Question: Flame Job
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Near Dallas
Question: Flame Job
Ahoy!
Other than in the introduction forum, this is my first post.
I have not owned a Corvette before, but I am madly looking for one for my wife's 50th birthday. It must be Monterey Red, automatic, and have a HUD. She also wants, but it's not required, a Z51 package (okay, so it's me that really wants this
) and a Nav system.
I found a 2006 with everything including Nav and Z51 with only 8,000 miles for just over $30k with a clean carfax and Carcheck. Seems like a really good deal except for one little thing. The original owner had an airbrushed flame job put down the sides and on the removeable roof panel. It appears to be well done (Its not a local car so I cant check it out in person) and pretty subtle, but the wife is not liking it.
My question is, what do you seasoned Corvette owners think of such a thing? Is it a no-no that subtracts from the value of the car, or if done well does it add value? Any input would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Cap'n Dave
PS. The car is also on eBay, Item number: 380200572553
Other than in the introduction forum, this is my first post.
I have not owned a Corvette before, but I am madly looking for one for my wife's 50th birthday. It must be Monterey Red, automatic, and have a HUD. She also wants, but it's not required, a Z51 package (okay, so it's me that really wants this
) and a Nav system.I found a 2006 with everything including Nav and Z51 with only 8,000 miles for just over $30k with a clean carfax and Carcheck. Seems like a really good deal except for one little thing. The original owner had an airbrushed flame job put down the sides and on the removeable roof panel. It appears to be well done (Its not a local car so I cant check it out in person) and pretty subtle, but the wife is not liking it.
My question is, what do you seasoned Corvette owners think of such a thing? Is it a no-no that subtracts from the value of the car, or if done well does it add value? Any input would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Cap'n Dave
PS. The car is also on eBay, Item number: 380200572553
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: South St Paul Minnesota
Its kinda a personal thing that I don't think adds value to the car but just makes it harder to sell. I think it looks good because its nice and subtle, I dont like flames that stand out. All in all its what you like and what you want so if you like it than buy it. The rest of the car looks very clean as well it should for being so low miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 7
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
The car looks like its in excellent condition, but the detail of the flames looks poor imho. Does not even look like airbrushing, but rather decals.
Definately does not add value to this car.
Definately does not add value to this car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
My belief is that it detracts from the value of the car, if only because whenever you go to sell it, your "pyramid" of potential buyers is smaller. That is somewhat regardless of the quality of the job (they do vary). But if it's very subtle which it doesn't sound like it is, it may be neutral regarding value. I've seen "ghost flames" that are so subtle you have to be almost standing on top of the car to see them.
Edit: didn't see the number/pics. just looked at them. looks pretty subtle to me. tell that dumb dealer to take the car outside and do pics. inside, with all that flooring reflection, it's totally worthless to take pics of the flames, unless they're trying to hide something about them. jmo.
Edit: didn't see the number/pics. just looked at them. looks pretty subtle to me. tell that dumb dealer to take the car outside and do pics. inside, with all that flooring reflection, it's totally worthless to take pics of the flames, unless they're trying to hide something about them. jmo.
Last edited by AORoads; Jan 27, 2010 at 02:59 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Keene NH
I would listen to your wife! It might be a good deal (because it has the flame job) but if your not both loving it I would keep looking.
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 2
From: Escondido Ca
Flames
Does your wife like tattoos? Is she tattooed? Why would you even consider buying a tattooed Corvette for a 50 year old female? And especially at that price! There are much better cars out there and at lower prices than this thing on fleabag...and from a dealer no less! The owner that did the flaming had to know he was diminishing the value of his car by what he did, and also, very much limited his potential buyers....you better believe that dealer did not pay top dollar for that car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Near Dallas
Does your wife like tattoos? Is she tattooed? Why would you even consider buying a tattooed Corvette for a 50 year old female? And especially at that price! There are much better cars out there and at lower prices than this thing on fleabag...and from a dealer no less! The owner that did the flaming had to know he was diminishing the value of his car by what he did, and also, very much limited his potential buyers....you better believe that dealer did not pay top dollar for that car.
I am curious about your statement about there being much better cars out there at better prices. I certainly haven't seen any, at least with that color, mileage, and option combination. This is literally the first 2006 Monterey Red I've found with Z51, 3LT, paddles and Nav. Any suggestions?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 75
From: Cleveland, OH
Great input! Wife is not tattoed, and I agree, neither should her Corvette! I am hoping they are stick-ons, but not likely. I've asked for better pictures. This is an offical GM dealer, by the way, but as many do down here, has it listed on ebay as well. He claims his lowest price is just under $31k.
I am curious about your statement about there being much better cars out there at better prices. I certainly haven't seen any, at least with that color, mileage, and option combination. This is literally the first 2006 Monterey Red I've found with Z51, 3LT, paddles and Nav. Any suggestions?
I am curious about your statement about there being much better cars out there at better prices. I certainly haven't seen any, at least with that color, mileage, and option combination. This is literally the first 2006 Monterey Red I've found with Z51, 3LT, paddles and Nav. Any suggestions?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: Forestville CA
Buy another car
Keep looking and your patience will be rewarded. The "Sale of the Century" is still going on and won't likely be over for another year or so. It took me 11 mos of waiting to find what I wanted, but it eventually showed up on the radar screen.
Good luck
Keep looking and your patience will be rewarded. The "Sale of the Century" is still going on and won't likely be over for another year or so. It took me 11 mos of waiting to find what I wanted, but it eventually showed up on the radar screen.Good luck
Last edited by jamesbertero; Jan 27, 2010 at 03:59 PM. Reason: spelling
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 107
From: Fairview, TX
They kinda look like the cheap decals that I have seen on fleabay before. I wonder if they could be removed?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Near Dallas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, AZ
She (and you) will be much happier if you wait to get the right Corvette. It's out there. Give her a nice 1/18th model in MR for her birthday with a note saying the full-size is on its way.
Ask me how I know this "trick" works.
Ask me how I know this "trick" works.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 5
From: Owensboro Kentucky
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
IMO, this looks like a lousy job on the flames. I hope the guy that did it does not ever see this post, because I never like to crack on another artists work. I am just giving you my opinion because you really should consider one without any artwork since there are so many to choose from. I'm all for custom paint UNDER the hood, but would have to think long and hard before doing something on the outside of my vette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale, AZ
My wife of (now) 29 years wanted a silver 6-speed manual M-B SLK 320 with seat heaters (we were in Seattle then, now in AZ EVERY seat is heated!) and there was no way to get one without ordering it from Germany. Even though I had 2 months before her 50th birthday it wasn't enough time. I bought her a 1/18th silver diecast, put a bow on the little hood and gave her an SLK keychain with a note that said the BIG one was being built. It worked perfectly. She still has the car too!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 29
From: Mount Pleasant SC
Dont Do it, Those are the worst flames I have ever scene on a C6. if you buy it you will have to live with it and if you are already hesitant, thats not a good thing. If you are set on Monterey red there are 3 on Autotrader right now all around the 29,000 to $30,000 mark with more miles. Post a WTB in the C6 for sale section and you might be able to find a forum member selling one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,067
Likes: 1
From: --- N.E., Pa.
--
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Pass-
Search the Forum Vendors for a better price/etc.
IMHO you both will be happier, mostly your wife, if you get the F55 Suspension and add Z51 sway bars.
She gets a softer ride, you still get a very sporty ride when you want and the mod is very easy and cheap.
And get an '06 or newer for the paddle shift auto trans and avoid some of the 'first year' trials and tribulations, particularly the battery related ones.
3LT Interior, heated power seats and telescoping steering column both with memory selected by which fob is driving, makes for easier sharing.
Again, just my $.02.
Good Luck, happy shopping.
Search the Forum Vendors for a better price/etc.
IMHO you both will be happier, mostly your wife, if you get the F55 Suspension and add Z51 sway bars.
She gets a softer ride, you still get a very sporty ride when you want and the mod is very easy and cheap.
And get an '06 or newer for the paddle shift auto trans and avoid some of the 'first year' trials and tribulations, particularly the battery related ones.
3LT Interior, heated power seats and telescoping steering column both with memory selected by which fob is driving, makes for easier sharing.
Again, just my $.02.
Good Luck, happy shopping.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 20
From: Noblesville indiana
I totally agree with the others. Get something you both like and will enjoy. There's nothing worse than sitting at a light wishing you purchased the nice vette that just pulled up next to you.