Advice on buying a '69
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
Advice on buying a '69
I am looking to purchase my first corvette and I am looking at the 1969 Stingray. The guy is asking $18000 for it. Some things I am concerned about it is it has a 350 from a 1970 Vette, and apparently the odometer does not work but it reads 48,000 miles. I am going to look it at tomorrow but I am just looking for some advice on what to look for and see what price I could get for it. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
(1) Contrary to what you may think or may have been told, Corvettes (especially old ones!) DO rust. Look underneath from front to rear along the entire length of both frame rails and all the crossmembers. If you see ANY perforation you had best walk away. When driving see if it jumps one way or another under braking; if it does the brakes are gonna need work and C3 Vette brakes can be a real adventure. Check all the vacuum accessories-wiper door/wipers, headlights, etc. Grab the top of each rear wheel and shove it back and forth to look for loose rear wheel bearings- fixing those can get expensive very quickly. Also, check underneath for leaks- power steering pump/ram/control valve/hoses, front seal, rear seal, trans seal, rearend seals. When you've done all that THEN you can begin looking at the obvious and the cosmetic, i.e., paint quality, interior condition and gauge function and finally how well the engine runs, transmission, etc.- there is literally no end to the number of things that can go wrong with these cars. They can be a real joy to own and drive but if you don't have any real experience fixing these beasts your patience will be in for a real trial if many of the above-mentioned items need correcting. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I agree with all the above. Sounds like the engine is non original, NOM?
If so, the odometer reading probably doesn't matter much. Price sounds high for a NOM unless the rest of the car is in exceptional condition.
Any photos available?
If so, the odometer reading probably doesn't matter much. Price sounds high for a NOM unless the rest of the car is in exceptional condition.
Any photos available?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Joe,
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 832
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Hi Joe,
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Hi Joe
Alan is absolutely right. Find/hire an expert on early sharks to look it over on a lift and take it for a drive before pulling the trigger. An $18k price of admission for a '69 NOM is nothing compared to what you may end up spending over the next few years, even doing the work yourself. Nice paint and interior means little if the frame or birdcage is badly rusted. I remember early in my search talking to a dealer in Ft Lauderdale who admitted, even with all his experience, having bought nice looking cars at auctions with bad frames.
Alan is absolutely right. Find/hire an expert on early sharks to look it over on a lift and take it for a drive before pulling the trigger. An $18k price of admission for a '69 NOM is nothing compared to what you may end up spending over the next few years, even doing the work yourself. Nice paint and interior means little if the frame or birdcage is badly rusted. I remember early in my search talking to a dealer in Ft Lauderdale who admitted, even with all his experience, having bought nice looking cars at auctions with bad frames.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Though I've heard of at least three early C3's with NOMs selling in the mid teens within the past year. In the $15K area. Two out of three were in average condition, not show room. Don't know the condtion of the third. Much depends on the condition of the car. Frame rust or birdcage rust are deal breakers for sure, very expensive to fix.
Pictures would be very helpful.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
Thanks for all the input. I just drove her the other day and it drives pretty good. Very stiff handling. It did pull slightly to the right when I would hit the brake, and the shifter was a little sticky going in and out of 1st. Some things about it is the motor is indeed from a 1970 Vette but the seller doesnt know the mileage on it. It did have an oil leak coming from a brass seal that was apparently for the Oil Pressure gauge but that was fixed. These pics are sort of random and again I am fairly new to C3's so I just took photos of things that caught my eye. So, tell me what you think.
Now I wasnt sure if this was something from perforation or not? It was solid all the way around. Again forgive my ignorance.
Now I wasnt sure if this was something from perforation or not? It was solid all the way around. Again forgive my ignorance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
1. Resale red repaint that is having problems. You need to see what the trim plate in the door jamb says.
2. The interior door panels are not from '69. Why and what else has been changed?
3. The frame and underbody has not been touched in 42 years. If the car has lived in Minnesota with salted roads...BIG TROUBLE.
4. Big block hood. '70 small block in the car.
This car does not have all that much going for it, other than being a shiny red '69...sort of. IMO, you can find better cars for $18k. Keep looking.
2. The interior door panels are not from '69. Why and what else has been changed?
3. The frame and underbody has not been touched in 42 years. If the car has lived in Minnesota with salted roads...BIG TROUBLE.
4. Big block hood. '70 small block in the car.
This car does not have all that much going for it, other than being a shiny red '69...sort of. IMO, you can find better cars for $18k. Keep looking.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
1. Resale red repaint that is having problems. You need to see what the trim plate in the door jamb says.
2. The interior door panels are not from '69. Why and what else has been changed?
3. The frame and underbody has not been touched in 42 years. If the car has lived in Minnesota with salted roads...BIG TROUBLE.
4. Big block hood. '70 small block in the car.
This car does not have all that much going for it, other than being a shiny red '69...sort of. IMO, you can find better cars for $18k. Keep looking.
2. The interior door panels are not from '69. Why and what else has been changed?
3. The frame and underbody has not been touched in 42 years. If the car has lived in Minnesota with salted roads...BIG TROUBLE.
4. Big block hood. '70 small block in the car.
This car does not have all that much going for it, other than being a shiny red '69...sort of. IMO, you can find better cars for $18k. Keep looking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I'm not sure what to make of that hole in the frame. Not the usual spot where I'd expect to find a perforation. The frames usually begin to rust out just in front of the rear wheel.
No idea what condition the birdcage is in. If the frame is this rusty the birdcage may be worse. I'd ask to look behind the kick panels and have the windshield header trim panel removed at minimum, typical areas which indicate big problems if they're rusted out.
I've seen or heard of NOMs in better condition selling for a bit less.
I'd guess a $10K car, maybe $12K. Much depends on rust, condition under the hood, etc.
Have you been looking long? Is travel an issue? I'd do a search for Corvettes in your area which fit your interests, see what people are asking for them. $18K sounds too high. Even $10K - $12K would be risky without knowing a lot more about condition, hidden rust issues.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Champlin Minnesota
I have been browsing for a 68-70 vette for some time but this one caught my eye particularly because I am wanting a red on black 69 with a 4 speed and T-Tops. I live in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis but I wouldnt be afraid to travel 100 miles to see one if I like it. Idk I think I would pay 10-12k for this car if the seller agreed and I'm also interested to see what the he would say about all the flaws. Thanks for the advice I appreciate the knowledge and I'll keep you posted
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 10
From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
Hi Joe,
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
69 CORVETTE.... NICE!
Since this is your first Corvette I don't think you can learn enough, quickly enough, to make an informed decision on this car by yourself.
Is there anyone you know that has knowledge of 68-72 cars that can look at the car with you? Maybe someone from a local Corvette Club?
I think otherwise you're really at the mercy of the seller.
There's really quite a long list of things to look at on a 43 year old car... especially one that's $18k.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
The best advice if to have someone with knowledge of 68-72 with you and don't rush into anything.
Read up on all the posts (old and new) and learn what to look for, common issues, etc. The main thing is rust on the bird cage, etc. There are plenty of very detailed posts that should be able to give you a good primer of the possible pitfalls.
Good luck with your search!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Thanks for all the input. I just drove her the other day and it drives pretty good. Very stiff handling. It did pull slightly to the right when I would hit the brake, and the shifter was a little sticky going in and out of 1st. Some things about it is the motor is indeed from a 1970 Vette but the seller doesnt know the mileage on it. It did have an oil leak coming from a brass seal that was apparently for the Oil Pressure gauge but that was fixed. These pics are sort of random and again I am fairly new to C3's so I just took photos of things that caught my eye. So, tell me what you think.
Now I wasnt sure if this was something from perforation or not? It was solid all the way around. Again forgive my ignorance.
Now I wasnt sure if this was something from perforation or not? It was solid all the way around. Again forgive my ignorance.
PS: Missed the peeling paint... that would be a concern, why is it peeling? A poorly done chemical strip?
Last edited by BBCorv70; Aug 24, 2011 at 06:54 PM.