Going to Restore a C3...
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From: Carmel IN
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (Stewart's74)
Oh yea, another thought...he was asking for 8k. What if I just give a low offer like 3,500 ? I don't think he has a single other offer and he said he did need to sell.
I mean this is the first car I will be looking at and I don't feel the need to just get the first thing. I'd like to make the best decision.
I mean this is the first car I will be looking at and I don't feel the need to just get the first thing. I'd like to make the best decision.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: St. Charles IL
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Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
Check out my web site. My 75 was a complete basket case, but it will be saved. So far $12,000.00 and I have done everything myself except for the machining on the engine and the powder coating on the frame. I still have a $4,000.00+ paint job to go and all the weather strip. Bucks add up fast in this game, not that I have any regrets but if I knew then what I know now I might have parted this car out. Yours sounds like a great deal has already been done, but why is the guy selling it? Most people usually want to finish what they started. If you are going to start this project be sure you know EVERYTHING there is to know about what you already have and what is still needed, and then figure out what it will be worth when finished. All numbers matching? Big Block? These things can make a big difference.
Burning Brakes
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From: Tulsa Ok
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (Big Fish)
I think when considering projects like this, one should pose the question, "What would Tim Taylor (Home Improvement) do? The answer is not as important as the ability to invision the consequences of one's actions.
Le Mans Master
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From: Bloomington MN
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Re: Going to Restore a C3... (Big Fish)
I would rather have a complete, running car I think. At least that way you could figure out on your own all of the things that still need work, rather than taking someone else's word for it. Also, you would know it has all of it's parts, and how they come apart/go back together. 8K seems very high for a mostly disassembled small block coupe that still needs paint and a lot of work.
AC
AC
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From: Carmel IN
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (Big Fish)
Guy is selling it because he bought land and wants to make it into a farm. He needs to sell the vette and his house and move up there. He also said he hasn't had the time to finish it.
He started the Restore in '90. The car hasn't been driven since then.
350 Engine, rebuilt... I believe matching #'s.
Great website, your Vette looks great!!! I'd def like it to turn out as nice as yours...
[Modified by basemansix8, 11:05 PM 4/8/2003]
He started the Restore in '90. The car hasn't been driven since then.
350 Engine, rebuilt... I believe matching #'s.
Great website, your Vette looks great!!! I'd def like it to turn out as nice as yours...
[Modified by basemansix8, 11:05 PM 4/8/2003]
Le Mans Master
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From: Bloomington MN
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Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
Well, the problem with lowballing this guy is that he know what he has already put in the car. The problem is, you usually don't get out the money that you put in, but some guys don't realize that. I bet he already has $3500 in just the frame and related parts. I would say take a look around at other comparable Vettes (other 68-72 small block coupes), and see what you find. I bet you could find one in very acceptable condition for around 10-15K.
AC
AC
Melting Slicks
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From: Apex NC
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
Are you really looking for opinions and advice, or merely validation? Many folks who have been down tis road have chimed in to tell you what a daunting task you'll face by picking up a frame-off disassembled car in mid-project. I'll repeat some points from my previous post. Do you have tools? Do you have experience in restoring an older car? Do you know how to evaluate the condition and completeness of the car as it sits today? If the answer to any of these points is "No" then I suggest you take some time to get familiar with the issues you'll face before you jump in and worry about how much to offer for a car you've not even seen yet.
I speak from experience here. Lots of others do too. I bought pretty much the first car I could afford and would have been much better off if I had waited and bought a better car to start with.
But feel free to do as you will. And stick around to ask advice regardless of what you decide. We're a generally helpful bunch, although I'm trying to be blunt here to make you step back and think a bit before you get caught up in the "thrill of the hunt". Please don't take offense, none intended. :cheers:
Shannon :thumbs:
I speak from experience here. Lots of others do too. I bought pretty much the first car I could afford and would have been much better off if I had waited and bought a better car to start with.
But feel free to do as you will. And stick around to ask advice regardless of what you decide. We're a generally helpful bunch, although I'm trying to be blunt here to make you step back and think a bit before you get caught up in the "thrill of the hunt". Please don't take offense, none intended. :cheers:
Shannon :thumbs:
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From: Carmel IN
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (sb69coupe)
Shannon,
I am looking for advice. As you can tell I am getting a few sides here:
- It might be a good deal
- Wait and buy one running and in better shape
- Buy one totally restored already
Well I am 24. I probably could answer "No" to one or more of those questions. Luckily I have a few friends that have restored cars before. I also do have the desire to learn and do it. I am prepared to put in the time, effort and $$$.
I also am by no means ready to just jump on the first car I inquiry about. If it takes me over a year to find the one to buy, I am ok with that. Just want to get a good feel for what I should expect with the options I have been presented.
I am looking for advice. As you can tell I am getting a few sides here:
- It might be a good deal
- Wait and buy one running and in better shape
- Buy one totally restored already
Well I am 24. I probably could answer "No" to one or more of those questions. Luckily I have a few friends that have restored cars before. I also do have the desire to learn and do it. I am prepared to put in the time, effort and $$$.
I also am by no means ready to just jump on the first car I inquiry about. If it takes me over a year to find the one to buy, I am ok with that. Just want to get a good feel for what I should expect with the options I have been presented.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Apex NC
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
Hey, that's cool. I just don't want you to end up like the guy posting in the other thread about the lemon he just bought. :eek:
Stick around here, do some reading on http://www.corvettefaq.com to bone up on how to evaluate a C3 pre-purchase. The chrome bumper cars have lots of little unique issues like the vacuum/electrical wiper door system, fiber optics, etc. along with the standard C3 stuff like rear wheel bearings, differential yokes, radiator support and body birdcage rot, the list goes on and on.
Hook up with a knowledgeable forum member and take them with you to help you evaluate any car that you look at. They'll be emotionally removed from the process, and will have the experience and knowledge to point out potential issues ahead of time.
Best of luck, and welcome to the C3 side of the forum. They really are great cars!
Shannon
Stick around here, do some reading on http://www.corvettefaq.com to bone up on how to evaluate a C3 pre-purchase. The chrome bumper cars have lots of little unique issues like the vacuum/electrical wiper door system, fiber optics, etc. along with the standard C3 stuff like rear wheel bearings, differential yokes, radiator support and body birdcage rot, the list goes on and on.
Hook up with a knowledgeable forum member and take them with you to help you evaluate any car that you look at. They'll be emotionally removed from the process, and will have the experience and knowledge to point out potential issues ahead of time.
Best of luck, and welcome to the C3 side of the forum. They really are great cars!
Shannon
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Going to Restore a C3... Called up about a '69 Vette (basemansix8)
looks like all the pieces are there, and just needs assembling.....not that bad of a job putting all the pieces together...been there, done that with my 68. for 8k....and all new parts, it's a great price
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From: Carmel IN
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
I don't know but I guess some of the feelings I have after reading all the posts in the past few days is to spend a little more money and get a running Vette that is in good condition. Then go from there and start the restoration.
Rather than picking up a car mid project or after some project work not knowing exactly what was done.
Any thoughts?
Rather than picking up a car mid project or after some project work not knowing exactly what was done.
Any thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: Apex NC
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (basemansix8)
:hurray: I think you're on the right track. It's much easier to come up to speed by easing into things. Find a decent drivable car and start with smaller projects and work your way up to larger things. You'll learn alot along the way and you can enjoy the car too. Spending many long months laboring over a project basket case that you've never even driven will not exactly provide much motivation.
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From: Carmel IN
Re: Going to Restore a C3... (sb69coupe)
Yea, I also had doubts about the car no being driven in 13 years.
So I guess I will have to find the car can go from there on what needs to be done.
What do you think are some projects that I should do on a decent car? I am guessing no matter what I might want to do frame and chasis work?
So I guess I will have to find the car can go from there on what needs to be done.
What do you think are some projects that I should do on a decent car? I am guessing no matter what I might want to do frame and chasis work?
