dog in the barn for the purists to ponder. I think most of us can only afford one vette and we want it to be as clean, nice and reliable as possible. A car that is 41 years old is just that...old. I suppose if your car was a rare high value car, like an L89, then it MIGHT be worth more in very good original condition than correctly restored, but I have yet to see it.
I am, from a restorative perspective am completely ruining this car by going retro, but again thats what I wanted. Doesn't make me right or wrong just thats my desire. I'm sure many purist cringe but seem to be keeping negative comments to themselves.
I for one appreciate the forums help on my project.
Steve
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: Taunton Ma
If it were me i would get in contact with the local chapter of NCRS. Go to one of their meets and have it looked at. There will be alot of very knowledgable people there and they could tell you if you should bring it to a national meet for judging. If nothing else you will meet alot of nice corvette people. If they tell you to go, then i guess you have to ask yourself what did i want to do with this car when i bought it? Leave it the way it is? Update it, paint, interior... or modify it with headers, wheels, beef up the hp... If it were me i would hope that it wasn't a survior. I respect that these cars are only original once and i wouldn't want to disturb that so i guess i fall somewhere between update and modify to me that is where the enjoyment is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
Hey guys,
I need your opinion. I have a 69 survivor that is completely original with 63K miles. It is a 350/300 convertible with the Saginaw three speed transmission. It is in very, very good condition but does show the overall signs of wear of a car its age. Is the car more or less desirable as is or should completely restored to look new?
Thanks
I need your opinion. I have a 69 survivor that is completely original with 63K miles. It is a 350/300 convertible with the Saginaw three speed transmission. It is in very, very good condition but does show the overall signs of wear of a car its age. Is the car more or less desirable as is or should completely restored to look new?
Thanks
just the way it is. My .02.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I'm with TWINRAY. I think it sounds like a great car the way it is. I wouldn't have a problem with a three speed. I bet just as many people will inquire about it without a paint job. It would get my attention just the way it is. If you restore it to perfection, then you'l be afraid of dirt on your feet. Have fun with it.
