I purchased a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe on Monday, September 14, 1998. I was eager to get a project car, and reconnect with the days I spent working on my old beater muscle cars during high school. If I only knew what I was getting into..........
It all started out innocently enough, I suppose. I had always liked Corvettes, even though I couldn't afford one (and probably still can't, truth be told!). After a frustrating summer trying to get my old boat running well enough to sell it, I finally managed to find a buyer and unload it. Trust me, not a tear was shed as he pulled away with it! What I came to realize is that I still truly enjoy working on mechanical projects, but I hate the pressure of having to finish up the work in order to have reliable daily transportation. The obvious solution - buy a project car!!! That way there's no pressure to finish a project since it won't be a daily driver, and if I get frustrated I can just walk away until I feel like I'm ready to dig back in.
My favorite car from my younger days was a 1971 Camaro that I owned during high school and college. I bought it for $400, and although it needed a paint job and interior, it was strong mechanically. It had a 4 speed, 350 2bbl motor, and that was all in the way of options. I sold my 1971 Dodge Challenger and used the proceeds to paint the Camaro blue (it was Silver, ironically) and spruce up the interior.
I decided to start looking for a Corvette. I wanted something a little more refined than the Camaro. I narrowed my choices down to 69-72 model years. I got scared away by tales of 68-only parts, which aren't really a problem. I'd love a '67, but they are way too rich for my blood! I drove a few automatics as I looked, but was finally reminded that I really loved the feeling of the 350 and 4 speed combination when I drove a '70 convertible with the 350/350 and 4 speed. I was on a mission. I had to find a good deal on a 4 speed car. For my budget, It looked like it would have to be a coupe, since convertibles command a premium that I couldn't afford.
I read everything I could find on the web about how to evaluate a used Corvette, check numbers, etc. Even though I thought I was really prepared, in hindsight I wasn't. I did manage to learn enough to keep me from making too big of a mistake, I think. I'd suggest looking at the reference material on The SharkTank Technical Information Page and read as much of it as possible before embarking down the road to Corvette ownership.
I saw an ad on TraderOnline.com for a '69 coupe, 350/350 4 speed, 25% restored, $7500. The car was in Charlotte NC, and it just so happened that we were headed there for the weekend so my wife could attend a baby shower. I called Friday when we arrived and got the owner. He gave me the particulars and said that 2 others were ahead of me with appointments to see it on Sunday. We were planning to leave Sunday morning so I convinced him to meet me early Saturday and let me take a look. As the wife headed off to the shower, I snuck out to look at the car. At this point she had no idea that I was serious about buying a Corvette. I figured it would be easier to ask for forgiveness than permission :)
At first sight, it wasn't much. Chalky white paint that was chipped and faded. Interior was dry, but old and dirty. Cracked dash pad, ripped carpet, pitted and faded chrome bumpers, etc. I walked around it and looked it over. Did the checks as recommended in the buying guides, frame, wheel bearings, etc. When he cranked it up, there was no smoke at startup and the engine ran smooth and strong. We took it out for a spin. The brakes were really soft and pulled hard left. The clutch had some shudder, and it felt like it was coming from the rear end too. Hmmm. This should have been a clue, but I was still wet behind the ears and smitten with the idea of owning a Vette. The rear tires were worn down to the belts on the inside edges. Another clue I missed, as the owner said that the shop told him it needed a rear alignment.
I checked over the numbers when we got back from the drive. Hmm, what's this? Paint code 986, Cortez Silver? Oh, he says, I painted it white back in 1975 or so. It needed paint anyway, and I love silver cars, so this was a plus. Engine numbers, Hmm, CE block. I thought you said it was the original engine? He said that he bought the car in 1971, and knew that he hadn't done anything to the engine, so he assumed that it was original. I later found the dates on the car and block. Car manufactured 4/69, engine dated 5/69. The original owner must have had the engine replaced under warranty.
We started to talk price, and he indicated that he was flexible. He had put about $4000 into it in the last 3 years, including new weatherstripping, radiator, heater core, windshield and t-top frame, gas tank, and such. We spoke later that night and agreed on a price of $6900, At this point, I had to tell the wife that I just bought a Corvette. How'd that go, you ask? Not so good.
Specs on the car:
L46 350hp 350 cubic inch motor
Muncie M20 4 speed transmission
3.55 rearend
power windows
factory alarm system
A strange set of options, to be sure. No power steering or power brakes, no A/C, but it does have power windows and the alarm system. I can't imagine a dealer ordering it with those options just to put it on the lot, it must have been a special order for the first owner.
We had to stay over in Charlotte until Monday so I could close the deal and get the title. Ah, I remember the feeling of excitement as I drove off in my new Corvette. Now the fun really begins.......
Let's move ahead to Getting it Road Worthy