The worst thet could happen

[Larry E. Howard]

Here's a story that will bring tears to your eyes guys. The short version: Guy called to ask my opinion on a numbers matching 69 with a 427. I was a numbers correct car so I advised he buy it. He called again, wanted me to fix the speedo gear on his numbers matching tranny. While we fixed his tranny, he told me he had removed the engine and took it to a rebuilder. He called back today to tell me he got the engine back, the engine rebuilder had decked the block, numbers gone!!!
He was not restoring the car, only going to make it a nice driver. He asked about block stamping etc. But after what I have learned on this BB I suggested he just leave the block bare. What do you guys think and how much value did he lose on the car? He said he told the rebuilder to leave the numbers!

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: The worst thet could happen

The subject of value came up recently. Value is subjective. Since he is not restoring the vehicle and wants a nice driver, I agree with your suggestion that the block not be restamped. In the event that he resells the vehicle, there will generally be two types of buyers - those that want a driver, and those that want a TF/BG/numbers matching car.

For those that want a driver, I would think that your friend won't lose anything. Of all the Corvettes in existence, I'm sure there are quite a few that have had the block decked and the numbers erased.

For those that want a TF/BG vehicle, I would think that, unfortunately, some value has been lost. How much will be up to your friend and the buyer. Echoing the above, I'm sure that several Top Flight vehicles have had restamped blocks.

My 68 doesn't even have the block, so at least your friend is one step ahead and has the original block, even if it doesn't "say" so. If the car is a potential Bowtie candidate, I really wouldn't know what to do.

And by the way, is your "friend" named Larry too

[Wayne P.]

Re: The worst thet could happen

15% of value at resell is lost. Engine builder owes an explanation as well as compensation. At least make him pay for a correct restamp!

[Larry E. Howard]

Re: The worst thet could happen

Wayne,
That was pretty much my feelings on the rebuilder. The guy (James)with the vette has apparently known the rebuilder for years.
Kevin, if the friend's name was Larry, we wouldn't be discussing this cause the rebuilder would likely be at the pearlly gates by now! My 69 427 is restored escept for the 454 that's in it. For 13 years I have been looking for a correctly dated 427 block.

[John P.]

Re: The worst thet could happen

Id be taking that 15% out of the builders butt!

I cant believe it, especially after he told him not to do it!!!!!!!
the builder didnt care to listen to hims so If I was him I wouldnt care to take him to the bank and get some cash no matter if he was just making it a driver and not restoring it, The original engine stamp is gone nothing but metal shavings on the floor!

johnny