I'll be going to look at an '87? '88? maybe even an '89 coupe this weekend. I took a quick look at it last weekend and it's pretty beat up. It looks as if a few parts from various years has been added... as if the car may have been pieced together. I'm looking for a "project" Vette as I want to rebuild it. Mainly just the interior and exterior... not so much the motor and tranny. Anyway, At first look, I thought it was a ZR1, based on the only fact being the badges on the rear bumper, (as well as the square tail lights). After a peek into the interior, I noticed it was an automatic, which was a dead give away it was NOT a ZR1. I don't have any pics YET, but plan on taking some this weekend if I go back to drive it.
I did talk to the owner of the lot where it's at and he told me the owner is now deceased so talking to him will be a bit tough. He knows the car needs work... interior looks like a rabid dog got to it, shifter button is missing, weather stripping is terrible, rims look as if they were driven on railroad tracks, and the mileage is "over 100k" per the dealer. etc. I have yet to look at the motor or the underside. The "dealer" said he has spoken to the attorney's involed with settleing this estate and had warned they to sell this Vette will be tough unless someone wanted a project car. He says IF the car was in decent shape it would sell for $10k+ and thinks they will be lucky to get $6k. Now there's no way I'm willing to pay the $6k based on the above mentioned items I've noticed. I was considering offering in the area of $2k +/-.
What my question is to the fine folks of this board is....
Would you bother with this one?
What items should I really look for that will just be too much to handle with trying to fix or replace?

I know it's hard to determine what to do without pics or seeing it for yourself. I've never had a Vette before and I don't want to be scorned for life if this one is better off going to the crusher. Thanks for any and all replies.

 

Based on what you described, I wouldn't pay more than $2500 for this 'Project car'. For a little more $, you can probably get a more decent car needing less repairs/replacement parts. It all starts to add up over time.

 

I agree.

 

It has been said that you are always better off to buy the most expensive car that you can afford(regarding quality). I never understood this until I rebuilt a vette. Assuming you do much of the grunt work yourself, you can easily invest triple the purchase price or more. Interior can cost 2-4k. Engine rebuild could be 2-3k. Trans(assuming auto) could be 1-2k. Paint 2-5k depending on location. Weatherstrip (gm) can cost 1300 bucks alone. I am all for a good project car. Just do your homework and ask question. Do not be afraid to use the search button. Years of good advise at your fingertips also.

 

If you can get it for $2k it would be good but keep in mind that once you get done it is only worh about $12k in great condition. On my 88 I have spent $2200 in parts on a car that I thought was ready to drive. It really adds up fast when you start doing suspension, tires, brakes, injectors, fuel pumps, A/C systems, etc.... Plus if you have to pay someone to paint the car that is $2500+ right off the top.

 

Thanks for your replies... after several hours of reading and searching through the for sale section.... I've decided to pass on this one. I'll save up more money and buy a nicer one.... and per the forum here... there are plenty of nice one's out there.

 

OK, slight change of events with this car.... I went by again this morning to look at it again. This time with a little knowledge of Corvette's, (all of which I gained from reading here in the forum). It appears that it IS a ZR1! After another look at the shifter it is in fact a 6 speed and was confirmed by seeing the clutch. It also has the "valet" key to cut the power. Everything else remains the same however I might be able to only have to have the seats redone as they are torn, worn and missing some of the controls for the, and I only assume, heat, lumbar etc. They have the controls on both sides of the seats and one side looks as if it was smashed in. The weather stripping will have to be replaced as well as some body work and maybe an exhaust. The exhaust doesn't bother me at all as I want to install either a Corsa or Borla system anyway. I hope to hear from the "dealer" today so I can look at it in more detail and drive it.
So my question now is are the opinions the same as stated above or does the fact that it's a ZR1 make a difference? I still believe he'll let it go for less than $6000 as this was the only figure thrown out at me from him. (He claims to have told the attorney's they'll be lucky to get $6000 for it)

 

$2,000 to $3,000 tops

 

Post the VIN, we'll be able to tell you more about it than the original owner.

Do you have any pictures of the car? Where is it?

My gut says RUN AWAY!!! If the inside is that trashed, there's no telling how neglected that LT5 is and repairs to it can get expensive.

These cars don't need to be babied, but they do need to be taken care of. Neglect is the biggest killer

 

I'll get pics and the VIN later today. The previous owner is now deacesed so getting any info from him will be a little difficult.
I'll try and take as many pics as possible... inside, outside, motor, etc.

 

Lets try this again since I got an error trying to reply the first time.

The previous owner is deacesed so getting any info from him will be a little difficult.

I'll take pics later today as well as getting the VIN. I'll take as many pics as possible of the interior, exterior, motor, etc and try and post them.

 

I'm not sure what's happening here as I post and it doesn't show...then it does and I post it twice.. then delete one...

Anyway, I'll take pics of it later today when I go and look at it closer and drive it. I'll be sure to post the VIN as well since the previous owner is deacesed and I can't ask him for any info on the car.

 

OK... I got some pics of the outside, inside and motor... as well as the VIN...
and I finally figured out the year of the car, it's a 1991.

I'm unable to post the pics directly but here's a link to them.
http://www.avowners.com/Gallery.asp?AVID=869

Thanks for all your help, comments and suggestions.

I did drive it and I must DAYYYYYUUUMMMMMM!!! It still gets up and goes. It is rough and did smoke a bit at start up. From the looks of it, is was sitting for at least close to two years. The clutch seemed fine as it didn't slip at all. The ride itself is STIFF! But I assume that's to be expected for a sports car. It does rattle a lot but figured it wouldn't be as bad with new weather stripping. Anyway, thanks again for all the help.

 

Actually it's a late 90 model ZR-1 - #3001 produced in that year.

 

Correct.... I want to say it was 7/90? or there abouts. I didn't know it was classified as a late model '90... I learned something else today!

 

really late model 90

OK few things here. 1 that paint on the motor is gone. It can not be saved. You will need to Powder Coat it (anywhere from $400-1200) depending on who you have do it. 2. Id say it needs painted.

 

Interesting car. Lot of miles sure to cost some time and money but if you're up to challenge I say go for it. If not I'd be interested??

Ike

 

There were 3049 ZR-1's produced in 1990 so this car was near the end of the model year. Looks like a major project, it's going to take a lot of time and money to fix up. Might be a good candidate for major mods if you are so inclined. Hate to say it but it's probably a better candidate for parting out.

 

I'll see what comes back with the VIN... and make a choice then. I figure with offering $2k I couldn't go wrong.

 

You will not get that car for 2k. If he will sell it for 6k, go for it..... but only if you are inclined to spend a buttload of money on it.

That car has major issues with just the cosmetic stuff, and the mechanical would be suspect as well.