Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

[Mark S.]

I have been looking for another Corvette. I have been looking at 58-60's to be more exact. My question for everyone is am I better buying one restored or one that is finished if there is such a thing? I have looked at a few so called barn finds and driver quality and am finding these will need a lot to get back to show quality. On the other hand buying a car this way let's me be sure what's been done to it. However I am well aware how restorations snowball out of control! So I would be Happy for some opinions.
Mark...

[Keith B.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

buy the best one you can afford.

[Clark K.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

Unless you are an expert in Corvette restoration, let the professionals do it. I have seen too many Corvettes that were ruined by overambitious hobbyists.

The experts always tell you to buy the best car you can afford. If it is an original, such as a barn find, that you want, go for it. However, a car that has a quality professional restoration to NCRS standards will always be preferable, to me.
-Clark

[Mark S.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

Clark you are correct! My 64 was done by a previous owner that thought he was a pro! I spent a mint getting it back to as original as possible! That's sort of why I put up this post to get input on what the best way for the next one is to fly. I am leaning towards something that is finished and yes I will take someone who knows more than me what to look for. There is just so much junk out there to weed through! I will take my time and find something! Thanks all! Mark...

[Jim D.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

The answer depends on you. Do you like working on these cars? What is your skill level? Do you have a place to do the work? How much time can you dedicate to the project? and on and on and on.

As far as the comment about leaving it to the pros, I've seen work done at home that is second to none and I've seen professional work that I'd be ashamed to claim.

The advice to buy the best you can afford is true unless you like to do everything yourself and to know it's done right. I do.

[Don W.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

you can always look at Barrett Jackson or other auctions for an NCRS Top Flight...Don

[Paul J.]

Re: Thinking of another Corvette...Question.

I have been looking for another Corvette. I have been looking at 58-60's to be more exact. My question for everyone is am I better buying one restored or one that is finished if there is such a thing? I have looked at a few so called barn finds and driver quality and am finding these will need a lot to get back to show quality. On the other hand buying a car this way let's me be sure what's been done to it. However I am well aware how restorations snowball out of control! So I would be Happy for some opinions.
Mark...

Mark,

By your comment it sounds like you want something that is as original or NCRS correct as possible. You can easily make the best choice if you take some notes on each car you look at, carefully looking at what is not there, what is there, and what needs reconditioning. This takes some time and would include getting numbers off all of the major parts. But it will give you an idea of the value of the car and you can try to calculate the restoration costs. Then you'll know if it's the right car for you.

It's old advice to buy the most car that you can afford, and this is sound if you have to depend on someone else to do most of the work.

You can't just say "I'll look at barns finds" or I'll just look at drivers" because each car will require a different amount of work to restore it and you might miss a good deal.

One more thing...remember that an NCRS Top Flight award is good on the day it is issued. It does'nt mean that a car that had this award a couple of years ago is still Top Flight.

Paul