Trade??? 72 Chevelle for a 64 Vette Coupe

[1960LesPaul]

I really like my Chevelle but I am a flake so I put it out to trade not expecting much as the market isn't great now but to my surprise a friend just received a 64 vette from his parents in need of some restoration. The motor was redone 2 years ago though. He doesn't have the money. knowledge or contacts to get it done so he sees my car as done. I have very limited info right now but he says it's all factory.

I do have the cash and the contacts. I have friends that were going to be doing about 3k worth of work which equals about 10k in value. Really good friends so they tell me that a 64 vette is something that I should take a look at. What do you all think. From the pic it looks pretty decent but not knowing much about these cars and some of the problems spots that I would be unaware of makes me nervous.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u212/1960LesPaul_2007/Chevelle2.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u212/1960LesPaul_2007/64Vette.jpg

[youthpastor]

i would trade- but I'm a sucker for project cars

[214Chevy]

Even though I love Chevelle, as I own one myself, I would trade. It's just something about that 'Vette. I say go for it.

[dhutton]

The 64 is the least desirable year of the C2's. It's value is also dependant on being numbers matching, auto or manual, horsepower, options etc. What do you estimate to be the value of your car?

Don

[1960LesPaul]

The 64 is the least desirable year of the C2's. It's value is also dependant on being numbers matching, auto or manual, horsepower, options etc. What do you estimate to be the value of your car?

Don

I hope to get more info tonight. My car is a clone and I would give it a range of 22k to 28k depending on the buyer.

[Desert68]

Consider having the Vette inspected, if not appraised. Personal opinion, I'd check closely for rust.

[WSSix]

You need to check the bird cage and frame closely for rust. The frame isn't that huge of a deal on a custom build in all honesty. Sure replacements aren't terribly cheap but there are a number of options and if you compare a built frame to building a stock frame, the costs are similar with the built frame being a far superior design.

The bird cage is a huge deal as it requires the body to be broken off the cage in order to get at the cage itself. At least this is the correct way to do it.

If you're building a custom vette, the 64 is just fine to use as its downsides will be replaced. The biggest downside is the four wheel drum brakes.

[BIGCHRIS]

You have got a sweet chevelle,but i love the coupe vettes.I wouldnt think twice about trading for the vette if it is good shape way more desirable and harder to find.Just bring the vette up to the standard your chevelle is and you will be happy you traded:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[out2kayak]

As a person who is doing a '64 Vette (mine is a 'vert), here is a few things to consider.

1. If the birdcage is rusty - run (do not walk) away. I'm stripping mine down to have the birdcage acid dipped and I'll be TIG welding all of the bad spots then having it powder coated the correct colour. It's a lot of work and I have purchased the vast majority of all new panels for this type of job, but if you are not into the effort then don't do the project (my timeline is measured in years).

2. Consider what you want. If you want something that can hang corners, don't get a numbers matching car. It's a bit of a waist. I'm putting a SRIII frame under mine and I have a near perfect frame / restored engine / trans / rear end that is up for sale. None of the numbers matched so I'm not that worried.

A SRIII frame with 2010 ZR1 suspension will be sweet...... And a few minor mods :D

3. If you are going down the numbers matching route, check the frame (especially in the back pockets where the rear arms attach). Lots of rust or worse.

4. From under the car looking up at about where the package tray is behind the seats, look for a crack. Mine is cracked there and I'll have to mend it when the birdcage is out. From what I've been told, it's common for mid year bodies to crack here.

5. As folks have already said, '64 is the least desireable C2. It is not a split window '63. '65 have disc brakes and started the big block era with the L78 396 option. '67 is considered the ultimate mid-year.

That's not to say they aren't cool. Mid-years are cool (IMHO). :thumbsup:

Something to consider is putting a shout out to the folks in the C1 / C2 area of www.corvetteforum.com. If there is someone in your area they may be willing to drop by and have a look.

Be aware that with the Corvette name comes a price escalator for parts that may cost less on a different vehicle. It's just part of owning a 'vette.

Thoughts?

[1960LesPaul]

Man, really all good info. To be honest the thought of restoring the car is starting to have a negative effect on me. At first I wanted a newer Vette. I was looking at a 2003 Z06. Something a bit more comfy with air. I like the idea of the 64 but as the previous poster touches on, I may not like the price.

[GregWeld]

As a long time mid year 'Vette guy.... A '64 is just a "non starter" as 'Vettes go. Only reason I'd take a 64 would be as a body to build a Pro-touring car... So if that's your plan then the 64 would be the right car to do that with. Not trying to be mean spirited or anything here - just being honest. The '64 is the step child year - no split window - no big block - no disc brakes all around - no special racing credits - no ZO6 big tankers etc... it's just kind of a "year" without anything really going for it. The '65 saw some high horse small blocks and the first big blocks... the '63 had the split window and was the first of that body style... thus the '64 just is kind of stuck in between.

The only reason I'm saying this - or even bothering to have an opinion on your trade - is just so you know what you're 'getting'.

Good luck with which ever way you choose!
:cheers:

[1960LesPaul]

I appreciate your honesty. That is the kid of info I need to hear along with the potential problem areas. I am quickly thinking this isn't such a cool deal anymore.

[GregWeld]

Last thoughts -- just for fun - I checked on the inventory at Pro Team Corvette --- they have several 63's --- and several 65's -- a bunch of 66's and 67's... and they have -- ONE '64....

There's a reason for that -- and that is because they're hard to sell... and when they do - they don't bring much money.

Again - not raggin' on the car or anything - just being factual.

[Vegas69]

A running car for a project, No thanks.

[Tiger]

Is buying it and keeping the Chevelle a possibility? If you can get it for good money it would turn into a supernice protouring car :o)

think C6 suspension and ZR-1 engine :o)

[1960LesPaul]

Yes that is an option. But staring down the face of a full restoration when I have to do the same on my wife's 65 Mustang doesn't sound like fun anymore. I would need to get rid of my Chevelle for the space. I know the vette is cooler than the Mustang but it is the wife and that trumps everything lol!

[93Polo]

I have often thought about doing a '64 for many of the reasons listed as to why many do not a '64. If the car is non #s matching, due a full Vettebrakes suspension, 5spd, motor of choice etc and have a fun driver/pro-tourer that you are not concerned about rock chips and every # matching.

If you want to spend some real cash SRIII, Jamison, Newman, Streetrodgarage and others offer frames or modify the frame for C4 or C5 suspension. You can also get wide fenders that keep the factory lines 67Heaven had them on his. He posted on Corvetteactioncenter and digitalcorvettes.

[buickfunnycar.com]

The 64 is the least desirable year of the C2's...

..and '72 is the least desirable of the 1970-72 models so it looks like a push to me.

I'd trade in a minute...bigger upside in the Corvette.

[SLO 65]

In my opinion you really need to establish a value for your Chevelle before considering a trade. I have absolutely no idea what a 1972 Chevelle is worth or how much time, labor, and money you have invested. The status of a 1964 vs. the other four years has been established, however, finding any "midyear" corvette for less than 15K is near impossible. Next, you should decide what you want this Corvette to be. If you want it to handle as well as a new Corvette and using an aftermarket frame plan on spending a minimum of 10K for an aftermarket frame, add wheels and tires, motor and transmission, cooling, etc. - It's going to cost a lot. Also, consider the loss of the back seat, assuming you have one. My Corvette is rendered useless as far as talking my wife and kids anywhere.

Nick

[1960LesPaul]

..and '72 is the least desirable of the 1970-72 models so it looks like a push to me.

I'd trade in a minute...bigger upside in the Corvette.


Thats true John but unlike the 64 Vette, the 72 Chevelle is a very close 2nd to a 69 for what I consider my favorites. Now I really like all Vettes but the C2 version would not be in the top two. And as SLO suggests I am not so sure I want to put that much money into it. I am still going to go look at it but from what I am hearing now it's going to need alot more restoration than I was first told. Add on that the values of the 64 don't keep up is souring me on the deal. I am only upgrading brakes, front suspension away from being done on this car and it has had a ton of work done on it. I am sure I am upside down on the car but I had a vision for it and it's almost there. I sat in the garage last night looking at it and was wondering what the hell was I thnking lol. I do tend to get board a bit and initially wanted to trade it for a standard c6 or a really nice c5. Had my eye on a yellow 03 Z06.

[1960LesPaul]

Well I was hoping my Chevelle would fetch 29k but in looking on ebay and sorting through all of the junk about 23k seemed about the average sale or offer price for what I would consider close to what I have done so far BUT those were all small blocks and didn't have the badass wheels and suspension but really I think the only ones who appreciate it are the people here. So I am guessing I will top out around 26k. Does that sound about right? Kind of a bummer but I did take her for a long spin today and snapped a bunch of necks. Think I will go ahead with my plans to upgrade to full big brakes. Upgrade the front suspension. I already am owed an engine bay upgrade and rebuild so I only need another 5k at the most to make this a sick vs 25 to 30k for the Vette. Seems all of these cars took a hit when the economy tanked.