C1 Purchase decision

[Vette66AirCoupe]

I've got the bug bad for a C1 to go with my C2. I found a color combo I love, black with silver coves and red interior. I'd appreciate input on what I need to scrutinize when I go to see this baby in the next couple of days. It's a 283/230 4 speed. The motor is "correct" but not original, as in wrong date. That doesn't bother me. Any comments or rcommendations will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[ctjackster]

I can tell that you are excited when you forget to even so much as tell us the year . . ..

 

[BarryK]

Hi Vette66

where in De are you?
I'm in Newark and looking meet others with Vette's around here. Haven't joined NDCC yet but want to make it to the next meeting and join than. I know they meet only about 10 minutes from me at the Charcoal Pit on Kirkwood Hwy.

 

[BarryK]

BTW Vette66, is this the '60 that Conte's in Vineland, NJ just recently got in?

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

You're right about the excitement. I'm looking at a '60. Barry's right, at Conte's. A lot of things are right about this car for me. Since I already have a '66, I have the rear taillight configuration that we first saw in '61. That's one reason why I wanted a pre-'61 Vette. Also, I love the toothy grille which again points me to something older than '61. Why '60? Because each year they got better I guess. Barry, are you familiar with this particular car?

 

[BarryK]

Vette66

no, I don't know anything about the car other than Conte's has it - sorry, wish I could be more help. i'm on their mailing list back from when I was still searching and i saw it was a new addition to their stock. From your location in Delaware and the description you gave on the car I just put 2 + 2 together and figured it must have been the same car.
For what it's worth (which may not be anything at all), I stopped in there and spoke to Conte's a few times during my search for a car. They made me feel pretty comfortable that if the right car had shown up there I would have purchased it. They seemed pretty willing to point out any flaws or bad points on various cars I had looked at in their inventory along with the good points and in addition they took the time to help "educate" me as I'm a newbie at this (my '65 is my first 'Vette).

As it happens, I found a car at another 'Vette specialist in Maryland and I couldn't be more pleased. The car is great and, as good as Conte's is, I can't say enough great things about these guys in MD.

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

My '66 came from Conte's. The guy that Joe bought it from won it in an auction. It was a Pro Team car. I'm going to ride over and take a look.

 

[maxphunn]

One's not enough....

I've got the bug bad for a C1 to go with my C2.!

I hear you Terry, I went through the exact same thing last year. My '66 was looking a little lonley in the Toy Room and I thought a red and white '59 would be fine. It is! But I have bad news...it never ends, you will want more. Now I'm thinking a '67 BB coupe would be nice too.

 

[studiog]

I've got the bug bad for a C1 to go with my C2. I found a color combo I love, black with silver coves and red interior. I'd appreciate input on what I need to scrutinize when I go to see this baby in the next couple of days. It's a 283/230 4 speed. The motor is "correct" but not original, as in wrong date. That doesn't bother me. Any comments or rcommendations will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I've had 2 C1's and for what it's worth here are my comments. I would check the front end real close for body damage especially behind the grille area, headlamp area and the front fenders over the center of the wheel wells. Also check the frame for rust through just ahead of the rear wheel wells. Good luck in your search!

 

[firstgear]

yikes.....you are right....it never seems to end......

I started with a 2003 Z06......then I tripped over a 1964 Sting Ray with original everything that I brought home.....and then I got on the 1960 C1 bug.....and found one on EBay in Baltimore......ended up buying it.....and brought it home last weekend.....needs paint...all chrome needs to be redone....engine needs at least a valve job (350cu in)....and some other things....biggest issue I see right now is getting enough room to sit in it...the wheel is big and almost in your lap....will be going to an aftermarket smaller diameter wheel...that will help....but....it certainly doesnt have the leg room of a C-2.....

good luck.....my 64 didnt need anything...it had been in the Route 66 Museum out in Arizona for 2 years before I got it...so the paint is real nice and the interior and engine area are great......

regards, Herb

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

Oh man! The Vette Gods have bitten me right on the ass! I went to look at the car yesterday and for once the internet pictures weren't overstating the condition and beauty of the car. Not to say it doesn't have some needs for improvement but hey, nothing major, and mostly easy do it yourself stuff that should be fun. It looks and rides terrific! REALLY straight down both sides and you know black won't hide any sins. The frame is solid and the suspension is in great shape. Rides and stops straight too. I left a deposit and the dealer agreed to give it back to me if I have second thoughts anytime within the next week. I've bought from him before so I guess that's why he's doing that. I certainly didn't expect it. Looks like I'll have a backyard buddy in my future soon. Frankly, I thought I might be disappointed in the 283/230 after driving a 427/390 but that little 283 runs great in a 3K lb car. Not as much torque of course but man what a blast to drive. Of course it didn't hurt the dealer's efforts that it was sunny and 70 degreees. :cool I was also pleasantly surprised that the allegations of the rough ride of the straight axles was greatly exagerated in my opinion. All I have to do is perfect the process of getting a 6'1" 220 lb frame behind the wheel. How DO you do that? Thanks for all of your comments guys!

 

[studiog]

Oh man! The Vette Gods have bitten me right on the ass! I went to look at the car yesterday and for once the internet pictures weren't overstating the condition and beauty of the car. Not to say it doesn't have some needs for improvement but hey, nothing major, and mostly easy do it yourself stuff that should be fun. It looks and rides terrific! REALLY straight down both sides and you know black won't hide any sins. The frame is solid and the suspension is in great shape. Rides and stops straight too. I left a deposit and the dealer agreed to give it back to me if I have second thoughts anytime within the next week. I've bought from him before so I guess that's why he's doing that. I certainly didn't expect it. Looks like I'll have a backyard buddy in my future soon. Frankly, I thought I might be disappointed in the 283/230 after driving a 427/390 but that little 283 runs great in a 3K lb car. Not as much torque of course but man what a blast to drive. Of course it didn't hurt the dealer's efforts that it was sunny and 70 degreees. :cool I was also pleasantly surprised that the allegations of the rough ride of the straight axles was greatly exagerated in my opinion. All I have to do is perfect the process of getting a 6'1" 220 lb frame behind the wheel. How DO you do that? Thanks for all of your comments guys!

I love a Vette hunt story that has a happy ending!

 

[BarryK]

Terry

After you get her, I'd love to drive over and see both your Vettes since we are so close. I should have mine back next week hopefully!

Barry

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Terry,

I am right on the DE/MD line, and would love to check out this car if you end up buying it- I'm working on a '59 right now. What year C1 is this that you're considering?

Also, there's a couple of guys on the '59 Corvette Registry that are within close proximity of you- one's right on 896! I also grew up in Pike Creek, DE- Let us know what you decide..

Regards,

Jim

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Oops- sorry, just saw in the details above that it's a '60. Good luck!

Jim

 

[BarryK]

Chev66JB

Terry is looking at a '60
I'm in Newark only 5 minutes from Terry's location so close to you also.
Would be great if a bunch of us could get together sometime. I don't have a C1, but I do have a '65.


Barry

 

[Tom Bryant]

Great story. I hope it has a happy ending (beginning) and you get this car. I saw a charcole '58 Fuelie at Barrett-Jacksond in Scottsdale a couple weeks before the auction that I would have killed for. Unfortunately I have too many projects like the never ending '59, or I might even have some shop space for such a fine car. One of these days......

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Barry: I'd be glad to catch up any time- There's actually a cruise tomorrow at the Elkton Walmart on 40, and I'll probably go w/my '66 Chevelle. It usually starts after 3PM.

Tom: I'm catching up to you FAST- If all goes well, I'll have a frame for the '59 in the next 2 wks!

Jim

 

[BarryK]

Jim

I'd love to do a cruise but my '65 is in the shop - hopefully i'll get her back next week (fingers crossed)!
email me anytime though and we can get together. I'd love to meet other "vette owners around here as I just got mine less than 2 months ago.

Barry

 

[Tom Bryant]

Barry: I'd be glad to catch up any time- There's actually a cruise tomorrow at the Elkton Walmart on 40, and I'll probably go w/my '66 Chevelle. It usually starts after 3PM.

Tom: I'm catching up to you FAST- If all goes well, I'll have a frame for the '59 in the next 2 wks!

Jim

Jim,

Why does your '66 Chevelle only start after 3pm? Glad you found a frame. Was it the one I emailed you about?

Tom