Affordable project candidates invariably attract attention when they hit the market, and this 1969 Corvette Convertible is no exception. It requires a total restoration but is complete, and the seller assures us that it is solid. With chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes continuing to enjoy popularity, this one is worth a close look. The seller has listed the Convertible here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $6,700, and with No Reserve to hamper proceedings, it is only days away from finding a new home.
The seller indicates that this Corvette has been in storage for years, and although it requires plenty of TLC, it shows promise as a project candidate. The Fathom Green paint has deteriorated significantly, and any high-end restoration will probably entail stripping it away. The buyer would seem to be starting the cosmetic process from a sound base because the fiberglass is free from major cracks or other problems. The best news is that the seller states that the car is rock-solid. The underside shots show nothing worse on the frame than surface corrosion, with no evidence of penetrating rust. If it is a similar story with the birdcage, there would seem to be no major concerns for the winning bidder. The buyer won’t receive a soft-top in the deal, but the factory hardtop is a welcome bonus. The glass is free from visible problems, and the trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade build.
Grit your teeth, regular readers, because the seller states that this Corvette ran when parked. There is no information on when this was, but they don’t hide the fact that the timeframe is long. The specifications of the small-block occupying the engine bay are unknown beyond the fact that it sports aftermarket headers, but it is bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. This ‘Vette definitely features power brakes, and while I can’t confirm it beyond doubt, I believe that it also has power steering. The seller doesn’t enlighten us about the health of the drivetrain components, but the visible corrosion suggests that an engine rebuild may form part of this project build. The robust nature of Chevrolet’s V8 range means that it may not prove necessary. Still, it’s better to factor it in than to fall financially short in any restoration.
This Corvette is missing the factory radio, but its interior is, otherwise, complete. The first owner selected Black vinyl trim, and many of the soft items show deterioration. Therefore, a retrim will undoubtedly be on the buyer’s list since leaving the top down will allow everyone to assess the interior presentation. Kits to return this aspect of the ‘Vette to its former glory are easy to find. The first owner didn’t tick many boxes on their Order Form, with the radio the only factory option.
It is sometimes challenging to determine whether a classic is desirable, but our regular readers know that no such doubts hang over chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes. This 1969 Convertible has attracted thirty-two bids, and with 144 people adding it to their Watch List and 953 views in the past day, it is guaranteed that the action will intensify as the end draws near. If a C3 has been on your radar, would you consider joining the bidding war on this one?
If the original paint was indeed going south, looks to me like someone tried to compensate over time via a couple of rattle can coats.
Hopefully someone can turn this one around. GLWTS
Ran when parked is like saying,” I was awake when I went to sleep.
If the frame and bird cage are solid, this would be a great candidate for a body off restoration, providing the final auction price remains reasonable. This is a low option, very simple car, small block. 4 speed, steel bumper, ’69 roadster, all the nice ingredients. The bolt on transmission cross-member suggests that this was an automatic car from the factory. That removable cross member will aid in the installation of a Tremec six speed transmission, what could be better?
See those round raised up spots near the headlamps? Those are rivets that are rotted out. This is an indicator that the entire front of the frame is in bad shape. I would guess that the rest of the frame is in really bad shape too.
Oh man, Adam couldn’t help himself and dipped back into the Miami Corvette shyster’s EBay inventory.
I REALLY hope that no one here at BF will fall for this seller’s garbage.
I would trust the ’59 Corvette being sold by Gullwing Motors more than the garbage this seller has.
Is it just me or does the rear end seem to be jacked up? PRA4SNW is right on about the nose nubs. So many things that a potential buyer needs to check out; especially the vacuum system. And being a non runner is a crap shoot. Still if you’re a hands on restoration person and you can get this for around what the current high bid is then you might be getting an ok deal. I know that the seller has been featured here in BF several times before and they are still selling ragged out Corvettes. But if you are a knowledgeable buyer you should be able to find out what you are really looking at before buying.
I agree with CarBob. If you go in knowing what you are getting into, and can get it cheaply, you could end up with something worth putting effort and $$ into.
What I hate about this seller is that they cobble pieces of cars together to make them look presentable enough on EBay, and the buyer ends up with a lot less than they thought they were getting. I’ve read some stories about this seller on Corvette forums, and there was a BF member that bought a car from this seller and ended up with a bunch of junk. It’s just not worth the attention they get from BF.
Yes PRA, that is the key, if the car can be bought cheaply, it could be a very nice restoration project provided the car does NOT have serious rust or accident issues. As for the bumps caused by rusted rivets, that appears to be a fairly common problem, but replacing the headlight support bracket will correct that issue. That headlight bracket also de-bonds from the body for whatever reason. We have a 1980 that requires that repair. One issue at a time.
We are hoping for a good ski season, so the 1980 my have to wait a bit.
Acton, enjoy the snow!
I have not skiied in a few years, now – bum knee that required full replacement. I hope to be back on the boards someday.
Moving to GA rom NH didn’t help either.
Maybe it’s just me but I’m reluctant to buy a used car from Florida. Too many flood damaged cars there. If this car was stored in a garage with no insurance, there no history or Carfax
AUTO CLUB Body and Paint sure sells a lot of cars. Makes you wonder when they do bodywork and paint.
Looks like a big time scam for sure
100% sure this is a flood car, buyer beware.
“The best news is that the seller states that the car is rock-solid.”
Well, that settles it for me. What more assurance could anyone ask for?
There are more than a few bright red flags on this one, starting with the seller. Just for fun, let’s assume that what you see is what you get: a rough ’69 4 speed small block roadster. If that’s the case and you could get it for about 9K, then you are golden. On the other hand, if the sellers reputation is justified, 4K may be too much. Were it me, I would either spring for an airplane ticket or find someone reputable in Florida to give her the old once over.
There are more than a few bright red flags on this one, starting with the seller. Just for fun, let’s assume that what you see is what you get: a rough ’69 4 speed small block roadster. If that’s the case and you could get it for about 9K, then you are golden. On the other hand, if the sellers reputation is justified, 4K may be too much. Were it me, I would either spring for an airplane ticket or find someone reputable in Florida to give her the old once over.
I gotta quit doing this on my phone!
The good news is that it’s a chrome bumper car. The bad news is everything else.
Pass.
BTW…I see the tree…where’s the water boy???
Good memory!
Yup, i remember the tree sprayer too !