I'm looking at a project vette. Its a 1971 convertible. 350ci/270hp. 4 speed. Supposedly # matching drivetrane. Have not verified this yet. It would be a long distance purchase. If I proceed, I intend to have a local classic car autobody shop inspect certain aspects of the car and report back to be. Then I'd decide on whether I want to buy and how much to pay. Based on the e-mail photos it looks like all of the parts are there. Purchase price will be less than $7,000. Car has not been registered for last 15 years. Per seller there appears to be some small rust holes in windshield pillar. I still trying to determine exactly where the rust/holes are. Supposedly only surface rust on frame. Car appears to sit even. No obvious exterior damage noted in pictures. The paint is pealing badly. Seller says there appears to have be some body repair work done to the "front fenders and surround panels". No body modification noted in pictures and none per seller.
I have a moderate level of knowledge regarding cars and auto mechanics. The most extensive auto repair I've done in the past is to I've tear down a Subaru to have the cracked cylinder heads repaired. Then I put it all back together. I have a local brother-in-law who is an expert ASE mechanic who is available to help me if needed and my son just graduated from an auto mechanics tech school.
If I get this car I will want to do a frame off restoration. I've been waiting 15 years for a vette and the time has finaly come. I have the patience (whats another year....plus). And I'm picky, so I'm not sure my perfectly restored and optioned vette will show up in a timely manner. I think I'd enjoy the restoration like a hobby. At least that's what I think now.
THE QUESTION IS: Based on the above is it reasonable for me to consider this purchase and obvious commitment of time (money isn't really an object in this case). Thanks in advance.

 

As long as you have plenty of MONEY and lots of TIME i would say go for it.Just hope the rust does not become an issue

 

If you have the time, money, tools, skills, and yearning... then why not. Everyone needs a hobby, you just need to decide if this is the hobby you want. This board is huge source for info that comes in handy. It also makes you want to modify your car and do other things that you normally wouldnt have thought about.

 

You will spend way more than you think. Conventional wisdom is to buy the best car you can afford. There's no reason you couldn't do a body-off on an otherwise solid car - I've tossed the idea around myself.

Rust in the birdcage will be a major problem. I would avoid this car.

 

here's a 71 on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6168

 

I'm holding off my ultimate decision until I go the the NCRS Winter Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida this up coming weekend. There will be a number of vettes for sale there. I only live 2 hours away.

 

Assuming money is no object.....
All I can say is that based on the description, that car will need a lot of work. The windshield frame alone will take weeks assuming that you can do the welding. I am also willing to bet that the frame needs serious work given the widshield frame issue.

Moving to the body, this will also take a LOT of work. Stripping the paint is one thing, but the description of that nose fiberglass is scarey. Months of work getting it ready for paint.
And on and on....

Bottom line, you want a hobby, but consider when you might want to drive the car- are you willing to wait two years? Just my .02 - wait for something in better shape - ther are plenty of good, driveaable cars that need work, and you can drive it and enjoy the hobby.

 

The big questions are how long to you want to work on it, and is it your idea of a perfect vette?

It took me 8 years to do a frame off retoration on my 68 Firebird. I lost interest a couple of times and did nothing for a year. When I finally finished it, it wasn't what I wanted any more. If you are going to do a project, make sure it is the model you dream about.

This may not be the answer you are looking for, but maybe it is and will help you decide. Joe

 

OK, here's my 2 bits....

As the proud (and often frustrated owner) of a 78 SA Vette, I wanted to let you know that I am knee deep in the "restoration" project. I picked mine up for $3K, and sometimes I wonder if I overpaid!

Let me just offer this...if money's no object, then buy the absolute best you can afford, and go from there. If you start with one that is rust free, you will certainly be a happier camper. It's one of those things you see all the time...."For sale....over $30K invested....selling for $7500". I suppose there are a lot of fellow Vette-Lovers that enjoy spending way more than a car's worth in order to get it "perfect", but I just can't afford to do that.

So for the time being, I plug away...a little here, a little there. In fact, I just replaced the left quarter panel on the Vette yesterday, and I'm stoked! It's been sitting long enough, and I had almost sold it off a month or so ago. Glad I didn't.

Well I sincerely hope you enjoy whatever car you end up with. I've always LOVED the steel bumpered Vettes, and I would send mine packing in a heartbeat for the one you described! Enjoy!!!

 

they're ALL project cars. . . this one sounds like it's gonna be tough, though. might sit it out; there's plenty of 'vette in better shape for less money.

of course, people told me that about mine, too. . .

 

If the description is correct and honest and there are no hidden issues I'd buy it for that price - however I would be able to do everything except the paint myself and would only spend money on parts......

unless you buy one in really good shape you'll more than likely have to replace brakes, suspension, all lines, all bushings and so on.... the rust wouldn't scare me too much, however if you can't do all the work yourself I wouldn't buy this car...

 

I would say that if money isn't an object, than buy one in better shape.... Spending $20,000 - $25,000 that you can hop right into and drive to shows now is probably better than spending the same amount total between purchase price and restoration to get this one to the same point 3-4 years from now.

 

-i spent a ton doing mine

 

Here are some pictures of the proposed project:




Any new thoughts?

 

UM I would have to say NO ..... SEE BELOW

 

Any pics larger than the thumbnail size?? Damn I'm getting old.

 

 

After you finish your frame off, you will have a very expensive (time and $) numbers matching car. Perfect for trailering to NCRS meets and car shows. Very satisfying if that's your thing. I respect those who do it.

Personally, I think joy of owning these cars is driving them. If you are comfortable putting this near perfect car on the road and giving some yaahoo in a pickup with no insurance the chance to ruin your ride, then proceed. I'd be nervous as a cat.

When faced with the same decision a few years back, I opted to restify and drive. Glad I did.

 

My.02. I bought a running 72 project car (minus the rust) in about the same shape as the 71 Vert your considering..and about the same price.
I was not that knowledgable about vettes, but I have mechanical skills.
With research, reading, asking questions, studying, and this wonderfull Forum, I have done "almost" everything myself that's needed for a full restoration. SO....YOU CAN DO IT TOO, especially with the help of your family members. Keep in mind, not only mechanical skills are needed for restoration, so throw in painting, (and I don't mean body) upolstering, metal work (to a degree), etc... Restoration can be extremely rewarding, with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. By the same token it is frustrating, aggravating and just plain ticks you off at times. Ask yourself....are you ready for a commitment of this magnitude???? The answer lies within your fortitude & character.
Eddie

 

i didnt even finish reading your question,. reason being i have a strong passion for vettes. if you do along with some money to spend on it then yes. and dont sell it, make it a car you wont want to get rid of. spend the time and money, you wont be sorry.