C1 Where to start? Arrgghh!!!

[Jon Hess]

This is not a Tech question, I know... Looking to buy a 1958,59 or 60 C1 Corvette. Planing to do a frame up restoration. I've found a 1959 which appears to be in very good condition. The lower front clip at the bummperette is broken through. The frame looks Ok. What else should I be looking for on this car? It's missing quite a bit. The owner has engine block that is either a 1956 or 1960, correct block for a 283 2x4 245hp. The date is F0229, which I believe is Flint-Feb-29th. The 29th was leap day in 1956 or 60. Has a 3 speed transmission but it's out of a mid 60s chevy, No real info on it. The car has not been restored before as far as I know. He said it was purchased from a man in Georgia who had bought 50 some odd C1's at once then sold them off. This supposedly happened 1 to 3 years ago. Would like to know if anyone has heard about that? The car looks to have all the crome/stainless from the firewall to the front except the grill and bumpers. Firewall back has almost No crome/stainless except for the rear bumpers. Has some guages, speedo but no Tach. Has seat frames but no seats.
Am I crazy to buy this or just being too catious about missing stuff?
Any help or words of wisdom would be greatly welcomed. Thanks.

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Where to start? Arrgghh!!!

Jon - Do not buy this car. You are on the right track, just cool your jets. When it is right, it will be right. Just keep listening to the knowledge listed on this board. DC

[Eugene B.]

Re: C1 Where to start? Arrgghh!!!

Jon,
I tend to agree with Dennis. This car is missing a lot of expensive parts. Besides, when someone completes the extremely expensive restoration, they will still have a non-numbers matching car. That's probably why it is still available.

Just as a data point, I'm looking at an ad for a '59 Corvette that is advertized as a project car, 290 HP FI (already rebuilt) that has 90% original parts. The asking price is $34K OBO. I'm not saying that it's a great price, just offering another data point.

Good luck on finding a great Corvette.

Gene

[Chuck R.]

Re: Dennis is right

The parts for this rig were probably all there and they got sold off for the bucks and now the fella is after $$ for the bones.

All I can share with you is that on my 68 the total cumulative cost of my frame off resto has tripled over my original cost estimate get straighten it up. And that's with me doing all of the work!!

I can only imagine the cost of correct/repro parts for a C-1 and it sounds like you will need a ton!

It's your call Jon, but I agree with Dennis, there is far better out there that will equate to maybe a little more money up front, but far less head aches when you get into it.

My very humble opinion

Chuck

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Where to start? Arrgghh!!!

Agree with Dennis, don't be in a hurry, there are plenty of cars out there to be had. Get lots of catalogs, when you find another car, take your time and estimate cost to replace missing parts, then at least double that figure. There will be lots of things you missed in your excitement to own a piece of history.
Been there done that!
Terry

[Dave Suesz]

A great rule of thumb is...

If you are looking at a "complete, dissasemble project car, nothing missing, I swear", you can assume at least 25% of the parts were thrown away by his wife. This car isn't even close to that. You'd be a lot better off with a car that every piece need paint or chrome or reupholstery or replacing, but was at least all there.

[Jon Hess]

Re: A great rule of thumb is...

Thank you all for the advice. Any Ideas where to find "complete C1s?".... Been looking online and subscribe to Hemmings. I live in California and check the papers from SanFrancisco to Sacramento daily. It's Slim Pickins out west. The Search continues...

Thanks again, Jon

[Dave Suesz]

Ah well...

Hemmings, papers, good start. There are also a number of dealers who specialize in Corvettes and special interest cars. And then there's eBay. I know a guy who recently bought a 1994 Mustang Pace Car, brand new (37 miles) never dealer prepped, "0" owners, about the same final price as a typical low-mileage garage-kept car. I have also seen some real junkpiles which were on eBay represented as decent cars. With all the above sources, caveat emptor.

[Tom Spurgeon]

Re: C1 Where to start? Arrgghh!!!

John,
A lot of good advise from experts that know. I would offer that it all depends on your level of comfort and knowledge. As was illustrated in previous threads, I purchased a 1960 convertible on ebay knowing it was a basketcase. And, I wasn't disapointed because that's what I received. The car came with a complete body and a decent frame. The engine (which came seperate) is date coded '57 only. So, I've decided this project is good for my son and grandson to learn and enjoy while helping the old-man. If you do not have readily the 30+ thousdand to invest, consider ebay as a viable option. However, be prepared and prepared to be very patient. Good Luck!
Tom