Should I let my son do it?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: new milford ct
Should I let my son do it?
My son is 15 and has always loved cars. Goes to the shows with me and loves my 63swc. Some day he wants a 67 big block but till then he wants to get a 68-9 convertible and start restoring it. He has @ $6500 and he found a few on the net. I can help him restore it but he is hoping it will also be a good investment down the road. I'm not too familiar with 68 & 9s so any input is appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
Go with a 69... Fewer 1 year only parts....which makes the restauration cheaper.... The main things to check are the same things as for other years.. Frame rust, body damage, brakes.....
:cheers:
Olivier
:cheers:
Olivier
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 1
From: Deep in the Heart of Dixie Alabama
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
I would buy a 68 in a heart beat. I have owned them and own one now. I have never heard a owner or previous owner say do not buy one.
Those comments only come from none 68 owners.
If you are smart and buy right. they are a investment.
Those comments only come from none 68 owners.
If you are smart and buy right. they are a investment.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Should I let my son do it? (bamavettes)
I would buy a 68 in a heart beat. I have owned them and own one now. I have never heard a owner or previous owner say do not buy one.
Those comments only come from none 68 owners.
If you are smart and buy right. they are a investment.
Those comments only come from none 68 owners.
If you are smart and buy right. they are a investment.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 7,865
Likes: 9
From: PA
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
I may have to go against the grain here. I was 14 when I bought mine. I tore it all apart then realized how much money and time were needed. The car has been sitting in the garage dissassembled for 13 years. Now that I am finished with college and finally have some play money....i am finally able to dig in and start the resto. My best advise is don't start off with a money pit. A really nice later year c3 (75-82) can be had for 8-10k and he can drive the wheels off it until he heads off for school. Save the big project car for later :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 4
From: Okinawa Okinawa
Re: Should I let my son do it? (Brett K)
A newer car is going to be less expensive to buy and maintain. Definately let him get one. It is a great way to spend time with him while he still wants you around. My daughter use to do things like that with me but now she likes make-up and boys. I have to stay with the car so I don't go crazy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Palatine
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
Yes let him do it. He appreciates a classic car. I got my vette at 17, and have learned ALOT about cars. My Dad helped me get whatever I wanted. (Plus he wanted it too) :D
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Georgia
Re: Should I let my son do it? (QuickVet)
cars are not a good investment. Its not like it used to be :smash: Only get it to enjoy :cheers:
Believe what you want ,its got to be better than the stock market :lol: :lol: .I would definitly buy a 69.I have worked on alot of 68s and they are a nightmare if you are going back original.69s dont have as many 1 year (hard to find )parts. :yesnod: :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
Do it. The two of you could work on it together, spend some quality time, he'll learn, will keep him from doing other less prodcutive things, and you'll both appreciate it later.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Dry Ridge Kentucky
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
My son is 14 and he and I are about a year into a body off rebuild of a 72. Its been the best thing we've done. He is there to work on it whenever I am, and its good for both of us. He brought home straight A's for the first time, and I figure he can get into less if he's doing something with me!
Go for it! Who cares if its a good investment or not? You're not getting younger and he'll only be a teenager once!
Go for it! Who cares if its a good investment or not? You're not getting younger and he'll only be a teenager once!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,166
Likes: 3,968
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
I say if you find a decent vette and you're not expecting to turn it into an investment go for it. I started rebuilding a 72 and 69 with my son 2 years ago. We have a long way to go but he has learned a lot,as did I.
We went through rebuilding the rear bearings, differential, fiberglassing, suspensions,etc. He has been under them painting and cleaning the frames. As others have said it might be easier to start with a more common year like a 74-82. There are a lot of them out there in various conditions, you could pick up a fair car for around $4,500. I just passed on a 76 for $2,500 that needed bumpers and minor touch up work.
Good luck,
Gary
We went through rebuilding the rear bearings, differential, fiberglassing, suspensions,etc. He has been under them painting and cleaning the frames. As others have said it might be easier to start with a more common year like a 74-82. There are a lot of them out there in various conditions, you could pick up a fair car for around $4,500. I just passed on a 76 for $2,500 that needed bumpers and minor touch up work.
Good luck,
Gary
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
68 or 69, they are very similiar except for a few little odds and ends, but who cares. On my 69 frame off project I have ran into alot of hard to find parts that isn't remanufactured anymore. There are so many used vette places out there with a little asking around you can find alot more than you think. I say let him do it, if he is into rebuilding old cars let him start out with something he wants.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Re: Should I let my son do it?
I've always liked the style of the 1968/1969 Corvettes. Chrome bumpers, shark fenders, no smog equipment, unique gills, etc... I told myself in high school I'd have a 1968 or 1969 Corvette in my future. I'm 24 now and have a 1969, my dream has been accomplished. It needs work though, and while it's not going to be the cheapest project on the planet, you have the best resource available (HERE! :D ) I was referred to a local shop by asking questions and discovered a shop who does good, competent work for less per hour than I was finding before I asked the forum. Do it, spend time with your son. My dad now lives in Maine and I'm in California. I really wish I could spend time with him repairing and restoring our Avanti as well as having him help me with work on my Corvette :( I love my dad, I just can't spend much time with him anymore.
Time doesn't stop, if I could have worked on cars with my dad when I was a young teen, I would have. I have divorced parents and my dad moved to Maine just before I got out of the Army. I haven't seen him since I was out for Christmas Exodus in '00. There is no way I'm going to the frozen tundra we call Maine, not since I've lived the majority of my life out here.
Time doesn't stop, if I could have worked on cars with my dad when I was a young teen, I would have. I have divorced parents and my dad moved to Maine just before I got out of the Army. I haven't seen him since I was out for Christmas Exodus in '00. There is no way I'm going to the frozen tundra we call Maine, not since I've lived the majority of my life out here.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Re: Should I let my son do it? (grm)
Hint - 1968 was a VERY good year !!!
'68-'69 vettes currently have an appreciation of 10% ! :eek: :cool:
IF you can find a reasonable deal / driver for under $10k then go for it !!! :yesnod:
'68-'69 vettes currently have an appreciation of 10% ! :eek: :cool:
IF you can find a reasonable deal / driver for under $10k then go for it !!! :yesnod: