AmericanVette

I was sad to sell my C6. I loved my Corvette and had more fun in it than any car I have ever owned.

With the money I have left I didn't think there is any hope to buy a running Corvette, but reading the thread "bringing my 84 back to life" makes me want to buy a Corvette even if it doesn't run and is sitting on blocks, buy a manual, buy a set of tools, and have the best fun of my life working on it.

I'm going to start searching CL for any cheap C4, even if I have to tow it home. I have to enjoy the little pleasures in life more. The 84 thread is so much fun to read and I feel happy when I see him find seats for his 84 Vette for $50.

When I had a good job I did stupid things like trust the dealership and their prices. I would still have my C6 if I did not waste so much money, like spending $3000 on tires, twice, and $120 oil changes. When money was good I was wasteful and truth be told, I wish I would have worked on my C6 but was scared that I could do damage. A C4 that needs to be restored would be perfect because I could learn on it and if I do damage it won't cost more than a set of tires.

toptechx6

Don't beat yourself up too much, complacency in good times has been the downfall of many including the steel, auto and housing industries.
What is important is to learn the lesson and keep from making the same mistakes again, it sounds like you have a good plan, best of luck.

65GGvert

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3945958481.html

Have you considered posting your location in case someone has one close for sale?

DinoBob

Be patient and critical. If you are careful I think you could buy a decent C4 for $3000.

Keystring

Cheap ones are out there.

I picked up mine for $1000.

Firewalker11

I think it sounds like a great adventure! I wish I had the garage space to take on that challenge! Imagine the reward when you finally complete the restoration, knowing every inch of that car by heart.

Pretty cool stuff! Just make sure to take a lot of pictures so that we can track your progress!!

csthews

Keep in mind, you are going to be buying a 25+ year old car, so your memories of the C6 in ride and performance will just be a memory. Also, working on these cars can be addictive. You can put $2k-$3k in them before you know it and still not have it where you want it. And don't expect to get your investment back out of it.

One thing you can do is set your total purchase+rebuild budget. Research prices for components (tires, bushings, shocks, hubs, u-joints, injectors, seat covers, stereo components, paint, body components, exhaust components, etc) that you may have to replace. Then find a car for a price and in a condition that fits into your total budget.

btw... I listed the items I either replaced or planned to replace on my '95.

kevingib

I just bought a 90 Vert with 93k on the clock for $1600 from a local widow. This car is a project for the next 3 years with my son that is 13 now.

I spent months researching and planning on an overall project budget but since the car was stored I did not have great access to review stuff in details. y original budget included the items that the above poster listed as well as custom paint and 383 stroker and tranny rebuild - the budget came in just shy of $22k. Since we have picked up the car and begun inspecting stuff I have nearly another $1500 in various items such as sport seat switches and covers, trim pieces, etc.

I went in knowing I would be 25k into this car once done but to me it wasn't about the value, it was the time spent with my son and the ability to bring something back to near perfect shape that will be 26 years old when he can finally drive it.

NuckinFutz93

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/3902594035.html

Yeah, Post a location, some of us are CL junkies and find all kinds of deals. You never know when somebody might find that diamond in the rough you're looking for. Good luck and have fun.



http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/3937630201.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3931542429.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/3936009431.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/3926102847.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/3899385022.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/3880120669.html


I found these goofing off in 5 mins.

garryowen

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/710127?ad_cid=8
http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/690336?ad_cid=6

the seats and parts on the red one would be a good deal.

Churchkey

Search craigs list ads nation wide

http://www.searchtempest.com/

AmericanVette

I am in the Chicago area.

I found a Corvette I like that is 200 miles away but the tires have dry rot and the transmission has "shifting issues". I wonder if I could drive it back?

garryowen

i wouldn't take that chance.

if it has those issues then it s bound to have more that need worked out.

would haul home and take my time working and checking it out before i got farther from home than i wanted to walk back.

that me though

PLRX

For $3,000 you will buy a project. If you are looking for a hobby, and to spend CA$H go for it.

Do you have tools?

AmericanVette

I loved my C6 but a C4 will make me happy. It will feel liberating to have a Corvette I can work on and not have fear of making a $30,000 mistake.

I already know upgrades I want to make in the future after I get a C4 running. My C6 had the Z51 suspension and I loved how it stuck to the road no matter how hard I pushed it. I want that kind of suspension in my C4. I also want to upgrade the tires to later LT1 C4 extra wide rear tires but I may get lucky because I see many C4's have upgraded tires. This is all future plans. I have to find a C4 first.

AmericanVette

No tools, no experience, a LOT of desire.

Someone wrote in a different thread to buy tools as the needs arise and not worry about buying an expensive set.

AmericanVette

You have a beautiful Corvette!!!

Can you post more pictures?

If I found a C4 anything close to yours I would faint right after I handed the seller ten $100 bills.

AmericanVette

Your son is very blessed to have a good father. The memories of working on dad's Corvette will be priceless!

AmericanVette

I plan on taking pictures and posting every step of the way.

And having lots of questions.

AmericanVette

I am praying I find one in running condition with a good body.

The desire is very strong.