Eddie 1979

Hello, so I have an accepted offer on this 1972 LT1 and now need I to quickly move forward with an inspection! It was sold as a numbers matching engine/transmission, matching paint code, solid car. It’s in the Broadview Heights OH area close to Cleveland. At the very least I’d like a thorough mechanical inspection and some assurance that it isn't a Franken-car. Ideally I want to hire someone to have the numbers checked and will of course pay accordingly. Is someone here able to help with this or provide a reference for someone in the area who can? If anyone is local to the area and could take a look at the car to simply verify it's identity that would help too (would of course pay you for your time).

Would truly appreciate help on this one!
Ed

** Updates Posted Below

my 76 ray

Will send PM.

henryr

could never figure out how a matching numbers lt1 could sell for that $$$$

20mercury

Another thought for you, if you do not get a volunteer here, you might call the local NCRS chapter and/or find the local area Corvette clubs and inquire.

I saw this one on ebay, nice Corvette, Congratulations on your purchase!

kjr6306

I'm pretty close to Broadview Hts area. Probably not the expert you are looking for but if someone has a checklist of things to look for I will go out and look and document with photos for you...

Eddie 1979

Thank you for volunteering. There are some really cool people on the forum here and on NCRS. MyRay76 and a fellow who recently rebuilt his '72 are both going to look at the car next week.

Really generous of them. Will post the results in this thread after they take a look.

Eddie 1979

Here is an update on the car. Big thanks to Chuck from the forum and Joe H. from the NCRS forums for looking at the car. Really generous of them. Here are the results of the two inspections. Personally I'm caught in the middle. I'm very scared of rust on the frame (even though it seems ok). Also, not having a clear picture of the stamp pad is an issue (going to ask seller to remove paint and send a clear picture). One of my concerns is that a few years down the line I will need to go frame off with this. Also getting married next year so I'm not sure what the future wife would think of that, and I'm scared to ask!!

For those of you that have time here's what we found below. Price is $21,500, your opinions are appreciated.

-VIN looks OK
-Trim tag body build L07,Paint 912,Trim 400
-Shoulder belts 43B71 date, lap belts replacements
-Radio looks org,Gauge bezel org,gauge faces dirty,console contols loose
-Blue door cert label is missing
-tank sheet looks real,but print looks blue or purple, checked my sheets and all black print.
-front grills ok, headlights non T3,frnt spoiler re-pop
-rocker molding pass org, driver replacement, missing screws
-bumpers most likely re-chrome original, missing corner bolts rear bumper, holes filled in(body work)
-door panels org, not too bad, body filler on lower door corners
-replacement gas cap
-4 clip trim rings, not bad
-new tires, spare tire there
-engine pad has paint on it could not see the broach marks(factory machine marks)
-air cleaner cover may be orig, not sure about base
-aftermarket holley with manual choke
-missing lots of shielding, owner says he has some, coil not correct
-seller has the original AIR system parts
-maybe org exhaust manifolds, painted silver
-alternator 1100950 dated 1LL22, painted silver
-single fuel line
-emissions label correct
-replacement master cylinder
-missing TCS and anti diesel
-intake looks ok, could not check casting
-horn mounted in wrong place
-exhaust tips are SS replacements, exhaust is correct 2.5 inch pipes
-seats look good, redone
-suspension has been redone throughout
-new exhaust system
-front brakes new calipers, discs are good
-There is some rust on the inside of the frame but it's NOT to the point where I THINK it will rust through any time soon. I did tap on the frame with the handle of a screwdriver all around (including the kickups at the rear and they sounded solid. If I bought that car though, I would get a few cans of the stuff that Eastwood sells for inside the frame and treat it after blowing out the debris with an air hose.
The frame was only coated with that rustproofing on the bottom/sides so it wasn't a body off restoration.
-minor oil seepage around drain plug

Here is that engine stamp, I can make out enough to see that the numbers match the VIN but thats it:

Crafty12

I don't like the over spray around the stamp pad. Is there over spray around the motor in any other areas? Also if you have a pic of the build sheet post that up.

Mike Ward

If you do buy it, make your #1 priority getting rid of the rubber fuel line and plastic filter!

Eddie 1979

Only god scares me more than rust! Based on what I can tell this was a frame on refresh (not restoration), and the original drivetrain is there. Torn between a car like this that may need a frame off restore down the road, or something like this
that is cheaper and already done, but not an LT1...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-...exp=true#v4-41