Speaking of crazy prices for parts in this hobby

Robert N · 01-29-2003, 12:02 PM

My 1970 LT-1 does not have the correct carb, a Holley 780 cfm va secondary, part number 3972121, list 4555. Not sure if the car is going to be NCRS correct in the end, but is the carb worth $200 as is (needs rebuild)?

Thanks

JohnZ · 01-29-2003, 12:57 PM

Quote:

My 1970 LT-1 does not have the correct carb, a Holley 780 cfm va secondary, part number 3972121, list 4555. Not sure if the car is going to be NCRS correct in the end, but is the carb worth $200 as is (needs rebuild)?

Thanks

Do you mean the 3972121 is the one you have, or do you have a different one that needs rebuild?

Robert N · 01-29-2003, 01:00 PM

Mine is a 650 DP with a bum choke. Found the correct one.

I could fix it, by a 750 vac secondary that looks like the 780 for $50, or by the correct carb for about $200.

If the correct carb is a good deal, I might grab the 750 and the 780.

I just have no clue as to value of this carb or how hard it might be to find another.

[Modified by Robert N, 10:02 AM 1/29/2003]

Rowdy Rat · 01-29-2003, 04:59 PM

Robert,

A price of $200 for this carburetor isn't terrible... Not a huge bargain, but if the date code is in line with the rest of your car, the metering block/plate are also correct, and the carb is generally in good shape with no physical damage, then it probably would be worth picking up.

That's how it goes... A carb here... The TI ignition there... Before you know it, you'll have collected and installed the correct parts for your car while enjoying and driving the car at the same time. If you ever decide that you want to go the full on restoration route, you'll already have everything you need.

It's a lot easier (and cheaper!) to cosmetically restore parts that function and are already in your possession than it is to try and hunt down a lot of missing parts at once.

Good luck with your carburetor hunt!

Regards,

Robert N · 01-29-2003, 06:47 PM

Stan,

Thanks. I am still wrestling with the NCRS or NOM driver route. Based on what we have discussed in the past (NOM car to begin with) and the fact that the carb is not a great deal, I will probably pass. Since I have a $50 750 cfm vac sec carb available, I will probably go that way as it looks like the original carb.

01-29-2003, 09:51 PM

Quote:

It's a lot easier (and cheaper!) to cosmetically restore parts that function and are already in your possession than it is to try and hunt down a lot of missing parts at once.

That's for sure. I bought a '57 basket case with the radio missing. I go to Carlisle and buy the correct Wonderbar radio receiving unit from Mary Jo Rohner. Then I have to buy the speaker/amplifier unit from someone else. Next was getting the receiver restored with the buttons rechromed.

Then both the units go to Charles Siegfried in California for a rebuild. By the time I was finished, I had about $1500 tied up in an AM radio. The good part was that it was beautiful and performed flawlessly. The downside was all I could get was AM stations, my choice was Spanish speaking stations, the gospel channels and all news radio. :eek:

paintdaddy · 01-30-2003, 02:05 AM

FXT ,You did the right thing.I spent a bunch of money on a stock radio for my 82 pace car because I wanted it original.I still get laughed at for that one but who cares ,thats what I wanted. :seeya

Desertdawg · 01-30-2003, 02:13 AM

Not to get off topic, but do you want to see a crazy price...
1982 Collector Edition Horn button with emblem.

$250.00 :eek:

It is the third item from the bottom....
http://www.pacvette.com/specials/index.htm

Robert N · 01-30-2003, 11:54 AM

Given that I found a 750 vac sec Holley that "looks" correct for $50 and my block is from a 71, I think I'll save the pennies for the interior, chassis, and body. No point in a NOM car with a correct carb.

For what its worth, I do have 7 original parts. Fortunately, one of those is the 884 alternator - seen them for well over $800 :crazy:

Mac · 01-30-2003, 01:22 PM

Since you're still considering going NCRS at a later date, it'd almost be worthwhile to pack and preserve those seven original pieces up for restoration when and if you decide to go 'factory' and use whatever the parts store sells while you enjoy driving the car. The original parts will only grow in value, if that's a consideration.

Robert N · 01-30-2003, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Since you're still considering going NCRS at a later date, it'd almost be worthwhile to pack and preserve those seven original pieces up for restoration when and if you decide to go 'factory' and use whatever the parts store sells while you enjoy driving the car. The original parts will only grow in value, if that's a consideration.

Without a doubt. That is the plan.

Even if I decide not to go back to 'factory', those 7 parts may be worth more than a NOM 1970 LT-1 20 years from now. :D

R1234 · 01-31-2003, 01:51 PM

Speaking of crazy part prices. My seach is over. :hurray: http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/68rdstr//pc290002.jpg