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

[TAftw]

Why don't you buy a 74-77, rip out whatever smog-era boat anchor it came with, and drop in a freshly built unit? I was looking to do that with one I saw for sale here. You'd still have a classic Vette for a LOT less than your price range, and you'd have control over what engine/trans/etc, goes in. That's what I'd do, but then again, I don't have $35k to play with .

 

[Mickey O]

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.

I know the the car is rare because of the motor, I'm not 100% sure if the numbers are matching, I'm pretty sure they are (99.9%). The guy I got from (my ex's father, GM exec) told me that he just had the AC added. I also got a factory V-8 S-10 Blazer from him, sold it cheap, probably should have kept it. The car has been sitting awhile, it's still in the ex's garage, I was thinking about Barrett Jackson but the market dropped so much.

I'd be leary of the car if I didn't know who I got it from and it's history. A few years back we bought a COPO Camaro at Mecum that turned out to be fake, the guy that authenticates them happens to live in my town and came out and said it was a fake and Mecum canceled the deal.

 

[mtwaterguy]

I believe you could order a/c with any motor/body combination. If I remember correctly the solid lifter big blocks were the only engines where a/c was not available.

 

[Z06 427]

I am a die hard Ford guy, but after driving a C6 Z06 I broke down and got one. My 1st Chevy. I love it! Hard to find a car that can run with it on the street for the money. Tune, ported intake and CAI and i'm at 504 hp/ 484ftlbs to the rear wheels and it will get 24 mpg at 70 mph.

 

[Abbott]

http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/1610225402.html

 

[gsport]

if you're looking for a unique one, check out a '96 grandsport... i bought a new one in '96 and sold it ten years later.. they only made 1000 of them, so they are pretty rare. it was a one year only model and the only year with an LT4 motor, the guy i sold mine to flew over from new zealand for it... check out the grandsportregistry.com
i've had an 80, 87, 96, 03, 05, and right now an 06... if you've never driven one, you should.. you'll be hooked of all that i've had the grandsport was my favorite.. good luck

 

[X1 Mike]

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.

As far as I'm concerned this whole thread *****. I've been trying to be very conservative with the cash but I spent way too much time on e-bay today looking for just that car. Found an 03 Zo6 with under 35k miles on it for $23,000. Must resist temptation.........................

 

[gsport]

http://grandsportregistry.com/index.php
here's the link, check out the classifieds

 

[Eddie 70]

I am on my 4th vette. I bought my first when I was 25. I now have a 70 convertible that I have had for about 11 years. I have touched every nut and bolt on the car. I would not hesitate driving the car anywhere. I really enjoy this car. They are easy to work on and parts are readily available. Mine was a very close numbers matching vette. I built it like I would want it. It has LS power, Keisler 5 speed, rack and pinion, etc. etc.

The blue car in the background is my daily driver. It is an 02 Z06. It gets great gas mileage and goes as fast as I need to go. Very nice ride. Someone saved the car in the garage for 5 years and added 12k miles on it. In the last 2 years I have added 43k more miles to that total. I am right at 55k miles now.

 

[Eddie 70]

As far as I'm concerned this whole thread *****. I've been trying to be very conservative with the cash but I spent way too much time on e-bay today looking for just that car. Found an 03 Zo6 with under 35k miles on it for $23,000. Must resist temptation.........................

Congrats on the new Z Mike. You will love it. I drive mine everyday, rain, sleet, hail, snow or sun. Great cars.

 

[tfi racing]

Too bad I wasn't still in Calgary,I could have sold you this fixer-upper!Still have it and 95% of the parts including a fully restored frame and drivetrain,just need to find the time to get back at it.

Seriously though,lots of good advice here.For you,I would recommend as many here have,picking up a C5,preferably a Z06.You already have enough classic projects to occupy your time,one of these would be a car to just drive and enjoy,especially when it is necessary to travel a lot of prairie ground quickly!

 

[Abbott]

That black one looks sharp Eddie.

 

[3798j]

I've had no regrets since purchasing my '64 - and that was 24 years ago. Here's a strong recommendation to go for one (just not mine).

 

[Bob Heine]

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.

My first Vette was a 69 427 390HP 4-speet with factory air. The higher output 427s (430HP L88 and 435HP L71) couldn't be ordered with air. Keeping that 5-foot belt on the compressor at high RPM was impossible.

My 72 454 coupe is also a factory air car. It's currently on jackstands so I can finish the drivetrain and exhaust. Then it's minor glass work, epoxy primer and black basecoat/clearcoat. It was originally Ontario Orange but I want it black -- a color they didn't offer in 72.

 

[BigBlockVette]

I am a bit partial to the Big Blocks! As you see in my Forum Name.

Regards,
Dwayne
1969 Corvette, 427 L71, 4 speed, 4:11 diff., F41 suspension

 

[c5golfguy]

I haven't had any regrets in looking for my car for 2 years and finding it on Ebay in Topeka, KS of all places.

2000 White 1 of 315 FRC. I've had her for 5 years and the car has brought so much joy, I can't even begin to describe the joy. This past weekend, after cussing her the last month and half of replacing the clutch and putting the 3.90 gear back in, it just seemed like anything that could go wrong, it did, but that doesn't mean its a bad car. I just am so particular with the car, I feel like everything I do to it isn't good enough.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=338337878975
The cam is a 240/244 112+3.

This is a crappy video of the car running like **** b/c I was getting the p0101 code because the air line on the back of the intake manifold that goes into the brake booster wasn't plugged in, but you get the idea of what she sounds like.

 

[onewaydave]

I'll put 2 sense in here. You could find one in the statesw in the year range your talking for a lot less than you've budgeted.

Now about vettes. I look at all but the newest (2008 newer) as nothing more than 4 wheel motorcycles. You loose the agility of the MC by putting 4 wheels on. They might be fast/quick depending on the specs but all they do is go in a straight line, with your **** 2" off the road. They are hot (I've lived down south), uncomfortable and love to drink gasoline for little return. They have almost no cargo space, and my chick like cargo space for all her shoes. Although I did put a deer in the rear "cargo space" I shot one year (no hatch, I'm sayin 150 lbs through the driver's side door). Long distance travel is like sitting with your legs at 90', for hours. Ground clearance may be fine for the track but in real life, expect to budget for plastic parts and exhaust systems. Parts are usually unique, expensive and have quirks. I rebuilt the front end/front suspension. I didn't know that the front calipers are positive loaded and just pulled them off. The pistons poped out breaking the seals and costing me a new set of front calipers.

I drove a Camero for a longer period of time and would trade 5 Corvettes for a camero/T/A any day.

Just my opinion.

 

[gsport]

my opinion is those that down talk the vette either has never been in one, or just can't afford one.... they are a great car, comfortable, gets great gas mileage, alot of car for the money

 

[c5golfguy]

They are hot (I've lived down south), uncomfortable and love to drink gasoline for little return. Just my opinion.

With the big cam, 3.90 gear and bigger fuel injectors, my car still gets 26-28mpg on the highway and around 20mpg around the city if I keep my foot out of it. Not sure what you're talking about since my **** box civic with 100hp gets 30-32mpg! I'll take 6mpg less for 441rwhp any day of the week.

Before the heads/cam work but with the 3.90 gear, I would consistently avg 31mpg on the highway. I would get 33mpg on the highway with the factory 3.42 gears. Not many grocery getters get that kind of mpg that I know of.

 

[X1 Mike]

As far as I'm concerned this whole thread *****. I've been trying to be very conservative with the cash but I spent way too much time on e-bay today looking for just that car. Found an 03 Zo6 with under 35k miles on it for $23,000. Must resist temptation.........................

Congrats on the new Z Mike. You will love it. I drive mine everyday, rain, sleet, hail, snow or sun. Great cars.

Don't give me the congrats so quick, I said I must resist temptation.

 

[c5golfguy]

Come on Mike...pull the trigger!

You won't regret the decision!

 

[X1 Mike]

Come on Mike...pull the trigger!

You won't regret the decision!

I did tell my wife she owes me a graduation present soon and she guessed the car was $30 k.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150415824569&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Funny Vette story my Pops got a ticket in his once on the expressway being clocked at 120 mph and when the cop asked him why he was going so fast he told them that as he was coming over the bridge he thought a cop might be waiting so he backed it down from 150.

 

[mtwaterguy]

With frame damage claimed on the title, I think I'd stay away from that one. There are lot's of them out there.

 

[X1 Mike]

With frame damage claimed on the title, I think I'd stay away from that one. There are lot's of them out there.

I didn't see that, good catch.

I never looked at the autocheck I just seen it said 0 calculated accidents.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Could be something minor, even though the read out says it's major. Problem is, it'll never get off the title, especially since it went through an auction.

 

[Bob Heine]

I've LOVED (various) Vette's forever.

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!!!

Funny you should ask. I watched a rerun of the June 2009 Mecum auction in Illinois last night. It's called the Bloomington Gold and they auction off nothing but Corvettes. The 63-70s are priced crazy. Two 64 4-speed coupes sold for wildly different prices. The 300HP sold for $24K while the 365HP (that's a fuelie) with a unique interior sold for $52.5K. A 2003 Pace car sold for $32K and a 2000 475 HP 383 Lingenfelter sold for $37K. A plain 2000 convertible sold for $17.5K.

Outside your parameters but 78-82 coupes went for $6.5-10K These are not show cars but they are clean, excellent condition cars that don't need new paint, interiors or drivetrains. Check the rear frame kickup for rust -- it's a weak point that's a pain to fix (you can always buy a stainless steel frame for $10K and be the only guy in Canada driving his Vette in the winter). Lots of steel, truck steering and pretty crude suspension.

My advice would be to buy a clean one and drive it for a while. If you want more power, swap in a crate 383 and 5 or six speed for $10K or less.

Decent 87-90 Targas and convertibles are selling in the same $8,000 price range. My 87 convertible is whimpy compared to my 72 big block but it gets 28 mpg on the highway. Also has rack & pinion steering, aluminum suspension and port fuel injection.

Check out the Mecum Auction site and look for the 2010 Bloomington Gold event in June -- might worthwhile trip with $15K to spend. Or max it out and buy a nice ZO6 for $20K. Sell one in Calgary and get yourself into a Vette for next to nothing.

Bloomington Gold Corvette Auction
@ Bloomington Gold Corvettes USA
June 25-26, 2010
Premier Corvette Auction at America's Premier Corvette Show
Exclusively Corvettes
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 East Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174

 

[Mark-in-NH]

my opinion is those that down talk the vette either has never been in one, or just can't afford one.... they are a great car, comfortable, gets great gas mileage, alot of car for the money

Never have driven one and could easily afford to buy one with cash money.
I am just not dumb enough to piss my money away on something that "for me" would merely be a toy thats only good for 6 months out of the year, accompanied by alot of added expense's, insurance, maintenance, storage. My retirement home on a tropical beach in the Philipines is far more important to me.
I have known quite a few vette owners of the years and not one of them would ever agree with your statement of a vete being comfortable with great gas milage. Granted, these were older vette's and I suspect that the newer ones probably ride much nicer. Every one of them has said that they bought a vette because they wanted a cool, looking car. Every one of these same people have since grown up and gotten rid of their cool looking car.
That said, the black vette that Eddie 70 pictured is a sharp car and even I would have rethink my position of owning one when looking at his.
But I know me and I will take sand, sun, ocean waves and palm trees anyday.

 

[Poppa Bud]

I wanted a Corvette since I was in high school. After 30 years of marriage the Mrs finally said yes and I ended up buying a '68.

In spite of what SOME people might say, It's a blast to drive, fairly inexpensive to maintain and gets 18 mpg. I can work on most anything on it.

If you want a Corvette buy one. C-5's (96 - 04) are dropping into the mid teens. C-3's can be had in the teens and are holding there own value wise. My advise is to drive as many as you can. If you drive a C-6 you WILL want one.

Best of luck with your quest

 

[jgoglick]

I wanted a Corvette since I was in high school. After 30 years of marriage the Mrs finally said yes and I ended up buying a '68.

In spite of what SOME people might say, It's a blast to drive, fairly inexpensive to maintain and gets 18 mpg. I can work on most anything on it.

If you want a Corvette buy one. C-5's (96 - 04) are dropping into the mid teens. C-3's can be had in the teens and are holding there own value wise. My advise is to drive as many as you can. If you drive a C-6 you WILL want one.

Best of luck with your quest

Great looking 68!

 

[rwhite692]

When deciding between an old classic or a modern "fun" car....You really need to also consider how you will really use the car.

Planning on using it as a daily driver? Taking long road trips and staying in hotels, etc? Hard to beat the newer cars for that, since you won't have to worry so much about reliability, they will be more comfortable, you can park it anywhere, etc.

That is one of the big downsides of having an older classic car, you really can't park it anywhere and just walk away from it, without having an anxiety attack.

With classics, It's more fun when you can get a group of cars together and go on a long trip, that way there is almost always someone in your group who can keep an eye on the cars while you go grab a bite to eat or whatever....

 

[Brett K]

My father and I have owned a few through the years. He still has his 66 coupe. You definitely can find a very nice driver for around 35k. Picking through the ones to stay away from is the trick. You have to figure out what you want the car for first. You can find a nice driver low option c2 coupe or a nicely restored early c3 in that price range. If you want a nice no fuss, drive every day car, a used c5 or c6 is for you. The economy has alot of people getting rid of toys these days.

The best advice I can offer you is to join your local Corvette club and start learning and making some friends. You need someone who is very knowledgeable to help you pick a car without known problems. Some issues you want to avoid are frame and birdcage rust, poorly done customization, and misrepresentation of the car. Another option is too find a well respected Corvette shop do an inspection and appraisal on the car. I t can help prevent a nightmare.

Keep in mind! Every Corvette owner knows what they are worth. There are no unbelievable deals to be had on ebay or down the street. Do your homework, seek someone knowledgeable as a resource, and be patient.

ANd finally, there is nothing quite enjoyable as rumbling down the road in a C2 with sidepipes

 

[Bender78]

OK e-tek......a lot of opinions have been offered.

What say you? New Vette....old Vette....no Vette????

 

[smooth72]

Totally depend want you want. If you want a very smooth driving vette buy a C6 vette with active suspension, Cadillac smooth. Mine has a Z51 suspension more sporty feel, but still very conformable to drive. To make older vets c3, c2 ride more smooth and capable check www.vbandp.com. I guess I have never grown up and comments about small ***** mid life speaks volumes of ones own insecurities. Sorry I have been hearing such statements since I was 20. Got my first vet, a 79 L82 when I was in collage in early 80s, now near 50 I have a c6 and turning a 72 into a vette rod from the ground up. People who do not under stand or appreciate what the value of the most capable sports car for the money there is, should not even comment and show their ignorance, A ZO6 C6 closes competition ( according to Motor Trend) for performance is 3 time the cost. If your not a sports car fan, thats fine, just don't put down people who are.
Sorry, back to the subject. Check out ww.corvetteforum.com Lots of great info and people willing to help.
Also one thing nice about a vette:

 

[Abbott]

Damn that's going to be a nice car Smooth.

 

[1320stang]

Here's a vette story.

http://www.dfwstangs.net/forums/showthread.php?t=410356

 

[X1 Mike]

I have a question for anyone familiar with C5 and C6 Vettes. A friend of mine had a 03 Zo6 and that car seemed to me to be on the edge of being a racecar, as far as it didn't have good sound deadening etc, i just really felt I was driving a purpose built car. Are the C6's more I don't want to say comfy but I'll say comfy. Just anyone with experience with both give a comparo.


If you want a car to build how you want it but still be fairly modern C4's seem to go cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...spagename=ADME:B:WNA:US:1123&autorefresh=true

 

[smooth72]

I have a question for anyone familiar with C5 and C6 Vettes. A friend of mine had a 03 Zo6 and that car seemed to me to be on the edge of being a racecar, as far as it didn't have good sound deadening etc, i just really felt I was driving a purpose built car. Are the C6's more I don't want to say comfy but I'll say comfy. Just anyone with experience with both give a comparo.


If you want a car to build how you want it but still be fairly modern C4's seem to go cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...spagename=ADME:B:WNA:US:1123&autorefresh=true

Yes the c6 is much more insulated and smoother riding. They stiffened up the c6 with targa top as stiff as the c5 ZO6. They really moved the new C6 ZO6 up in race ready because the new race rules says that the Race and production car has to be closer alike. Now with that said does it have enough insulation, not for every one ... I am also into stereos., just because you grow older doesn't mean you have to grow old.

 

[Goobzilla]

I say do it!

 

[e-tek]

OK e-tek......a lot of opinions have been offered.

What say you? New Vette....old Vette....no Vette????

THIS VETTE!!!!!!! >>>>

MAYBE THIS VETTE:

I've had no regrets since purchasing my '64 - and that was 24 years ago. Here's a strong recommendation to go for one (just not mine).

DEFINITELY THIS VETTE!!!!

I wanted a Corvette since I was in high school. After 30 years of marriage the Mrs finally said yes and I ended up buying a '68

To each their own of course. I've gotten myself into a postion whereby I now work 3-days a week and spend the rest with my wife, kids and cars. I just got back from 10 days in Jamaica at a "conference". It's not that I HATE the sun, sand and doing nothing on the beach, but I get to do a lot of that kind of travelling through work and it's not what I want out of retirement. I love cars and shop time.
How will I use it? For 6 months each year, just like I will use the two that I will never part with (my 46 Merc M1 and my 67 Galaxie Conv). The money will come from the sale of my 74 Challenger Rallye and cash.
I'll be looking for one of those above - hopefully I can post it up in the next 2-4 years!!!

 

[Fiberglass Fred]

it should be easy to find a nice 68-72 in your price range. You'll have to look a bit harder, but you could probably find a good 63-67 in your price range too.