Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

[Paul B.]

Hi,
I"m looking at a Jan build 340 horse '63 coupe, and I need a ballpark idea on what some of the parts will cost me if I buy the car. It has the original block, but is missing the following original items.

Heads
Intake
Carb
Air cleaner Assembly
Exhaust Manifolds
Steering wheel
Radio
Ignition shielding
Alternator
Four Speed Transmission

All the body and trim in and out appear to be there, and the car runs and drives. Any other expensive '63 only parts that I should look for?

Many thanks,

Paul

[Boyan B.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Paul, here is a rough estimate. These are just prices I have seen over the last year or so. I kinda keep track because I have a 340 horse too.

Heads 461x $400-$1000 (you can get away with any 461 head because the date is not judged. The "X" head is expensive. I may have a carb if you need it.

Intake $400
Carb $500
Air Cleaner $250
Steering Wheel $300
Exh Manifolds $500-$600
Radio ?
Ignition Shielding (Expensive)
Alternator $200
4 speed trans...Call 4 speeds by Daryl, Pipers Auto

Look for these 63 only items:
Master cylinder
Lower control arms
Hood
Wheels (also 64 but rare)
Center console
Seats
Clutch fork

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

I'd say Boyam has a pretty good start on it for you. A radio will probably run 200.00 to 400.00, roughly. You'll need an AM for a January car.

As mentioned before. Wheels and wheel covers are expensive. 250.00 to 500.00 each for wheels depending on condition, 500.00 to 800.00 for covers.

A correct type 1 63 jack will run 350.00 to 600.00.

63 seat belts will set you back anywhere from 400.00 to 800.00.

The parking brake handle assembly is unique too. Be sure it's there.

Also be sure the inner and outer trim for the split rear window is present. Even if you can stand the price for this stuff, it is almost impossible to find. Especially the inner trim.

63's have a ton of unique parts. Early, late, and mid year changes make finding just the right part more of a challenge. Get a judging guide and study as many ORIGINAL cars as you can get lucky enough to study.

What is the build date of this car? I too have a January 340HP car. I will be glad to compare notes with you anytime.

[Bob R.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

A couple of items not mentioned above that are hard to find or expensive and frequently missing:

Glove box door - reproductions cost $400. The originals are usually cracked.

Brake Master Cylinder

The spare tire carrier is slightly different then other mid years.

Correctly dated radiator - $800

Original wiper blades.

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

A couple of items not mentioned above that are hard to find or expensive and frequently missing:

Glove box door - reproductions cost $400. The originals are usually cracked.

Brake Master Cylinder

The spare tire carrier is slightly different then other mid years.

Correctly dated radiator - $800

Original wiper blades.

Yep !! Forgot about all of those.

Nothing is cheap on a 63. Buy the most complete car you can buy !!

[Bill I.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Am I missing something here? The OP said it was missing carb, and 4sp. etc. How can it run and drive? Bill.

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Am I missing something here? The OP said it was missing carb, and 4sp. etc. How can it run and drive? Bill.

Bill:

OP states the car is missing those original items. So it is running and driving with the incorrect parts !!

[Bill I.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Now I got it Tom. I read it as saying it was missing those parts. Never thought he meant those parts to bring it back to original. Bill

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Now I got it Tom. I read it as saying it was missing those parts. Never thought he meant those parts to bring it back to original. Bill

Made me take a second look at it too !! I never even saw where he said it ran and drove. I was assuming the same thing as you. Between the two of us, we read the whold post !!

[Paul B.]

Re: Need ballpark idea on prices for items on a '63

Thanks or the great feedback guys.
My bad for not explaining a little more clearly in my original post. The car is a driver but with several incorrect parts.
I'll print this list when I go to see it, trying to get an idea if it's worth buying or not.

All the best,

Paul

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Good luck Paul !!

Post back after you see the car !

[Timothy B.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

It's important to do your homework with all old corvettes but 1963 model is very unique. Don't rush to buy, take someone with you or get us some pics and as much info as possible.

Also, take note of the parts that are on the car now because they could be worth some $$ and help with the search for the correct parts. IMHO, mechanical parts can be found, look the body and frame over very well so you know exactly what your buying.. That is where you can get lost and the project can turn into $$$ and ..

[Paul B.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

Good luck Paul !!

Post back after you see the car !

After speaking with the owner a couple of times, I decided not to take the long drive there and back to go see it.
The car is my dream '63; silver 340 horse SWC with a red interior. The trim tag, VIN tag and engine pad on this one are correct.
The first problem is that even though the block is the original with a good pad, all the other original parts under the hood from the rad to the master cylinder inclusive, are incorrect or missing. The transmission is also probably a replacement.
The car had been painted white, and the owner just repainted is silver over the white, over the original silver. The interior had been painted (dyed?) blue, and he has re-dyed it red over the blue, over the original red.
Still not the end of the world if the frame and birdcage are OK, right?
But he wants $49K for it, has just bought it and repainted it to sell...
The sad part is that he may get it, but just not worth it for me to buy at that price to tear down and do a frame off...
Oh well I'll keep looking, if I can't find my silver/red 340 SWC, maybe a nice '67 L79 roadster.

All the best,

Paul

[Tom H.]

Re: Need ball park idea on prices for items on a '63

I'd say you probabbly made a good decision. I'm sure you could make the car your dream car, but there has to come a time when you say "Is it worth it?" Sounds like you would have needed some expensive parts to make this one right. Best of luck in your search for that silver 63.