Is it worth it???

[Greg L.]

I would appreciate your thoughts on my latest dilemma. I'm doing a body off on my 69 L36/auto coupe with your TIM&JG as my bible, with top flight or at least second flight as my goal. The car is numbers matching except for the alt,carb(service replacement) and if I remember right, I believe the water pump. I found a correct carb CORE for $395.00 which is alot more than I thought a core would be! My question is, how important are these components in regards to numbers matching if I'm going for top flight and if I spend say $1000-$1500 to make it all match, will that increase the vehical value the same amount?

[William C.]

Re: Is it worth it???

If you are talking about a 7028216 carb, That specific carb is a rare unit indeed as it's only application is for the specific car and engine combination you have. As to "is it worth it? Thaat is something only you can decide. If you look at the judging guide for '69 and look at the carb you have with a carefull eye, you should be ably to discern what "credit" your currnet carb will achieve. You don't give enough information for a specific answer, such as ID number of the current carb, date, configuration, all of which are covered in the JG. Financially, you are not looking at a ton of money you have to spend, and there is probably a better "investment" than a $400 carb that still needs a $200 rebuild.

[Mike M.]

Re: Is it worth it???

you say you're going for top or second flight. been my experience that owners flight desires increase as they go thru the judging process.400 bucks not much compared to what you'll end up spending to restore your 69. i'd go for it if it doesn't impact negativly on your grocery/beast $. good luck, mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Is it worth it???

Agreed.

It's not tough to find a water pump that appears as original (got mine for $35 at Pep Boys, and numbers often can't be judged due to pulleys). The carb is such an easy number to check that I'd go for it now that you have the right core. The alternator could be VERY expensive on a 69, so that's the last one I'd go for if I were you.

In addition, the pieces that aren't "correct" will continue to bug you as you go along, so you might as well do it right when it's easy to do so.

Patrick

[Greg L.]

Re: Is it worth it???

Thanks for your thoughts guys. Actually, the carb that I would like is a 7029204 with a build date that would work for a car built Jan 31/69. The one that I have now is a 7029207 but it's a service replacement one. I looks and works fine but I think I'll loose all points on it because it's not correct.
Now what is so special about this alternator? I thought the carb would be the big ticket item. I realise that in the end it will be my choice if I decide to go the extra mile and buy these parts but knowing weather or not it will significantly increase the car's value to make it worth it or not will be the determining factor. Any additional input on this would be great.

[William C.]

Re: Is it worth it???

7029204 is a little more common, Used on 396 Chevelle and camaro with 396 as well as Corvette. Might want to check with a carb restorer as to going price before buying a core, Bob Kunz, Craig Woodruff or Jerry Luck might have a feel for availability, might even have one. Agree with the other comments, the farther you go, the more obsessed you become.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Is it worth it???

The alternator is a unique, one year only model. Has a unique rear case design. It was/is a "Corvette only" item. Has the internal voltage regulator, whereas the rest of the GM line still used external voltage regulators. Thus, there is no "cross over". You'll pay at least 1K for a restored one, IF you can find one. Chuck

[Patrick H.]

Re: Is it worth it???

I saw an excellent used one sold for $1300 in 2000.
The owner received a Survivor award for his car at Bloomington (Interstate Ctr location), then sold the alternator the next day to someone who came along.

Maybe just me, but doesn't that kinda go against the idea of the award?

PH