corrosion

koadog · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 10:22 AM

Hello, I met some of your members a few years ago at breakfast. Everyone was quite welcoming. Got a non-cobra related request for info. Looking at a 1969 big block vette which has more than average corrosion on the under carriage. Can someone recommend a shop near Walnut Creek that REALLY knows vettes/frames/restos and can give me an honest opinion if the car is more than I want to take on? Thanks much (I know it's not a cobra....and it's a chevy!)

PANAVIA · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 08:08 PM

i would pass on the car. -- 69's are just not as sought after as the 63-67s and you will take a fiscal bath.

if that does not deter you, for an honest opinion of the car, i would take it to Bob Woldschmitt at Automotive enterprises in Belmont. (i know it is not walnut creek) but Bob has been doing stingrays since they were new.

he probably has a good car or two that are taken apart in his shop to show you what stuff is SUPPOSED to look like.

mtml427 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 09:13 PM

A Big Block 69 Corvette is a little vague in description. Convertibles are worth more than coupes; horsepower is a big consideration; options help to determine value.
If you can get the car to Newark, Howard Goodman at Corvette City is the man for Vettes. To have Howard look at the car before you buy is well worth the 40 mile trip to Newark.

koadog · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:34 PM

Thanks guys. I have a '65 small block coupe. The '69 is a 427/435 hp tri-power, convert., but the engine is out. Owner passed away and I may be able to get it at a fair price. There are many unknowns about the car, even after running the numbers. Heads are off and I am told one cylinder needed re-ringing. Not looking to dump alot $ into a resto. Can't afford a 66-67 427. Thanks again. Anyone interested in some kind of era/superformance trade? Also have a '53 bel air w/ six carbs, appletons, skirts, etc.

PANAVIA · #5 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:45 PM

What do you have to trade >? -- you are wanting a ERA SPF or you have one to trade out >?

Rick Parker · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008, 07:31 AM

There is also Carter's Corvettes in Livermore. I think they are more of a parts business but I'm sure they can give you some solid advice on values etc.

mtml427 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008, 07:33 AM

Is the engine original to the car on the 69? I see you do not accept e-mails or PMs. Send me one with your contact information. I assume you know the cost of bringing one of these big blocks back? I have a 65 L-84 convertible with Corvette City going through the frame off. It's an eye opener. The cost of restoration would have bought a nice Superformance or CCX car.

koadog · #8 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008, 10:30 PM

It appears to be the original block. Engine suffix indicates it may have had aluminum heads but the pair in the garage are iron heads, date coded for 1969The combination of not being able to hear the engine, statement that one cylinder had to re-ringed and the missing aluminum heads are a concern. Always wanted a cobra but just havent been able to part with the vette I have. It was my fathers and has been in the family for almost 40 yrs. I'd have to sell/trade it and the 1953 bel air. The harleys stay!