Project candidates come in all shapes and sizes, with some posing greater challenges than others. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette is one such vehicle, and it could be one of the most affordable early C3 driving projects currently on the market. It needs plenty of work and could be a strong contender for a DIY enthusiast with well-developed skills. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this ’69 listed here on eBay in Roca, Nebraska. The seller set their BIN at $12,900 with the option to make an offer.
After a successful introduction in 1968, Chevrolet made only cosmetic changes to the C3 Corvette for 1969. It included a few badge updates, different door handles, and the integration of reversing lights into the inner pair of taillights. Otherwise, it was business as usual for a car that set a new sales record of 38,462 vehicles in 1969. This Coupe rolled off the line during 1969, and to say that it has undergone a few changes is an understatement. The original Lemans Blue paint is hidden beneath a layer of Red, although it is unclear when this occurred. The paint shows significant deterioration, and we can only speculate whether this extends beyond the surface to the original paint hiding beneath. Therefore, this restoration may involve stripping everything and starting from scratch. However, that is only the beginning of the story, because this Corvette has frame rust forward of the rear wheels. It isn’t at the point of snapping, but it requires attention to ensure the car retains its structural integrity. This is a genuine concern because occupant safety must be of paramount importance. I believe that anyone tackling this restoration faces the prospect of dismantling the entire vehicle to ensure that repairs are of a high standard. The seller indicates that the birdcage is okay, although they don’t sound convincing. The fiberglass looks okay, and the trim is restorable. The seller provides no clear interior shots, but the car’s original Blue vinyl trim is gone. It now features Saddle vinyl, and the few close-up images suggest that a retrim is required. That adds to the costs, though kits are readily available to restore the interior to its factory form.
Changes to this Corvette aren’t limited to its cosmetics. The seller states that the engine bay houses a 327ci V8. This motor must have come from another source if that is the case, because the Corvette’s small-block was increased to 350ci as part of the 1969 model year upgrades. The car also features a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission to maximize engine performance. The engine specifications are unknown. Therefore, we can only speculate on the potential power output. Reassuringly, the 327 is said to be strong, with the Corvette running and driving acceptably for the buyer to fly in and drive it home. I probably wouldn’t choose that option before performing an in-person inspection to ensure that the frame is up to the task. However, it sounds like this build won’t involve major mechanical work, which is welcome news when we assess the car’s other requirements.
This 1969 Corvette requires a lot of work to recapture its former glory, and some enthusiasts will scrutinize the photos and decide it is beyond what they are willing or able to tackle. The frame rust is a concern, suggesting a nut-and-bolt approach is the best way to ensure the car remains structurally sound and safe for many decades to come. The listing statistics indicate that this ‘Vette has generated considerable interest since hitting the market. However, it begs the question of whether this is from serious buyers or from sheer curiosity. What do you think?
Covering up Le Mans Blue with Requisite Respray Red is simply unfathomable.
Fathom was the green color.
Would go find another one. Too much to fix, especially the frame.
Bob, that’s because you and I are now in what I like to refer to as our “laid back” days. If I were 20 years younger I would take this on. Pretty sure that you would too.
While I’m here, I’ll give my dollar amount to own this poor abused vette.
$4500. Have a great Christmas everyone.
Apart from the colour change. I was kinda liking this project…… Until I saw the frame. The frames on these cars rust from the inside out. When you see rot & holes in one area, there is always more elsewhere. Proper repair means body-off, and most likely complete frame replacement. On most cars I have seen with frame rust, the birdcage was also affected. I just don’t see this car as being worth the effort and cost.
This would be a massive project IMO, unsure how fast you’d be underwater on it. You could look into something like a RoadsterShop frame, but that’s another big expense. IMO unless you have the space, the talent and a spare frame laying around, I’d pass on it. My 2 cents
1969 also went from a 15” to 14” steering wheel.
Car looks like it had major front end damage. The door fit is horrible on both sides, hood alignment is way off, wiper cover doesn’t close all the way and headlights are off, not to mention all the other issues listed. It’s cheap for a reason but not cheap enough. Run, and fast.
I looked at the photos on eBay and all I saw were dollar signs. $$$$$$$ The frame rust is bad enough to require a “body-off”. The trailing arms are rusted through as well, no big deal but where does the rust problem end? I buyer may be upside down in this car even if he got it for free. Such a shame, this could have been a great ride.
need to find a frame on top of complete redo. you really got to want this vette for the ask price
The ad says best offer I know there’s a frame out there offer the seller $9k it looks like a good project
Bucky66 is correct about panel alignment. It is good that the seller is up front about the rust in the frame. Hopefully an experienced Corvette restorer can help this out. The car does have some things going for it and it would be a shame to just have it continue to deteriorate.
If it was an L89, and there was paperwork to prove it, I’d be interested. Having restored two early C3s in the last 50 years, I am too old now to take on a project. If the end caps are rusted, you know the top of the windshield frame is Swiss cheese. Truth be told, and not to offend anyone, but just sitting outside in the rain, C3s rot from the top down. Have seen some really bad ones in my years in this hobby. Why change from LeMans Blue to red? To each his own.
Two thumbs up to the seller for posting those frame rot pictures. Many early C3 projects are going to look like that, and nice for a seller to be upfront about it, for once.
Personally, I would not drive this car until the rot is repaired – that crossmember looks like it is ready to drop. Body off frame is the only way to do it right.