C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax VA
C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette
Folks, I need some help. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1970 Coupe. It's not all original but I'm looking for a Vette I can enjoy and drive. Here's the specs:
1970 Coupe, 4 spd
New (few mos. old) Bridgehampton Blue paint (don't know the quality of the painter but looks good) I'll check for overspray when I get to see up close.
Recently rebuilt 350 (not original) with 10K mi
New Cam that puts her around 380hp
Blue interior in good shape
sparkling rally wheels with raised ltr bridgestones
No frame rust
good chrome (bumpers)
AC but out of car (supposedly to save HP) he has all parts for me
Power steering (belt is not connected)
Power windows
Vacuum wipers and headlights work
He's asking 16,500. Is this a good price provided there's nothing major wrong? I've arranged for a local Chevy dealer to take a look at her before I purchase. Does anyone have any tips on problem areas I need to look at/for?
Thanks a lot for any feedback . . . . this is a lifetime dream but a big step for me.
1970 Coupe, 4 spd
New (few mos. old) Bridgehampton Blue paint (don't know the quality of the painter but looks good) I'll check for overspray when I get to see up close.
Recently rebuilt 350 (not original) with 10K mi
New Cam that puts her around 380hp
Blue interior in good shape
sparkling rally wheels with raised ltr bridgestones
No frame rust
good chrome (bumpers)
AC but out of car (supposedly to save HP) he has all parts for me
Power steering (belt is not connected)
Power windows
Vacuum wipers and headlights work
He's asking 16,500. Is this a good price provided there's nothing major wrong? I've arranged for a local Chevy dealer to take a look at her before I purchase. Does anyone have any tips on problem areas I need to look at/for?
Thanks a lot for any feedback . . . . this is a lifetime dream but a big step for me.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 1
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
Go here and look thru the 3 part Mechanical inspection before buying a C3. http://www.bokonon.net/corvettefaq/misc.asp
You'll find a lot of info for a variety of questions there. You'll also find a vast knowledge base in the members here. The price is really subjective depending on the condition of the car and your desire to own it. Welcome to the forum and good luck.
:seeya
Scott
You'll find a lot of info for a variety of questions there. You'll also find a vast knowledge base in the members here. The price is really subjective depending on the condition of the car and your desire to own it. Welcome to the forum and good luck.
:seeya
Scott
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington IN
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
sounds sweet. just remember the purchase price is only the beginning with these old cars. be sure to take a long test drive and make sure you have no terrible overheating problems or strange noises in the tranny or motor. maybe get it looked over by a mechanic? the good thing is that if you're good with tools you can work on just about anything on your own with these cars. :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Melville NY
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
Keep one thing in mind. These are very very old cars; a vette is a steel car with a plastic reinforced fiberglass. So they rot just like any other old steel car. If you have not owned an old car, make sure you take this vette to a shop that knows old vettes, They will check all the major items related to safety and next the mechanical condition. The old saying goes buyer be ware. There is more junk out there then there is good quality vettes. Good luck and yes the hobby is great if you enjoy working on old cars and talking old cars :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
In my opinion that price is a bit high for a NOM smallblock '70 coupe with non-working PS and A/C. Also, DON'T take the car to a chevy dealer for inspection. There's nobody there that will know the first thing about how to evaluate the condition of an early Corvette. Find a Corvette specialty shop in your area, or enlist the help of a forum member.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: somewhere south of normal
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
Owning a vette is like having a pet. They want your attention all the time. They want you to look after them and care for them, and they want all the attention. If you neglect them they will start to act up and become uncooperative.
This is the comitment you have to make.
Sounds like a nice car, but price varies according to desire, as mentioned above, and also geographical location.
Welcome to the forum, a great place to be...!!! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:
This is the comitment you have to make.
Sounds like a nice car, but price varies according to desire, as mentioned above, and also geographical location.
Welcome to the forum, a great place to be...!!! :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
From: Ashley Michigan
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (HDIronman)
I wouldn't take it to a dealer or a mechanic. If you don't know yourself, take a good friend that knows alot, and consider the buy at the time. It sounds a little pricey to me. If you end up wanting the car, make an offer. Almost everyone will take an offer.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: leroy ny
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (sb69coupe)
In my opinion that price is a bit high for a NOM smallblock '70 coupe with non-working PS and A/C. Also, DON'T take the car to a chevy dealer for inspection. There's nobody there that will know the first thing about how to evaluate the condition of an early Corvette. Find a Corvette specialty shop in your area, or enlist the help of a forum member.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (youngstar48)
$16.5 is too high, IMHO. I buy every month's Corvette Trader and keep track of the '68-'72 vettes pretty religiously. You can definitely do better.
I'd also worry about that disconnected power steering belt--why in the world would he have it disconnected unless it's FUBAR?
JB
[Modified by JB, 10:22 PM 5/1/2003]
I'd also worry about that disconnected power steering belt--why in the world would he have it disconnected unless it's FUBAR?
JB
[Modified by JB, 10:22 PM 5/1/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
I can't disagree that many C-3 owners probably have at least $16,500 in them and would like that price.... or $3500+ in a nice paint job(like you described).... but, this is still a buyer's market with the economy the way it is. I don't think I would insult anyone who has a nice vette with a lowball price that makes them mad, but I would tell them that I think the price is just not what I am looking for when it comes to a C-3 without the original engine, power steering that is disconnected and A/C in parts. Maybe reality will set in and they are willing to listen. If not? I think you can find something more original for a better price.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax VA
Re: C3 Purchase Advice - First Vette (C32B)
Thanks everyone for the great feedback, advice, and warm welcome. The price seemed high to me also and I had planned to "discuss" the price provided it's in good enough condition to consider.
I look forward to working on my Vette myself but would like something I can drive and fix/update while I can still enjoy it. I know this is a commitment (just don't tell my wife how much of one).
I see lots of automatic vettes under the $15K price that look good but I'm set on a 4sp and it has to have chrome bumpers!!
Thanks again everyone. I'll keep you posted.
I look forward to working on my Vette myself but would like something I can drive and fix/update while I can still enjoy it. I know this is a commitment (just don't tell my wife how much of one).
I see lots of automatic vettes under the $15K price that look good but I'm set on a 4sp and it has to have chrome bumpers!!
Thanks again everyone. I'll keep you posted.