I found this "barn find" if you will. It is a 1975 Corvette. This is what I know:

Original owner sold to second owner in 1980. Second owner trashed it.
Third owner is selling it for $3k obo.
He says he was told it has the original motor (just rebuilt with 0 miles on the motor) I do not know the mileage on the car yet.
It is a 350/350 turbo.
The body looks good, no damage but is all primer and needs paint.
The interior is totally trashed. Looks like it has been sitting in the hot sun for years. Everything is cracked and generally destroyed by age and sun.
The tires look good. But the rims are not original. Nothing fancy but not total crap either.
The headlights work. All electricals work. The car runs. (I have not heard it myself).
He said he was last working on the brakes when he gave up. They work but he said the front left needs attention.

I imagine easily $2k for new interior (doing all this work myself mind you, hobby)
At least $1k in paint (again assuming I do all the prep work myself)
Plus whatever else (new wheels and tires, either original style or otherwise)
Could be total $5k+ total to get it fully restored (non all OEM) to a nice weekend drive around town car. Not some showroom model, but a nice looking classic car.

If I can get this car off him for say $2,500 would it be worth it to restore it?

Thanks,
Evil Dave

(I am going to try to attach a photo...)

 

Welcome to the forum.

Not sure where you can get any kind of a decent paint job for $1K even if prepped. Last time I checked, it was about $8-$10K.

You can check the engine by looking a the stamp pad on the right front (psgr) corner in front of the head. It should have the last part of the car's VIN.

Be careful if tires are more than six years old.

Plan on about $1,000 for new calipers, pads, hoses, etc. Maybe new master cylinder too.

Unless the front and rear caps have been replaced w/ fiberglass and they are original, they'll have to be replaced as they will be brittle as glass.

Depending on mileage, you may need to replace rear wheel bearings, U-joints (6), strut rod bushings, & hoses. Springs will probably need replacing. The rear spring should have a positive arch.

Be sure to put it on a lift and check the frame for serious rust. You can tell by tapping w/ a hammer. Walk away if it has any.

Ask to see receipts for the engine work.

If this is your first experience w/ this era Corvette, I strongly suggest you find someone that's knowledgeable to check it out w/ you.

And this only the tip of the iceberg. You could easily put $10K in it. Good luck.

 

Thanks man. After sleeping on it I asked a friend that I know that has 2 corvettes. He said his first corvette was this same kind of deal. A "barn find" and the second was aleady fully restored. He said the one he bought ready to go was less than the total of the one he did himself.

After a little searching I found another 75 vette that is probably less than I would spend to rebuild this one.

Considering how broke I am, it's probably best to walk away.

Thank you for the reply. Excellent advice. Things I didn't even think of!

Peace out.

 

Don't give up on your search.