Anyone familiar with the C3's?
 

I know, it's not the proper forum :angel:, but I'm thinking about getting a second car to drive while I build up the truck. Found a guy who has some pretty good prices on older Corvettes in need of minor TLC. He has a 72 and 77 with the 350 and auto, but he also has 1969 with the 427, manual tranny, appears to be in the best condtion of the three, and offers the best bang for the buck. From my day of research so far, as long as this car runs good. I think it's a damn good deal for $9500. It's going to need some minor body work and definately a paint job. The seats aren't ripped, it justs need some carpet. I figure if I can drive it during the summer, then get the body fixed up, do some moddest mechanical work (Wiper cowl, exhaust, brakes, and suspension) I can have a pretty decent return on my initial investment. What do you all think?

I'll check it out in the next few days to see how she runs, check the numbers, and put her on a lift, and post back if you all are curious.

Thanks! :cheers:

Sounds like it may be worthwhile. Im not much on C3s, but i do prefer the earlier ones vs the latter ones. Personally, i'd steer clear of the 77. The power just isnt there, and the quality isnt all that great imo, but thats just personal preferance. From what you say about the 69 it sounds like a good price for the car. Especially if its #s matching and everything, just needs some minor work.

www.corvetteactioncenter.com is another forum to ask some ?s on. They've even got a tech center so you may be able to run some codes w/o even askin for someone else to do it.

The C3 section of the CorvetteForum... the only forum you need for all your C3 needs!! http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zeroforum?id=3

If the 69 is in good mechanical condition, then it is worth every penny and then some. To give you an example, I have seen 69 big block cars go for $30 - $50k depending on condition and options and whether it is a coupe or convertible. The convertibles are worth more for some reason. Go to the Classic Car Auto Trader online, that's where I found my car when I bought it. That will give you an idea of what they are worth. You can get parts for them all day from many parts places that sell only Corvette parts, like: Mid America, Ecklers Corvettes, etc. I know from experience that a 35 year old car needs to be gone through top to bottom. My car has a rebuilt motor, rear end, brake system, etc. You basically have to go through the drive train, brakes, suspension, lights, wipers, blinkers, etc. to ensure it is reliable and safe. Good luck.

Dean

Definately the '69 BB if it's in decent shape. After that, I'd go with the '72. I agree, stay away from the '77 unless it's in a lot better shape than the others. There are three or four nasty areas to look out for on C-3's. A lot of people think that a 'vette can't rust. They most certainly can and do. 1st, check the frame right where it curves up in front of the rear wheels. This area can rust completely through. 2nd, check the bottom of the doors around the weatherstripping, latches, etc. If the paint has bubbled even a little, it is a sign the the steel in the doorframes is rotten. This is a PAIN to fix, even is possible. 3rd, check the front of the doorjams on the body at the bottom of the windshield pillars for rust stains or signs or water leaks. There is steel in there that was sealed at the factory. When this sealant breaks down from age, the steel rusts through, causing a water leak either behind the dash or seemingly at the bottom of the door onto the carpet at the sill. The only way that I know of to fix that is to cut away the top part of the fender and weld it. 4th is the rad core support. Not bad to fix but important, as it holds the front of the car on. Sorry for the book. I've made mistakes and like to help others to avoid them. Good luck in your search
Semper Fi

I wouldnt worry about rusting on a car from NC, unless its on the coast (which assuming by his name, it probably is) or it was caught up in a Hurricane...which sadly, sometimes happens.

And its too bad that 69 isnt one of the 2 ZL-1 vettes built lol. Talk about a steal for 9500 :P

one issue I've heard of that could be a deal breaker is the fiberglass oxidizing on the earlier models. I don't know alot about it, but I know enough that I'd pay for a third party opinion regarding the condition of the car. the value of third gen corvettes is really taking off, and if you're serious about having a car thats worth investing your money in, I'd take every precaution, and learn 'everything' I could before laying down any cash. One of the big deals is making sure the numbers match. :secret: theres a whole chapter written on that, and it's where I'd start.
best of luck.
:cheers:

Thanks for the replies and links! :judge:

I stopped in and looked at it again, well it's a '71 with a 427. Maybe it's a '69 427 and that's where I got confused? :confused: Well, right there, the number don't match, but she sure does run nice, starts right up! :hump:

Ling_650vette, Supposedly the Car was from Virginia Beach. It's been in Grandy, NC (not too far from the beach) for about the past year.

Not sure what I'm going to do now. I've been doing some research and I'm sure it's fair market value, but I've seen some other ones that appear to be in much better shape for not too much more ($12k), even though they're 350's.

So, would anyone like to talk me into this again? :jest:

69 was the last year for the 427. In 1970 they started putting the 454 in the Corvettes. I recommend a Corvette Black Book, they aren't that expensive and they have a wealth of info, such as serial numbers, paint and interior codes, options, etc. That will help you figure out when you look at a car what is original or not and if it has any rare options.

Dean

With gas prices being the way they are, im sure neither one (350 vs 427) will have a clear advantage over the other in that realm lol. But to me, even if it is a 69 427 in a 71, it doesnt really sound like you're wanting a #s matching concoures car here, just more of a play toy. And if thats the case, the 69/71 427 doesnt sound like all that bad an option. That and you're makin power like crazy :D.

But all in all, i dont think you can go wrong either way. The 69/71 427 wont get you anything as far as #s matching value, but it will be a fun toy either way. A #s matching 350 may get you more value in the long run, but could you sacrifice the big block screamin through those pipes? lol.

And about the rust ordeal, i'd just check the car over throughly. Make sure there arent any spots that look like they could be a problem. MOST people w/ vettes that old, dont let them go to shit, but there are the rare exceptions.