Purchase Question

[jeffsic]

My life long dream of owning a Corvette may become a reality next week but I was wondering if you experienced folks could help me a little.

I am looking at a Red 1969 convertible with an automatic 427 big block. I know about checking the matching numbers but is there anything else I should look for or be aware of before I buy this model. Thanks to anyone who responds.

 

[red70vette]

I see you are in the rust belt. Corvettes do rust. Make sure you check the frame. The most likely places are in front of the rear wheels where the frame kicks up over the wheel well and in the front directly below the windshield post.
You can also go to www.corvettefaq.com and look under the miscellanoeus section there are some Corvette Buying tips. It is named something like "75 things to check when buying a Corvette". It is a real comprehensive list but it will give you some ideas of what to look for. Welcome to the CAC and enjoy that big block if it works out.

 

[Nut]

Jeff.... what a great ride to have for your first Corvette!! I am jealous. Besides what red had already mentioned, I noticed that you didn't mention what you are thinking about paying. But that's OK. You might want to purchase the Corvette Black Book. Has a lot of condensed info regarding numbers, color codes ...etc. You may want to check the trim and paint tag inside the left door frame below the window pillar and see if the car is still in the original color/trim. Next, was it delivered as a true 427 or was it modified? A factory big block will command some serious $$$, so you'll want to be sure here. Just because it has the Big Block hood doesn't mean it was manufactured that way. Also, I'd take it to a trusted mechanic and have it gone over mechanically and electrically. It's worth spending some $$$ for this. Usually a good, unbiased sanity check.

Otherwise, if it passes these tests, and you're happy with it...... GO FOR IT. Let us know what you decide.

And welcome to the CAC!!!

Regards............ Nut

 

[jeffsic]

So many things to look at

Thanks you guys for the responses. Wow, there sure is a lot of things to consider. You asked for the price. The car body is in great shape but not sure if it's original paint color. The leather looks original and a little worn but no rips. Haven't seen the engine yet so can't answer anything about that yet but I assume it will look pretty good. The seller mentioned that it has been partially restored but has told me the numbers match. The list price is $24,000 and hope to get it a little lower than that. I hope I don't get taken because I forget to look at the right things.

 

[red70vette]

Be careful. For $24K you can buy a show quality 70 that needs absolutely nothing. Check out some of the price "guides" such as the one at www.corvettefever.com Check out the front grills. 70's have a 1 year only grille that has no screw holes on the bottom edge they have studs on the back. This will give you an idea if the car was hit in the nose. These grills are imposssible to find. Trust me on that one.
A big block convertible is worth more than a standard cpe so make sure you put options in the price guides correctly. Do a search for Corvette price guides and compare them there are about a half dozen out there.

 

[71VERT]

jeff thats a decent price if its in really good shape and its matching numbers. Is it a 427 ( 390, 400 or 435 ) the 400 and 435's are more rare. Most people will come down in price so I wouldn't pay list.

By the way if that deal doesn't work out I am going to be selling one of the 2 I have this month.

Both matching numbers

69 427/435 L71 automatic
71 350/270 automatic but it has a Lt1 cam & intake & solid lifters if your interested.

 

[phxraptor]

Welcome to the forum. I too last November bought my first Vette. Got a beautiful L81C3,new paint/leather interior. Looked around a long time. But was in a big hurrey to get one.So I jumped on the first good one I found. Found out later after being on these forums that I could have done ALOT better for what I spent. Take your time,spend some time on here and read ALOT of posts and ASK alot of questions. My best advice !