It’s always sad when you see a project car come up for sale where the owner has been forced to sell due to ill health. To deal with major health issues is no easy thing, but to deal with the psychological disappointment when forced to part with something that has been held so dear to the heart just makes it worse. This 1968 Corvette is just such an example. Located in Waterville, Ohio, this ‘Vette is for sale here on eBay. Offered with a clear title, it has a BIN of $9,850 but with the option to make an offer.
This Corvette has reportedly been sitting indoors for decades now. According to the seller, the frame is rock solid. The birdcage is also solid but has been filled in places. The seller also states that the body will need to be properly sanded. The t-top is also said to be in excellent condition, along with all glass. This is going to be a big project, but if it’s done right then the end result could potentially be a nice car. This is especially true because this car was originally red with a tan interior which is an attractive combination.
This is the engine for this project. The original 327 was blown in 1971 and was replaced by this one. While the car has been dismantled the engine has been given a rebuild a few years ago. The seller states that everything to complete the car is present which will include the manual transmission. The seller doesn’t give too many details about the condition of the remainder of the mechanical components, but given the length of time that this Chevy has been sitting, you may need to look at all rubber hoses, pipes, brakes and fuel system work before it all starts to make the right noises.
The seller has all of the original interior trim. There is some seam separation on the driver’s seat, but the remainder is reported to be in good condition. The seller provides very few shots of the interior components, but what photos are provided indicating that the new owner faces a fair amount of cleaning before they re-assemble the interior.
For me, this project has some positive aspects, but there are also a few negatives to deal with. This is the chance for someone to buy a project car and have the satisfaction of standing back and admiring their handiwork once it is completed. The negative is that you are relying on the seller’s assurance that every component is present. I would be willing to bet that if this is a typical project car, then the new owner is sure to discover that all sorts of irritating but essential little screws, bolts and clips will be missing, and their absence will cause frustrating little delays in the restoration. Been there, done that…but the end result is always worth the frustration that you’ll suffer. I’d also like to complete a car like this and if the opportunity presented itself, take it to show the person who started the restoration so that they could enjoy the satisfaction of seeing that the project that they commenced has been seen through to completion.
That is truly a sad situation. Other than a restoration shop that has done a lot of these model Corvettes, I think the average individual would be up the creek without a paddle so to speak when trying to reassemble the interior of this unless the Seller tagged and bagged virtually everything and took a lot of pictures during the disassembly process that could be forwarded to the next owner. Maybe it’s not as challenging as I think.
I’ve done two of these and they are a challenge, but not as bad as you would think. The first one I was expecting the worst. That one was missing all the screws and fasteners. After ordering those and a manual, it was much less challenging than I had anticipated.
I remember seeing Peter Klute (Legendary Motor Cars) on TV saying there are almost always parts missing on disassembled project cars despite what the seller says.
I admire people who have the skills to take on a project like this. That takes real talent.
My apologies for the run-on sentence. I totally butchered the above comment.
You should have kept quiet RoughDiamond, I did not notice a thing. I know this is not as good as being there to tear it down,
but these A.I.M books realy can help.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-68-82/books/assembly-shop-manual/68-assembly-instruction-manual-loose-leaf-113030?returnurl=%2fc3-68-82%2fbooks%2fassembly-shop-manual%2f%3fcount%3d18
Appears to be a misguided disassembly of the worst order. Too me, I see parts for other, better organzed restorations. Most importantly, Best wishes to the seller for better health.
A good while ago I worked at a shop doing this kind of restorations and it’s no easy job. From the photo of the diff, It’s clear that the frame has not been touched, so, pulling the body and sand blasting the frame, painting it and then begining the rebuild. Rewarding but lots of work and money and time. Best of luck to who ever goes for it.
I’m guessing the “ill health” is due to major overpricing. Pass regardless of feelings.
Corvette, yes. Project, yes. Solid….hmmm…it is a SOLID PROJECT as in MAJOR and as in “your not doing me a solid”. 18K miles is certainly 118K miles or ?…unless there is some amazing documentation. There is no part of this car that speaks 18K miles on it.
“Very Original” ….how so?….the car is literally stripped of all its parts and all of its finishes. Really doesn’t matter at this point how original it WAS.
10K for this…., let’s just say I am shaking my head side to side……no thanks. 68’s had a long list of build issues/flaws which were mostly corrected in 69 ….which means this pile of parts is ready for all the corrections. That is the only upside I see on this one.
Sorry but you will have, in my opinion, $60–70K spent on this build PLUS the 10K to buy it PLUS all your time. Sad but true.
You can go buy a 68 done for $30-40K http://www.cars-on-line.com.
Seller says birdcage is solid but has been filled. Be scared. Hi price for what it is. Drop the price and give the little guy a chance, go slow and easy and you could have a nice car!!! Vacuum lines on these are a nightmare.
Good luck to the new owner.
Its funny to read the comments here and wonder how many of you have actually worked on a car or if so restored a car like this . This is just more nuts and bolts easy to fix, parts are everywhere with the Internet. This vettes not worth much as original engine is long gone and when done its 30g car .is it worth 10g ? Yup all day long ! The car is stripped of its paint .thats great less money spent ! Remove all electrical parts and pressure wash it and start from there . Id say you can get it done for less then 30g !
This is for someone that has experience with C3’s. If you know, the car it is easier than going in cold, but by no means is a walk in the park.