69 L88 AUTO

[CLARK]

I may have found a 1969 L88 automatic that has been stored for 15 years.I found a 67 L71 last year that was in storage for 14 years. The problem is I don't know off-hand exactly what to look for in a 1969. Can someone give me some quick help since I may need to act fast.

[Jack H.]

Quick Help?

This is a dicotemy. These are VERY rare cars and survey/validation is lengthy/tough proposition with few really qualified to do the job. I see a few alternatives.

(1) Cut the best deal you can and let the chips fall where they may. (2) Up the ante making a hold over provision (estimated value delta

between run of the mill '69 and real '69 L88) that vests based

on outcome of first judging. (3) Dig into your pocket and 'pony up' to buy expert help in previewing

the car. Inside NCRS, think of contacting cognizant Natl Team

Leader, Dick Whittington, for advice. Outside NCRS, think of someone

skilled in the art like Corvette Mike.

Last, ask yourself if you got the car what would you do with it, HARD! These were full competition vehicles and most ('69 is one exception) are difficult if not impossible to run on the street. Plus, won't be an inexpensive restoration/maintenance project unless EVERYTHING is there and intact. Point -- who own whom once title changes?

[Jack H.]

Quick Help?

This is a dicotemy. These are VERY rare cars and survey/validation is lengthy/tough proposition with few really qualified to do the job. I see a few alternatives.

(1) Cut the best deal you can and let the chips fall where they may. (2) Up the ante making a hold over provision (estimated value delta

between run of the mill '69 and real '69 L88) that vests based

on outcome of first judging. (3) Dig into your pocket and 'pony up' to buy expert help in previewing

the car. Inside NCRS, think of contacting cognizant Natl Team

Leader, Dick Whittington, for advice. Outside NCRS, think of someone

skilled in the art like Corvette Mike.

Last, ask yourself if you got the car what would you do with it, HARD! These were full competition vehicles and most ('69 is one exception) are difficult if not impossible to run on the street. Plus, won't be an inexpensive restoration/maintenance project unless EVERYTHING is there and intact. Point -- who own whom once title changes?

[Lou Lapham]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

Clark-In your post you did'nt mention if you were a NCRS member.Although this site is open to all sometimes fellow NCRS members are more "open" on such subjects as the rare car you refer to.A post with a contact phone or address would be more likely to get a response even from a non-member.We have to be careful as there are "pranksters" out there posting "funny stuff" at our expense.The reference materials you need are availible thru NCRS at a nice discount in the back of the "Driveline" one of our publications.The $30 you would spend would be nothing compared to the knowledge of not buying the "Wrong car".On the earlier "find" how did you verify it?Best Regards,Lou Lapham,Member #24682

[Lou Lapham]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

Clark-In your post you did'nt mention if you were a NCRS member.Although this site is open to all sometimes fellow NCRS members are more "open" on such subjects as the rare car you refer to.A post with a contact phone or address would be more likely to get a response even from a non-member.We have to be careful as there are "pranksters" out there posting "funny stuff" at our expense.The reference materials you need are availible thru NCRS at a nice discount in the back of the "Driveline" one of our publications.The $30 you would spend would be nothing compared to the knowledge of not buying the "Wrong car".On the earlier "find" how did you verify it?Best Regards,Lou Lapham,Member #24682

[clark]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

I am an NCRS member #31873 as you said there are some people on the net that you may wonder about. I have many books with info in them but most I have are for mid year cars. There are a lot of fakes out there. I know that this may be a very rare car. Are the big block signs and L88 signs the same as the mid year cars? I have not seen the car yet. Will likely go sat. The man that owns the shop that is rebuilding the 67 engine told me about the car. He and I will go together. I have the casting #'s it's the other things I need to know about ie sway bars,u-joint caps etc.

[clark]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

I am an NCRS member #31873 as you said there are some people on the net that you may wonder about. I have many books with info in them but most I have are for mid year cars. There are a lot of fakes out there. I know that this may be a very rare car. Are the big block signs and L88 signs the same as the mid year cars? I have not seen the car yet. Will likely go sat. The man that owns the shop that is rebuilding the 67 engine told me about the car. He and I will go together. I have the casting #'s it's the other things I need to know about ie sway bars,u-joint caps etc.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

Don't forget the other obvious stuff such as remnant of octane sticker, the TOTAL lack of shielding and radio ground straps, as well as lack of radio relays, etc under the dash. Also, aluminum radiator, lack of fan shroud and lack of choke...

In addition, don't forget that most L-88's didn't come with luxury items like power windows or leather interiors.

Hope this helps. Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 L88 AUTO/ NCRS Member?

Don't forget the other obvious stuff such as remnant of octane sticker, the TOTAL lack of shielding and radio ground straps, as well as lack of radio relays, etc under the dash. Also, aluminum radiator, lack of fan shroud and lack of choke...

In addition, don't forget that most L-88's didn't come with luxury items like power windows or leather interiors.

Hope this helps. Patrick Hulst