On the intro page it was requested that I make a post on my purchase of my new Vette but first a little background.
I’m retired now almost six years and the plan was to catch up on all my projects which include my pickup that’s been a frame off restoration for about 3 years now and my Charger that’s been off the road a lot longer. That plan is moving a lot slower than I had expected.
Since I’ve been retired I also work at the local track helping run the swap meets and car shows. I often get asked what have you got and where is it?
This is the Charger but it needs a new trans and other love to get back on the road...


One day soon I hope but quite frankly I’m 61 now and running out of steam
But, working around all these beautiful cars was killing me plus there were other cars that had me dreaming over the years. One was the Shelby Cobra and of course a late ‘60’s Vette.
My interest got more and more serious over the last couple years and I really beat it to death in my head. Pros and cons. Came to the realization that with a Cobra it’s a replica, with an engine built by who knows who, no heat, windows or top so if your out and it rains your screwed. Cold weather driving ? Nope. Will it hold its value?
probably not. So considering a Vette all those points that Cobra failed on had the Vette winning on. So my search began. Had never owned a big block, or a convertible. Also if your going to own a sports car in my head you kinda need a stick besides the Charger is automatic. Had my sights set on a ‘68 or ‘69. Also wanted a car that was done, ready to enjoy. Well that was the plan anyway. Found a couple from $60 to $70k. Convertible big blocks were much harder to find than coupes.
There’s one in Missouri ($50k) and one, a tri-power in Kansas ($70k).
Im in NJ and that’s a long way out.
While I’m mulling it over this one pops up on FB for $65k in SC. Not that far so I call the guy.


1968 number matching 427 tri-power 4 speed that was completely restored 5 years ago. Keep note of that.
We have a good chat and he’s an old school guy rough around the edges with no filter. We got along fine but the FB peanut gallery is beating him up bad so he pulls the ad. I told him the $65k was at the top for me but I’d consider
it. Then a couple weeks later I see it resurface, the price $123456 which pretty much means call for price but the peanut gallery gets back to work and there’s a lot of back and forth. He’s had enough and throws up $45k.
I call him back and ask
if he’s serious and send him a deposit but he wants cash for the rest !
So nothing good comes without risk right? I put in an order for the money with my bank, in a week I’m heading south at 2am with truck and trailer
and this....

I’m a retired LEO so you bet your *** I was carrying.
When we get there the car is in a barn, filthy, and probably hasn’t been run in like 2 years.
If I hadn’t made such a commitment I probably would have turned around right there but I started crawling over and under the car. There’s really good paint under the crud. It is a numbers matching L68 and the frame looks brand new as does the interior though it’s filthy too. We fire it up but it takes some cranking. With it running it sounds good and sound. Right off I can see none of the gauges are working.
Before I came down I discussed the deal with my car collector friends and it was agreed I couldn’t get hurt at this price as it was about $10k under market value for a numbers matching big block with a solid frame.
With my nerves a little frazzled we loaded it up. Not exactly the finished project free car I hoped but kinda rare non the less.
Here’s some pics, look at the cobwebs and moss growing on the top.





Getting home at 4am the next day I left it in the trailer in favor of some sleep.
In the days ahead I set to trouble shooting, cleaning and repairs.
It had a new battery in it as I’m sure the one he had was dead when he went out to make sure it ran before I arrived. A volt meter confirmed the alternator wasn’t charging. Cleaning “all” The contacts and fuse block got that resolved and some of the gauges working. The left headlight was hanging up on the plastic shield, the horn didn’t work, it’s fusable links and relay were fried. Also found when sitting the center carb leaked it’s bowl dry. That would account for the hard starting. Tightening up the accelerator pump and bowl screws resolved that.
As for the fried relay, the one horn it had was dead so if power went to it they wouldn’t know. I installed a new relay and links to find the relay heating up on its way to cooking again. ???
Come to find the contact spring that goes above the canceling cam below the collar in the steering column put under the horn cap bouncing around to make constant contact. Funny thing, put it where it belongs and it all works great now.
The tach kinda works ok now with the cable greased but I’ve got a new cable to put in. The e-brake doesn’t hold and there’s a bunch of other little things to be done but gotta say it all cleaned up nice

 

Welcome again Lt.Mike, and thanks for your service... Great Story...

I have a thing for BB '68s. Back in the mid/late '70s I had a good friend with a L36 Roadster.
He liked driving mine because it was new & I liked driving his because of all of that torque.
So we would switch every so often....never leaving the other out of sight...

 

Hey Lt.Mike. Great story and an awesome car!

Reminds me of a mate who pulled a Porsche 930 turbo out of a shed on a farm down in Arkansas or somewhere there for an absolute steal. Sometimes these online ads aren’t scams!

Enjoy your new toy 👍

 

Congrats on your new toy! looks great in the photos!

 

Looks awesome!! Cool story! I would have freaked out upon arrival as you did. In the end I believe you got a great deal! She has a great shine and the engine bay looks pretty darn clean as well.

 

Did the guy give you the 1968 seats with the deal ?

 

Congrats on a nice 68.

 

Cool story. Thanks for posting. Can’t beat a green C3 convertible 4-speed.

Since your Charger needs a new transmission, how about a conversion to manual? Love that body style.

 

No, new to Vettes so I didn’t pick up on that right away. If it had head rests I probably would’ve but that I missed. The seats have that seatbelt hook on the front which I’m finding didn’t start until ‘69. I was concentrating on the engine numbers matching the body and the frame being solid. Also wanted the car to be as void of modifications As possible and for the better most part it is. I’ll never take it to a concourse show. For the last 6 years I’ve worked at the track setting up and running car shows. I’ve watched people who’ve sunk huge money into a show car they’ve trailered to the show expect first place and if they don’t win that $5 trophy they throw a hissy fit.
That put it all in perspective for me. I’m just happy for a very nice car.
With that said I may snap up correct parts as they become available.

 

I had considered that but the Vette has a 4 speed so that itch will be scratched.
The easiest thing and the plan is to install a TCI Super Street Fighter trans.
It has a 3:23 suregrip in it now but I have rebuilt 3:91 unit ready to go in.
28” 275’s on the rear will reduce it to a 3:65 ratio. The car looks factory but has extensive mods I’ve done to it over the years. It’s won shows like the Mopar Nats and been in 2 car mags.
Not into the show trophy thing anymore but I’ll probably go with the Vette this summer just for the camaraderie.
Have lots of trophies collecting dust on the walls of my barn.

 

Congratulations on your new Vette! It sure cleaned up nice. Enjoy!

 

Congrats, beautiful '68 and you did very well at that price! I have the same Cyclo polisher, love it.

 

You think so ? The jury is still out in my head on that.
Another note; It was missing it’s jack too but I just got a replacement in the mail today.
Original to a ‘72 but not ‘68. It’s fine though because I wanted the proper jack to do the job if needed. The repo jacks all had disclaimers saying “for show only”. I don’t get the point of that.
Now I have to round up a spare for it.
probably never need it but I can’t drive without it.
Oh and yes that Cyclo polisher has paid for itself many times over .

 

Love the Charger Like the old A in the background too.

 

That turned into a cream puff, beautiful Mike, enjoy your new ride you earned it.

Thank you for all did to your community to Protect and Served.

 

Good eye
I love old stuff and restoring it all.
If you like old tractors I have eight of them It’s a sickness I guess.
2 - ‘46 A’s, 2 - ‘52 Cubs, a ‘58 Lo-Boy Cub, ‘53 Super A, a Ford 8N and an Allis Chalmers G. I really need to sell some. Guess I’m
I’m also into boats and motorcycles (4 of those).
Here’s my ‘87 Grady White I restored for a fraction of what they cost new.


And a bad pic of my ‘98 Honda Valkyrie ( 6 cylinders)...



And thank you 1bdvet

 

Oh yes, love the old Farmalls 2 Super A's and an M

 

tis a sickness

 

Congratulations, it's looking fabulous already!
I love reading posts like this, thank you for sharing.

 

Exxactly!