Purchase of a 1961

[61 Silver]

Need Help!



I have posted a few times that I am looking for another solid axel project. I sold the 1965 Corvette to finance the next project. I have found a 1961 315-HP fuelie. Everything seems to be correct and in good condition except for a replacement block. I believe the block (#935) to be a GM service replacement with a late 61-date code. That would make this block for an early 62 car and we all know that 283-CI engines were not used in 62. I have always wanted to own a fuelie since my first ride in a Corvette was in a 62 fuelie. I do not want to buy this car with my heart but with my head and have done quite a bit of research. What is the opinion of this forum of a fair price for an original 61 fuelie in good condition with a replacement block!



Thanks for any help!



Ray

 

[studiog]

Hi Ray, I don't really know for sure except for what I've seen on Ebay, and what I've seen is fuelies going for about 10,000 - 20,000 more than carburated cars. I have no idea how a replacement block would affect pricing. The 65 you sold is that the (Glenwood?) Green one you just repainted a short time ago? Hard to keep up with your buying & selling habits Of course I'm partial to 61s so it sounds like a great way to go.

 

[61 Silver]

Hi! Stuidog



I guess I am starting to sound like a dealer, but I am not. I like the C-1's my self and that is one of the reasons for selling the 65. I restored the 65 for my wife and she never liked it, and it never showed real well at the local cruise nights. Wait until you get your 61 out to some car events with them two 4-barrels, aluminum intake and re-sale red you are going to wow them. I seen a 60 270HP at a cruse night Saturday that had just been completed, Red with white coves painted with single stage urethane, the car look great.



In reference to the 61 fuelie, it is the color of my first Corvette, 62 Fawn Beige with fawn interior. The price is a little high for a replacement block, but when it is a car you have wanted for a long time and you have a change to buy it you may pay a little more that you should. That is one of the reasons for this post.



Thanks for your response and a few pictures of your 61 would be nice, I like red.



Ray

 

[skyman]

Noland Adams Vol#1 gives the many unique features of a 61 315 fuelie. Give us some more information that tells you the car is real. Secondly I know of no corvette that used a "935" block in any model year. If it is a 61 block I would say it is from a passneger car.

 

[61 Silver]

Hi! Skyman



Thanks for your response. The "935 or 3789935 block was used randomly in 1961 Corvette after number 9,500 (NCRS 1961-1962 judging Manual). The block was also used in other GM products through 1964 or later. (Other recourses for this information) It would interesting to know when the last "519" block was cast.



I am 99% sure that the car is an original fuelie. The reservoir canister for the wiper system is located on the right side. The hole in the firewall for this system is also present. The hole for the fuelie tach drive is located where it is suppose to be. It has the high RPM tach. All the numbers and date code for the fuel injection, heads and distributor system are correct for the birth date of the car. The Fuel Injection Scrip is located in the correct position. (I still need to check for three studs) And the air cleaner parts are with the car.



Again, Thanks for your response!



Ray

 

[skyman]

Ray

I stand corrected. Corvette by the numbers doesn't list this block for any application. I should have looked at the judging manual before posting. My car is Ser#7770 and it has the "519" block. Casting date is March 9th,61. Car was built April 28th,61.

regards

 

[61 Silver]

Again, thanks for the response! Your response made me double-check my research and that is what I am looking for. This could be the first time that I have spent this much money on a Corvette and I cannot afford to get it wrong.



Thanks



Ray

 

[skyman]

Ray

If you are going to spend a reasonably large sum on this car, I urge you to check out page 393 in Noland's Vol#1 for identifying fuel injected cars. I could list them but I think it would be better for you to read it for yourself.

regards

 

[Gasman]

I've got a 519 in mine, but i think i found a reference to the 935.
try here. http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm
rick

 

[Gasman]

Yup, even the CAC here lists the 3789935 as late '61 production. don't know when late starts.
rick

 

[studiog]

Hey Ray any progess to report on th 61 Fuelie?

 

[61 Silver]

Hi Studio







I have been researching and working on purchasing this 61 for over a six weeks. The car is quite a distance from NYS and I haven't had a chance to inspect the car in person. I was ready to make airline reservations, I had planned to fly in to inspect and purchase the car when the owner informed me that the car had been sold. A few days ago I received an email and the owner of the 61 informed me that the buyer could not secure financing and was I still interested in the 61. I compiled a list of items that I wanted the owner to rate and I am now waiting for this completed list to return. The owner is out of town until August 1st. If I purchase this car I hope to fly to its location and drive it home. It would be my first long distance trip in a Corvette and I am looking forward it. I have attached a copy of the checklist. Let me know if there is any questions or areas that I should include. I have already confirmed the engine and its components.



Ray




1961 Fuelie Check Sheet

Condition Scale

1 - poor condition

10 – excellent condition

​

1. Interior

a. Dash pad

b. Instrument cluster (gauge, do they work & condition)

c. Storage tray

d. Radio

e. Clock

f. Heater controls (does heater & defrost work)

g. Kick panels (metal trim)

h. Door panels (metal and vinyl)

i. Interior chrome

j. Windshield trim

k. Seats metal and vinyl

l. Carpet

m. Under dash (rust)

n. Steering wheel

o. Seat belts



2. Exterior

a. Paint

b. Chrome

i. Bumpers

ii. Grill

iii. Fake vents

iv. Emblems

v. License plate front and rear

vi. Hub caps

vii. Door handles

viii. Antenna

ix. Windshield and door window post



c. Stainless trim

i. Cove trim

ii. Fender trim

iii. Cove spears

iv. Windshield wipers

v. Windshield top

vi. Convertible hatch trim behind seats



d. Lights

i. Parking

ii. Tail

e. Body and tops

i. Damage or replacement panels from accident

ii. Convertible top

iii. Hard top

1. Hard top plastic windows



3. Window Glass

a. Windshield

b. Door windows



4. Engine and engine bay

a. Radio ignition stainless shielding (should be five pieces)

b. Type of coil

c. Numbers from radiator

d. Starter numbers and date code

e. Windshield wiper-washer system

f. Radiator numbers and signs of expansion tank mounting

g. Master cylinder

h.



5. Under body and metal supports

a. Frame

b. Exhaust

c. Differential

d. Brakes

e. Cables

i. Emergency brake

ii. Speedometer

f. Fiberglass floor

g. Suspension to include wheel brakes

h. Body mounts

i. Door hinge post (lift door up and down to determine play)

j. Universal joints

k. Transmission

i. Type

ii. Numbers if you can read them

iii. Date code if you can read them

l. Tires



6. Trunk

a. Mat

b. Cardboard liner

c. Jack & handle

d. Spare tire

e. Spare tire board (plywood)

f. Lug nut wrench

g. Antenna lower section

h.

​

 

[61 Silver]

Ray

If you are going to spend a reasonably large sum on this car, I urge you to check out page 393 in Noland's Vol#1 for identifying fuel injected cars. I could list them but I think it would be better for you to read it for yourself.

regards

Hi! Skyman



I have used Noland’s C-1 book for most of my research on the fuelie along with a couple other books and web sites.



Thanks for your help!



Ray

 

[studiog]

Hi Studio







I have been researching and working on purchasing this 61 for over a six weeks. The car is quite a distance from NYS and I haven't had a chance to inspect the car in person. I was ready to make airline reservations, I had planned to fly in to inspect and purchase the car when the owner informed me that the car had been sold. A few days ago I received an email and the owner of the 61 informed me that the buyer could not secure financing and was I still interested in the 61. I compiled a list of items that I wanted the owner to rate and I am now waiting for this completed list to return. The owner is out of town until August 1st. If I purchase this car I hope to fly to its location and drive it home. It would be my first long distance trip in a Corvette and I am looking forward it. I have attached a copy of the checklist. Let me know if there is any questions or areas that I should include. I have already confirmed the engine and its components.



Ray




1961 Fuelie Check Sheet

Condition Scale

1 - poor condition

10 – excellent condition

​

1. Interior

a. Dash pad

b. Instrument cluster (gauge, do they work & condition)

c. Storage tray

d. Radio

e. Clock

f. Heater controls (does heater & defrost work)

g. Kick panels (metal trim)

h. Door panels (metal and vinyl)

i. Interior chrome

j. Windshield trim

k. Seats metal and vinyl

l. Carpet

m. Under dash (rust)

n. Steering wheel

o. Seat belts



2. Exterior

a. Paint

b. Chrome

i. Bumpers

ii. Grill

iii. Fake vents

iv. Emblems

v. License plate front and rear

vi. Hub caps

vii. Door handles

viii. Antenna

ix. Windshield and door window post



c. Stainless trim

i. Cove trim

ii. Fender trim

iii. Cove spears

iv. Windshield wipers

v. Windshield top

vi. Convertible hatch trim behind seats



d. Lights

i. Parking

ii. Tail

e. Body and tops

i. Damage or replacement panels from accident

ii. Convertible top

iii. Hard top

1. Hard top plastic windows



3. Window Glass

a. Windshield

b. Door windows



4. Engine and engine bay

a. Radio ignition stainless shielding (should be five pieces)

b. Type of coil

c. Numbers from radiator

d. Starter numbers and date code

e. Windshield wiper-washer system

f. Radiator numbers and signs of expansion tank mounting

g. Master cylinder

h.



5. Under body and metal supports

a. Frame

b. Exhaust

c. Differential

d. Brakes

e. Cables

i. Emergency brake

ii. Speedometer

f. Fiberglass floor

g. Suspension to include wheel brakes

h. Body mounts

i. Door hinge post (lift door up and down to determine play)

j. Universal joints

k. Transmission

i. Type

ii. Numbers if you can read them

iii. Date code if you can read them

l. Tires



6. Trunk

a. Mat

b. Cardboard liner

c. Jack & handle

d. Spare tire

e. Spare tire board (plywood)

f. Lug nut wrench

g. Antenna lower section

h.

​

Ray I think you covered it pretty well. In fact if you don't mind I would like to copy this list for future reference and also as a check list as I near completion of my current 61. There is one more question that came to my mind. I would ask aboiut the general functioning of the electrical system and the condition of wiring harness. How about the fuel tank also.

 

[61 Silver]

Hi! Studiog

Thanks for the response. Have you made a checklist or completion list for your 61 project. At my age, I no longer can trust my mind to insure everything that I need to complete has been completed. I am in the process of building a list now for the 63 and have just started restoring parts for re-assembly.



I am also going to pass on the 61 fuelie. I talked to a friend, who is a master NCRS judge and he thought the price was high with a replacement block car. I am back in the market for a solid axel project. If any knows of a good C-1 project please let me know.



Ray

 

[BarryK]

Ray
sorry that '61 didn't work out for you, I could tell the car excited you but it's good you decided with your brain and not your heart.

i'm not currently aware of any C-1 project cars but i'll try to keep my eyes and ears open in my local area for you.

 

[skyman]

Ray


If you don't mind, what was the asking price for the 61 Fuelie?

 

[61 Silver]

$40,000 Firm, He started at $42,000.

 

[ON 7TH]

Theres a 54 not far from me in the low 40's

 

[studiog]

Hi! Studiog

Thanks for the response. Have you made a checklist or completion list for your 61 project. At my age, I no longer can trust my mind to insure everything that I need to complete has been completed. I am in the process of building a list now for the 63 and have just started restoring parts for re-assembly.



I am also going to pass on the 61 fuelie. I talked to a friend, who is a master NCRS judge and he thought the price was high with a replacement block car. I am back in the market for a solid axel project. If any knows of a good C-1 project please let me know.



Ray

Hi Ray,

Well you know what they say... it is probably for the best. Now you can start with a fresh slate take your time and I'm sure the right car will come along.

Funny you mentioned the check list as my 17 year old daughter just told me to take a day away from the car and get organized. I have lost my focus as I am trying to do too many things at one time. It relates to the back order problem again. Every time I go to do something I realize I am waiting on a part so I move on to something else and guess what? I'm waiting on a part again. If it wasn't for Carlisle I wouldn't be sweating it so much. Anyway good luck and if I hear of a decent C1 I will be sure to let you know.