imported_killerjg
New member
Yet another SOCALian, welcome. I do not prefer the garage sale, but if you're feeling charitable PM me!
Advice on '63 Corvette (dreaming)
- Thread starter imported_BretFraz
- Start date
imported_gewb
New member
(Hey BIll, this one is for you!)
So today I'm talking with a guy who is (has been) trying to purchase a '63 Corvette. He didn't say much about it other than it has the "powerful engine" (that must be the FI 327/360hp) - didn't say if it's the split window or convertable, didn't say the color.
What he did say is the car has 13,000 original miles and has been sitting up on blocks for decades (fluids drained). Interior is covered and he said it looks great but the paint is oxidized.
He's trying to get the 74 year old owner to sell it - they've been talking for a year!
Anyway, if this guy does buy it (he hopes by this time next year) I have a shot at working on the finish...that is after he replaces all the seals, hoses, shocks, etc.
A nice dream for him and me. So, if his dream comes true, what can anyone tell me about the '63 paint job? Time would not be an issue and the work would be done in a heated/cooled garage. (Of course I would recommend he have some panels removed before doing the mechanical work to avoid finish problems.)
As a side bar, what would a '63 (any version) with 13k original miles be worth on the market?
Regards,
GEWB
So today I'm talking with a guy who is (has been) trying to purchase a '63 Corvette. He didn't say much about it other than it has the "powerful engine" (that must be the FI 327/360hp) - didn't say if it's the split window or convertable, didn't say the color.
What he did say is the car has 13,000 original miles and has been sitting up on blocks for decades (fluids drained). Interior is covered and he said it looks great but the paint is oxidized.
He's trying to get the 74 year old owner to sell it - they've been talking for a year!
Anyway, if this guy does buy it (he hopes by this time next year) I have a shot at working on the finish...that is after he replaces all the seals, hoses, shocks, etc.
A nice dream for him and me. So, if his dream comes true, what can anyone tell me about the '63 paint job? Time would not be an issue and the work would be done in a heated/cooled garage. (Of course I would recommend he have some panels removed before doing the mechanical work to avoid finish problems.)
As a side bar, what would a '63 (any version) with 13k original miles be worth on the market?
Regards,
GEWB
imported_Luster
New member
If it's original lacquer, it's very soft and easy to work with. The oxidation will polish out very easily, scratches as well. You have to be careful about how thin the paint might be, so take it slow and easy.
Also something to note. The oxidation will come back quickly. A matter of a couple months and it will need another very light polishing/sealing. It will continue to need polishing twice a year.
I'd recommend using an RO polisher speed 4 with white pad and M205 to start. That will give you an idea if you need to go a little more aggressive.
Just be very careful especially on the sharp edges of the fenders. Look for thin spots in the paint and avoid them... do them by hand.
It's easy to go through that old lacquer, so err on the side of caution. It won't ever be perfect, but you can make it look a thousand times better!
The current market for mid-years has really dropped since 2007. It's a buyer's market right now for classic Vettes. Even split windows! If it's 360 horse, that means it's a fuelie and pretty rare and highly desirable. I would think he could buy it in the 60's if it's a coupe, 45-50 if it's a roadster. (But the owner may be insulted by an offer like that!)
A buddy of mine just sold his '63 split window, black/black 340 hp 4spd... low mileage, all original, numbers matching, number 1 condition for $50k. The buyer got it for a steal!
5 years ago these cars would go into the 100's.
Also something to note. The oxidation will come back quickly. A matter of a couple months and it will need another very light polishing/sealing. It will continue to need polishing twice a year.
I'd recommend using an RO polisher speed 4 with white pad and M205 to start. That will give you an idea if you need to go a little more aggressive.
Just be very careful especially on the sharp edges of the fenders. Look for thin spots in the paint and avoid them... do them by hand.
It's easy to go through that old lacquer, so err on the side of caution. It won't ever be perfect, but you can make it look a thousand times better!
The current market for mid-years has really dropped since 2007. It's a buyer's market right now for classic Vettes. Even split windows! If it's 360 horse, that means it's a fuelie and pretty rare and highly desirable. I would think he could buy it in the 60's if it's a coupe, 45-50 if it's a roadster. (But the owner may be insulted by an offer like that!)
A buddy of mine just sold his '63 split window, black/black 340 hp 4spd... low mileage, all original, numbers matching, number 1 condition for $50k. The buyer got it for a steal!
5 years ago these cars would go into the 100's.
imported_BobbyG
New member
To be honest, the value of the car really depends on the condition of the car and the demographics. With today's economy even collectors are not willing to spend a boatload of money. 5 years ago I'll bet a frame off restoration 1963 coupe went for $80,000 but today I suspect that world bring closer to $55,000.
http://www.cars-on-line.com/40550.html
It also depends on the target audience and who's doing the selling..
http://www.cars-on-line.com/40550.html
It also depends on the target audience and who's doing the selling..
imported_wendell jarvis
New member
imported_wendell jarvis
New member
Surbuff pads
anyone tried these yet?
anyone tried these yet?
imported_Kevin Brown
Jedi Master
Good luck with the 'Vette! 
artaaay:
46 matches to a search on this forum using the word "SURBUF". :-B
artaaay:46 matches to a search on this forum using the word "SURBUF". :-B
imported_Luster
New member
Yup... They're fast and aggressive. Use with caution on "old" paint!