Trade??? 72 Chevelle for a 64 Vette Coupe - Lateral-g Forums

1960LesPaul · #1 05-10-2010, 01:10 PM

I really like my Chevelle but I am a flake so I put it out to trade not expecting much as the market isn't great now but to my surprise a friend just received a 64 vette from his parents in need of some restoration. The motor was redone 2 years ago though. He doesn't have the money. knowledge or contacts to get it done so he sees my car as done. I have very limited info right now but he says it's all factory.

I do have the cash and the contacts. I have friends that were going to be doing about 3k worth of work which equals about 10k in value. Really good friends so they tell me that a 64 vette is something that I should take a look at. What do you all think. From the pic it looks pretty decent but not knowing much about these cars and some of the problems spots that I would be unaware of makes me nervous.

youthpastor · #2 05-10-2010, 02:00 PM

i would trade- but I'm a sucker for project cars

**214Chevy** · #3 05-10-2010, 02:16 PM

Even though I love Chevelle, as I own one myself, I would trade. It's just something about that 'Vette. I say go for it.

dhutton · #4 05-10-2010, 02:51 PM

The 64 is the least desirable year of the C2's. It's value is also dependant on being numbers matching, auto or manual, horsepower, options etc. What do you estimate to be the value of your car?

Don

1960LesPaul · #5 05-10-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhutton

The 64 is the least desirable year of the C2's. It's value is also dependant on being numbers matching, auto or manual, horsepower, options etc. What do you estimate to be the value of your car?

Don

I hope to get more info tonight. My car is a clone and I would give it a range of 22k to 28k depending on the buyer.

Desert68 · #6 05-10-2010, 06:34 PM

Consider having the Vette inspected, if not appraised. Personal opinion, I'd check closely for rust.

**WSSix** · #7 05-10-2010, 08:44 PM

You need to check the bird cage and frame closely for rust. The frame isn't that huge of a deal on a custom build in all honesty. Sure replacements aren't terribly cheap but there are a number of options and if you compare a built frame to building a stock frame, the costs are similar with the built frame being a far superior design.

The bird cage is a huge deal as it requires the body to be broken off the cage in order to get at the cage itself. At least this is the correct way to do it.

If you're building a custom vette, the 64 is just fine to use as its downsides will be replaced. The biggest downside is the four wheel drum brakes.

BIGCHRIS · #8 05-10-2010, 09:15 PM

You have got a sweet chevelle,but i love the coupe vettes.I wouldnt think twice about trading for the vette if it is good shape way more desirable and harder to find.Just bring the vette up to the standard your chevelle is and you will be happy you traded

**out2kayak** · #9 05-10-2010, 10:05 PM

As a person who is doing a '64 Vette (mine is a 'vert), here is a few things to consider.

1. If the birdcage is rusty - run (do not walk) away. I'm stripping mine down to have the birdcage acid dipped and I'll be TIG welding all of the bad spots then having it powder coated the correct colour. It's a lot of work and I have purchased the vast majority of all new panels for this type of job, but if you are not into the effort then don't do the project (my timeline is measured in years).

2. Consider what you want. If you want something that can hang corners, don't get a numbers matching car. It's a bit of a waist. I'm putting a SRIII frame under mine and I have a near perfect frame / restored engine / trans / rear end that is up for sale. None of the numbers matched so I'm not that worried.

A SRIII frame with 2010 ZR1 suspension will be sweet...... And a few minor mods

3. If you are going down the numbers matching route, check the frame (especially in the back pockets where the rear arms attach). Lots of rust or worse.

4. From under the car looking up at about where the package tray is behind the seats, look for a crack. Mine is cracked there and I'll have to mend it when the birdcage is out. From what I've been told, it's common for mid year bodies to crack here.

5. As folks have already said, '64 is the least desireable C2. It is not a split window '63. '65 have disc brakes and started the big block era with the L78 396 option. '67 is considered the ultimate mid-year.

That's not to say they aren't cool. Mid-years are cool (IMHO).

Something to consider is putting a shout out to the folks in the C1 / C2 area of www.corvetteforum.com. If there is someone in your area they may be willing to drop by and have a look.

Be aware that with the Corvette name comes a price escalator for parts that may cost less on a different vehicle. It's just part of owning a 'vette.

Thoughts?

1960LesPaul · #10 05-10-2010, 10:32 PM

Man, really all good info. To be honest the thought of restoring the car is starting to have a negative effect on me. At first I wanted a newer Vette. I was looking at a 2003 Z06. Something a bit more comfy with air. I like the idea of the 64 but as the previous poster touches on, I may not like the price.