I have a chance to buy a 68 vette convertible 350 4 spd all original (i think) yellow w/ black top/interior. i am TOTALLY not a vette guy but i like the 68-70 verts as well as some earlier years. the car has been sitting for like 15 years in a backyard not a barn though.

the bad news is that it was completely submerged in hurricane Wilma in '05 and hasn't moved since. (that's saltwater)
the good news is i can probably get it for a grand. I think the frames for these generations are a dime a dozen, so most likely I would transplant the body. having lived here for 20 years I know what saltwater does to metal.
so what do you guys think, worth the 1k and the trouble? i have seen such a wide range of prices for these things in the trader mags i just dont know.

OK, hit me with your opinions. all are welcome.

Probably most of us put more money in our cars than we'd get out. If you want a nice Vette for yourself and you don't mind a big project, go for it. But if you're thinking about flipping it, don't bother. You'll have wayyy more money in a total restore than you'd get out of it. I'm going to try and unload my '72 Vette (original drivetrain, 4sp, 62,000 miles, very sharp car) in a few months and even though NADA might put it is the mid $30k range I'll be happy if I get to high $20k range. A vert will increase the price a little.

The years' won't make that much difference, the '68-'72 are very close, these were the last years with both front and rear chrome bumpers. However since '68 was the first year of the body change there were lots of issues that got refined as the years went by. Unless it is a big block or some other reason that will make it more desirable I think a lot of people shy away '68 and '69 years for some of these reasons. i.e. even though a lot of the outside measurements are close the '68 and '69 years have a smaller/tighter interior.

I've been looking at these cars for a while, and $1,000 seems like a fair price provided you can save most of what is left. Be careful that the windshield frame and support structure (birdcage) isn't rusty (I'd be very leery because of the saltwater). The frame is an easy swap compared to repairing the birdcage.

I've found a few examples of these cars in running condition, but which needed the frames replace for between $7-10K for convertibles. Keep in mind, these were all intact, driveable cars.

I've seen a few non-driver projects, which also needed frame work, for about $5k to 8K. In fact, recently, there was a "barn find" '69 convertible advertised near me that needed frame work for 10K. Not sure it was worth it, but it looked to be a pretty original car. If it was a NOM hipo car, (350hp or BB) it might be worth it.

I'm not saying any of these prices are reasonable, just a survey of what I've seen over the last year or two. I'd say $1k is pretty good if only the frame is trashed, and the car is otherwise original and salvageable.

Keep in mind, like Camaros (and perhaps more so), Corvette people attribute great value to NOM original cars. Nothing kills the value of a vette like tons of mods or custom work. Also, keep in mind that the later C3 frames are slightly different than the early ones. The crossmembers near the gas tank are different, so they are not a straight bolt-in swap.

here, i took a couple pics tonight. no inside shots though, the guy living there wasn't home and there were 2 dogs in the yard. the owner lives out of state and rents the house out.

that is not the front or rear of a 68 vette also it has different side vents

rubber nose hit in 73 rubber rear hit 74

last of that body style in a vert was 75 i believe(keep in mind this is from 15-20 yeears ago learnign about vettes)

i know there is also a difference in the door handles from a 68 to 69

if i had to guess i would say that car is a 74- 75 not a 68

I thought it was supposed to be a 68?

That's a 74, or perhaps even newer, I can't tell on the plastic bumper cars.

Also, those are some very non stock flares on the back wheels.

jim, i was told by someone else it was a 68. not being a vette guy i didnt know and havn't gotten a close look at it yet. i have only spoke with the owner through a third party. i will speak to him on friday. i heard he changed some things. if that is the case maybe i will only offer $500 for it. from what i understand he wants it gone.

that is like a 76 corvette year range or newer im thinking like a 80 vette. rubber bumpers put it after 72 i think. the door handles are like a 76 and sides in front are like it but if i remember 76 may have electric headlights but not 100 percent sure.

74/75 had the rubber front and rear bumpers. 76 started an extra front bumperette (sp) after that they are way different in front.
i have been researching on corvetteforum.com they are getting pretty good money for the verts. maybe i could just flip it for the camaro fund.
i will let you know what happens on friday.

jim, i was told by someone else it was a 68. not being a vette guy i didnt know and havn't gotten a close look at it yet. i have only spoke with the owner through a third party. i will speak to him on friday. i heard he changed some things. if that is the case maybe i will only offer $500 for it. from what i understand he wants it gone.

http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/1975-corvette-23253.html 75 was last year for convertabile until 1985 or 86 here is the 68's http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/search.php?s_res=OR&f_year=1968

Hi 1973-1985 Corvettes Are Worth 000000000000 The Money It Would Cost You It Fix Up The Last Year For A Corvette Is 1972

Mark, somehow that Brit car mentioned on the site the other day looks better... but not by much.

capt

Yes, you're looking at a '74. Its been about a decade since I had the Vette' blackbook memorized. But '74 was the first year with both front and rear plastic bumpers and '75 was the last year for the vert. The bumpperets (sp?) on the '74 were flush with the nose, on the '75 they stuck out and I think they all had black rubber on the ends. Those side pipes aren't original.

jim, i was told by someone else it was a 68. not being a vette guy i didnt know and havn't gotten a close look at it yet. i have only spoke with the owner through a third party. i will speak to him on friday. i heard he changed some things. if that is the case maybe i will only offer $500 for it. from what i understand he wants it gone.
heres kinda what a 68 should look like
this is my 69 though.
steel bumpers is a 60s early 70s vette
http://webpages.charter.net/harrycoon/my%2069%20vette.JPG

Look it over carefully, saltwater and ferrous & non-ferrous metal do not mix.

Electrical system will be hit the hardest.

Good luck with your find.

Also, 68 was the only year the "Mako Shark" design wasn't called a Sting Ray.

I probably found this too late to comment but here goes, Mark. If the saltwater wasn't drained from the entire drivetrain, you may not even be able to salvage it. The pistons will be corroded into the cylinders and the entire inside of all the steel casings, block, heads, rear axle and trans components may be ruined by now. As has been said the entire electrical system is trash as well as all the interior. What's left ???? Part the body ?? I'm sure the owner does want it gone. It really isn't worth anymore than scrap weight. Sorry, man.....:(

you might be right mitch, and i would bet the engine is still full of water. I didn't realize it was so new. a 68 would have been more worth it to me. i may offer a few hundred for it and try to flip it. (if it rolls) the body does look pretty good and it is a vert. if not i will pass.

on a seperate note, a guy called and offered to trade his 67RS for my boat. it has a 406, 9 inch rear, 4 link suspension but no interior. i am waiting on pics. i would take the car and some cash for the boat.

you might be right mitch, and i would bet the engine is still full of water. I didn't realize it was so new. a 68 would have been more worth it to me. i may offer a few hundred for it and try to flip it. (if it rolls) the body does look pretty good and it is a vert. if not i will pass.

on a seperate note, a guy called and offered to trade his 67RS for my boat. it has a 406, 9 inch rear, 4 link suspension but no interior. i am waiting on pics. i would take the car and some cash for the boat.
I gotta open a pawn shop.......you seem to fall into more good stuff...........:D. You can always buy a newer, bigger, boat, huh...:thumbsup:
I'm sure you could get a return on the vert for a few hundred outlay, I just wouldn't count on restoring it myself. And, yeah, if the bearings are seized, it may not even roll.........:noway:
Did you have a fire sale on the bracelets yet?

I don't know very much about 'vettes.. but I have heard negative things about the 68 as apposed to, say, the very well made 69. Certainly these other Chevy guys will be able to address this. Just mentioning this to let you know the car may have inherent problems going in.

yeah, i think i will pass on the vette. too many things on my plate right now. i will post pics of the RS when i get them and see what you guys think it is worth.