Decision time. Take a look at this 1964 Corvette and make your own choice. Would you drive it as it currently stands, or would you restore it to its former glory? If it makes that decision any easier, the owner states that he is now driving it daily. That also opens the option of driving it while the weather remains fine, and then tackle it as a Winter restoration project. The Corvette is located in Galion, Ohio, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $33,500, and the reserve has been met.
The Corvette started its life finished in Daytona Blue, but a previous owner has treated it to a color change. There is no arguing the fact that a repaint would make a massive difference to this classic. Once again, that does beg the question; Would you repaint it in its current Black, or would a fresh coat of Daytona Blue be on the cards? It is also worth noting that the owner is quite candid about the fact that there is rust in the Corvette’s frame. We get one close-up shot of it, and it appears to be around the kickup region on the driver’s side. It isn’t clear whether this is the only spot, but hats off to the owner for admitting it. This is a common issue, and parts are available to repair these problems properly. The trim is all present and generally appears to be in good condition. It seems that the same is true of the glass.
The Corvette’s interior is trimmed in Dark Blue and seems to present better than the exterior. There are no major appearance issues to note, apart from a couple of tears in the driver’s seat. The rest of the upholstery looks well preserved, while the carpet is in remarkable condition for a classic of this vintage. That doesn’t mean that there is nothing that needs attention. For those familiar with the Corvette, I’m sure that they won’t be surprised to learn that the clock only works when the mood takes it. The radio appears to be functional, but with no antenna, it doesn’t make any noise. Still, I would probably be more than happy to listen to the music emanating from the engine bay.
The Corvette is a numbers-matching car, and it is here that the news seems to be good. What we find is the L76 version of the 327ci V8, which is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This is an engine that is capable of pumping out 365hp and on a “bang for your bucks” basis, represented good value back in 1964. Owners only needed to hand over $107.60, and Chevrolet would happily slot this engine into their new pride and joy. It made the Corvette capable of clocking 14.1 seconds for the ¼ mile journey, and able to hit a maximum speed of 144mph. That really is hauling the mail. While it might not present that well, don’t let that fool you. The owner states that the Corvette runs and drives well and that he uses the vehicle daily.
This is a Corvette that shows some promise, and the respectable level of bidding seems to back this up. Once again, is this one that you would restore, or would you drive it as it currently stands? I have to admit that the prospect of instant gratification is tempting. However, the idea of fixing the frame and reapplying Daytona Blue to the panels has a strong attraction. If I were to buy it, this would be a Winter project. There’s too much beautiful weather still waiting to be enjoyed. I wouldn’t mind enjoying it from behind the wheel of this Corvette. What about you?
Collector Car Market Review says that a #4 with the L76 is worth $29,205. I think it’s a #5. With the frame rust shown, I’d be worried that it would need a replacement frame.
#5 Poor: In need of complete restoration, but is complete and not a rust bucket beyond repair. May or may not run. Not even close to roadworthy. Values for #5 cars are best estimated on a case by case basis, typically around 40-50% of the #4 condition. Rare models or models containing rare parts can be worth more. or forty years ago would likely fall short on the show field today. Regardless, now–as then–these vehicles have been treated to a very expensive concours quality, frame-off, no expensed spared, nut & bolt restoration and do not get driven. They can often command higher prices than CCMR’s standard #1 value.
I think you would agree that it is a #5. He should take the money & run.
Ditto on the frame. When that gets replaced a proper rear wheel alignment should be done. That negative camber is not something you want unless you don’t plan on going around corners any way but slow. Without dumping a ton of money into the purchase it should be worth buying and repairing.
Worth restoring but whoa baby we’re talking frame off restoration here.
The rust is not a light item to take lightly as its got the cancer good. I don’t see other pictures and when one sees this you need s full frame and underneath shot. The bird cage needs a review and drop the lower bottom trim chrome to view frame …
They make frame sections to weld in as this does not look like a section to cut and patch steel as its ruff. The install requires frame off.
I hope it gets restored correctly ✅
Me too.
Someone is going to regret paying more than 30k for this. I recently went through the complete process for a 64 and my frame was not nearly as bad. This one is not repairable in my opinion. It will be worse when revealed. Paint alone is a minimum $15k item. Mine sold for just over 50 with a few loose ends for the buyer to handle.
This car needs to be restored & enjoyed, it is a high horse car & looks like a no hit body, sad about the frame needing replacement but it appears to be an otherwise unmolested original. These type of cars are what gets my heart beating fast.
Whoa! That is no small rust hole. That is a rusted out section.
Another over the top car that surly will wind up in “re-list-ville”
Can someone define “survivor”???? I was under the impression that, that meant original which would mean numbers matching, and original paint.
Since 1 never hears of bird frame rust on an ’84 or newer, did Chevy use poor overseas recycled steel on Vettes ’82 & older, or did not properly galvanize or at least prime & paint the cage, &/or did not use proper/durable rubber seals to keep the water out in the 1st place? & apparently you don’t even need SALT water, though i could just imagine what THAT would do to the cage.
Maybe Chevy should have made the cage out of alumunum or stainless steel – any such modern replacements?
Perhaps its just a poor design, like the rear quarters on 2nd gen f-bodies where water can get in though poorly placed seams & can not drain out.
How are Corvettes different than any other cars built in the 60’s & 70’s. All cars from the era suffer from rust. Early Corvettes are no worse or better than other old cars, it’s just that they’re more desirable than 4 door Chevelles, so more people are interested in restoring & preserving them. Rusted 4 doors got scrapped.
The 84 up Corvettes have what GM called a Uniframe, made up of a steel backbone frame and an attached galvanized steel body inner structure. Early Corvette frames were coated with the same GM chassis black, as every other GM car, and the birdcage was painted with green zinc chromate primer. Much of the problems with structural rust is that rubber weatherstrip and the sealant material used was never intended to last 50 years. With age, rubber deteriorates and sealant dries out & shrinks, when this happens, areas never intended to see water, get wet.
Even needing a frame, I think the car is worth mid $30’s. Correctly restored it’s probably a $70K car. You might not be able to buy it, restore it, & sell it for a profit, but really how many Corvette project cars can be?
I got to add, when a seller says in so many words, I didn’t paint it, because then I could drive it, so the scratches did not bother me, that translates into, I did not have the funds to paint it, or I got it off some sucker that took what I offered after I cut down the car for having poor paint, and just want to make a buck, (as many as I can).
I think the price is a little high,but if you did the work yourself there are good frames out there, good winter project ……
They sell re-manufactured frames at the Corvette shop in Lake Orion, Michigan.
I am for swapping a frame but if its just sections and to continue matching numbers then weld it in or have professional come over to put it in.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/63-67-c2/frame-chassis/corvette-frame-repair-components.html
The price is way to high for the amount of work to repair this car!! The parts alone will probably double your investment even doing your own work and not paying labor!! Good luck with it!! I’m sure there is going to be more to replace than just the frame too!! Rusty suspension parts can be sand blasted and repainted or bought new!! So either way it’s time or money!!
Seller acts like it is a minor rust issue. Duh. This car needs a frame. Repairing a frame with junk Chinese metal is for idiots. You can bet there is more rust. 64 is a crappy year and least desirable C2. If I could have it for $18,000, I would leave now with my trailer.
I don’t think the car is black. Daytona Blue is a very dark blue, that often looks black, especially in photographs. The seller just says the car was repainted, not that it was painted black.
Before I even started reading about the car I thought that it was a Daytona Blue ’64. I remember back when these cars were new what a beautiful color Daytona Blue was (still is). Its too bad about the frame being that rusty and to do the repair properly and assess the possibility of severe rust else where it would have to be a frame off . A devout Corvette lover with normal skills could (except for the frame work) be able to get things squared away rather inexpensively and have an awesome C2. That’s what I’d do if I had the price of admission. No where in the EBAY listing does it say the car is Black,,,,,,,just repainted.
I wonder if this is the same car I repaired for a friend back in 1972. He was living on OSU campus, the car had been sitting with a couple broken valve springs. I replaced them and rebuilt the carb, then enjoyed driving it for a few days. He wanted $1300 for it, I didn’t have the money, I was about to enter the military. This has been my fantasy car ever since, the lope of the idle is like music. I encountered another in a car show in Orlando in 1984 that had factory AC, he wanted $17,000 for his….Another friend who is in the car biz recently found one and is finishing the restoration, but it will be $70K….I guess I am just too far behind the curve….
Like my wife always says, ” you snooze, you lose. “