1969 ?'s New member

[chevyreb]

New member here and I am looking at a 1969 Corvette Stingray coupe 350/4speed no AC Not original motor. I would like to know if there were sport coupe as well as Stingrays in 69 and if so how would I tell if it is a true Stingray. The car has been sitting for about 12 years outside in the south and I need to know what and where I should look for trouble spots on this car.

Amazingly the paint still looks pretty good fo sitting out that long but is faded and will need repainting. All of the Interior is out of the car in a shed. Owner says when parked it needed a new clutch and brake work. All the door seals and all will need to be replaced as well as new carpet and the speed/tach gauge bezel will have to be replaced.

Can anyone give me an idea on what a car in this condition would be worth? it is basically a project car at this stage with most of the parts there. Also, about what shold I expect to have to invest in addition excluding paint to get it into road worthy condition? I want it to be a nice driver not a show car.

Thanks,

chevyreb

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

All Corvettes built 1969-76ish had a 'Stingray' badges on them, it was not an option package or limited edition as many people think.

As to what it's worth, you'll have to first inspect it to see if there's frame or birdcage (windsheild frame) rot. If so, best pass on this particular car to find something better. It's commercial suicide to restore a car like that unless it's a very rare or special example.

A non-orignal engine car will never be worth the money you'll possibly drop into it, let somebody else take the hit. The best bargains in the hobby are the cars that are already restored.

 

[red70vette]

All 1969 Corvettes were Stingrays. They made T-Top Coupes and convertibles.

You need to check for rust in the frame in front of the rear wheels in what is known as the kick up area. Remove the kick panels and inspect the bottom of the birdcage for rust. Check along the windshield by removing the trim on the inside and look there for rust. If you find significant rust in any of these locations run, don't walk away from the car.

If this car has sat outside for 12 years in all likelyhood the engine is rusted solid, tires are shot, brakes are gone, and anything else you can think of is shot. That along with the obvious problems you have noted make this a very expensive project. Paying anything more than a nominal fee for the car would be a waste of money. You are looking at probably $12,000 - $20,000 to get this car looking nice if you do the work yourself. If you want to send it out to be done by a professional restoration shop you can look at $35,000-$50,000. When done it will be worth about $15,000 with a NOM(not original motor). You do the math.

If the frame is solid you could drop a crate engine in it, rebuild the rest and have a fun project that you can drive and enjoy. Just don't expect to get your money back out of it.

 

[chevyreb]

Can you guys please clue me in on what the kick panels are? Is there a pic of this area on the site? I know how to check the a pillars...there is a little rust there above the VIN plate but underneth the car looks darn good for being parked that long. The guy is asking 4k for it.

Thanks for the info and tips ;>)

 

[bill81vette]

welcome to CAC

the kick panels are down by youe feet in front of the door,b/sure to look behind there for signs of rust,as it is a good indication on the windshield frame rotting
the kick -up area that red70vette refers to is immediately in front of the rear wheels

good luck and enjoy the forums

 

[Daryllawman]

Hello and welcome to the Corvette Action Center.......Hope the Vette works out for you. If not, there will be a Vette out there with your name on it. When it comes around you will know it......

 

[gmjunkie]

Hello and welcome to the Corvette Action Center.......Hope the Vette works out for you. If not, there will be a Vette out there with your name on it. When it comes around you will know it......

Yeah, What he said!! Hay if it don't work out I know where's a Nice 79 Red L82 not far from here in Tn.!! The guy's a "GangBanger" (Street Gang member)!! He won't Miss it !!! otfl Welcome and Enjoy junk!!

 

[Jack]

somewhat of a refererence value ?

Can you guys please clue me in on what the kick panels are? Is there a pic of this area on the site? I know how to check the a pillars...there is a little rust there above the VIN plate but underneth the car looks darn good for being parked that long. The guy is asking 4k for it.Thanks for the info and tips ;>)

Here in SC ... about 9 months back ... a NOM 69 in condition sounding much like your find sold before I could get to owner ... but it was a YELLOW ROADSTER (convertible) ... sold for $3K to a vette guy who buys-reconditions-sells. Dumb deal or not ... I would have paid more.
JACK:gap

 

[The73vetteman]

Paying anything more than a nominal fee for the car would be a waste of money. You are looking at probably $12,000 - $20,000 to get this car looking nice if you do the work yourself. If you want to send it out to be done by a professional restoration shop you can look at $35,000-$50,000. When done it will be worth about $15,000 with a NOM(not original motor).

I'm not sure I agree. The cost of getting the car 'looking nice' we don't really know since we don't know the condition, although yes it could be $12k or more. However, good condition 69's seem to go for a lot more than $15k these days original motor or not. Bear in mind that not every Vette fan is an NCRS member - there are many who just want a car that looks, good, sounds good, and goes good.

I'm not saying it's an investment car - buy it because you want it and not with any expectation of making money - but if you work hard and get it into genuinely good condition I think you could be looking at a $20k + car.

John