New C2

['63split]

Hello,

I've been wondering lately about building a C2, say a 1965 big block (396) car from scratch for example. We all know that there are enough parts, new and used, to be able to build a car from the frame up.
Just think of it, it would be like buying a brand new C2.

Any thoughts?

Mike

 

[cdr63corv]

Id hate to think what the final bill would come out at. All the little stuff can really add up. If you ever decided to get rid of it it might be a tuff sell, you know how corvette guys are with their date codes. Would be nice though, and you would definatly know what you have, after I bought mine the motor went, bad brakes, leaky heator core etc. etc. but it does give me something to do in the winter, good luck................

 

[JohnZ]

You can accomplish the same result with a body-off restoration of an existing car, at about half the cost.

 

['63split]

Like I said, I was just wondering about it. I've been casually looking for a '65 big block car and since there were only 2200 built there aint a lot to choose from, not to mention the enormous price these cars are now bringing. I figured one could be bulit for about 50 grand about 10-25 less then an original.

Regards,
Mike

 

[67HEAVEN]

[QUOTE='63split]I figured one could be bulit for about 50 grand about 10-25 less then an original.

Regards,
Mike[/QUOTE]
Not possible for 50 grand. Ask me how I know.

 

[Sting Ray]

I think someone on the other forum figued it out new frame, new body,etc and it was well over $100K a couple of years ago, if you could build the car it still wouldn't be worth much to anyone but yourself, haven't you ever heard of someone having $80K in a car only worth $35K

Tom

 

['63split]

Just food for thought.
I wanted to see what others thought about the idea.
There's no harm in dreaming and if I were to tackle a project such as this I would probably run out of time and money before it was completed.

Thanks for your responses,
Mike

 

[drags1998]

Nice Idea, I remember years ago I saw where some one built a Citation from the parts bin and it cost60-65grand. If this is true, can you imagine what a BB 65 would COST!!!!!!!!! P.S. before you start let me know, I WANT TO BUY SOME UPS STOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Boogieman]

I say go for it. After all, it's only money. You know how to get more. Build the car of your dreams. Resale value is not the top priority item to consider when building a dream car.

 

[BLACK MOON]

I've thought about the opposite. Buying a car not worth restoring and taking it apart selling it piece by piece. With the prices as high as they are on eBay I wonder what all the parts would total? Hmmmnn

 

['63split]

If I had a serial number, I for one, would be tempted to restore it back to original. I've had a long time desire to build a car from the frame up after doing a couple of frame on restos. If I could find a basket case for a reasonable price I'd restore it back to original stock condition. If it had no engine then depending on the suspension and tach red line etc. I could narrow done what type engine it had.

Mike

 

[BLACK MOON]

The problem is the basket cases are going for too much money. It seems basket cases are 12-15,000. You can buy a good matching numbers driver for 20-25. Aproject would need to be 5-10,000 to be worth messing with especially if it is missing key components. Just my thoughts.

[QUOTE='63split]If I had a serial number, I for one, would be tempted to restore it back to original. I've had a long time desire to build a car from the frame up after doing a couple of frame on restos. If I could find a basket case for a reasonable price I'd restore it back to original stock condition. If it had no engine then depending on the suspension and tach red line etc. I could narrow done what type engine it had.

Mike[/QUOTE]

 

['63split]

Well, they're out there, you just have to get lucky and look under every rock and follow every lead. A friend of mine just bought a 67 conv. both tops and matching numbers for $15,000. The car had been sitting in a garage blocked in by another car for 16 years. Granted it needs a lot of work but when he's finished he'll have a nice '67 worth about $35,000. I don't mind spending the time, to me that's half the fun and I don't count my time towards the project, only the cost of parts. Now, if I were in business restoring cars then I would be forced to account for my time, but I wouldn't spend the extra amount of time that I would on my own cars, unless I was being paid for it. That's why you see prices of $100,000 + for some of these restorations, because every nut and bolt has been removed and plated along with the time to take all those nuts and bolts off and put them back on. You'll never be able to recoop your time it takes to restore one of these vettes. That's why it's referred to as a "labor of love". I own 2 '63s one is a coupe and the other is a conv. One day I may decide to do a body off resto but only when I have lots of time and money.

Life should be full of dreams and desires, that's what makes life worth living.

Mike

 

[BLACK MOON]

I agree with you. My only point was that basket cases les motor or wrong motor were going too high when there are good cars out there for the same money or a little more. You just have to 'turn over those rocks' and look around. I still think some of those projects should be sold for parts for those of us restoring. [QUOTE='63split]Well, they're out there, you just have to get lucky and look under every rock and follow every lead. A friend of mine just bought a 67 conv. both tops and matching numbers for $15,000. The car had been sitting in a garage blocked in by another car for 16 years. Granted it needs a lot of work but when he's finished he'll have a nice '67 worth about $35,000. I don't mind spending the time, to me that's half the fun and I don't count my time towards the project, only the cost of parts. Now, if I were in business restoring cars then I would be forced to account for my time, but I wouldn't spend the extra amount of time that I would on my own cars, unless I was being paid for it. That's why you see prices of $100,000 + for some of these restorations, because every nut and bolt has been removed and plated along with the time to take all those nuts and bolts off and put them back on. You'll never be able to recoop your time it takes to restore one of these vettes. That's why it's referred to as a "labor of love". I own 2 '63s one is a coupe and the other is a conv. One day I may decide to do a body off resto but only when I have lots of time and money.

Life should be full of dreams and desires, that's what makes life worth living.

Mike[/QUOTE]

 

['63split]

I get your point Moon.

What are the stats on your '63 roadster?

Mike

 

[BLACK MOON]

[QUOTE='63split]I get your point Moon.

What are the stats on your '63 roadster?

Mike[/QUOTE]I picked it up on eBay. Its a mostly original 300 hp car. Wrong color (red should be silver blue), wrong dash (recently found a 63). Good solid car for restoration. I pulled the body and was amazed at the condition of the frame. It looked like it was a few years old. That obviously made me happy.

I'm going to do a full restoration but I'm adding some options for driveability. I drove over and paid for a Keisler 5 speed today. I'm a bit bias since Shafi (the owner) has been a friend for several years but the 475 hp kit he sells is plain awesome and very reasonably priced. I previously added power steering, side pipes and front disc brakes and I'm going to rear wheel discs when I reassemble. Last but not least is a BB hood. I know its not correct but I like the style. You're probably asking yourself why not buy a 65-67 with some of these options. Some days I ask myself the same question. The only other problem with the car is that it had rear flares. They did a great job of putting it back to original but I may change go ahead and change the rear quarters.

Money, money, money!!!!!!!! It's just money and I can make more.