[tim68rsss]

Just completed a groundup restoration on my 68 RSSS (all #s matching) and want to establish a value (agreed value) for my insurance company. I know about what I have in it (more than I really want to believe) but I know it is worth more. This car is as close to original as I could get it. Here are some of the details:

68 RSSS (52,000 miles)
All GM sheet metal (quarters and fenders)
Black w/ bumble-bee stripe (awesome - show quality)
Original exterior chrome
Tri-City rechromed the original bumpers and bumper guards
BB (396/325 - rebuilt close to stock)(water pump, alternator,starter,carb,AC,master cylinder and 4-row radiator all original to the car - professionally rebuilt)
TH-400 (original and professionally rebuilt)
Front and Rear drum brakes
12-bolt posi rearend (original and professionally rebuilt)
Standard Interior (red) with rare headrests (new interior - used original headrests)
Deluxe steering wheel (original restored)
Console (original)
AM radio (original)

I plan on having Jerry McNeish appraise and certify the car but need to have an idea of its value for insurance coverage. Any thought will be greatly appreciated.

[DjD]

Ask Hagerty or what ever classic car ins company you choose what they would charge you based on what you have invested. They use gold books and track sales on already insured cars and will let you know if you are upside down in real market value or under value. It's been my experience they are quite liberal it what they will agree to.

[tim68rsss]

I've started the application process with Grundy but haven't established a value yet. I guess their underwriters will do that. NADA shows anywhere from $17k to $57K.

[kidder03]

As Dennis said, I think if you throw a number out to them, they'll take it assuming it isn't too off the wall. I'd pick a value that it would cost you to replace it with something comparable and see what they say.

It might be worth asking if the rates go up with a higher value. As far as mileage/year goes, Hagerty told me the rate was the same whether I was on their 2000 or 3500 mile/yr. program, so I figured why not go for the 3500.

[Unreal]

Rates are tied to agreed value, so insure it for what you think you would have to pay to replace it in a total loss.

A documented b/b is valuable--with or without the original engine. If the TH400 is original to the car, and has the matching partial VIN, that would confirm original b/b.

The drum brakes is a little confusing....Discs were required option for b/b....for sure in 69, but not absolutely positive about 68. I'd consider an upgrade to discs, for originality, if b/b is confirmed, and for safety in any case.

[tim68rsss]

Forgot to put that the engine is original along with the trans and rear end. All of the casting #s, ID #s, and partial vin #s are correct but that is something that Jerry will document when he certifies the vehicle. I am very lucky to have found a true 68 RSSS BB car

68 SS cars had the option of disc brakes but drums were available as well, maybe standard. I considered upgrading the car to disc but I had put so much effort into putting it back original I changed my mind. With only 52,000 miles the drums didn't really need turning but I did anyway because everything else was new. It doesn't stop on a dime but it realy isn't that bad. I think you are right about 69 SS cars having disc brakes as standard equipment.

With all of the classic car auctions on tv and crazy prices ebay generates I don't have a clue what to set for a value. Maybe I should leave it on my normal coverage until I can have Jerry appraise it.

Here is a pic of it before I got the bumpers installed.

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL753/.../136932675.jpg

Here is a pic of my favorite four ladies ...... we all know which one comes first ..... just kidding

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL753/.../198923152.jpg

[tim68rsss]

Using Grundy's quote options on their website looks like $428 will get me $100K Liability, comp. and collision with a $60,000 agreed value. Does this seem in line? State Farm quoted $250 but I've asked them to check on replacement parts if the vehicle is in an accident, I will want GM parts.

[kidder03]

It might just be me, but paying a few hundred dollars per year to insure a $60,000 vehicle seems like a steal. I pay the same to insure my Camaro as I do for liability on my rusty 1992 Saab 9000.

[Camaro Billy]

I have Parrish Heacock insurance on my '69 and it costs me $437.00 a year for agreed value of $60,000.00 and I can drive 3000 miles a year for whatever purpose I want.
Someone backed into me this summer at a McDonalds and tore up the front end.
They fixed it w/ NOS parts from Heartbeat City and I used a high end paint and body shop of my choice.Didn't have to fight with them at all.They paid me directly and collected from the other insurance company.My rates did not go up since it wasn't my fault.
I highly reccomend them for any collector car needs.
Billy

[tim68rsss]

Thanks for the info, glad to hear you were able to fix the car back with NOS parts.

[tim68rsss]

kidder03, I agree that a few hundred dollars to protect a huge investment is a good deal. Just looking for some idea of the cars value from the folks on this site. State Farm has a good premium but I have asked about replacement parts. Hope to know something next week.

[Mark Rossiter]

Here is a pic of my favorite four ladies ...... we all know which one comes first ..... just kidding

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL753/.../198923152.jpg

The photo of your car (and girls) looks like it could have been taken at "The Log Cabin" near Palmyra, NY. You weren't there for one of their weekly cruise nights were you?

[maui]

There's a local chevy muscle car dealer here that just sold a restored 1968 SS 350 for 41k.

[tim68rsss]

Cruise in was at a local Subway in Martinsville, VA about 5 miles north of the Martinsville Speedway (NASCAR)

I'm thinking in the $60K range for insurance. Not sure what I could get if I wanted to sell it. Hope it never comes to that!

[tim68rsss]

Maui, I was in my local Camaro supply store back during the summer talking with the owner about my restoration and he kidded me about selling the car for $50K and I told him cash only, joking. We both laughed and went on. Well, there were several guys hanging around shop, if you can imagine that, that overheard the conversation. About a week later one of them called and hounded me to sell him the car. He was actually offended when I told him the car wasn't for sale and that the shop owner was just picking on me. He kept on asking me to price the car and I wouldn't. I just couldn't believe this cat, kind of caught me off guard. The shop owner told me that he turned cars on the side and to be careful because if he was hounding me to sell he already had a buyer. I don't price anything anymore, not even as a joke.