Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

[Bill K.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Thanks Floyd, I don't plan to drive it a lot but I don't want a trailer queen either. And I don't have the time to do a major restoration. I'm looking at all options ... and your right, I don't want to spend a lot of $$ on a fraud.

Looking at a small block Thurs that appears interesting. Maybe it's the one !

Bill

[Daniel Y.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

take your time - dont be in a rush.- do your home work. Even Small blocks 67's have restoration motors. have an expert look at the pad, casting date, etc on the motor. get it authenticated from Al Grenning

good luck

[Paul J.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Bill,

It sounds like you're getting the hang of it. The only thing that I can add is that buying a vintage Corvette is very different from buying other collectable cars (at least on this forum). Take your time and learn as you go is good advice.

Paul

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

You are getting good advice here. You need to decide what you want, a NCRS body off Top Flight, nice driver or one to work on. The main thing is to get what you think you are getting & paying for. To me I think the guy that buys a DONE Corvette gets a bargain. While the guy that dose the restoration knows how it was done but will pay more & be without a Corvette for far longer that he planed. Good luck with the hunt. That is always the most fun for me.

[Tom B.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

First off enjoy the search. It can be a lot of fun. Then buy the best car you can afford. That means that it is the most correct AND in the best condition both mechanically and cosmetically. It will be cheaper to buy a good car in the first place than to spend a bunch repairing/restoring a lesser car. As for small block vs big block, having owned examples of both I can say that the small block is a better balanced and better driving/handling car. If I was looking for another C2 it would be a 300 or 350 horse with factory air, p/s and p/b. Anything else would be a bonus. Hold out for the color you want.

Tom

[Bill K.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Thanks everyone ... the "hunt" is interesting. I've looked at a couple of prospective cars. It is amazing how apparently minor things add up to big questions regarding authenticity and what is purported to be real. I'm learning a lot. Now I just have to decide what feels right and jump in.

[Jim T.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Bill did you check out the 18 1967 Corvettes for sale in the NCRS Driveline?

[Bill K.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Hi Jim, hadn't made it that far into the site .. thanks, I'll take a look.

[Bradley D.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

The search is fun indeed. I spent a year and a half looking. Initially I wanted a 63, solid lifter car. After driving one ( I wanted a driver quality car much like what you've stated) I changed my mind. I really wanted disc brakes after that ride. Also the didn't like the hand brake location ( I have long legs) so it came down to a 67. I settled on a 350 since the BB cars cost more and seem to be more fraud prone. (IMHO). I wanted an original motor/colors but I didn't care about the rest. I wanted Goodwood green/saddle int. 4sp (al 350's were 4sp), side pipes and knock offs. I live in the Midwest and not much of a market here. So it took a while. I did look at some outside what wanted as comparison. I found one with everthing but the KO's, and I said enough, an pulled the trigger. Never looked back. Couldn't be happier. I've done some wrenching, and made improvements along the way and that too has been fun. And I got a lot of good advice right here on this forum. Joined a local NCRS chapter and have never had so much fun. Good luck on your journey.

[Steven B.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Bill, for a little background before you look pick up some of the books NCRS sells on line and in The Driveline, such as Nolan's '63-'67, the technical and judging manuals, etc. You can pick up a lot of background and knowledge quickly this way. Also, back issue articles in The Restorer may help.

Steve

[Bill K.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Well I'm now an "official" member of the club. After must excitement, disappointed, confusion and questioning my sanity I now have a 67 convertible in the garage. Never thought it would take this long but I'm really glad I leveraged all the above recommendations. Have to give special thanks to Tim, Bruce, Leroy, Sonny, Doug, Frank, Carl, UJ (apologies for those I didn't list) and all the new friends I have since i started this adventure. I can't express how willing everyone has been to share their expertise and lend an ear when ever I needed it.

Next steps are finding the time to correct the things that aren't exactly right, enjoy the car, and get it ready to be judged at some point.

[Don H.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Hey, congrats Bill. Did you need some help with posting a photo?
Check the Discussion Board Help forum for many threads there with tips for posting photos.

[Michael J.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Excellent! Looking forward to your progress and seeing the car at future events. Cheer!

[Roger W.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Bill, We all enjoy seeing a member's new baby. Can't wait to see photos.

[Bill K.]

Re: Looking to buy my first classic corvette, looking for any/all advice !

Hope this comes through !

67 Corvette1.jpg