uh, need help deciding on fixing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Atascocita TX
uh, need help deciding on fixing
my dad bought a 73 coupe back in 1974, for the past 15 years its just been sitting outside in the elements. (don't ask cause i don't know why). he told me that i can take the vette anytime i want. does anyone think that it will be too much time/$ to fix it back to decent shape? :confused: any input would be helpful. thanks in advance :) as far as i know the only thing wrong with it is that it need interior/paint. and the engine just needs new gaskets and seals. body mounts are prob. screwed as well as the suspension. thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
i found a guy that will do the engine rebuild and the tranny rebuild for $1200. is this a good price? :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
car is worth more than 15K if work is done the right way
you will need to replace the calipers, probably the brake and fuel lines, carpeting, maybe the seat covers, all of that should cost around 4-6K, if that much.
you will need to replace the calipers, probably the brake and fuel lines, carpeting, maybe the seat covers, all of that should cost around 4-6K, if that much.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,858
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From: A 12/8 man in a 4/4 world
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
i got my dads vette after is was mostly garage kept for 10 years. some light driving. i took it to a trusted corvette specialist for a saftey inspection.
he looked it over and told me what was definately needed and what was good or what was marginal. i would make sure the car is safe to drive as well as dependable then work on the cosmetics. i have a limited corvette budget so grade my repairs always making sure that drivability/saftey is first. good luck...
he looked it over and told me what was definately needed and what was good or what was marginal. i would make sure the car is safe to drive as well as dependable then work on the cosmetics. i have a limited corvette budget so grade my repairs always making sure that drivability/saftey is first. good luck...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: WInnipeg Mb
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (Got79Fever)
i was in the same situation. My dad never maintained our 79 until i took it off his hands and put about 10 grand into it. Now it's in amazing condition. just takes ALOT of hours in the garage :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 896
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From: Lafayette, Indiana
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
Go for it. Don't buy one already fixed up. Talking from experience, half the fun is doing alot of the work yourself. Especially if your dad really likes the car, it would probably be best to keep it in the family right? That was sort of how it was in my condition. My aunt and a C4 convert right now that she is thinking about getting rid-of but isnt sure because her deceased husband gave it to her as a present. One option was that my dad was thinking about buying it off her, to keep it in the family. I hope that we do that cause I think she could use the money anyways.
But I KNOW that you will have TONS of fun watching a beat up vette grow to your own work of art. I'm loving everying minute of it. (except the part of being 17 and have to pay for most of it :lol: ) Just my 2 cents.
But I KNOW that you will have TONS of fun watching a beat up vette grow to your own work of art. I'm loving everying minute of it. (except the part of being 17 and have to pay for most of it :lol: ) Just my 2 cents.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
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From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
With your $15K you should be able to do a decent job to get the car presentable and driveable.
I acquired my moms 73 and now have well over $21K in it. All that remains is a good painting. That $21K has completely rebuilt / restored everything mechanical (engine, tranny, suspension (front and rear), differential, trailing arms, brakes, steering, etc.) and includes a new interior.
My mom purchased this car in 1973 and put over 240K miles on it before it finally got to be too much for her. I feel it is my job to maintain the legend.
I think you are in the same situation. This was your dad's vette.
Would I spend this much on another [non family, non sentimenal] car. Absolutely positively not.
When I drive it I think back to the days my mom was loving her Corvette. Yep, that feeling is one of those priceless things.
Enjoy and have fun, thats what it is all about. :yesnod:
I acquired my moms 73 and now have well over $21K in it. All that remains is a good painting. That $21K has completely rebuilt / restored everything mechanical (engine, tranny, suspension (front and rear), differential, trailing arms, brakes, steering, etc.) and includes a new interior.
My mom purchased this car in 1973 and put over 240K miles on it before it finally got to be too much for her. I feel it is my job to maintain the legend.
I think you are in the same situation. This was your dad's vette.
Would I spend this much on another [non family, non sentimenal] car. Absolutely positively not.
When I drive it I think back to the days my mom was loving her Corvette. Yep, that feeling is one of those priceless things.
Enjoy and have fun, thats what it is all about. :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (gb4622)
no dont do it,put it on a truck and ship it right here to new jersey ill take care of it for you. :D seriously yes i would do it 1. its your dads car 2. its a 73 3. it must have low miles if it ran for a year then sat,id say go for it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Behind the wheel of a large automobile
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
I took this one over from my Dad about 15 years ago. Probably have about 10-12 K (CDN) into it so far. Worth every penny man, do it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 792
Likes: 2
From: Norcross GA
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (GDaina)
The money will sneak up on you, particularly if you have limited mechanical ability and have to pay for labor. Mine started out needed $4 - 6 plus painting has easily cost me double that. I have changed the exhaust, replaced the carb, replaced the brakes, rebuilt the front end, had it tuned up, rebuilt the interior, new a/c, partially rebuilt the rear end, new tires, etc.
Have you taken a look at the underside, windshield pillars, etc., for rust. That is probably what I would do before I put any money into it.
Bob
Have you taken a look at the underside, windshield pillars, etc., for rust. That is probably what I would do before I put any money into it.
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,630
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From: Murfreesboro,TN
St. Jude Donor '03
Re: uh, need help deciding on fixing (ry)
i took some pics of the car can someone post them so you guys can see how bad it is?
Dave