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Up to you, I'm not a body man, but you're probably looking at $8000+ to have someone do it, or if you do the work maybe $5000+. Not trying to pile on, but what happened and why didn't you have collision. An insurance co would have definitely totaled it.
Probably not worth fixing seeing as you can buy a decent C5 now for $10k. You could sell yours for parts for maybe $4k, IMHO.
Sorry to see your beautiful Vette smashed...big time bummer.
I recommend you go get a couple of estimates from reputable shops that KNOW Corvettes. That will give you some solid info to go on.
Since you are here on CF asking about the level of damage, I'm surmising you are not a body man with experience. DON'T try to fix it yourself unless you like pain (physical and mental).
The sentimental piece is the unknown variable here. Only you can decide if it is worth it to fix it. From a pure $ perspective, the answer is most likely no. But...if this particular car means that much to you...then maybe so. You would not be the first person to restore a car for sentimental reasons that anyone else (with no sentimental attachment) would just part out or junk.
Is it sentimental because it might have been your first Vette? Regardless, I'd strip it for parts or sell it to a junk yard as a whole. You can always find another C5 to your liking.
Years ago I "restored" a '69 vert in similar condition. Previous owner started restoration by adding a mako shark nose. I finished the car and sold it. Would have done much better financially if I parted out the wreck when I got it. Sentimental value could confuse common sense and simple arithmetic. In the future there maybe sentimental attachment to a better vehicle with a clean title and carfax.
Tough call in some ways. I assume there is no damage to the rear?
First, as said, get it evaluated for frame damage to see if you even have a solid foundation to build from.
I think I'd start stripping off all the damaged parts down to where you can see what good stuff is left. It might not look so overwhelming then and it might help you decide.
Another possibility, if you are into it, would be to use the drivetrain and suspension/brakes/seats etc. to build a basic hot rod or something. Maybe even use most of the framework....hmm...who knows.
That stinks. As far as the car, you can make quite a bit parting it out. I would do that and add the money it would cost to repair it to get a clean one that's never been wrecked.
I work in a body shop and I can see driver frame buckle a mile a way. Have it put on a frame machine. Looks minor and cou
D possibly be pulled. The rest doesn't look too bad, bumper re bar etc etc.
i recently wrecked my z06 was in the same spot your in, I could of got the car back together for under $8k with a complete paint job but decided to just replace the car and I did
I'm sorry I just didnt fix it at this point, even though I replaced it with a lower mile, better condition z06
if you want to fix it or get an idea talk to Marc at vettenuts.net (vendor) he was very helpful took his time explaining every thing to me i'm sure he can help you figure it out
Worth attempting to fix?
about getting the frame checked. In any case, I do not see this as a cheap fix.
