How to tell if numbers match

[Vette79]

We would love to hear from you! Keep us posted...

 

[red70vette]

From your research it appears that the engine is original to the car. Since you don't know for sure if it is a totaly numbers matching car I would tell purchasers that as far as you know it is the original drivetrain and the buyer should check it to their satisfaction. Make it their responsibility.

Most buyers who ask the question don't know what it means. And the truth is it means different things to different people. A 1979 is far from a collectible car and its condition should be more of a dictate of price than anything else. Judging from your pictures your price is a fair one and you should be able to get that price if the car runs and drives well.

 

[lena65]

Red70Vette,

Thanks for your suggestion; I did just that. I took out "original engine", and replaced it with, "As far as I know,....."

Also, you live in Cortlandt Manor? I live in Dutchess County, about 1/2 hour north from you. You might actually know my husband. His family is originally from Yorktown Heights, and some of my family live in Cortlandt Manor now.

 

[Vettepirate]

I know you said you absolutely needed to sell this... but would it hurt to keep it around for the 10-year old who might want it later on?

Just thought i'd ask... i'm sure anyone would be greatful to have a Vette as their first car

 

[uufta]

From your research it appears that the engine is original to the car. Since you don't know for sure if it is a totaly numbers matching car I would tell purchasers that as far as you know it is the original drivetrain and the buyer should check it to their satisfaction. Make it their responsibility.

Most buyers who ask the question don't know what it means. And the truth is it means different things to different people. A 1979 is far from a collectible car and its condition should be more of a dictate of price than anything else. Judging from your pictures your price is a fair one and you should be able to get that price if the car runs and drives well.

Just off subject a bit, hope thats ok, every year of the c3's are very collectible, especially the 79, the C4's and up rarely hold their value, and the C1's and C2's have gone the way of now priced for the few, the C3's are now the only way for the average Joe to keep in Corvettes, so nice ones are skyrocketing in price, the earlier C3's are going the way of the C2's now, expense to get and mega expense to break things having fun..

Greg

 

[lena65]

I would have considered keeping the cars for the 12 and 10 year-old boys (also had an 1985 Camaro Iroc-z); however, when my husband went into the ER (on Mother's Day last year), we had no health or life insurance. With him in the hospital, there was also no income. My neighbor started a fundraiser for us, which helped A LOT. I was an independent Loan Closer before, and I made a decent second income, but without life insurance to pay off the mortgage, and two boys to feed (I do eat occasionally), the second income is not enough, and with r/e market as slow as it, I won't get what I need for this house, so the cars need to go.

My boys are learning cruel lessons in life at an early age. They see that without money, there is no food, no electricity, possibly no house. They were upset with me for selling the cars in the beginning, but they've come to terms with it; they now realize that "toys" are fun to have, but they'd much rather have their father instead.

Okay, I didn't mean to get all philosophical here...just wanted to answer the question and got outta control.

Hopefully I've reached out to some of you who would be in my position one day -- PLEASE PROTECT YOUR FAMILIES. Make sure they are provided for in case of a tragedy, so they won't have to give anything up, and go through what I'm going through.

 

[Vettepirate]

No need to apologise for sounding philosophical. I knew that you had to have a good reason for selling the car because people usually won't sell their Vettes unless they really have to. I'd much rather have a roof than a car. I just wondered if you had considered keeping it and I wasn't aware of the seriousness of your situation.

I am thankful not to have to worry about mortgages and family (yet) but i hope that you will be able to pull through OK.

 

[oceangal]

Be careful on Craigslist. There is a pretty common scam on there. It is a person who has a money order but its for more money than you are asking and you can keep the difference and they even will wait for the check to clear and they want you to arrange the shipping. Its a scam and sadly it sucks folks in.

My thoughts go out to you and your boys.

 

[oceangal]

here is some good info on the scams on Craigslist.

http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html

http://www.fraudguides.com/internet-craigslist-scams.asp

 

[pbcanney]

another 2 cents... dont sell it to any one overseas. I've heard of too many people getting nailed by buyers who's money transfers get tied up while the seller has already sent the vehicle. The money deal falls through and they get a car for free.

I'd love to have my father back as well, but I cling to some tools he had that he used when he was machinist. I wish I could say my corvette was "my fathers" , but I cant. But maybe my kids can some day.

 

[red70vette]

If you want to sell your car quickly you need to show it. Take it to car shows or cruises. A good one is the Bear mountain show on Wed. nights lots of car enthusiasts. Another is Adam's Corners in Newburgh on the first Tuesday of the month. If you get there early and put a sign on the car you will get plenty of lookers and might get lucky and get a buyer. It will definitely get you more exposure than local newspapers and the pennysaver.

 

[minifridge1138]

Car shows are a good way to get attention. However, a lot of people at car shows are there to look, not buy. Still, it is a great place to start.

I would recommend finding a local corvette club. They could tell you a lot about the car and might also be able to help you sell it.

Also, there are classic corvette dealers. I don't know what they pay for a car, but they'd definitely buy it from you or sell it for you for consignment.

The only one i know in that part of the country is Corvette Mike. I only know he is in "New England", but you can find his site here: http://corvettemikenewengland.com/

Personally I think the car is worth more than $11,500. I paid $12,500 for a 1982 that needed some work.

Good Luck!

 

[lena65]

Thank you for those suggestions about car shows and Corvette clubs.

I e-mailed all the Corvette clubs a few months ago. I got calls on it, but I couldn't answer all the "detailed" questions...then they all told me the price was too high.

I contacted Corvette Mike last week; he referred me to Prestige Joe, who asked for pictures, and I haven't heard back -- will follow-up with him in the morning.

The car shows was my first idea...however (of course) I cannot insure the car because it is in my husband's name. I tried "DMV" to see if they could expedite the title, or do something in this situation. They told me, "not our problem". If I could do the car shows, we have one in town, less than a ten-minute drive, and I have to pass the police station to get there...AND I would do the Bear Mountain one.

Just say a prayer, and keep your fingers/toes crossed.

 

[oceangal]

What a pain. I wonder if you can't insure the car are you going to be able to sell it? Or have the title transfered to your name so you can insure it. I'm sorry your going through all this.

 

[lena65]

I'll be able to sell it.

DMV told me to sign the titles with "my name", "as surviving spouse", and give the buyer the supporting documentation, which I have all ready.

I sold the camaro that way, and it worked out fine. The new owner has to get their insurance, then get their plates, then come put the new plates on the vehicle, and off they go.

I'm sorry I'm going through all this too. I'm more mad, though, at the way things happen in life. We have scumbags running the country, and honest, hard-working americans trying to make a decent living, and look what happens. I hate having to do all this extra thinking, while I'm grieving...and then I put on this "tough" act when people come here, because I don't want to look weak, and have them take advantage.
My whole situation has made me stronger and wiser, and when I get my head together, I would like to speak publicly -- the whole story -- so that if even one person doesn't have to go through this, it would be worth it.