Need opinions on 1965 vert dilemna

[neelfryer]

folks here is a message i sent to 67Heaven....

heaven help me
i've now seen this nassau blue vert 2x's and left a deposit -- i took pix of the stamp and copied down all the numbers and codes i could -- everyone seems to believe that the stamp is original on the engine pad -- but there is a "performance clinic" stamp on the pad in addition to the factory stamp -- annoying and bewildering -- some feel it detracts form the value and that the NCRS folk will poo poo this car because of it -- i'm trying to give this car to my brother for his 40th and ... i'm flummoxed --

if i spend 40k on this car or 42.5 which is where we are in the negotiation at this point -- i know that we are 15k away from bringing this car from a rough number 3 to a tight 1.75/2.0 car....will this stamp issue and data plate error ding the value so that if he wants to turn this car into house money in three years that he will take a beating -- i know predicting the market is tough but I just don't know the corvette world -- i have my finger on another car it's a nassau blue 4 speed vert 350hp car (see the pattern here?) -- it's the combo I want... nassau blue and small block stick car -- anyway --

i just revisited these pix and think this block stamp is a definite fake or re-stamp -- if everyone agrees that it is a fake -- I'm a buyer on the 365 car with the annoying speed shop stamp on there -- how many small block 350 or 365 hp nassau blue 4 speeds are out there? my guess would be like 3500? but i have no idea -- I have until the beginning of november to land this ray but this one I've actually seen and heard -- what do you advise....sean

I have many digital pix of both cars -- the problem is that when I try to attach them they are too big for this site -- if you send me a private e-mail -- I will send you a link to a snapfish file that will give you a look at the 365 car...I can also e-mail you the 350 car's stamp that i think is fake...sean

 

[BarryK]

if you are concerned about the cars value and it being a "correct" numbers matching car and one that would pass NCRS judging (or have the value of one that would) than any alteration of the stamp pad such as this one has will certainly kill it.
I'd get my deposit back and keep looking.

 

[ispanic]

If you have doubts I would keep looking. To put another 15K into the car you are at 55K and still have the stamp pad issue. As far as selling the car later if you do you will end up being the one trying to justify the stamp pad to a potential buyer and it will always be an issue.

Buy the nicest car you can afford that does not need a bunch of work done to it. In many cases you can buy a finished Top Flight car for less than what it will cost you to get a car to that level on your own. Spend some extra $$ and find a car with no issues.

Ian

 

[Tom Bryant]

Buy the nicest car you can afford that does not need a bunch of work done to it. In many cases you can buy a finished Top Flight car for less than what it will cost you to get a car to that level on your own. Spend some extra $$ and find a car with no issues.

Ian

Well said. I would not be comfortable having 55k in a small block car with numbers issues. For that much money you should be able to find a very nice correct car that if it needs anything at all, it is just minor detailing. If you even think that your brother might want to turn the car in the future don't buy anything that isn't correct. Ive been through selling non matching cars in the past and most phone calls will end when you tell them that there is a question about the stamp pad. The ones that don't will be the bargain hunters.


I'd keep looking. From my own experience I can safely say that I'll never buy another midyear that I am not absolutely sure that the engine is the one installed at St. Louis.

Buying a car to build a hot rod would be an exception.

Tom

 

[neelfryer]

Guys
you have all given great insights...but I need to let you know how all over the place I am -- I have 2 cars in my sights...and I know it seems like I just started looking...I haven't...I've been looking for many months and the end of October is really my drop dead ate to have the car

How many small block 65 verts that are nassau blue with white tops are out there/ how many were made? 4 speed is a must -- my guess was about 3500 were made...am I wrong?

the 350 hp car that I found in Tennessee is very hard to get to -- it's a flight and then a 4 hour drive...and I just e-mailed 2 pix of the engine stamp and both parties think it's a fake stamp -- and I agree -- having seen the real one this past weekend on the 365 hp car that is in my back yard

I'm bringing my mechanic back to see the 365 car and I'm bringing the dough -- the problem is that paying 42k or 40k is less the issue than the potential problem of resale -- I'm not trying to "flip" this car

my guess is that my brother will back flip when he gets it for his b'day and never want to sell it -- if that is the case then I don't really care that the "performance clinic' stamp accompanies the real factory stamps (everyone has unanimously agreed that those stamp are genuine)

my other friend just wants me to verify the date casting on the block which is the last number to be found -- so my other question is -- if the build date is april 15 and the block stamp says march 1 -- what letter should I see on the block casting? A? B? or C? would be my guess -- but you guys are way the experts here

I have e-mailed some pix to barryk -- he will try to resize them to post them here

you guys are trying to tell me "don't go gentle into that dark night...." and to take my time -- but realistically...how many FF color 4 speed verts with white top and gut are out there...even fakes and repaints and restamps? I see a lot of 66's it seems but the 65's seem rarer...

i dunno...but I'm walking towards the altar and the orchestra's playing guys...speak now or forever hold your peace...the paint and body is really nice on this 365 car (i'll shut up now) -- sean

 

[ispanic]

Nassau Blue was the most popular color choice in '65 with 6,022 being made. How many were big or small blocks I don't think anyone knows for sure.

Unless you have original paperwork with the car there is no way to tell what color the top was originally so you can always change that to white.

It seems like you have pretty much talked yourself into this particular car and only you know what your brother will like. I would rather have the original engine with the additional stamp than a NOM but as Tom said it will always be an issue you will have with the car.

A car can be a very personal thing and if it is not 100% your brother's dream car it is an issue he will have to deal with when selling it.

 

[vintagecorvette]

I recommend that you get off your wallet and pay an expert to go and look at the car if you have any doubts. There are many trust worthy people who will check out Corvettes and tell you if it is a restamp etc. It is your best insurance. This board is excellent, but there is only so much people can tell you from photos.


Good luck.

By the way, I think that a correct 365 vert for $40 large is a decent deal. I see them for more, I know of a NOM one Listed here for 40G.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1166803&forum_id=58

oWEN

 

[vettefinderjim]

April 15 build = April 9 motor??

Guys

my other friend just wants me to verify the date casting on the block which is the last number to be found -- so my other question is -- if the build date is april 15 and the block stamp says march 1 -- what letter should I see on the block casting? A? B? or C? would be my guess -- but you guys are way the experts here

I have e-mailed some pix to barryk -- he will try to resize them to post them here

you guys are trying to tell me "don't go gentle into that dark night...." and to take my time -- but realistically...how many FF color 4 speed verts with white top and gut are out there...even fakes and repaints and restamps? I see a lot of 66's it seems but the 65's seem rarer...

i dunno...but I'm walking towards the altar and the orchestra's playing guys...speak now or forever hold your peace...the paint and body is really nice on this 365 car (i'll shut up now) -- sean

Vin # 14849 has engine cast date of C225, stamp F0329HG.
# 15596 has C225, with F0409HU
# 16572 has D135, with F0421HT

Without knowing the vin of the car, it is hard to say what you need. Generally, the engines are about one to two weeks in front of car assembly date and casting number is one week before the engine assembly date.

Nassau blue with white- blue interior is a hard color to shop. Don't get to crazed up over 'matching numbers' unless you plan to show the car.

Look at the whole car. Rust free chassis........never damaged body......complete factory correct driveline.........factory paperwork and ownership history. These all create the value.

How does in run and drive? How does it steer and stop? Does everything work? Headlights, radio, power antenna, top fit? Hard top hardware? Power windows? heater? windshield wipers? Oil leaks and overheating?These are all part of the $40000 !!..........and expensive to fix if not correct.

To me a restamped engine is no different than a repainted car. If the car runs and drives as a 65 Corvette with a 365 solid lifter engine, than I am happy. We can always find a replacement 870 block and restamp it. But that happens way down the line after we have fallen totally in love with the whole car. Don't buy just a pretty paint job.