Tips for first time Corvette buyers

[Administrator]

What's that one piece of advice you'd give to someone looking to get a classic Crovette?

Most of you are veterans, but there are beginners and those who could use some help and guidance, so feel free to help them out

 

[BBShark]

Don't do it!

 

[Administrator]

Oh cmon, how else are people gonna build character or gray hair?

 

[phantomjock]

"Purpose?" Drive, Show, or Race?

Drive - a Daily Driver - or weekend special treat?
Show - You going to build it or buy it ready to go? Tow or drive to meets?
Race? Choices:
Weekend Autocross with a daily driver. Need a helmet - but loaners usually available. Short time on track - but good communities. More people time than racing.
Track Days - Next step up. More car investmets - go fast stuff.Driver investmest beyond the car. Helmet, maybe some video & data gear.
Time Trials - Faster than just track days - more car, time practice. Competetive. A lot of open design and fabrication (as I understand - am building for).
Road Racing - All the above + a Cage, Seat time - best fun you'll have. Class racing - or open. Costs are centered on rules. Open rules I like the best!

I left out - Drag racing - shorter than an Autocross (Seconds not minutes) and a lot of cash to be competetive.
Also skipped Bonneville - you might as well just enter the space race if you have that much money!

You'll note I left out the Cash Issue. It all costs money and only gets more as you move along the "Spectrum."
For a Classic Corvette - with mods and assistance you'll find here and members with a lot of experience and suggestions.
Even find a few semi-purists. But I suspect many are members of NCRS - Not Correctly Restored Stingray!

BTW - I need a new shirt!

Cheers - Jim
Never Forget - Save the Wave!

 

[Administrator]

"Purpose?" Drive, Show, or Race?

Drive - a Daily Driver - or weekend special treat?
Show - You going to build it or buy it ready to go? Tow or drive to meets?
Race? Choices:
Weekend Autocross with a daily driver. Need a helmet - but loaners usually available. Short time on track - but good communities. More people time than racing.
Track Days - Next step up. More car investmets - go fast stuff.Driver investmest beyond the car. Helmet, maybe some video & data gear.
Time Trials - Faster than just track days - more car, time practice. Competetive. A lot of open design and fabrication (as I understand - am building for).
Road Racing - All the above + a Cage, Seat time - best fun you'll have. Class racing - or open. Costs are centered on rules. Open rules I like the best!

I left out - Drag racing - shorter than an Autocross (Seconds not minutes) and a lot of cash to be competetive.
Also skipped Bonneville - you might as well just enter the space race if you have that much money!

You'll note I left out the Cash Issue. It all costs money and only gets more as you move along the "Spectrum."
For a Classic Corvette - with mods and assistance you'll find here and members with a lot of experience and suggestions.
Even find a few semi-purists. But I suspect many are members of NCRS - Not Correctly Restored Stingray!

BTW - I need a new shirt!

Cheers - Jim
Never Forget - Save the Wave!

Chuckled on the Bonneville comment

Pretty nice pointers. For the sake of argument, what's the minimum one should invest in getting a classic one in a decent shape. Nothing show worthy, just a fun daily/weekend driver

 

[phantomjock]

I hope you're not asking ME! I have no idea!! But, I did have a spreadsheet that I'll attach. Its Zipped.
It's 10-15 years old but pretty complete by the fellow that made it. You could cross of what you wouldn't need/want and get a better idea.
Factor all that in with purchase price and there ya go!


Cheers - Jim

 

[Administrator]

I hope you're not asking ME! I have no idea!! But, I did have a spreadsheet that I'll attach. Its Zipped.
It's 10-15 years old but pretty complete by the fellow that made it. You could cross of what you wouldn't need/want and get a better idea.
Factor all that in with purchase price and there ya go!


Cheers - Jim

This is the kind of tips I had in mind

 

[phantomjock]

That spreadsheet is from 20111-12, so factor in availability and Inflation!
Facor maybe 1.5x on some items - maybe less on audio gear that back in the day.
Unless you're looking for an 8Track Player!

Cheers - Jim

 

[Administrator]

I was looking for one a couple of years ago, thanks for reminding me

Also thanks for the spreadsheet

 

[caskiguy]

What's that one piece of advice you'd give to someone looking to get a classic Crovette?

Most of you are veterans, but there are beginners and those who could use some help and guidance, so feel free to help them out

I'm retired and I picked up a 1970 C3 Coupe in Oct 2016, drove it home smiling and excited. Parked in my garage had a smoke and cup of coffee looking at it wondering what do I do next ? Had no idea I'd begin a complete rebuild.
Going on 10 years. I'll just say to anyone considering a frame off rebuild, for me it has truly been a education and adventure. I've learned so much, met some great people in person, via the phone, online who have been a tremdous help along the way.
Space to work, money, like challenges, no schedule but most of all it occuppies your mind a lot is what I have found I enjoy about it.
Life gets in the way, 2 new hips, knee on the way, honey do's and don'ts, weather, moving and on and on but I've never given up hope of turning the key to hear it roar.
If anything I've said, appeals to anyone, do it. "You only live once."

 

[BBShark]

Wow. That looks like your not too far away from driving. Nice work.

 

[Farmvett]

Awsome gotta keep moven brother well done!!!