67 survivor- resto- driver?

[Gary R.]

I met a nice gentleman at a local car show with a very original and tired looking 67 coupe. 327-300, 3spd stick, possibly posi. Your basic bare bones coupe with about 60k miles. Paint is showing it's age, interior not bad, chrome is done and needs rechroming.

He is thinking of selling after owning it 46 years. I encouraged him to actually keep it but seems like he may have reached the time to let it go.

So my question, what would you consider a fair value of a car like this? I have a range in mind but would like to hear from you guys.

Do you leave it a survivor and risk component failures in use or go through it and make it a driver- which is what I do anyway.
Knowing the weak areas of these drivetrains I would most likely be doing the T-Arms, diff, and suspension parts if I was buying. I would consider installing a M-20 and 336's if I got that far into it and putting the 3 spd away. Since it would be all bolt on changes that wouldn't be a problem and the counsole emblem is easy to swap out.

I wasn't particularly looking for another vette, since I still have to rebuild my 69 but I started out at 18 with a 67 coupe would like another before I am done.

Thoughts?

[Joe R.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Go ahead and make it a Resto-Rod before some shop buys it and makes it a 67 435HP Duntov Corvette!

You will be doing the Corvette community a favor!

JR

PS. Wave 20K at him.

[John L.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Gary
No major issues with body damage and solid frame , 60k (would have to be confirmed) ..I would say it's a 4 condition so I would say 25k to 30k. Actually a good running 300hp with a all synchro 3 spd would be a pleasant driver. Add PS and PB
Renew all the worn stuff throw about 8k to 10k at it and you'll be upside forever.

[Gary R.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Hi Guys
Thanks. I believe he has some offers in the high end of John's range.

I can rebuild the whole drivetrain for less then $8k since that is what I do and my labor wouldn't count against my own car. If so then my son owes me about $15k for the diff's, trans, and suspensions I rebuilt him after trips to the track over the years!

I have to admit I haven't driven a 3 speed in a vette and one in general in a long time. Probably last one was a 3 on the tree '65 p/u truck.

I don't think I would resto mod it. Since I would drive it a lot I would probably get the paint cleaned up, maybe do the 4 speed, polish & tune the posi, and suspension and go with it.

I can see very easily if someone bought it and then hired out the work then it might get too deep.

I hope he ends up holding on to it but we'll see, that's a long time with a car and he's a good guy.

[Tim G.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Exterior/interior colors would help determine value. One of the nicest driving Corvettes I've ever owned was set up like this one. Leave it as it, clean, repair anything dangerous and drive it.

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

I completely agree with Tim. Doing a frame off on a base motor 3 speed you will be underwater fast...Clean, maintain, repair, drive and enjoy. With it being a base motor car, that most likely means it hasn't been thrashed like a lot of big blocks out there....Get it, enjoy it and never look back....I too am curious, what colors? Good luck....ARA

[Gary R.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

White with Red interior. It was also a radio delete originally, but has a correct radio in it now.

[Tim G.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Stunning colors, that could be a very nice car to own and have fun with.

[Gary R.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Yes it is a nice car that I know I can bring back to safe driver level, I haven't heard back so maybe it is sold or kept?

[Richard G.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

Gary;
These un-restored Corvettes are getting harder and harder to find.
Because of this and other reasons my vote would be to leave it as is and fix the mechanical stuff as you mentioned.
Then enjoy it and drive it.
No worry's and lots of fun. Worrying if someone is going to scratches your 20K paint job is nothing but stress.
Driving it to the store is inviting disaster and not an option.
Lots more fun that way.
Lets not forget why we all love these cars, they are fun!
Rick

[Mark G.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

I'd change the fluids, check the brakes, make sure it is safe and drive and enjoy it as is.

[Richard L.]

Re: 67 survivor- resto- driver?

I've got an old Jeep with a 3 speed transmission and then my old Corvette has a 4 speed transmission... Always worried that I would inadvertently put the Jeep in reverse (thinking that it was 1st gear) and take off in reverse... Have had the Jeep for 9 years and have never taken off in reverse at a red light thinking that I was going to go forward... You just realize what vehicle you're in...