Sell me a CORVETTE!! (Vette owners only..)

[e-tek]

I've LOVED (various) Vette's forever. Cost, availability (and that I'm not Italian) has always held me back from buying one. As many know, I have a few cars already (67 Galaxie Con, 74 Challenger Rallye, 48 Merc PU, 71 Datsun 240Z) and if I really wanted a Vette I would part with 1-2 others.

I lean towards anything 63-70 of course, then maybe 2003-2006. My price range would be about 35K max, but I'd much rather go $15-20K if it wouldn't take YEARS to fix. It would have to be either a Convertile, a targa, or at least a t-top.

So tell me, will it be worth it? Would you sell 2 other cars for a Vette? Should I look for one already (moslty) done, or are they not too bad to redo?

Thanks in advanee!!!

 

[doug.j]

You could pick up a nice 70-81 and do a few mods for a lot less than 35k. That way you could just add to the fleet. The real classics are too valuable to modify and the newer Vettes are still depreciating.

 

[Mickey O]

How about a '69 blue convertible with a 427 (4 barrel) and factory air (I know, the convertibles didn't come with factory air, this one did, former GM executives car), on second paint job, otherwise all original except stainless brake lines, I'd like lots of money for it.

 

[deathbound]

A '63 would be nice & I believe the only split window, so it would be pricey. Check out www.usedcorvettesforsale.com for shits & giggles. My .02

 

[jgoglick]

Since you have other old cars, you know how each one has their own quirks and issues. The C3 vettes (68-82) have their issues. Number one is rust of the frame and birdcage (windshield frame). Very expensive to repair. There are other things, of course. My favorite corvette site is www.c3vr.com. Lots of great knowledge there. I also like www.corvetteforum.com, you just have to weed through the bs there... There's nothing like an early C3 - I have a 71 convertible and it's a blast.

John

 

[brownbagg]

you can find some vette pretty cheap. there a 98 on the carlot, been there a while for only 6k. it nothing fancy, just a vette

 

[Question]

This one is sitting in a barn I own.... hasn't seen the light of day in last 20 yrs...

 

[njfl]

You'll certainly be able to find a 68-82 in very good running shape in your price range, especially if lack of an original motor is not a concern. I'd recommend doing soem research over the next 6 months-year. In August, if you can possibly make it down to Carlisle, Pennsylvania there is a great (huge) Corvette show and swap meet that would allow you to get a good feel for what you like/dislike.

Parts for those cars are abundant and as long as you can do the work yourself it will be a fun and (relatively) low-cost endeavor.

Attached are a couple pics of my 69 from a couple years ago. She's back up and running great now. At first I tried to go with the full numbers-matching restoration, but then I decided the car would be more fun to drive with a 383 and 6-speed manual (Richmond Gear) and it is.

 

[caper]

uuughhh Corvette,why not just shop here it's cheaper:http://www.extenzestore.com/

 

[Matt M PA]

OK, OK, so I guess I'm slightly off topic here as I'm not a Vette owner. Nothing against them...just not my thing.

E-Tek, I have been jones'n for a replacement to a car I sold 10 years ago and still miss...my ofrmer '94 RT/10. I have a 2000 GTS...but there's something about the RT with sidepipes.

I've been looking into selling my former daily driver '03 Cobra as it's worth almost what I can get a clean an early RT/10.

So....while I understand Vette is what you might want...did ya ever think Viper? At your price range you could get a righteous Viper.

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about winning one? It supports the local school atheletic boosters.


http://www.proteam-corvette.com/raffle.html

which leads to

http://www.colcrawfordcorvetteraffle.com/index.php

 

[e-tek]

This one is sitting in a barn I own.... hasn't seen the light of day in last 20 yrs...

So, IS IT FOR SALE????

uuughhh Corvette,why not just shop here it's cheaper:http://www.extenzestore.com/

HaHa!! Guess you could say that about most any muscle - and many other - cars we collect. So far so good with Mrs E-tek in that department though!!

OK, OK, so I guess I'm slightly off topic here as I'm not a Vette owner. Nothing against them...just not my thing.

E-Tek, I have been jones'n for a replacement to a car I sold 10 years ago and still miss...my ofrmer '94 RT/10. I have a 2000 GTS...but there's something about the RT with sidepipes.

I've been looking into selling my former daily driver '03 Cobra as it's worth almost what I can get a clean an early RT/10.

So....while I understand Vette is what you might want...did ya ever think Viper? At your price range you could get a righteous Viper.

This is a GREAT idea MAtt!! Of course I LOVE the Viper - but they still seem out of my price range....wouldn't I have to sell ALL my cars just to get a ****** one?

How about winning one? It supports the local school atheletic boosters.

Beleive me, I've been entering Muscle Car Draws for years - still no free car!!!

 

[Mickey O]

This is a GREAT idea MAtt!! Of course I LOVE the Viper - but they still seem out of my price range....wouldn't I have to sell ALL my cars just to get a ****** one?

I've seen some deals on Vipers but I would think they are a pain in the **** and very expensive to maintain, an old Corvette won't be as fast or handle as well, but will be much cheaper and easier to maintain and work on, very basic car.

 

[gorilla]

uuughhh Corvette,why not just shop here it's cheaper:http://www.extenzestore.com/

Caper, as a Corvette owner I want to know why you know about this site?

 

[35mastr]

There is a nice running 1978 sitting in the driveway next door. California rust free. Driver now. Could use a repaint but the interior is perfect. I think she wants 6K.

 

[caper]

Caper, as a Corvette owner I want to know why you know about this site?

You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.

 

[kerryt1]

I bought a 2003 Z06, no regrets. I would trade all 4 cars you listed for it, but that's only personal preference. You should be able to get a C5 for $15-$25k depending on options. Go test drive a C3 and a 1997+ car, I think that will make up your mind.

 

[MP&C]

A buddy of mine sold this one about a year ago for ~31K. Given to him (them) by father in law, but they needed to pay for a kid through college after economy tanked.

Put a dang Hemi in the Challenger, send it to B-J auction as a re-creation, and you'll only need to sell one to pay for the Vette.

 

[Abbott]

I also like the Corvette and have considered picking up a 80s model a few times. I just might one of these days, good luck with your search.

 

[Bender78]

I can’t sell you a Corvette….but I can sell you a big pile of parts!

The 63 – 67 C2 cars have become quite expensive lately; a decent one will quickly consume your entire 35K budget and then some. Good chrome bumper C3’s (68 – 72) are still available from the mid teens for a coupe to low 20’s for a convertible. The later rubber bumper cars are can be found for low cost and are a great platform for a resto-mod hot rod project.

These cars are a blast to drive, and in fact get a lot more attention than the new ones out on the road. Yea, I’m biased…..I’ve got a 78 that I’m in the middle of a frame up rebuild on. There are many sources for reproduction and aftermarket parts, and the sky is the limit on the type of mods that can be done to these. There is also a very active faction of folks (NCRS) that are into absolutely authentic restorations. That can get pretty expensive when you are buying NOS and correctly date coded parts. Not my cup of tea, but I am glad that there are people that are preserving the history.

Our departed friend Autoist Tony B. was in the middle of a really well done resto-mod of a 1977 coupe. I believe he posted quite a lot on this on the corvette forum and maybe some here as well.

Here’s an example of a sky-is-the-limit build on a late C3. This car is for sale now too; not too far from me:
http://www.vettetech.com/forsales/frankensport/frankensport.htm

A word of caution that I know has already been mentioned……there are a few places where these cars rust that are not easy to see unless you know what to look for, and can be pretty involved to repair: windshield frames behind the glass, the upper cowling above the firewall, rocker channels, frame members and body mounts are just a few. I have, unfortunately, become an expert in Corvette rust issues.

The late model Corvettes are great cars too; they are awesome to drive, get good fuel economy, and depreciate a lot in the first few years so nice ones can be had for used car prices. That being said, they’re great if you want a new car. IMO…I have a lot more fun with my old cars.

I say get one…..but I would have a hard time deciding what cars of that collection of yours I would be willing to part with.

 

[WNYflyer]

I would try www.autotrader.com which starts with model year 1981, that is where I found my 1990. For older I would also look at www.corvetteforum.com as jgoglick said above. Personally I would buy one from a private owner rather a car dealer. And if you do pick one up remember to "Save the Wave".

 

[sicklyscott]

about 10 years ago my father picked up a '64 Vette Roadster for ~22k, all original with 77k miles on it. It does have it's issues like bubbles in the paint etc but I'm pretty sure you can find a mid year vette (63-67) with an older restoration in the 25-30k range (small block of course).

No offiense to some of the posters here but I would not get anything newer than '72.

Also as an owner of some older cars you what to expect out of them vs. their new counterparts. I personally think there is nothing like a classic vette, although the new ones will basically do everything better, except for appreciate in value.

 

[X1 Mike]

You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.

Why are you thinking of another man's *****?



The man doth protest too much methinks.......
^^^uses Shakespeare to say the poster may have a small willy^^

 

[Matt M PA]

E-Tek...I'm seeing some nice RTs in the mid $20,000s and up. I think some buyers don't want an early sidepipe/sidecurtains car as they want a "real top". I love the minimal bit there in the early cars.

If a Viper is something you'd like...do some shopping. If I remember correctly, you said as much as $35,000. If I had that much laying around..there would be another Viper at our house. That's why I have a jaundiced eye towards the Cobra these days!

And you know, the Vette and Viper are really two different creatures. My GTS is now 10 years old and still gets all kinds of attention at the cruise nights and stuff.

 

[Mickey O]

You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.

That's too bad I was going to offer you mine for free, oh well I guess I'll just have to keep it. One more thing, chicks dig Corvettes but that's not why I got mine. I suspect a "young chick" would even recognize an older Corvette as a Corvette at all. I had a Maverick years back and some "young chicks" aske me what it was because they had never seen one, I told them that it was an expensive and rare Italian sports car, not sure if they bought it, the vinyl seats and all.

 

[Axis11]

Been there done that. All I wanted as a kid was a vette, my uncle owned a corvette repair shop I used to intern at for free in the summer when I was growing up.
I had a couple in my late twenties then grew out of them I guess, I was alway fixing something it seemed.
I'd recommend any 56 through 67 model if you can swing it because they are good investments. Mid and late years can be had for a decent price though, but to me they lost some of their soul after 1982.

Pro Team in Ohio has great examples, albeit pricey. HERE

 

[Mickey O]

Been there done that. All I wanted as a kid was a vette, my uncle owned a corvette repair shop I used to intern at for free in the summer when I was growing up.
I had a couple in my late twenties then grew out of them I guess, I was alway fixing something it seemed.
I'd recommend any 56 through 67 model if you can swing it because they are good investments. Mid and late years can be had for a decent price though, but to me they lost some of their soul after 1982.

Pro Team in Ohio has great examples, albeit pricey. HERE

One of the eighties year you could get a 305 in them.

 

[Bender78]

One of the eighties year you could get a 305 in them.

.......in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia.

 

[Frogday]

How about a '69 blue convertible with a 427 (4 barrel) and factory air (I know, the convertibles didn't come with factory air, this one did, former GM executives car), on second paint job, otherwise all original except stainless brake lines, I'd like lots of money for it.

Convertibles were available with factory air.

 

[Mike83]

You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.

The problem with most cool cars is that you can't afford them until you are older and making more money! But I agree with your point - those guys look cheesy as hell.

 

[Mickey O]

Convertibles were available with factory air.

Supposedly not with the 427, I don't really know but some bozo "expert" at a car show was telling me it wasn't stock and they didn't come that way. It may have even been the way it was installed, I got the car from the original owner, an executive at GM, he told me that he had the AC added to the car at the factory.

 

[gorilla]

You couldn't give me a vette.First thing I think of when I see some middle aged guy riding around in a vette with the top down and his bald head blowing in the wind is old Smilin Bob from the Enzite commercials.Either they have a small ***** or their going thru a midlife crisis trying to impress some young chick that will be screwing around on him in six months cuz he can't keep up with her.Sorry guys but it's just my opinion of vettes.Don't get me started on Porches or Vipers.

I fit the image of the old dude driving a Corvette but I've been driving Corvette's for 35 years and I now own 3. A 63 split window coupe, a 1985 C-4 and a 2000 C-5 FR. Just to satisfy your unusual interest in *****'s no one has ever told me that mine is small.

 

[Question]

So, IS IT FOR SALE????

Everythings for sale.. but its out of your price range..

 

[Frogday]

Supposedly not with the 427, I don't really know but some bozo "expert" at a car show was telling me it wasn't stock and they didn't come that way. It may have even been the way it was installed, I got the car from the original owner, an executive at GM, he told me that he had the AC added to the car at the factory.

Ok, put it this way... you could get a 427 in a convertible in 1969 from the factory with AC installed. You didn't have to be an executive at GM to do it, you only had to walk into the dealership and either order it or buy one off their showroom floor that happened to be equiped as such.

There were several different 427 engines in the 1969 Corvette. You say it has a 4 barrel carb, so it isn't an L68, L71 or L89. Most likely it is an L36 which was readily available with AC in a convertible.

 

[Mickey O]

Ok, put it this way... you could get a 427 in a convertible in 1969 from the factory with AC installed. You didn't have to be an executive at GM to do it, you only had to walk into the dealership and either order it or buy one off their showroom floor that happened to be equiped as such.

There were several different 427 engines in the 1969 Corvette. You say it has a 4 barrel carb, so it isn't an L68, L71 or L89. Most likely it is an L36 which was readily available with AC in a convertible.

I don't remember the specifics, it was a while ago (before the internet) it was one of the judges at the show that said the combination wasn't original, the motor is a L88, 427 and the air conditioner was added to the car after it was already built. I did just do a google search and as you've said there are plenty of '69 convertibles with AC. So either the guy didn't know what he was talking about or there is something odd about the combination.

 

[Jazz]

If performance is an issue, you won't do better than a 2002-2004 Z06 Corvette and they can be had in excellent condition with relatively low (less than 40,000 miles) in the $25,000 range. They are historical (2003 was the 50th Anniversary), fast and reliable. With 405 Horsepower on tap it has to be the best bang for the buck. It's really a car that you can enjoy driving and have a lot of fun with without having to work on it all the time or restore it at all.

 

[Question]

Check here.. look under forums .. classified for each years.. lots of them but the good ones go fast...
http://www.corvetteforum.com/

 

[Mark-in-NH]

One more thing, chicks dig Corvettes but that's not why I got mine.

The only chicks I have ever seen who "dig" corvettes are in magazines and their being paid to drape themselves all over the cars and pretend like they have a clue as to what the car even is.
A "Real woman" thats worth having in your life, is going "dig" YOU, and not give a rats *** what you drive.
I have seen alot of beautiful corvettes but if somebody gave me one, the first thing I would do is put a for sale sign on it. There's a lot of other 60's & 70's muscle cars I would take over a vette any day.
Hell, I would take one of the new camaros over a vette but thats just my opinion.

 

[Mickey O]

The only chicks I have ever seen who "dig" corvettes are in magazines and their being paid to drape themselves all over the cars and pretend like they have a clue as to what the car even is.
A "Real woman" thats worth having in your life, is going "dig" YOU, and not give a rats *** what you drive.
I have seen alot of beautiful corvettes but if somebody gave me one, the first thing I would do is put a for sale sign on it. There's a lot of other 60's & 70's muscle cars I would take over a vette any day.
Hell, I would take one of the new camaros over a vette but thats just my opinion.

I hope you know I was kidding, I wouldn't buy a car or motorcycle to impress a chick (maybe for Marisa Miller), although chicks really dig motorcycles.

I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Corvette fan either, I do really like the '63 to '67 and the 56 to '62 aren't bad either but if I could have any car I'd like it probably wouldn't be a Corvette and it certainly wouldn't be a new Camaro. That's why we have so many different cars to choose from, to each his own.

 

[pinebarkauto]

I don't remember the specifics, it was a while ago (before the internet) it was one of the judges at the show that said the combination wasn't original, the motor is a L88, 427 and the air conditioner was added to the car after it was already built. I did just do a google search and as you've said there are plenty of '69 convertibles with AC. So either the guy didn't know what he was talking about or there is something odd about the combination.

Mickey O,
I would love to know more about your 69 Vette either through this board or a PM. I would especially like to see the engine stamp pad. Does the VIN numbers on the pad and windshield tag match? The guy at the show told you correctly-no regular production L-88 car would have been equipped with A/C, however top level execs could make strange things happen! Please tell me more! I am not trying to prove you wrong, I am just very curious as a Corvette enthusiast. You may have a very rare car with a very interesting history there.Chip.