1987 Corvette?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 176
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From: machesney park IL
1987 Corvette?
Buddy of mine calls me with an opp to buy a 1987 Vette with 125 on the clock torn seats and a cracked front end. I have no idea how bad the damage is but know it runs and drives. Going to see it tomm and he wants 4 grand for it. Hoping to just go and make a cash offer based on the info I have what do you guys think?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Not to be a killjoy, but we kinda need more info....pics would be helpful.
First, does "cracked front end" mean minor damage to the bumper, or a nice long crack in the clamshell hood? Big difference in repair cost....and figure on a repaint.
Seats....figure on between $500 - $1000, depending on if you want original leather or vinyl, and if you want them premounted on foam or want to reskin them yourself with the kit.
Honestly, it's a buyers market right now. There are a lot of really nice C4's for sale for just a pinch more. You're gonna wind up putting another $4K into this car just to make it presentable. From the description, the car seems overpriced for the condition. $8K will get you into a very nice early C4.
First, does "cracked front end" mean minor damage to the bumper, or a nice long crack in the clamshell hood? Big difference in repair cost....and figure on a repaint.
Seats....figure on between $500 - $1000, depending on if you want original leather or vinyl, and if you want them premounted on foam or want to reskin them yourself with the kit.
Honestly, it's a buyers market right now. There are a lot of really nice C4's for sale for just a pinch more. You're gonna wind up putting another $4K into this car just to make it presentable. From the description, the car seems overpriced for the condition. $8K will get you into a very nice early C4.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: machesney park IL
Based on the limited info I have im thinking right around 3 thousand and I should be able to spruce it up enough to get 5 for it pretty cheap. I have alot of connections in the auto industry and most of them owe me favors. If not the wife could use a vette anyway and it wouldnt hurt my feelings to have another. I so wish I had pics as I would have made a descion and been in bed already
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Well, if you can do most of the work or have connections to get stuff done cheaply, it might be worth picking up. Offer them $2500 to start and see what happens. A running C4 is worth that unless it's a basket case.
Post pics if you get it.
Post pics if you get it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: machesney park IL
Well I bought it for 3k Has a magna flow exhaust and was suprisingly quick. Will need to be wet sanded and buffed as well as have the top of the front bumpber repainted will need a drivers door panel and the tach doesnt work. Its starting to look like i bought a big project but dont think its that bad. Will try to get pics in a couple days either way I'm pleased with what I bought. Thanks for the help.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Or I'm just a sucker for old Chevy's....
Truthfully, I would draw the line on a basket case. If the interior just needs seats, any local upholstery shop can probably reskin them in fabric for under $400. Then prep it at home and run it over to Maaco and hand them $700, and a week later you would have a decent driver for about $3500 that is fun, and you wouldn't be scared to park it at Lowes.
It would all depend on how it runs and just how far gone the interior is. If it's a basket case and doesn't run, I might not take it for free.
Truthfully, I would draw the line on a basket case. If the interior just needs seats, any local upholstery shop can probably reskin them in fabric for under $400. Then prep it at home and run it over to Maaco and hand them $700, and a week later you would have a decent driver for about $3500 that is fun, and you wouldn't be scared to park it at Lowes.
It would all depend on how it runs and just how far gone the interior is. If it's a basket case and doesn't run, I might not take it for free.
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