Sold my 97 Corvette about 2 years ago and bought a newer Camaro conv. It was my eight Corvette and turning 70 didn't want to work on cars anymore, felt was time to move on. But just ran across a deal for a 2001, runs good but paint faded and interior needs cleaning up. He showed me receipts where he had spent about $7500 over the last year or so on new tires, rebuilt trans, new harmonic balancer, new radiator/water pump, plugs/wires, brakes and a few other things. Is somewhat high mileage at 160k, got it cheap so had to buy it. Started working on it, so far so good. Here's a pic when i first got it home, before any cleaning.

 

Well done- excellent price. You wont go wrong with a bit of elbow grease.

 

Same here. At 70 this is my sixth vette since 1970 and like you, Im not looking to start wrenching again. Found my 2000 vert back in december...........stays garaged but I do take it out on weekends weather permitting.

 

Luckily this one is more cosmetic stuff and not much mechanical. Does anyone have any tricks at restoring paint other than just rubbing compound. The main problem with interior, other than dirt, is the drivers seat. Not sure to take it out and have it repaired or to just get seat cover, passenger seat looks like new. Really don't want to put a lot of money in it, and not looking for perfection, just a decent driver or sell.

 

I'd say you got a great deal for a daily driver, including all the mechanical work just recently completed. I couldn't comment on the interior, without actually seeing it. The Florida sun has definitely done it's job the past 22 years, and although rubbing compound might net a better result. The question is, how long would it take to get even marginal results, and is it worth it in the first place? I couldn't make a judgement without actually seeing the car in person but, just an opinion, after seeing the photos. I wouldn't put the time and effort into it. Good luck with it!! Great daily driver.

 

That's the cheapest running C5 I have heard of. And with all of the typical mechanical repairs done recently.
Great deal, can't wait to see the different stages of progress.

 

Sounds like you just want the high millage Vette to be a fun car not worried about resale value. But it also appears the condition of the seats and paint are bothering you. A paint option is to have a fresh spray by a budget paint company like MAACO and, I agree with you, there are seat covers that fit great. Enjoy your new ride. You earned the right.

 

That paint is too far gone, compounds will make it look better but those results will wear off. you could wrap it or go for budget paint job.

 

Look into getting it wrapped. Great deal,

 

Leave the paint and just leave it! Coat it and enjoy driving the car! Great deal

 

Personally, I would not drive it looking that way It's a must fix for me or go home. 🤕 Perhaps as a broke young man I'd use it as a dream fixer. 😅

 

Got some parts in today so started to work and clean. First put in the new glove compartment latch so could actually close that. Then took out AC display and did the solder fix so that it now lights up the temp and all. All the while working on everything, was cleaning. Guy was a real slob, looks like car was never cleaned or washed/waxed. Layers of dirt and cig ashes mixed with spiled whatever, fairly disgusting. Vacuumed and started scrubbing, starting to shape up and look better. Put in a new ash tray and found missing cig lighter, not that I smoke. On a side not found about $5 in change, two pennies inside lighter receptacle in console.

Have more parts coming in by Monday, 2 window regulators, hood struts, locking wheel nuts, keyfob, floor mats. A bunch of fairly inexpensive stuff that should make a difference. Noticed that turn signals flashing fast, so need to replace both front bulbs. also going to take drivers seat out to decide what to do with it. I'll either try to fix in myself, take it somewhere for repair, or just get a seat cover. The passenger seat is fine, and the rest of interior can be cleaned.

Wasn't trying to start a war on the faded dull paint. I know it will never be right unless painted, but wanted to try and see what I can do. I may end up with a inexpensive Maaco job, or drive/sell it as is. We'll see.

 

Cheap paint and flip it. On the other hand, bring it back to something to be proud of. A legacy. Evidently you have the talent and know how, and you bought it for the right price.

All new carpet, so it smells good. Sort out the gremlins and add some cool wheels and rubber. Gears and or a nice midrange cam. Classy, spunky, reliable. Keep it and pass it to a loved one, or sell to an individual who will appreciate what it’s become under your care.

 

Sounds like you are off to a good start! on the drivers seat, I assume it slides and rocks? I fixed the sliding seat in my C5 with the nylon washer kit.

also if the guy was disgusting, one more vote for new carpet, will be worth the $.

 

Enjoy, and start having fun gain!

 

I've never tried this on the carpet, but have done it on the OEM mats. "It" being the power wash. Amazing the amount dirt that the 6.5 peak hp Rigid shop vac didn't get!!! Clear and soapy water turns brown as it's flushed out. Just saying if you can do this to a C5s carpet, it would make a huge difference in the appearance and aroma, and save some $$, too. Best of luck on your steal of a deal!

 

Got the drivers seat out today too decide what i want to do with it, I'm still hoping to fix it where it will be decent. I found another pile of garbage under seat (see pic) along with another $2 or so in change and something much more valuable, an extra key. I have a bunch more parts coming in tomorrow, so I'll get busy on it. Carpet is savable, floor mats are gone.

 

Great thread, and I love seeing the passion you have bringing this car back to a presentable state, and trying to save what you can. Any chance you have access to a carpet extractor? IF not, a good shop vac and Simple green will do a great job with a little more time and effort. Keep up the great work!!

 

Hard to beat that price and hopefully any needed upgrades do not run onto the expensive side.

 

I was browsing Marketplace today and happened upon a set of tan aftermarket floormats (with cargo mat) for $150. The deals are out there.