1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

[Scott S.]

I had some good news today, locating a former owner from more than 30 years ago. There are a number of questions I want to ask about things we've discovered about the car as we took it apart, various damage and repairs, etc.

I've never done this before though, talking to someone about a car they owned so long ago. I know it's a great opportunity to fill in some gaps and get some details about the car's history, but I'm not sure exactly what to ask, besides the basics.

What should I be asking, or what would you want to know given the opportunity?

I'll try to call him tomorrow. Any thoughts, suggestions or "make sure you don't forget to ask (fill in the blank)__ !" ideas about things to ask would be very much appreciated,

Scott

[Jim T.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

One question, how much did he pay for it and how much did he sell it for?

I bought a 64 convertible in 1968 for $2,200.00 in San Diego, CA and sold it in little over a year later for $1,700.00 in Dallas, TX. because I was sent out of country overseas.

What did you replace, repair during ownership?

How many miles were on the car when it was sold?

Do you have the protec-o-plate or other documentation?

[Bill I.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

Any pictures? Any documentation? Problems he may recall. Old stories. Might he have a license plate? Any old bills or receipts. Hope you get what you need. Bill. Oh! Be SURE TO THANK HIM.

[Ara G.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

Scott, that's a great opportunity you have there. Make a list is the FIRST piece of advice I would have for you with all the questions you have. No doubt you two will get side-tracked and off topic a bit, so having a list is the first thing I have done to make sure I don't forget to ask something.

Second, make sure you confirm mileage of the car with him during his ownership. Who he bought it from. Prior registrations, titles, POP, documentation, etc. Had the motor ever been taken out of the car.

Accidents, body damage, prior NCRS judging events. Any peculiarities about the car. Ask him if he would be ok sigining an affidavit regarding the information you get. It further documents the car. Get alternate contact information from him in case he moves or changes his number. Also any old pictures. I am sure other members will chime in with some additional suggestions, but good luck and take advantage of the situation as not many people have that opportunity. Good luck ARA

[Tom H.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

Any pictures? Any documentation? Problems he may recall. Old stories. Might he have a license plate? Any old bills or receipts. Hope you get what you need. Bill. Oh! Be SURE TO THANK HIM.

BINGO !!! Exactly the conversation I would have.

[Brian M.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

When I spoke with my cars original owner he revealed that he has a picture of the car the owners card and patch framed right in front of him, he sent me a great picture of it someday he'll send the real thing I know it. Best I can figure the POP went missing when the car was traded in for a 1970 Monte Carlo at Bill Allen Chev. No. KC MO. Good luck.

[Pat M.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

I would first be sure YOU TELL HIM what's recently been happening with the car, restorations, shows, awards, etc.

I found nearly all the previous owners of my 70, and I began by telling them about what I've done with the car, and sent many pictures. They were delighted, and I believe it made them still feel like the car was part of their lives.

My reward was not only new friends across the country, but I was eventually sent pictures of the car when it was brand new, AND the entire owners packet they later found, including warranty book, POP, dealer invoice, bill of sale, dealer's copy of the Corvette Order Sheet, and more!

[Jay G.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

I had some good news today, locating a former owner from more than 30 years ago. There are a number of questions I want to ask about things we've discovered about the car as we took it apart, various damage and repairs, etc.

I've never done this before though, talking to someone about a car they owned so long ago. I know it's a great opportunity to fill in some gaps and get some details about the car's history, but I'm not sure exactly what to ask, besides the basics.

What should I be asking, or what would you want to know given the opportunity?

I'll try to call him tomorrow. Any thoughts, suggestions or "make sure you don't forget to ask (fill in the blank)__ !" ideas about things to ask would be very much appreciated,

Scott

First Questions is: What is Reality? Sorry, Ol' Firesign Theater Joke. Always a great opp. to pick his/her brain. Get a feel for the person. Let them talk. If you sit back they normally love to go over old war stories. Specifics might be how did they obtain the car? Remember much of the previous owner. Town, State, Possible name. Then possibly proceed on what you are doing w/ the car. Plans for the future. This in turn may jar a memory w/ em get you more history etc. Remember in most cases you Both like the Vette. Most owner are glad to talk shop. I found it that way with our cars. Good Luck.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

First Questions is: What is Reality? Sorry, Ol' Firesign Theater Joke.

Betty Jo Beolowskit?

Oh, you mean Nancy!

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

Thanks to everyone for all of the great replies so far, I just had a chance to read them, and now I'm glad I asked! There are a lot of things mentioned that I hadn't thought of. As I understand it, he owned the car from 1972 to late 1976 when my Dad bought it. I hope to find out a lot more tomorrow, and I'll post an update when I have more information.

The car is completely disassembled at the moment. I think (hope) we're about halfway through the frame-off restoration, so I have hundreds of pictures in various stages, but not that many from when the car was still in one piece.

If there are any more ideas, please let me know!

And thanks!

[Robert R.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

..out of the Fog and into the Smog..doggedly, ruthlessly (I wonder where Ruth is)...
You must Be Nick Danger!

this could turn out a bunch of Firesign fans.

[Jay G.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

First Questions is: What is Reality? Sorry, Ol' Firesign Theater Joke.

Betty Jo Beolowskit?

Oh, you mean Nancy!

Jack, You need to be of a certain age, and just a little askew. Hand me the pliers.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

might be able to do an interstate records check or a vehicle title search.

I have never investigated anything like that before, so before she makes any inquiries, I thought I better check here first to find out if there's anything specific I should have her ask about or request. I don't know the terminology or what exactly I should be asking for, just in case she can really get the information request to someone with access and who is willing and able to help.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice and assistance,

Scott

[Loren L.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

First, if he's less than a thousand miles from you, cancel the phone call and go there, tape/video recordeer in hand.
However you contact him, MAIL A COPY OF THE QUESTIONS YOU'D LIKE ANSWERS TO AT LEAST A WEEK IN ADVANCE of your conversation - give the guy's memory banks a chance. Ask about specific fiberglass damage and did it occur on his watch?
When you mail him the questions, include the photos of the car NOW, complete with the VIN tag.

[Steven B.]

Re: 1967 - Previous owner found - what questions should I ask him?

All good advice, especially the list and recorders. I am fourth owner of mine, bought it in '64, and have traded hundreds of emails and numerous phone calls. Each year I meet with previous owner for a couple of days and learn more each time. The key seems to be jogging their memories, just as I have to jog mine when writing the list or talking to them. Time is of the essence. Unfortunately alot of us at that special time in life are being recycled into compost daily.

I sent all of the previous owners an 8 1/2"X 11" picture plus history to current and that helped alot!

Steve