1969 vette worth

**Don Izzo** · July 13, 2006, 08:09 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Is the car a convertible?

**Terry D.** · July 13, 2006, 08:25 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Is the frame solid? Original engine and drivetrain? Is it a coupe or convertible? Is your friend capable of doing most of the work that needs done himself? How bad does he want a 69? All these things help determine the value of the car. Have him check E-Bay and other dealers who specialize in selling Corvette's to see what they are going for. I guess what I'm really saying is that it is pretty hard (without seeing the car) for someone to tell you if the car is worth it or not. My advice would be since this is his first Corvette, do a little more research, don't buy the first one you come across, there are plenty out there for sale. Another suggestion, get involved with your local Corvette club and have one of them go with you to look at a car. Where is his car located, I'm sure someone on this board could spare a few hours to go look with him.

Terry

**John O.** · July 13, 2006, 08:56 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Hi Terry

The car is a T-Top.. It's in Youngstown N.Y. As far as we know, the frame is solid..Yes the drivetrain is original.The car belongs to a woman who works at my plant and had it since 1969. My friend really likes the car but like I said he want's to know if $12,500 is alittle high in price for what I said earlier is needed.

Thanks.....John

**John Chesher** · July 13, 2006, 09:28 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Couple of thoughts from a Vette newbie...
Sounds like a lot of $$ for a non-convertible with crappy paint. You can't just look at the receipts and assume they increase the value by that amount. I just spent about $7000 on an engine and front suspension this winter. I would never get that full investment back if I sold it.
If he wants a daily driver that doesn't require a show car paint job, *maybe* it would be worth it, as the suspension work would probably be needed anyway and he can put a less expensive paint job on it. If he wants a paint job he'd be proud of, expect $5,000 - 10,000.
Regarless of which approach, I would never change the color of a Vette. It will only LOWER the value. Before doing that, find a Vette in the color you want.
$1,200 will do wonder for the interior, as repros of the the pieces and carpet are available through many sources.
Many have said it before, unless the experience of restoring a car is worth more to you than $$, I'd forget about it and find one in the nicest condition you can find. You just can't believe how much $$ you can pour into an old Vette until you've done it (and mine is not nearly that old!) Also, it took me a long time and many car purchases to figure this one out: Ask your friend to jot down how much he'd like to psend and everything he'd want in his dream Vette (available in that price range). If he really wants a '69 Black convertible with a 427, then this is not the right car, no matter what the $$ look like or that it is has mostly original components. On the other hand, if he wants a mostly original car to put back to NCRS specs, no matter what the color or engine options.... well, you get the picture. Good luck to your friend!

**Terry F.** · July 13, 2006, 09:50 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

It is probably worth it. What are your friends options? You need to make sure the windshield frame is good. I would try to talk the price down. Offer here $10,000 cash and tell her it will go to a good home.

If you are not made of money, you sort of have to start where you can. It helps if a car has a fairly nice frame and internal frame though! Most cars need a lot of work. But if you can control yourself and set the car up so you can enjoy it....that works for me.

It is hard to find a real nice car with a nice price. They are really getting collected away. I will probably buy another one someday but working on them is no problem for me and I enjoy it. But, $30,000 or more is real easy to spend on a total restoration if you have a lot of work to do and you are doing it yourself.

Terry

**Kevin M.** · July 13, 2006, 10:37 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

"New tires,about $7,000.00 worth of chassis work done, new exhaust, stainless brakes etc."

This work might have ruined some of the original ness of the car. If the parts are gone you might have a hard time replacing them if he ever wants to get into judging. 10k sounds fair.

Kevin

**Chuck R.** · July 13, 2006, 10:49 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Hi John,

One of the biggest questions your friend should be asking himself is "how deep are my pockets"?

I have always been a "glass half full" kind of guy, but when it comes to a Corvette, you'd better look at eveything in the potential worst case light.

Unless the $7,000 in repairs is documented, I would be cautious of every aspect of this car INCLUDING the suspension. A Corvette is probably one of the most expensive classic american performance cars there is to fix and maintain.

Look at the prior posts on this board regarding just the paint alone as an example. Anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000

It also depends on your friends desires for the car whether it be a daily driver type or Duntov class.

I'm doing better than 95% of the work on my ride myself and even with bargin hunting at swap meets and occational ebay finds, my "driver" car will be running me in the range of $15,000 ++ not including what I initially paid for it.

Your friend should drive a C-3 or at least ride in one to see if the "Vette Bug" bites him or not. He might save himself from a heart break by finding out it's not what he expected.

I agree that he should hook up with a local NCRS chapter to help him out.

If the car is well documented for repairs, numbers matching, has no serious repaired damage, has a rock solid frame, runs and drives well, then $12,000 to me doesn't sound all that bad.

I don't mean to come off all gloom and doom, but he needs to go into this with both eyes very wide open.

Regards, Chuck 32205

**John O.** · July 13, 2006, 11:17 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Hi Guys

Thanks for your imput. I was talking to him today and he told me he was talking to the mechanic who checked out the car. The chassis is in solid condition and all else is fine. Just needs paint and interior and windshield. He contacted a friend who had an interior business who will help him with that and contacted a well known painter here who will do the paint for about $3,000 -$4,000. He is going to use it for a driver only so those prices are ok for him..Thanks again for your imput.

John

**Lyle24961** · July 13, 2006, 11:31 AM

Re: 1969 vette worth

Add 12,000 for paint,int.and ect. to the $12,000. asking price thats $24,000. Now go to cctol (Collector Car Trader On Line). Type in 1969 and see if a nice base motor 69 coupe that is finished can be be bought for the $24,000. Won't need to wait to enjoy just sign and drive. Good luck and check the frame and birdcage for rust in any shark.
Lyle

**kelly theaker** · July 13, 2006, 04:49 PM

Re: 1969 vette worth

the windshield frame and chassis frame are the beginning of the end for the C3s beware. the advice given on this board is genuine and on the money . First if the car is an original NY car , it is probably a case for both these frames to very poor. It can happen , but unlikely that the previous owner never winter drove or stored inside . If you look very close you willsee the what the board has tried to educate you on . When i say look closely - spend an hour or two under this car on a hoist and then spend some more time under it . The members will inspect the car if you are willing to ask and that is money well spent . Buy southern and dont be afraid to spend the money for a nice piece , they are starting to rise in price . Get the best car you can afford- original as possible and southern , not from NY and now in the south .

1969 vette worth

1969 vette worth

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