Undesireable 64?

[Charles K.]

I was informed today that my Vette being a 64 was not deservant of a body off resto because it would not increase the value enough to make it worthwhile.Also, it is a low option car which also makes it an undesireable car. Do you fellas agree with this opinion? Thanks
Charlie

[Stephen L.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

ALL mid years are desireable... just some are more desireable than others. Ask anyone who doesn't have one.....but wants one.
The restoration process is for your enjoyment! IF you are doing it strictly for monetary gain thats another story. Good restorations aren't cheap!!!!

[Gary S.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

Who would be foolish enough to open him/herself up by making a statement like that?

[Mike M.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

i've got 3 63's and 3 64's and although the 63's would fetch more frogskins than the 64's, if i were to pick any of them to drive to san antonio, it'd be a 64. the split in the rear window and the lack of rubber cushions between the 63 body and frame make the 64s supeior, imho. mike

[Mark #28455]

If I were restoring it

You have to be realistic in what you want from your car. It's easy to spend way too much money, so plan ahead. If your car is a base engine no option car, what's it really worth restored? How much do you already have tied up in it? I would certainly think you can get your money back from a good paint job. Also, if you can install a replacement interior, that would bring a lot of bang for the buck!

If you are planning to do most of the work yourself, the cost of painting your frame and rebuilding the suspension is pretty cheap - but if you have to pay somebody else by the hour, it adds up fast.

This is also a time to think about points per dollar. Would I bother to locate NOS ball joints for this car? Not at about $800 a set when the repros are pretty close and sell for about $100 - then again, maybe you just want the standart replacement parts - even cheaper.

Like I said before - plan ahead. If you have to pay for somebody else to do all the work, plan on 2000 hours as a start, plus the cost of all the parts.

Good luck with your project!
Mark

[Charles K.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

I would not restore the car for profit but of course one never knows what happens down the line. I have bought many cars that I thouht I would take to the grave only to have my eyes turned by another. If that happens I hate to take a beating. It makes me wonder if I am better off to get a different car even though there are a lot of things that I like about this particular car.

[Larry P.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

"Who would be foolish enough to open him/herself up by making a statement like that?"

Only someone who doesn't have one or paid to much for a 67.
I have never lost money on restoring cars.
1. Choose a classic that is desirable by many.
2. Don't get hooked on a car because "I had one when I was 17"
3. It costs about the same to do a 54 chevy sedan as a 55 tudor hartop, DAA.
4. When I started my 60 they were selling for 35K. LarryLogic said if I spend 35K I will be ok and have a hobby where I don't lose money. I wish I had sold all my stock and bought Corvettes.
I would not sell it for 100K because it's the only one that I built.
Go for it and don't look back. You will meet a lot of jealous people,
all who have NEVER built one thereself.
LP

[Charles K.]

Re: If I were restoring it

I was going between doing a frame off and just doing the needed work. The interior is original and in almost perfect original condition so nothing needed there.It needs some attention to body and paint but isw otherwise original and pretty decent. I have also thought of having the engine done to bring it back to it's full driving fun quotient. I have had an estimate of $2500 to do the full motor, clutch and detail the engine compartment. this estimate was by an experienced motor builder that I have previous good experience with.

[Bill W.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

Who cares what other people think ! Do it for you......Bill

[Michael B.]

Re: Undesireable 64?

Read about Noland Adams' newfound entusiasm for the 64 on page 13 of his book for inspiration. My only gripe with the 64 is the removal of the pie tins from the hood.

[Mark #28455]

Do you like to drive it?

If you like to drive it, don't bother with a full body off restoration. Get a good paint job and get the essential mechanical maintinence done. A lot of nice drivers have been relegated to trailer queen status after a full restoration.

Is the engine really in need of a rebuild? Does it burn oil (a quart every 500 miles) or does it have significant leakdown? Does it have other problems?

If not, then I would leave it alone. If it does, then get a decent rebuild done and consider having the heads pocket ported. BE CAREFUL! More than one original Corvette motor has lost its "numbers" because a rebuilder went ahead and decked the block.

Mark

[Dave Suesz]

Exactly...

I deliberately did not have ther frame redone when I had the body off my car, because I knew it'd hardly see the light of day after that much restoration. As it is now, it gets to go on rallys, etc., because I don't worry about road dust.

[Patrick T.]

FWIW, if anything....

Here is something I clipped out of the Corvette Quarterly, a GM publication back in 1994. Many people disagree with their assessment though. PT

[Wayne W.]

Re: Sort a Like

Saying Miss Congeniality at the Miss America contest is not desirable.

[Tracy C.]

The person who told you this is an idiot....

I get real tired of people who continue to bag on 64's. That said, there may be valid reasons NOT to restore the car. Make your own decision based on:

1) how original it is
2) it's condition
3) your intentions with the car.

Find/Join your local NCRS chapter and get some input on 1 & 2 from the chapter members.

tc