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Guy in my area is selling a 1970 454, 4 speed, factory air project. He says he has the bumpers, grills, interior parts, etc to put it all back together. It would totally need to be redone. Could even be made into a restomod or drop in a mean crate. He is asking $4500 for it. I was thinking if the frame was good and I could talk him down could be a fun project. Can anyone tell anything from the pics, is this an LS5 or LS6, anything else at all? I have restored my '74 interior, replaced steering boxes, did a rebuild on my L48 engine but nothing of this magnitude. Let me know if I'm crazy for even thinking about it. Thanks!
For that kind of money for what I see not knowing all the fine details. I would pull the trigger if and only if you are able to complete the work yourself. I mean 95% . I never did a restoration before and bought my 68, 9 years ago or for 3k. I learned a lot by asking questions, reading and googling along with YouTube. I rebuilt every component myself except the steering box, that was done by GTR1999 (Gary). Heck you can even do the bodywork and paint it yourself if you put your mind to it. Just take it one step at a time. Here's how it sits today. Mind you this was a complete total disassembly, refinishing and reassembling by a novice.
Well first as somebody who already has too many C3 projects, I certainly do not think you are crazy at all. I like C3 projects. However, basis my experience and seeing that many projects get started and then stall for the next guy looking for a project, I will say anybody can start a project but it takes a helluva person to actually complete one.
So, if you like to work on cars and can wait for delayed gratification for 18 months give or take and place to work on it and some money to spend on it, give it a shot.
Now, few things I think are important. First check for rust, check for rust everywhere, surface rust is one thing, holes and bad rusting will make this project go south shortly. Next, having original engine and trans is still worth more in the market place at the moment although some say that is changing and the resto mods will be worth more one day. So, you are going to spend roughly the same money to fix up that base engine mid seventies C3 as that 69 chrome bumper big block tri power although the initial cost will be higher for the tri power. Therefore you could take your initial purchase price, add what you think you need to spend (plus some more) and compare to what you could buy a nice one for. Easy to get bad upside down on C3 projects. I am ok with a little upside down, but try to avoid bad upside down (having been there, ha!).
In short, I think $4500 is a very good price for this project assuming no bad rust, you get a lot of the needed parts and hoping the original engine (which is rebuildable) and trans are in it.
Good luck and hope this helps.
BTW, my Corvette black book only has the LS5 in 1970. LS6 started in 71 and if the original engine is there, the engine pad suffix should tell you what it is.
Last edited by 20mercury; Jun 13, 2020 at 08:30 PM.
Birdcage would be my number one concern. Then the frame. If they check out then you could have a decent project there. Big block, 4 speed, a/c car. It certainly looks worth saving.
For that kind of money for what I see not knowing all the fine details. I would pull the trigger if and only if you are able to complete the work yourself. I mean 95% . I never did a restoration before and bought my 68, 9 years ago or for 3k. I learned a lot by asking questions, reading and googling along with YouTube. I rebuilt every component myself except the steering box, that was done by GTR1999 (Gary). Heck you can even do the bodywork and paint it yourself if you put your mind to it. Just take it one step at a time. Here's how it sits today. Mind you this was a complete total disassembly, refinishing and reassembling by a novice.
Last edited by twinpack; Jun 14, 2020 at 07:48 AM.
Frame and birdcage need to be rust free (holes and such) to make this worth it financially really.
The other part of this doesn't involve money..... do you want to work on this car just for the 'hobby' of doing it? Are you prepared to work on this thing every weekend and holidays and all that for a few years to get it back to road worthy condition? If not, then don't waste time with it.
Taking the car apart is the easy part... doing all the rest is extremely hard and expensive in money and time. Do you have the room to work and store this car for potentially years?
If so, buy and enjoy the journey.
For that kind of money for what I see not knowing all the fine details. I would pull the trigger if and only if you are able to complete the work yourself. I mean 95% . I never did a restoration before and bought my 68, 9 years ago or for 3k. I learned a lot by asking questions, reading and googling along with YouTube. I rebuilt every component myself except the steering box, that was done by GTR1999 (Gary). Heck you can even do the bodywork and paint it yourself if you put your mind to it. Just take it one step at a time. Here's how it sits today. Mind you this was a complete total disassembly, refinishing and reassembling by a novice.
Did you paint your car in your garage? End result looks great!
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1970 project... Is it worth it? Pics
