Naples Florida area: I would like to hire a C2 expert to inspect a 64
 

I am actively interested in purchasing a 1964 in the Naples Florida area and would like to do an inspection of it soon on Tuesday April 30. The car appears to be in great condition, though I do not profess to be a C2 expert who knows what to look out for in detail. If you are a C2 expert in that area and would be interested to be hired to join me for my inspection, or know of such an expert there, please let me know. I would appreciate your more experienced perspective on the inspection.

Post some pictures of the car and tell us what you know about it .
Asking price
Options
Engine
Type of trans, etc.
You will get help :thumbs:

@silver837 Thanks for the suggestion.

It is a 64 convertible with matching numbers 300hp 327, Muncie 4-speed, 3.36 rear axle, correct Silver Blue/interior, Carter 4bbl, knock off wheels, frame off restoration in ~2017. Recent professional appraisal report included a light inspection that was very positive about the condition throughout. Owner seems to be a good guy and readily shares info.

Condition looks great and it likely is. However, as mentioned, I am not a C2 expert and would appreciate an expert's review of any details onsite when I inspect it here soon, if possible.

What are you trying to find out about the car? Are you interested in an NCRS Top Flight show car, a nice high quality driver, or something else?

From the pictures it appears to be a pretty car and nicely refinished, but even from just a quick look at the pictures there are some incorrect things that pop out. It has a an incorrect, replacement radiator of some sort, the wrong dip stick, the wrong (though close) master cylinder and the wrong power steering pump with what looks like a Borgeson after market power steering conversion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Borgeson upgrade, especially if you're older like a lot of us and like the convenience of power steering, but it looks nothing like the original power steering. If you're looking for a 100 point show car yet still want power steering, all the components needed to convert back to the original type power steering are available as a kit for about $1000 (plus labor). The passenger side mirror is a non original add on to, but nice to have if you plan on driving the car. Nothing else jumps right out at me and none of those things are major but they should be taken into consideration when determining if the car is right for you. Also, none of the really important things like the block stamping, casting numbers, casting dates and other numbers can be seen in a few simple pictures.

It's a shame as I just got back a couple weeks ago from my annual "snow bird" winter stay in Naples. I have a friend who spends the winter in Bradenton who is a very experienced NCRS judge (I think he recently reached the 400 level). His specialty is 1967, but he's very knowledgeable about all 63-67's. The only thing I don't know is if he would have the time to go look at it since I think he's due to return to NJ around the first of May. I'll call him later today and if he has the time to look at it I'll PM you his number.

There are a number of knowledgeable Forum members in Florida, so I'm sure someone else may chime in to help.

Contact Tommy Moller at Corvettes West in Sarasota. (941)922-2300

Good Lord she's a beauty!! :thumbs:

@gbvette62 Thank you for your excellent analysis from just a few distant pictures! My preference would be an all original car, so it is good to know about these non-original aspects. Nonetheless, my primary objective is to have a very nice fair weather driver and to occasionally show for fun in local events that would be more based on hanging out with other Corvette owners than necessarily fully maximizing points (though maybe I'll get the bug and want to maximize points :) ).

Do you happen to know if there is any way to assess the condition of the birdcage in a restored car, or is that all too hidden to be readily determined after everything is put back together? Older photos from the frame-off restoration show the undercarriage frame being restored though do not show the upper birdcage frame, so I don't know the birdcage's specific history or condition. The restoration was not done by the current owner.

I definitely wish your Naples snow bird stay had been a bit longer! Please let me know if your friend happens to be available. Either way, thank you for your inputs.

@donsak Thank you for the pointer. I will contact him!

@Chuck Gongloff you know anyone?

I do not. :(

In the meantime, you could post pictures of the trim tag, VIN tag and block stamp by the passenger side head. Also, even a newbie can lay on the ground and look closely at the frame, as much as you can see. Are there “seams” from welded repair? Patches? Obvious rust? Dents or evidence of bending from a collision? Rust in the end caps in from of the rear wheels? You arent an expert, buyt these things “look wrong” to even the inexperienced.

It’s a pretty car. If the price reflects the ‘64 values it could be a good buy. Does it have any paper?

@vettebuyer6369 Thanks for the encouragement, and agreed that is my current plan for checking underneath. I do have a few provided photos from underneath, which all look good, and photos of the identifying numbers. Regarding "paper", I'm not entirely sure what you are referring to. It does apparently have records of the restoration, including receipts and photos. It may also come with some original paperwork, though TBD and just a bit.

What is the sellers price ?

At first glance, with not looking at anything closely, certainly not in person… I like this car.

Looks really nice, and very well done. Unless you plan on taking it to judging events & doing that sort of thing, i wouldnt hesitate once you confirm the frame and birdcage look as good as the rest of the car.

If you do plan on judging the car, it's always a fun way to challenge.yourself by continually improving things to be more correct. I prefer driving them, over worrying about how correct things are, but to each thier own.

Scott the person I had in mind was already is already on his way back to NJ, so he couldn't help. Why don't you try Richard Smith, the Judging Chairman for the NCRS Florida Chapter. He should know someone qualified to look at the car for you. His email is smallblk67@gmail.com and his number is 321-288-7440. You might also talk to Steve at C & S Corvette in Sarasota. I don't know if Steve (or his partner Lyle) do pre-purchase inspections, but if he doesn't he might be able to recommend someone in the area who does 800-886-5064.

Thanks for the helpful contact, @gbvette62. Richard was able to connect me with a very helpful semi-local gentleman who provided some of his expertise and inputs.