Pre-purchase inspection help....

[Donald M.]

Hey everyone, I'm new to NCRS and looking at my 1st corvette. I have a lead on a '66 in Ft. Meyers, FL, and I'm in SoCal. There are so many options out there for inspectors and I have been advised to look here for a qualified individual to check it out.

I have talked with the guy, and it has been in his collection for about 15 years. States it is all original.


Here is the cars info-

The ad states: "From a private collection. Beautiful 1966 rally red convertible, black interior. Numbers matching 327-300HP with correct HE suffix code, matched to a Muncie 4 speed transmission. Factory side pipe car with 57000 ORIGINAL MILES as recorded on title! Near flawless in and out, drives and runs as good as it looks."

So, how do I go about finding a qualified inspector in that area. Thanks

[Joe R.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Contact the Florida Chapter Chairman. You can find the name and address in the Driveline.

JR

[Tim G.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Donald, get as many "critical" pictures as possible beforehand. Pictures of the stamp pad without paint, trim tag, VIN tag, title, and as much evidence of the factory sidepipe characteristics as you can. You can do lots of groundwork before you pay for an inspection and that will save money in the long run. If a seller is not willing to provide these pictures, it is best to move on. I'm sure if you have questions, folks on this forum would be glad to help out. A base motor factory sidepipe car is very rare, but they do exist. I'm sure the price reflects this rare combination, so please do the homework before securing an inspection. I don't know the car or seller, but I always recommend moving carefully with any purchase.
I did just find the add and didn't see any of the pictures of the items that I mentioned in my second sentence.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

States it is all original.

It would be interesting to know what he thinks is original on the car...

[Gary C.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Donald,

Welcome to NCRS and the Technical Discussion Board. Chapters are listed on the Contacts page: https://www.ncrs.org/contact/index.php

Sage advice from Tim and Patrick. In addition, ask if this car's ever been judged at an NCRS meet, if so, they should provide the score sheets and award info.

Good luck with your pursuit.

Gary
....

[Donald M.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Donald, get as many "critical" pictures as possible beforehand. Pictures of the stamp pad without paint, trim tag, VIN tag, title, and as much evidence of the factory sidepipe characteristics as you can. You can do lots of groundwork before you pay for an inspection and that will save money in the long run. If a seller is not willing to provide these pictures, it is best to move on. I'm sure if you have questions, folks on this forum would be glad to help out. A base motor factory sidepipe car is very rare, but they do exist. I'm sure the price reflects this rare combination, so please do the homework before securing an inspection. I don't know the car or seller, but I always recommend moving carefully with any purchase.
I did just find the add and didn't see any of the pictures of the items that I mentioned in my second sentence.

Thanks Tim. I agree the seller offers very little description but after talking to him he states that there has been no modification, etc. What do you think of the price?

[Donald M.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'm new to all this and really didn't know what to ask the guy when I talked to him. I've sent an email to the Region IV director for help.

[Tim G.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

I see some issues such as the radiator and wipers among other things. I think the price is for that of a car that has some judging history to show that it is as nice and legitimate as professed. My guess is the sidepipes were added as that option on any 1966 is rare, especially a base motor car. It has to be very nice and correct to command that number.

[Tim G.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Donald, the learning curve is a long one, take your time. If in doubt, pass on a car. I see many people get hurt very badly.
I sent you a PM.

[Don H.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Don
look for a couple emails I've sent you. Might be in your Spam folder

[Donald M.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Don
look for a couple emails I've sent you. Might be in your Spam folder

Got them and really appreciate the help and advice. I sent an email to Marco and also Paul.

[Ed N.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Contact Jim Ranahan at (813) 679-8559. He's in Florida and is my go to person for these matters.

[Mike T.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

And a second recommendation for Jim Ranahan in Tampa Florida. He was my 'eyes' on a 66 Nassau Blue L72 I bought from a guy
in The Villiages last year and it turned out well. That's the roadster in my Avatar.

[Donald M.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

Thanks everyone for the advice and recommendations. Jim just finished his inspection and is quite impressed with the car. Waiting on his report and photos. Now I just need some advice on cross country transport services

[Ed N.]

Re: Pre-purchase inspection help....

You can email me about transport.