This is only my second thread. Don't know if anyone recalls but my first one dealt with the finding of my wifes deceased father 71 vette a few months ago. Well, I finally made the 6 hour trip to go take a look at it. Took some digital pictures and got the vin # and think, I got all of the engine block #, (had a lot of rubbing to do). Well, the guy is willing to sell, however he won't tell me what he want's. My question is, what is the best way to determine a fair asking price? and how do I determine if the engine and car match? Quick run down on the car: The car had been sitting for 5 years in a garage (covered), however he claims to start it occasionally (spring 2004 was last time). He did not start it for me (no battery). He told me that the guy who had it before him told him that he did work to the engine and gained an additional 100 horses. New paint, (changed from Bridgehampton to Mulsanne Blue). New soft top, new disc brakes, new headers, new carb. What he said it "needed" was a new master cylinder, and a battery to be road worthy. Needs a few trim peices. What I observed: the engine was not clean and probally needed alot of new hoses, wires ect. The interior needed to be replaced, seats, carpet, the box around the brake handle was cracked, overall the interior was dirty. I noticed that the front wheels were straight, however the stering wheel was at 90%? The VIN # is 194671S118194
The Engine Block # is V0513CJL (it looked like there were smaller numbers preceeding it but I could not read them due to rust)
Anyway that about it, and I'm sure you guys would have alot more questions, but I really did not know what to look for. This is all new to me.
I think the guy has a false impression of what it's worth, he told me he went to a car show last year and saw a 71 and could not believe what the guy was asking.
I'll post some pictures in the next few days. Thanks.

 

You might need more then a M/C for the brake system. If it's been sitting a long time figure on going through it completely. As you said all rubber hoses may be dry rot so check them but they are a minor repair. What you really have to look at is the frame and windshield frame. This is the problem area with these cars. An interior will run $1,000 if you need carpet,seat covers,door panels. The VIN number should be stamped in the block by the waterpump- the smaller numbers you were referring to. What options does it have-PS,PB T&T wheel, a/c, leather,PW?
Gary

 

It does not have A/C or power window/locks. I'm not sure if it has P/S or P/B. Does not have tilt wheel. Has cloth seats. Also it only has 46,000 miles. It's hard for me to go back and look at it due to the distance, I'll be going back up in December. The fact is that I really want "this" car due to it being my wifes fathers, but I don't want to get ripped. Is'nt there some place or way I can find out all the options this car had when it was produced?

 

You would need a build sheet. This is sometimes on top of the gas tank. It might or might not be there or it might be damaged. It sounds like this car is rough but restorable. I agree with Gary on the brakes. A complete rebuild is probably needed. Tough to say the price. Is numbers matching important to you or not. PB there would be a booster attached to the firewall behind the master cylinder. PS there would be a PS pump on the left front of the engine.

 

Numbers matching is not that important. Just thought maybe someone could give me ballpark figure? I was thinking somewhere around $12,000. Is that crazy? I'll post some pictures maybe that will help.

 

Coupe or convertible? 350 or 454?

 

convertible with 350 also has a hard top with it.

 

Maybe I'm paranoid but I have to wonder about the story that it gets started every once in a while but when you get there - no battery - It would have been easy to pull a battery and put it in to show you that it runs. Also, new paint, car cover but a really dirty engine compartment with lots of rust? I would be careful - you'll need to go up there again to further inspect the car - make sure the guy starts it for you. Then check the frame in front of the rear wheels - jab it with a screw driver to make sure it's solid. Look for rust around the windshield trim and at the door hinge area - checking for a rusted bird cage is difficult - perhaps someone else will chime in with some ideas here -

Not having seen the car I can only guess at it's value but $12K sounds high. I would count on new interior, new brake system, trim parts, shocks, tires, lots of hoses and such under the hood (assuming the car runs), plugs, points, condenser, dist cap, plug wires, filters, etc. You may also need to replace the front bearings and a few bushings here and there. Maybe $6-8K would be better...????

pm

 

It's a 71 SB vert. Auto or Manual tranny? Pictures would help a lot. The "new paint" and "new soft top" brings up a conflicting image with your description of the interior and engine bay.

If the frame is OK, then $12k could be reasonable, but the suspension, engine, tranny or clutch could be toast. It's tough to buy a car you cannot test drive.

I look forward to the pictures.

 

what value have you placed on the "emotional desire" for that car? all Corvettes are hard to walk away from if its your first one and especially if their are other emotional aspects to it. Just look on the bright side ... how can you screw up buying your wifes deceased fathers car ... if you pay too much whos going to yell at you? you're in a win win situation, presumably you have her blessing to buy it and spend money on it... this is a situation lot of guys would like to be in... not to mention the happiness it will bring her.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. It's a maunual tran. I plan on going back up to see it in a few months. Never thought to check the things you all mentioned. I'll call the guy before I go and tell him I would like to see it running. I'll also check for frame integrity (never thought of that). Pictures comming soon. I'm at work right now, can't get to em.
Thanks Again,
Wade