CHL_305

Someone is selling a 454 in Alabama:










1974 corvette 454 4 speed, power steering, power windows,
air conditioner. original big block that runs and drives, new gas tank,
rebuilt carb, needs front and rear bumpers and corner of fender, the
rest of the body is in great shape, no rust on frame, interior needs
carpet, door panels and seat covers, the rest of interior is in good shape.
He wants $8,700 for it but he is willing to negotiate the price for me. I am new at this so I am not sure how much it would cost to get the fender fixed. If I can drop the price down, is this worth it?

Redwing01

He's dreaming big time at $8,700.00
Can't really see too much of the car by these pics but tell him he needs to drop 5 grand to start with.
You can find a whole lot better for that money.

obas

i.e, as an example but not a recommendation. You could look at this one and several others to see what $8700 can buy.

http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/3629986167.html

F22

I agree, the price is too high. Add up the interior parts, fender, bumpers and misc. small repairs, then subtract from the price a decent driver would bring.

Redwing, $3,700 might be too low for this car. If it was a small block, I'd agree, but this is a BB car, with a four speed, so I'm guessing $5-6.5k. Around here, they go for at least 12k.

Easy Mike

FWIW: the damage may be more than just a fender. It looks like some of the hood surround panel is also involved. Can you do any of the repair work yourself?

MidShark

If you have to pay a body shop to do the work, you are looking at around $2,000 just for the bumpers, and probably $1,000 for the fender. The interior would cost $1200-$1500 just for the parts, plus any labor charges. Then you need a new set of tires,wheels at $1000. Then figure a couple thousand in misc. (you will be surprised how fast that will add up).
The key to buying a car like this and having it be a good deal, is being able to do most of the work yourself. At around $6-6500, I'd buy it, but I'd be doing everything but the painting myself.

MRANT212

Way overpriced. 5k max and just like other postings I would look for a whole car..here is a complete car. Different rear end cap and wrong engine...http://www.cars-on-line.com/59985.html. Just trying to compare.

imariver

Based on what the pics show, your looking at somewhere around $10,000.00 and there are ALWAYS hidden expensces. This looks like a great project, but not for someone that is "new to this" and at that price. If your capable of doing a lot of the work yourself, offer him $3500,00, otherwise . . . walk away.

toolman0114

I would pay a MAX of $5000, even that is high for all the work it needs.

CHL_305

Thanks for the feedback. It appears the consensus is that the price is too high considering the cost of needed repairs. The selling point for me is the 454, I would have walked away otherwise. He has agreed to look into accepting a trade. He is interested in a 2001 Hyundai Tiburon I have ( good condition, leather seats). If I offered him $3,000 plus the Tiburon, would that be good?
It gives me some flexibility for repair costs. Like imariver mentioned, I am new to this but I do have a friend that can help me with the engine and minor repairs. I will not be able to fix the fender on my own since I don't know much about fiber glass fabrication.

Priya

For me the interior and exterior colours make it highly desirable. Combined with the 454 4 speed this would be a great car once restored.

my 76 ray

I think the comparison you need to make to determine the price on this car is how much you will have spent on it once it has been repaired vs what it will cost to buy a 454 4 speed in good condition.

mikem350

The engine/mechanicals are the easy part. As said its the bodywork/interior where the $$$ start to add up FAST!!!

I do agree the colors/options make it interesting...

Priya

I'm normally not a fan of pre-78 C3s but I like this one.

roadbike56

Original big blocks are not easy to come by, even for a lower HP engine like the 74. If it's the car you want, make the trade. It sounds like you're going in eyes wide open and know what you're getting into. After all, when you get done you'll have one of those desirable rat motor Vettes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a flipper, probably need to walk away.

LT-1 kid

seems like a good car, maybe 7500. needs about 12-14k worth of work, but you will have a nice 4 speed bb in good colors.

Big Block Dave

The only thing that makes that car worth anything is the BBC, and even at that you'll end up upside down real fast on the car. As others have said, if its what you really want, then it may be worth it to you. The color combination IS very handsome, but the body and paintwork would add up fast. I also will say $5k for that car. Hood also appears to be modified.

For comparison...

I paid $10k for my 74 LS4 4spd A/C car 3 years ago, and while not perfect, it is miles ahead of that car, AND sometimes I feel like I overpaid. Its a high #3 car, a driver, and the interior was the major drawback, although semi presentable at a quick glance [someone painted it!]

I have since changed the interior, but I'll bet if I tried to sell it I could only get about the same $10k I paid for it. I of course didnt buy it to make an investment, but the point is that you should not be spending anywhere close to $8700 on a car that needs so much cosmetic help

These pics are from the day I bought it (I think the interior shots are from when I did the clutch, but it looked like this day 1)

Priya

That's a bit of an exageration.

Almost everyone who buys a C3 ends up upside down on their car. If you want an investment buy stocks.

My point exactly.

CHL_305

I like the exterior of your car.

I agree with most of the points made here. I think if I can get him to settle on $3,500 plus my Hyundai as a trade Olin, I will take the deal. If not, I will most likely walk.

Priya

Good luck CHL_305.