Need some opinions (Corvette experts)

[redsand]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 69 corvette convertible (Both tops) with a numbers matching 427/390hp auto car for 6k.

It is original right down to the plug wires. Frame has some rust, doors have rust. The car was sitting for some time but it is like a time capsule. Doing some digging it seems to be well worth the 6k, but I am looking for some vette experts out there to get their opinions on what it might be worth.

Thanks

[shmoov69]

Wow! Smokin' deal! Unless of course it is a POS!
But, I am no Vette expert!

[Russ T Nut]

6K for a 69 Big block Vette is a steal. If you don't want it give me a shot at it. If you put 15 k into it and a little elbow grease you could have a car worth 30 to 40 K.
Russ

[Desert68]

"Right down to the plug wires" and "time capsule" sounds like it's a Survivor car. 1969 is a very popular C3 year. The rust aspect is where you need to be careful. There's a kickup in the frame rails just before the rear wheels and this is probably the most common point in the frame for heavy rust. Like many cars, the core support is also a common rust area. A lot of times there's oil around the front of the frame that helps protect it. I'd look carefully at the rear - the leaf spring, differential, half-shafts and there's a crossmember that the diff is mounted to with a bushing. Check that area carefully along with the frame itself. Not sure what you mean by rust on the doors - they're fiberglass. Any chance of getting some pictures? $6K sounds rather inexpensive unless there's serious frame rot and/or prior body damage. The www.ncrs.org (http://www.ncrs.org) Technical Disucssion forum is an amazing resource for info. They've recently changed it where you can't post and can only read for 30 days if you're not an NCRS member, but you can search the forums and archives. I have a '68 that had the original plug wires on it when I got it and I've spent a fair amount of time working on and researching early C3's. Post or PM if you think I might be able to help in any way. Good luck!

[Johnny Blaze]

SOunds like a wives tale.

Rusty doors?

[redsand]

Geez, Blaze..Give me a little credit....I should have been a little clearer, the door shells are metal. The outside is fiberglass the shell is metal including the bottoms of the doors.

If the whole door was fiberglass how many times do you think you could slam the doors on these cars???

The radiator support is shot, the frame looks good up to right below the doors. They make 48" replacement piece.

I will get some pictures up and see what you guys think of it.

[68fusion]

There are some frames floating around, what I'd be worried about is the structure under the winshield/ door pillars-jambs. Body mounts are rivited on and can be replaced in rear, it's the sill area thats tough to fix. Doors are no problem. Any paperwork with the car ? tanksticker perhaps still there? air on car ? Most of all other parts will need to be replaced or refurbished, so even if it's all there it's a ton of work and money...brakes, rear-always worn, wheel bearings...ect ect ect...but at 6k if it is all there sounds like a deal...

[Yelcamino]

Don't listen to these guys, that Vette is a piece of crap, not fit for use. Tell me where it is and I'll take care of this asap! :bananna2:

[Lowend]

BUY IT

Is the 390HP the tri-power, I forget??

[BlownBigBlock]

Is the 390HP the tri-power, I forget??

Nope, single 4-barrel with oval port heads. 400hp would be the tri-power with oval port heads. I'd say buy it...

[Restomod]

BUY IT FAST The engine is almost worth the $6k!!! And if you do buy it do not under any surcamstances replace the frame, repair it yes dont throw it away!!!!! Infact dont throw anything away,rebuild or repair all parts you can as it may very well be worth as much unrestored.

[Desert68]

There are some frames floating around, what I'd be worried about is the structure under the winshield/ door pillars-jambs. Body mounts are rivited on and can be replaced in rear, it's the sill area thats tough to fix.

That's called the 'birdcage' and this is correct - very expensive work. You can get some idea by looking at the spots mentioned above. If it was bad (and nobody tried to cover it up) you'd see signs of rust in the two corners. A better place to look is up under the dash towards those two corners. Significant rust wouldn't just show in the very corners, you'd see signs of it as far as six or eight inches below the corners. Obviously it's possible water got in the doors and rusted the door frames, yet the birdcage could be OK if the sealing around the windshield remained intact.

You can get a new replacement frame. The VIN is stamped on the original frame - top of the driver's side between the front and rear wheels, I believe. Very hard to see with the body on the car, but some people say they can find it with a mirror. Other than that original frames just have some stenciled numbers painted on them.

There's a chrome trim piece around the gas cap opening that can be removed with a few screws, then pull the rubber boot aside and you might be able to see if the tank sticker is there.

[WS6]

Could be a great deal. There are plenty of people out there that make replacement/upgrade frames. Look it over carefully and verify it's authenticity. Heck even if it's fake, that's potentially a good deal

[ProdigyCustoms]

Its a scam! Does not exist. The car is worth so much money done you could pay top dollar for the nicest 350 automatic strip gypsy Vette on the planet, swap all the good stuff into it and make youtrself a handsome profit. Illegal? yes! Would someone do it? happens everyday!

[redsand]

Prodigy, not exactly if you are saying?

Vin matches the motor #'s.

Here are some pictures.
Let me know what you guys think. I think I have some work to do!!

23789

23790

[ProdigyCustoms]

You better let me go check it out! If that car is $6K and you do not buy it, i will gladly pay a handsome finders fee

[Lowend]

I would say that is ugly enough to be legit.

Its missing the plug-wire shielding... ;)

[redsand]

Thanks to all!!

[dropit69]

nice score..keep us up to date on the rebuild of it..

[68fusion]

Prodigy, not exactly if you are saying?

Vin matches the motor #'s.

Here are some pictures.
Let me know what you guys think. I think I have some work to do!!

23789

23790

title with it? or file lost? hell I don't guess it maters...buy it and I'll give you $6100 for it! a quick benjamin sounds good huh?

[Restomod]

Stop talking about it here GO BUY IT!!!!!

[redsand]

Read a couple of posts up. I bought it!!

Not sure if I am going to tear it apart. I have my 60 impala almost back from paint that I need to concentrate on.

Thanks again.

[WS6]

Best of luck with it. Get the dash out of the way and check the bird cage right there behind the wiper arms. I hope it turns out to be in good shape.

[Restomod]

Great buy!! Hell even if its rusty and you change your mind about fixing it you will not have any trouble getting your $$ back and then some!

[rocketman]

69 has the best body of all the c-3's. and thats a steal you better be all over it and ask no questions

[Johnny Blaze]

Well, I guess deals do still exist. You are a lucky man! Better go buy a lotto ticket while your at it.

[Charley Lillard]

amazing buy on a convert. Congrats.