EDDlE VETTER

I'm still searching for a C3 to buy. I've looked at 6 so far and posted a thread about the first couple I looked at. Going to take a look at this one and it will be the first convertible I've looked at.

A couple I looked at were really nice but pricey. I realized I need to decide on how much I want to spend (initially). I know anything I buy is most likely going to need work and money dumped into it. However I had to have a starting point. So I've decided that my budget is $10K.

She looks a little rough in the pics, just wanted some opinions on what you guys think of this one.

1974 L48 Corvette Stingray roadster. Matching numbers. 4 speed. A/C. Solid frame and bird cage. Driven daily. Runs strong and handles nice. Great restoration project. New aluminium radiator with dual fans. Many extra parts. $6500.00

brhulen

Hey Eddie,

You've already got a convertible - your FLSTC. Better sell that and start saving money like crazy for your C3. I just wish my coupe looked that good. Good luck on whatever one you wind up with. PS. Riding a FLHTCUSE2

blckslvr79

That price may be high IMO.
Start at what the car would be worth in A1 finished condition and then start subtracting from that everything that the car needs.

Just from the pictures I see:
rough interior
seats worn
pedals worn
weatherstripping shot
trim missing
emblems missing
driver quality paint, so figure in a new paint job
needed body work
How's the suspension?
Steering?
trans?
brakes?
engine?
Conv top?

What's an A1 74 worth? $15K ish?
I don't think that 74 is worth the asking price. IMO
Maybe $5K-$5500???

Easy Mike

I don't like the wheels, but I like the $6500. The only question is whether you want this '74 and the changes made to it.

usmcdjb

I'm certainly no expert, but I have been fiddling with my 74 for a couple years now. So, you asked for opinions, and here's mine. Worth exactly what you paid for it.

I agree with blckslvr79, that if you do the math it will be near impossible to get it done for less than it's worth. Probably not even at a break even point. But, if you enjoy it along the way, maybe even learn something, there is value in that. You have to decide what value. I joke that I'd be money ahead to drive mine off a cliff.

Me personally, I'd rather have a chrome bumper C3. But then, I ended up with a 74 too. Mine was a target of opportunity, and I thought at the time I got it for a good price. Then I found how quickly this thing consumes money. Expect to find a LOT of little things you'll need to do or buy that you don't see. I was working on taking my light housings out of the grills the other day to paint them and just reuse them, and broke off 3 of the 4 bolts. And one light housing is cracked. So lots of new parts there. Also broke off screws in the headlight doors.

Anyway, with all that said, the pros I see to this one are - convertible and 4 speed, numbers matching.

Cons you can see in the pix - missing emblems, sill plate and kick panel, mileage?, and a lot of unknowns. Again, blckslvr79 hit it on the head.

Good luck whatever direction you decide to go!

EDDlE VETTER

The advice I get in this forum is priceless. I'm about to head out the door to go look at it. So thanks guys, its really a big help to read your comments.

CQRT

`74 roadster with air around $6k is probably reasonable - - it'd be nice if you'd complete your profile so we know where you are - - someone on the forum may know the car and be able to provide input.

Assume it's a small block L-48 absent other hood emblems and that it runs/drives? Any piucs of the engine compartment?

Certainly work to do but would appear to have 'good bones' from the limited photos.

Good luck-

xCCTer

Price sounds pretty damn good. You know what to look for by now.
Too bad the split rear bumper cover has been replaced.

Easy Mike

Definitely worth a look-see. I don't see anything in the pics which would be a deal breaker.

scottw

Love the 74s. 6.5K is a little high for that car, IMO. Probaby be able to get it for 5-5.5K cash. Agree with some comments above. Blkslvr79 and others.
Could get a great deal out of it but I wouldn't pay asking price.

EDDlE VETTER

Well would ya know, got half way there and it started pouring rain.

Not gona go in this kind of weather. Guess I'll have to wait until later this evening or go tomorrow.

blckslvr79

No better way to check the weather stripping and top.

Jeff_Keryk

Nice Vette. If I were buying a non-bumper car, that would be it. Just remember, if you have to paint it, you gonna dump a pile of cash. But I like that car... In sunny CA, an AC Roadster that did not need to be smogged is just right...

EDDlE VETTER

Why is that a bad thing?

blckslvr79

Unless your wanting an all original car, it's not. As good of a project as that car is, it's still never going to be a survivor, so who cares which bumper cover it has? If you can get the car for around $5500, I'd say you got a good deal.

EDDlE VETTER

Yeah I've already decided that I'm not super stuck on it being 100% original. I'm not going to enter it in any contests, I just want a C3 for fun and to drive and enjoy. I'd like to try and keep it looking original as possible though.

Heck I'd probably drive it this summer just the way it is then do some restoration over the winter, and then in the spring have it painted. Redo the interior and painted black, I think it would look sharp black on black. Needs some better wheels for sure. A few questions:

1.) Is it hard to find the emblems?
2.) Is there anything with the top I should look for?
3.) Those vents on the deck, something to look for there?

Paul L

Post your additional pics on inspection.

Find out what is going on with that high rear end.

bkvette3

If it is in the condition as you indicated, offer $5,000 cash money. Good luck.

LS4 PILOT

10 grand an't gonna buy you much. A beat up , rednecked , ragged out junkyard special. That need EVERYTHING.

10K for paint, 4K for interior , 5 K for mechnicals. It akes 20K to turn a 5-10K car into something done correct , paint by an expert (no earl shive) and be bebuilt reliable.

Any complete turn key car , with nice paint, new sus, great overall , is going tro coast 20K plus...and whoever sells it will be lossing money out the azz.

Seems to do a vette right it is 30-75K depending on the year .

You can spend 10K on the undercarriage.

Paul L

A bit of an extreme view but there is some truth in what you are saying. I have a "few" dollars in this 1974. And the split tail is of no importance to me.

To the OP, that looks like a nice starter for $6,000. But you have to do the usual frame/birdcage inspection. If it passes muster I would go for it. You will enjoy bringing it back to a nice stock and pretty state. Yes, it does take some time and $$$s but the 1974 is a unique year. Many poo-poo them but I like it.