Neglected Corvette worth
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
Neglected Corvette worth
Just wondering what Corvettes that are left outside for many years are worth.I have two in my neighborhood in question. A C3 and a C4.The C3 (mid 70s) has been under two car covers for about 15 years. The First cover fell apart and a $75.00 Auto Barn one was its replacement. The C4 (85 or 86) has been under its cover about 10 years.These cars are never moved , started and are sitting with flat tires.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Chesapeake Beach Maryland
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
The interiors are probably shot as well from moisture and probable leaking through rotted weatherstrip. My dad's neighbor has a 1975 C3 in the same general condition, maybe a little better, but I opened the door and was totally shocked at the nasty smell and half rotted seats, carpet and dash. I remember those cars well in the showrooms. They were like Jewels to me then.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
Thats what I think these clowns think. Both cars in mention first sat for about two to three years outside before car covers were placed on them. The C3s orginal cover fell a part on the car after about 7 years and a chepie was bought which is held down with bricks so it doesnt fly off.Strange part is this neighborhood I live in the homes are worth about $500,000.There is also a third Corvette a real collectable a 72 Red coupe which has been sitting for about 6 years with nothing covering it. The surprising part about the 72 is the paint still looks decent for now. Whats even more sad most of these homes have garages which are stuff with bikes and that extra freezer among other junk.
Race Director
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
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Mid seventies and mid eighties Corvettes that have sat outside for 10 or more years are worth less than it would cost to get them in running condition. Add paint and you are really behind the eight ball. The only Corvettes that are worth anything after sitting outside for that long are pre-73, and are only worth buying if the price is right.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 444
Likes: 2
From: Dardenne Prairie Mo
I have two sitting out in about a five mile radius of my neighborhood as well BOTH UNCOVERED!
The first one is a 85-86 coupe that looks well used been parked in the driveway for about four years. The second is a 1978 black coupe that was parked on the STREET about TEN years ago. This car was in near mint condition when the owners decided to start parking it on the street. It has since gone down hill in a big way. The thing that has me scratching my head with the 78 is that the owners have a nice big two car garage that only one car inhabits. Why don't the 78 deserve the second space instead of a lawn tractor? Am I stupid or what?
Happy Holidays Everybody!
The first one is a 85-86 coupe that looks well used been parked in the driveway for about four years. The second is a 1978 black coupe that was parked on the STREET about TEN years ago. This car was in near mint condition when the owners decided to start parking it on the street. It has since gone down hill in a big way. The thing that has me scratching my head with the 78 is that the owners have a nice big two car garage that only one car inhabits. Why don't the 78 deserve the second space instead of a lawn tractor? Am I stupid or what?
Happy Holidays Everybody!
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Yikes, I wouldnt touch them if they have been sitting (espcially during the snowy sasons), especially the C3. Windshield frames like to rot on those things among other places. Sad to see though.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Syracuse Utah
There has been a C2 sitting near here for about 20 years. I know a number of people have tried to buy it off the guy for years now, but the owner thinks its worth a fortune. I have now doubt it will take tens of thousands of dollars to restore it as it has been sitting exposed in a field. It finally disappeared a few months ago. No body knows what happened to it but I'll bet it was given away to a relative or something. No one in their right mind would have bought it.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Frame rust-through is another big issue with C3's. The worst part is at the rear frame kick-up where the control arms attach. Even cars that are always driven can see lots of rust there especially in states where salt is used for winter de-icing on the roads.The C4 may somewhat fare better in terms of rust as a lot of the frame is enclosed within the body shell, but you have to think that anything cloth, vinyl, leather, or rubber will probably have to be replaced. Mold and mildew would most likely be a big problem in either car.
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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Chances are REAL good that the birdcage & frame are going to have serious rust. C3s don't fare very well when they sit outside and never move....Stupid person........
