Advice on buying a '69
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
Run, don't walk away
Maybe I'm just spoiled by living in California, but the rust on the frame, body mount, etc. looks terrible. I'd run away fast. And the peeled paint on the left sail is another deal breaker to me. If it's peeling there, where else is the paint ready to separate from the body and look ugly. Check out the price of a good paint job on a Corvette. Also, check the trim tag. If it is an original Monza Red car the code 974 should be there (driver side door jam, below the windshield).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
It was repainted, obviously not very well because there is a bubble on the passenger rear fender, some cracks and chips in random spots. The seller has only owned it for about 4 years ( he got it from his mom who had passed away) and doesn't really know much about its past. So yeah, definitely a lot of ?s surrounding it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...#ht_500wt_1182
Its Vettes like this that really puts it in perspective for me. This one is solid all around in the ways many of you have said to look for, and it's cheaper than the one I am looking at. Pretty sure I won't call the guy and just keep looking!
Its Vettes like this that really puts it in perspective for me. This one is solid all around in the ways many of you have said to look for, and it's cheaper than the one I am looking at. Pretty sure I won't call the guy and just keep looking!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Price does seem a bit high having not seen the engine compartment and agreeing with the others.
However, factory A/C is a big bump if all the stuff is there, especially if it was a factory BB car. Factory BB A/C also required a rear sway bar, and if it doesn't have vapor return lines to the tank, it may have been a 3x2 car. Gotta look deeper on this one, might be a steal. You also mention a stiff ride, look for the 7 leaf F-41 rear spring.
Hans
However, factory A/C is a big bump if all the stuff is there, especially if it was a factory BB car. Factory BB A/C also required a rear sway bar, and if it doesn't have vapor return lines to the tank, it may have been a 3x2 car. Gotta look deeper on this one, might be a steal. You also mention a stiff ride, look for the 7 leaf F-41 rear spring.
Hans
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...#ht_500wt_1182
Its Vettes like this that really puts it in perspective for me. This one is solid all around in the ways many of you have said to look for, and it's cheaper than the one I am looking at. Pretty sure I won't call the guy and just keep looking!
Its Vettes like this that really puts it in perspective for me. This one is solid all around in the ways many of you have said to look for, and it's cheaper than the one I am looking at. Pretty sure I won't call the guy and just keep looking!
-W
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
Price does seem a bit high having not seen the engine compartment and agreeing with the others.
However, factory A/C is a big bump if all the stuff is there, especially if it was a factory BB car. Factory BB A/C also required a rear sway bar, and if it doesn't have vapor return lines to the tank, it may have been a 3x2 car. Gotta look deeper on this one, might be a steal. You also mention a stiff ride, look for the 7 leaf F-41 rear spring.
Hans
However, factory A/C is a big bump if all the stuff is there, especially if it was a factory BB car. Factory BB A/C also required a rear sway bar, and if it doesn't have vapor return lines to the tank, it may have been a 3x2 car. Gotta look deeper on this one, might be a steal. You also mention a stiff ride, look for the 7 leaf F-41 rear spring.
Hans
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=JoeMN34;1578510841Its Vettes like this that really puts it in perspective for me. This one is solid all around in the ways many of you have said to look for, and it's cheaper than the one I am looking at. Pretty sure I won't call the guy and just keep looking![/QUOTE]
This car in MI looks better from the pictures. It has had the wiper door system removed, a cowl induction hood installed, Hooker side pipes added, the rear valance glassed in, a better looking paint job (again, hopefully matches the trim plate) and the engine compartment looks quite nice. Without an original engine stamp pad, it is now NOM...but supposedly rebuilt. Still no pictures of the underbody. Nicer interior. All in all, I would say this is a better introductory vette for you and has definitely had some TLC. Not original, but a nice looking car.
This car in MI looks better from the pictures. It has had the wiper door system removed, a cowl induction hood installed, Hooker side pipes added, the rear valance glassed in, a better looking paint job (again, hopefully matches the trim plate) and the engine compartment looks quite nice. Without an original engine stamp pad, it is now NOM...but supposedly rebuilt. Still no pictures of the underbody. Nicer interior. All in all, I would say this is a better introductory vette for you and has definitely had some TLC. Not original, but a nice looking car.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
Just talked to the seller again today he basically won't budge anything under $17000. I didn't even bother arguing so i will be moving on. Thanks again for the help I am sure I will be inquiring more soon!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Also, that paint issue is repairable, IMHO. I wish mine look that good, even tjhough I'm not partial to red on a Corvette. To each his own.
Hans
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Because it has a BB hood. Granted, the hood may be an add-on, but what if it's correct and someone just slapped a SB in it? Now we're talkin' whole 'nother price range, and even at 17K, it wont last long!
Also, that paint issue is repairable, IMHO. I wish mine look that good, even tjhough I'm not partial to red on a Corvette. To each his own.
Hans
Also, that paint issue is repairable, IMHO. I wish mine look that good, even tjhough I'm not partial to red on a Corvette. To each his own.
Hans
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...499452810.html
Found another looker in my area. Going to visit the guy sometime next week. Based on the conversation I had with the seller this Vette sounds more promising than the last
Found another looker in my area. Going to visit the guy sometime next week. Based on the conversation I had with the seller this Vette sounds more promising than the last
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cloquet MN
Check
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...499452810.html
Found another looker in my area. Going to visit the guy sometime next week. Based on the conversation I had with the seller this Vette sounds more promising than the last
Found another looker in my area. Going to visit the guy sometime next week. Based on the conversation I had with the seller this Vette sounds more promising than the last
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
The 4-speed helps alot.
I like the hood verses a plain ole hood.
If it was all good and you can drive it without breaking down and over heating its worth $15000, but if he won't budge of 17 then it doesn't matter.
Go buy another one and no matter what you paid for it make sure you rub it in his face for about $5000 less than he wanted for his.
I like the hood verses a plain ole hood.
If it was all good and you can drive it without breaking down and over heating its worth $15000, but if he won't budge of 17 then it doesn't matter.
Go buy another one and no matter what you paid for it make sure you rub it in his face for about $5000 less than he wanted for his.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
There is no way youll ever find a 69 4 spd Vette that actually has 4 wheels and tires for *out here anyway* for 10k
Lots of driver Vettes floating aroudn with different yr parts on it shouldnt be a big deal if the price reflects that.
Will agree 15k should be top buck for that one, if that. Would be funny if it were a BB car. Cant expect a cheap Vette to be much more than that one was.
Lots of driver Vettes floating aroudn with different yr parts on it shouldnt be a big deal if the price reflects that.
Will agree 15k should be top buck for that one, if that. Would be funny if it were a BB car. Cant expect a cheap Vette to be much more than that one was.
Last edited by cv67; Aug 27, 2011 at 09:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
So heres the craigslist ad for the vette I was originally looking at, theres a pic of the engine compartment so thought some of you would want to see and further judge it.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...582725984.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...582725984.html
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
So heres the craigslist ad for the vette I was originally looking at, theres a pic of the engine compartment so thought some of you would want to see and further judge it.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...582725984.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...582725984.html
New
electrical complete replacement @ cost of $2,800. I do not have to sell this car,
electrical complete replacement @ cost of $2,800. I do not have to sell this car,
And the always famous " I do not have to sell" threat.
What does that mean, I put my stuff up for sale just for the fun of it to make email friends or what???
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 9
From: Waukesha Wi
Claims to have extensive engine work but doesn't know what?
How long has he owned the car,check title for date, kinda sounds like someone who buys cars and resells for a profit.
If i were you i would do some searching on craigslist in the tri-state area and take your time when buying.
How long has he owned the car,check title for date, kinda sounds like someone who buys cars and resells for a profit.
If i were you i would do some searching on craigslist in the tri-state area and take your time when buying.
Last edited by Stu's81; Sep 5, 2011 at 07:16 PM.