MGSFJET

I just jumped into the Corvette world in December when I picked up a 1976 with a "383 Stroker w/ built 350 automatic", thinking a little more cash and I'd have a nice ride.

The last few weeks have been an education. I've found out the "stroker" is really a stock 2-bolt 350 with a bump stick, the transmission is just this side of the grave, and the brakes/suspension/steering are all shot. Of course the leaking top gives the interior a distinct aroma and the paint job has bubbles and cracks everywhere.

All is not lost. After my initial investment of $10,500, I'm estimating the cost to build a real 383 w/ 400+ HP, build the 350 with a 3500 converter, do the performance suspension thing, brakes, steering, two stage paint job w/ new emblems, and re-carpet and dye the interior to be an additional $20K.
Does this sound about right? I keep telling myself "It's OK that you passed up those low mileage C5s for $27K."

Have I lost it?

Rogue Wave

I think your $20K figure is in the right ballpark.

I have completely rebuild / restored my 73 and have about $22K in it. Of course, this is doing all the work myself. I don't even want to think what it would have cost if I had to pay people to do the work.

My 73 Vette was originally owned by my Mom. She bought it new in 1973. It got to be too much for her in the mid 1990's with 240K miles on it. Needless to say, the poor car was tired. But not anymore, it is all practically new.

For me it is not a matter of $$$$, it is something I will just do.

Take your time and have fun... :thumbs:

Metal Wulf

Welcome to the forum :seeya

Cali,68,L-79

BOUGHT MINE FOR 6k AND SET THE LIMIT AT 14K. I'M NOW AT 26K AND AM JUST STOPPING. IF I WAS TO FINISH WHAT I WANTED I'D BE OVER 30K EASY. IT'S YOUR DECISION BUT IF I WAS TO GO BACK TO MAY 1999 I'D SINK 3K INTO MINE MAKING IT SELLABLE/ STREETABLE AND IMMEDIATELY SELL IT AND SAVE UP FOR THE 58-60 FUELIE I REALLY WANT. JUST MY .02

David

Vetterodder

Look at the bright side. When you're finished you'll have one VERY nice Corvette. You could spend about the same amount of money doing the same things to a less desirable car but wind up with, well, a less desirable car.

carl a

i know what you mean -im passed the $ 42,000 mark. every thing new and it surely adds up fast.........



[Modified by carl a, 5:11 AM 1/26/2003]

The Money Pit

I just tipped the $20K mark,but $5K is the 406 I just installed. For 8 years of fun it's worth it to me!

'79ProwlerOrange

im at about $23K but ive speant a little more than i should have, and until a couple years ago i was paying other people to do bad work, rather than doing it right myself.

OkeeGuy

at the risk of showing my ignorance...
what is a "bumpstick"?

adamdinat

I had the same bump stick question. 20K more into the car would more than I would spend. People do this all the time with houses. They buy something that turns out to be less than they wexpected and spend big$ on additions and renovations rather than look for the right house. You may want to fix this one up a little while you look around. Recover your money on this one and take advantage of someone elses cash flow problems. It all depends on what your goals and budget are.

MN-Brent

Am I wrong to think that $10.5K is way too much for a 73 with the above description? I have seen 5K - $7K for this in the Collector car traderonline.

Brent...

MYBLU71

Bumpstick would be a CAM...
:auto:

garagedweller2

ouch...well @ least it has a good home