69 435hp finally rescued

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

"Since I will do all the work myself, I won't have much in it other than parts."

Remember, that will still be close to $30k if you end up restoring the car.

Patrick

[Kent K.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

Jim,

Congratulations !!!
My 1969 435 coupe is 190 cars following yours and I bought it from the original owner after chasing him to sell it for 6 (+/-) years. Send me an e-mail and we can compare notes.
Per Mark's suggestion in this thread, I will try getting mine to Old Towne in January. If you do also, MAN WHAT A PAIR .
TWO unrestored '69 427/435s.

Regards, Kent #6201

[Tracy C.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

chuckdude..

picky picky picky..

I would still attempt to get it to old town and let the real experts provide some input. If it really is better off for the community to leave it as is, then it's almost an obligation to leave it alone.

Tough call.

tc

[Norm C.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

WOW Jim.... what a "find"!!!!!

As you have seen, a lot of opinions for you to consider. In the end its really a personal decision for what means most to you.

A master judge who has gone both ways himself (total restoration & total original) yet drives them both, offered this advise to me to help make my own decision.

Getting it judged BEFORE you do anything, gives you a base for how NCRS views the car. Driver,, Bowtie Candidate...Top Flight/Duntov.... For that first judging, you aren't aiming for the big score but getting an un-biased assessment of the car from those who know the car best. While waiting for the next judge meet in your area... talk to the National team chairman and others in your area... collect all data/opinions you can.

The judge then reminded me of this.... it can only be "original/Bowtie once".... after you start down the restoration path, there is no turning back.

Most of all... do what you already seem to be doing... ENJOY THE CAR,,,THE PROCESS.... and do what works for YOU best!!!! GOOD LUCK!! Keep us Posted!!

[Chuck S.]

Yeah, I Agree...

Certainly won't do any harm to let the professoren take a look.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

Yep...that's close to the number on my books. And, that's why it makes no sense to restore a base engine, high-option car even though, from the historical standpoint, they are just as much a Corvette as the big block.

But, the good news...what's an early 69 427/435 side pipe coupe going for these days? It doesn't matter if you're going to keep it and drive it until you die...somebody is going to sell it for you some day, and that's when your folks will reap the dividends (or you, if you decide to die in your rocking chair).

[Mark #28455]

perfect for SPORTSMAN class

I brought my unrestored L89 and entered it in sportsman class. This year, I may bring my wife's 1970 if I can get the new 532 running by then. (yes I still have the original 454)
Mark

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

Chuck,

Who said it made sense? I've got all the parts to restore my 71 base motor high option coupe, and odds are I'll do it just because it was my first Corvette and exactly what I wanted.

I turned down a silver 69 427/435 about 6 years ago at $10k, because at that time $40k was all the money for one of those, and I didn't need the hassle of the restoration. I think I'd do the same again today for a coupe and only think about it if a convertible.

Patrick

[Harmon C.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

I would not try Bowtie at a regional then change my mind and do a frame off. It takes longer to clean a car like you have to present it for bowtie than to do a frame off. I have done both and I would do the Duntov route and you can keep trying till you get it. If you get the Bowtie then you need a museum to keep it in and 99.9% of the people will want to know why you don't fix the paint if it has scratches. You not only need to get the percent to get the Bowtie but eight judges need to agree it is not too worn to show finishes. If a 5000 mile car of the same year is at the same convention and is much nicer than yours you will likely not get the vote its just human nature. I sold my Bowtie after I got tired of it setting around and questions about the bad paint.
Lyle

[Steven C.]

Re: 69 435hp finally rescued

Jim, congrats on the car.

I found my 69 435 this year after it had been sitting since '75. Brought it home in boxes. Still sorting thru it to see what have.

Enjoy the car.

Steve