When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey all, Doug here from Maryland.
It's been 15 or so years since I owned a Corvette, but I'm coming back to the fold after a brief hiatus of H-D distractions. I last had a 1999 Convertible that I sold once I got up to 3 motorcycles...
I'm looking to get caught up on how the hobby has changed, and hope to find a project car to spend the next few years working on. The dream machine is a 1961 Convertible, but I'll most likely "start with" a 1972 Convertible. The '61 has always been the dream, and '72 is not only my birth year but also is the last with the chrome bumpers.
Any advice on catching up on how the hobby has evolved over the last decade or so would be appreciated. Also, I haven't gotten through all the forums yet, but any advice on how/where to start researching projects would be much appreciated!
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Doug - welcome to the forum and thanks for your service to our country. Since you are focusing on the C1 and C3 generations, I recommend you spend time in each of those sections going through the threads and also the cars for sale listings.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Sep 6, 2023 at 03:13 PM.
Doug - welcome to the forum and thanks for your service to our country. Since you are focusing on the C1 and C3 generations, I recommend you spend time in each of those sections going through the threads and also the cars for sale listings.
Thanks for the recognition, thanks for your service also, and thanks for the thread guidance.
I spent some time in the C3 forum before posting an intro, and it brought out more questions.
It looked like the cars I saw FS were in good and better condition. I never expected to find a project here, is that a valid expectation? Also am I being too specific in my searching? I believe I'm doing it "the right way"?
Welcome to the Forum, Doug!
As far as your search for a project car, you may run across some in the C3 For Sale section, but almost certainly the majority will be finished or pretty much finished.
Some suggestions would be to put a request in the C3s For Sale/Wanted. Outline what you are looking for (do you want to do minor restoration; a full-blown, frame-off restoration or maybe something in between).
Also consider putting a note up in the Northeast Regional Discussion at: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/northeast-40/. Provide the same same info about the scale of work you are interested in.
And, look for some Corvette clubs in your area. Attend a meeting or two initially and again let the members there know of your interest. You may run across someone with “just the thing” sitting in their garage.
Best wishes with finding the project Corvette right for you.
Thank you for your military service!
Welcome to the Forum, Doug!
As far as your search for a project car, you may run across some in the C3 For Sale section, but almost certainly the majority will be finished or pretty much finished.
Some suggestions would be to put a request in the C3s For Sale/Wanted. Outline what you are looking for (do you want to do minor restoration; a full-blown, frame-off restoration or maybe something in between).
Also consider putting a note up in the Northeast Regional Discussion at: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/northeast-40/. Provide the same same info about the scale of work you are interested in.
And, look for some Corvette clubs in your area. Attend a meeting or two initially and again let the members there know of your interest. You may run across someone with “just the thing” sitting in their garage.
Best wishes with finding the project Corvette right for you.
Thank you for your military service!
You're welcome, and thank you for your service as well.
Thank you also for the info on posting in the Northeast thread, and visiting local meetings. IIRC, Corvette Club of America is out of MD?
Now, can someone tell me how Maryland ended up in the Northeast thread? The Mason-Dixon line is between MD and PA, so I feel like a goober after not finding anything related to MD in the Southeast area.
I guess I should have read the header that listed the states in each category...
...Now, can someone tell me how Maryland ended up in the Northeast thread? The Mason-Dixon line is between MD and PA, so I feel like a goober after not finding anything related to MD in the Southeast area.
I guess I should have read the header that listed the states in each category...
I'm taking for granted that to you, serving was an Honor. So, I'll thank you for the Sacrifices made by you and your loved ones...
Not to be a smart a$$ but I've only heard one answer that made sense to me about Maryland. It was considered a "Slave State" before the Civil War. Maryland, along with Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri, are the four "pro-slavery" states that did NOT secede from the Union before or during the Civil War.
Now that all the "surface dialog" conversation is out of the way, welcome to the CorvetteForum. I can't tell you much about a "61" but I had a 1972 roadster that I bought as a driver. To enjoy it, I found out I had to "restore" it before I could get close to becoming satisfied with it. If you want a car you will need to work on to drive, get a 72 and you will not be disappointed.
If you want a car that satisfies the love of "touring or driving" or maybe even a bit of an adrenaline rush that comes with handling at speed, I'd highly recommend a C4 and then a C5. If you select carefully, you will not need to break the bank for either.
I'm sure you have a good idea of what you want out of the Corvette hobby you are getting back into. From my perspective, things have changed (a lot) but as I'm sure you know, there is one or more models and/or years that can check virtually any box you are looking for check off. Enjoy the search...
I'm taking for granted that to you, serving was an Honor. So, I'll thank you for the Sacrifices made by you and your loved ones...
Not to be a smart a$$ but I've only heard one answer that made sense to me about Maryland. It was considered a "Slave State" before the Civil War. Maryland, along with Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri, are the four "pro-slavery" states that did NOT secede from the Union before or during the Civil War.
Now that all the "surface dialog" conversation is out of the way, welcome to the CorvetteForum. I can't tell you much about a "61" but I had a 1972 roadster that I bought as a driver. To enjoy it, I found out I had to "restore" it before I could get close to becoming satisfied with it. If you want a car you will need to work on to drive, get a 72 and you will not be disappointed.
If you want a car that satisfies the love of "touring or driving" or maybe even a bit of an adrenaline rush that comes with handling at speed, I'd highly recommend a C4 and then a C5. If you select carefully, you will not need to break the bank for either.
I'm sure you have a good idea of what you want out of the Corvette hobby you are getting back into. From my perspective, things have changed (a lot) but as I'm sure you know, there is one or more models and/or years that can check virtually any box you are looking for check off. Enjoy the search...
I loved my time in the Corps, the only thing I regret is the fact that it was so long ago.
I'm looking for a project, and have always wanted a C3. Then again, I've always wanted a C1 too, but I'd rather have the budget to go "All In" on a 72 vs. "Have to count pennies" on a '61. I'm just crazy enough to be excited about going all the way down to sandblasting a frame, and build her back up from there.
I've never been a fan of C4, the body and interior just don't do it for me. I loved my C5, but feel like "been there, done that".
IDK how anyone can enjoy the search at this point. It's been a few more weeks, and I swear I've only found 1-2 '72 Convertibles that I would even consider a project? I don't know where everyone else comes across these barn finds, but I'm not having much luck. Am I being overly specific, saying "1972 convertible"? I mean, I get that they're now 50+ years old, but still?
Doug I may have a car that interests you. Frame and suspension all redone and powder coated. Engine rebuilt but not original. I have 11k in new parts and work in the car and another 4k in engine. Beats starting out with a rusted out car from the beginning. It’s a 72 convertible.
New Member in MD
