1969 Conv. Stingray, to restore to original or not

[Dennis]

New to Vettes and this Message Board

I have a new project located in Pleasant Hill CA, it is a 1969 Corvette Convertible. To sum up its condition, it is thrashed. Everything will need to be repaired or replaced. I am expecting this project to take between 2 and 3 years, but I told my wife about a year, ssshhhh. This board will be my new 2nd home.

Car Specs
1969 Corvette Convertible Stingray
2-door convertible
Louis Assembly plant
708192 Production number
Trim Tag reads: Chevrolet D19, TRIM 411 (BB/V (Blue)
Paint (Can-Am White)

Car Options
A31 Power windows
C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (Convert)
C08 Vinyl Covering for Aux. Hardtop
C60 Air Conditioning
G81 Positraction Rear Axle
J50 Power Brakes
L40 350ci, 350hp Engine
M40 Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
N40 Power Steering
TJ2 Front Fender Louver Trim
U79 AM/FM radio Stereo
I also have the complete softop with hardware

Before I start this project I would like some advice from the group on the following items at a high level. Please keep in mind all parts and workmanship going into this project will be of the highest quality.

1) To rebuild to original or a modernized sport tourer? This car is and investment as well as my personalized project. If 40K goes in, can 40K or more be seen when sold? Does the industry valuation accept 3rd part upgrades to brakes, suspension, engine, different color int/ext, and larger diameter wheels? Is it rare enough that I would be mental, not to restore to original?

Yes, you got me I would like to rebuild
with new technology? But may be not if
I loss my shorts in the long run.

2) I would like to do as much of the glass work myself. Any good resto books, videos or websites on this specific car? I would like to keep the car 100% original (e.g. original bonding joints and methods of bonding) when it comes down to the shell and exterior hardware of the car.

3) Are there any of the following recommendations:

Stay away from (you fill in the rest).

E.g. one piece front-ends

4) Is there any interest from the group if I document video and photgraph the entire restore process including the research work. Basically, what I wish I could have before starting this money pit. It could include before, during and after video and pictures all on the web.

Thanks in advance, hope this wasn't a wasted read for you.

Dennis

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1969 Conv. Stingray, to restore to original or

Dennis, are you going to do all the work or will you pay a restorer? Presently, the $40K price is way above the value of this car in my opinion. Eventually, the value may appreciate to that level, but it could be many years.

I don't know what you presently have in the car, or if the $40K includes the purchase price, but the necessary restoration parts alone could cost you $25K-$30K if "Everything will need to be repaired or replaced." That assumes that you will do the work. My opinion is that you should forget about this project as being an "investment", and start thinking in terms of cost of a recreation you love and enjoy. If you rebuild it as a "modernized sport tourer" with aftermarket components, you can expect to never recover your money in my opinion.

You haven't mentioned anything about the originality of the engine (with a multitude of accessories) and the transmission, or the condition of the frame and the body frame (birdcage). If the engine is not the original, then restoration to original condition could not be justified financially (no way you'll ever recover your expenses). All of these are important questions that need to be answered to assess the full extent of restoration cost.

But, don't feel bad...I have a 70 base-engined, well-optioned coupe that is coincidently Classic White with Bright Blue vinyl interior. I am pretty sure I'll never break even, not in my life-time, anyway. I wouldn't do it again, but being now committed, I have to tell myself it was an original old car that deserved to be saved.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1969 Conv. Stingray, to restore to original or

Dennis:

The best advice I can suggest to you, is to START with the most desireable optioned car you can afford (in any condition!). It will cost you pratically the same amount to restore/restify to your liking. Obviously, the more desireable drivetrain/and or model you have, the better the odds are that in the end, you will have a 'vette that many people will seek to own.

I took a '69 Camaro SS convertible (not super rare by itself) paid $35,000 for a nice example, car caught on fire, spent an additional $58,000 to re-restore it. Normally this would have been insane by most Camaro standards, BUT this car was optioned with a L78. Less than a dozen were accounted for in 2001. Put it in auction, less than a minute later it set a world record price for a convertible back then. This would not have happened with a run of the mill ragtop. Good luck with your project!

[Dave F.]

Re: 1969 Conv. Stingray, to restore to original or

Dennis,

I am approximately half way through a body off resto on a '68 and I can tell you one thing for certain - this process should never be confused with being a wise financial investment. This is a labor of love, a commitment to put another one back on the road, an experience totally unique unto itself. My feeling about return on "investment" on how to minimize your losses is stay true to original specs as close as possible and do whatever you can yourself (without sacrificing quality of installation or parts). Even if you become "one" with the AIM and the TIM&JG, not having all documentation for your car will prevent you from getting top dollar in the event you decide to sell. It doesn't seem reasonable to expect small block sharks to bring in the bucks like their rare,low production big block cousins. Most of the folks I have met on this board simply love their car, whatever the production number, and are truly enthusiastic about building the best that their time and money will allow - all for the pure enjoyment of driving and/or showing their car. Choosing one style over another makes you neither right or wrong. It simply establishes your source of technical information. Some websites will give you more detailed information on how to modify your car - this one specializes in how to restore your car, though many of us do little things "out of spec" for our "drivers" in the name of practicality among other reasons.

So, choose what you want first, whether it be a driver or top flight candidate, and follow that path. The real return is the pride of accepting the challenge and the enjoyment of use.

Things to focus on for parts - preserve the original, scavage swap meets for original replacements first, then watch the ads in Driveline for vendors (also NCRS members) for anything you can't find or keep per the above. There are many vendors selling repro parts, with comprehensive catalogs and online ordering convenience, and some sell the same sourced stuff. Who to use comes down to personal experience and customer service. When/if you get to specific repro parts needs, email me and I'll be glad to tell you which ones worked best for me.

Monitor this board as often as you can when you start your project. I recently bought the CD of the Restorer magazine which covers the past 30 years. The articles contained within are priceless. Buy the AIM, TIM&JG, and the factory service manual. NCRS does offer other publications as well, but these three serve as the core information if you choose to restore. The level of expertise found here is unsurpassed, and the willingness to help is tremendous. I would have been lost without the help of many that participate here. Enjoy your ride, and good luck with your wife next year, because believe me - she will remember you said "one year".

Dave Fleeman NCRS #41052

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1969 Conv. Stingray, to restore to original or

Dennis To do this type of restoration in a two car garage with ho special lifts or tools will take 3-5 years. If you do it like most the first thing you will order is the interior which you won't need for 3-5 years. Many loose interest and sell the project with new parts for about 1/2 their investment. It can be done and good luck but be prepared to buy tools and parts and break even at best if you do all the work. A friend told my while I was looking at a torn apart Corvette to buy Quote (Lyle if he gives you this project you will lose money if you restore it). Lyle