Like we need another Barett thread.....

[Damn True]

Well not entirely about the BJ auction at least.....

The fiance has expressed an interest in C-2 vettes. Like maybe a '63



I have no idea what the market for these is like. We wouldn't be looking for a 100pt resto or something heavilly modified. Just a solid driver.

Personally, I'm trying to swing her toward a Sunbeam Tiger/Alpine, but we'll see.

[Mean 69]

Just keep in mind that you won't like the drive-ability on either of these cars. I bought my sweetie a 62 Corvette last year, a driver that will become a cool project car in the very near future, and I will tell you, it is really terrifying driving the car. That can be fixed though! I can't imagine people actually enjoying driving them, other than the super cool appeal of the car itself, terrible, terrible handling. My wife won't even drive the thing.

I would love to have a mid-60's Corvette, they started putting disc brakes on them in 1965 (i.e. front AND rear), other than that, they are all pretty similar. I'd guess very high teen's to low twenties for a project car (read: close to basket case). With these cars, and other cars with hard to find parts, like trim, etc, you are better off buying a pretty nice one up front, than trying to sneak up on it by doing pieces at a time, the parts are twice as expensive as your Camaro's. I'd suggest looking at Corvette America's catalog to get familiar with the prices of various pieces, it will make you search for a donor car easier knowing what it will take to repair/restore. It's a VERY slippery slope with these cars!

M

[Damn True]

I realize the handling and braking on it is going to blow. I'd probably throw a urethane bushing kit at it and a set of SSBC or some other low buck but better than stock brake kit at it to make it safe to drive.


Dang...isn't that Tiger cool though?

[ACEFOOTER]

I can still remember working at the Mazda Dealer in Marin when a guy pulled into the shop in one to check on his other car. Needless to say all work in the shop came to a stand still while he showed off the Tiger. My first little car with a big engine experience. Sounded awesome and he swore it handled great.

[AndyB]

Mean69,
Remember, there is a big difference between the suspension under a 62 corvette and the suspension under the 63 and up. I think my 65 rides and handles great, the biggest problem I have with cornering is staying in (or should that be "on") the the stock seats.

[Travis B]

I know a guy wanting to turn a C-3....I know it isn't in your list but thought I would throw that out there!

[Damn True]

Thanks, but she and I both really dislike C-3s.

Just looking to find out what the going rate might be far a solid driver C-2.

[Mean 69]

Remember, there is a big difference between the suspension under a 62 corvette and the suspension under the 63 and up.

Yeah, that's certainly true, the rigid rear axle on the early cars versus the IRS on the slightly later cars. Without question, get power steering, and give Gulstrand a call on their solutions to the toe-bump issue with the IRS, and I will completely agree, it is a far cry better than the 62. Well, for now, 'til I gets my grubby little fingers on the 62...

I still want one. I think they are the best looking muscle car of all of that era. There's a guy about an hour from here that makes a really nice composite body, he did the body on Twinsting's car, I keep threatening to build a tube frame track car and put one of those bodies on it. Slice it right down the middle, widen it by 6 inches, and stuff it with huge racing slicks. Ah, to dream.
M

[southernfriedcj]

I know a guy wanting to turn a C-3....I know it isn't in your list but thought I would throw that out there!

It's not a '69-72 ragger is it? I've got a hankerin' for a chrome bumper, drop top Stingray(preferably a roller).

Jim

[Bob Johnson]

how about a monster Miata..small block Ford in a Mazda Miata..fast, reliable, inexpensive

[southernfriedcj]

how about a monster Miata..small block Ford in a Mazda Miata..fast, reliable, inexpensive

No thanks, I just can't get past the "Miata" part!

[southernfriedcj]

Bob, it just occured to me that you weren't talking to me. Forget the "miata" crack.

Jim

[Bob Johnson]

Bob, it just occured to me that you weren't talking to me. Forget the "miata" crack.

Jim

no problem..I just like Miatas..I've owned several..V/8 ones, supercharged ones and normally aspirated ones. They are a little small but they are great little cars..not for everyone..can't go wrong with an early vette if you can stand the initial cost..they aren't getting any cheaper..

[Damn True]

She dosen't dig Miata's.

[Bob Johnson]

She dosen't dig Miata's.

sounds like she's got class..

[David Pozzi]

A Miata makes a GREAT open track car.

[Rick Dorion]

I have a soft spot for Miatas. My brother has had two which I modded for him. Nice handlers. I REALLY like the Monster Miata. I keep watching the local ads for a '90 or so cheap!

[Bob Johnson]

I have a soft spot for Miatas. My brother has had two which I modded for him. Nice handlers. I REALLY like the Monster Miata. I keep watching the local ads for a '90 or so cheap!

a friend of mine has a low mile Monster for sale..it's not cheap cheap but it's real nice

[Damn True]

A Miata makes a GREAT open track car.

Yes, I know, and I am trying to ignore that fact. This will be HER car. Not mine.

We gotta take baby steps here Dave.
First I get my car done.
Then we start going to open track events.
Then she meets and rides with Mary and realizes that girls can play this game too.
Then.....

[Hartz]

This thread reminds me of when my wife made a similar request for a small, sporty convertible. Only *I* was the one who wanted the Vette, or Tiger, or something of that vein, and it was my wife who decided on the Monster Miata. She loves driving the Monster. I have to admit it is sort of fun in small car/big engine sleeper sort of way.