I found this car today..found out that it was the sons car who didn't come home from Vietnam..his dad isn't really willing to sell it but is up for a chat..not sure if its worth the effort or not..pretty ruff to say least.

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

Speaking for myself...I'd run fast and run far. Gunslinger2011-03-31 14:46:39

I guess I should have been a little more specific..he wants me to try and put it back together..as far as he knows the motor and trans have never been out..but it is rough..sitting outside since 70..he has a garage to do the work in and is in now hurry to get it done..so it would be a free time fun thing..

Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

FUN?  The body don't look bad but just to get it road worthy again would be an incredible task. The frame must be pretty bad sitting like that. Push it into his garage and let him ponder it for a while. 

Rich, That would be a great service to a father that has sentimental attachments to it. I think you sit down with him and find out what he actually is looking for. I would guess to redo a car like that you would need at least 20 - 30k to get it in any kind of shape. Going off of my car I would guess body and paint to be in the 10k area, interior around 5k, chrome another 3-5K for all, then theres motor trans and rear depending on what might be needed. He needs to know what hes getting into even if you do the work for free. I dont think I would ever get involved in something that major for someone else unless it was at my home. I say that because there are so many hours needed and it would pull to much family time away. Now if you could have your son help it would be time well spent with him even though he is young he might enjoy it. The bad side would be hes going to fall in love with corvettes even more and you are going to have to buy him one at some point so when he's 16 he has his own.  I have many more thoughts about this as I had a friend that ask if I would help him do one but I said no unless he was willing to go from start to finish without taking years to complete. He wasn't ready for that money layout commitment. So i help him do things here and there as he needs if I'm available.
Rodney


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Most likely a 66 big block - only one way to find out - pop that hood. Frontend is either modified or just missing the bumpers & grille. The birdcage on this baby is toast due to being outside since 1970. This will cost north of 50 to restore. Still may be worth it for the sentimental value. It won;t be easy.    ceastham12011-03-31 16:15:39

I talked to him for about 20 minutes after work..I got about 50 feet from the car..we just talked about trying to get it in his garage and see what we got..below the passengers door is a cinder block that someone put there when they made off with the rear wheels..its now almost in the ground..not sure if I can pull it out without destroying it..I may have a tow buddy come out and see what he thinks..

Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

yup - it could come apart if it's moved. chk the frame rails and try to peak under & behind the glove box upper right to see what it looks like.    

How about calling overhauling ?

[QUOTE=rraider1] How about calling overhauling ?[/QUOTE]

Man that is a great idea..um..but..this guy would um unload on people if the car disappeared ..he is a Korean Vet himself..guessing by his hat..he's a grimly type that doesn't take to humor at all..he could stare down a rabid dog..got one heck of a grip being his age too..I think he just wants to see if it can be moved..don't think he is thinking further than that as of today..its pretty muddy in the yard now so we may wait a few for things to dry out and come up with a game plan of what to do.

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

I watch one the other day it was not the same as when they make the people feel it was stolen, they may do it as some form of tribute.

may want to try some form of jacking to get it out before soft ground becomes hard wich would trap the car more, some form of air bag inflated under the car like they do on myth busters

I'm with Bob -AKA  rraider1- try to get it up asap

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It's been sitting there for 41 years. A littlle late to do some good with it.  With all the moisture that has come up from the ground I think the car is just going to crumble as you try to lift it. Try and move it but it would be better just left alone.

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Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.

Tin worms have already taken over this one, would be my bet. The body/glass would be salvageable, possibly the drivetrain, but the chassis is prolly gonna be cardboard by now. Brakes are gonna be seized up, too, I suspect.
It's worth saving, but it won't be cheap.
Is it a '65 or '66? Got a '67 hood, but the body is a 5 or 6...looks to have been yaller at one point.
I wouldn't spend a LOT of time on it, unless the Dad is serious, and willing to actually do something with the car.
my .02...


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

 A heart is a VERY powerful motavation. A man thinks with his heart when things like this present themselves. Quickly a heart can be broken by discouragement. It will be a TOTAL committment. Whoever undertakes this project will have to very understanding and patient. ANYTHING can be done, it just depends on your motivation and goals. They have my blessing, AND my heart.

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Don't know. It looks like an awfully expensive and time consuming project. The only way to do a project like this is a frame off. There's too many things that could be wrong to try to do it halfway. Since that convertable top can't be in very good shape, the moisture and rodent damage to the interior is probably extensive. Still, as Mark said, you can't put a price on an emotional attatchment. If you do paint it, send it down to Lew! He could fix it up good as new (for a price). Let us know what you decide.

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"Down on the Boardwalk...

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Joe T

I would ride with PVT Malone anyday!!  And your welcome, Joe!

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Boy, would I love to have a find like that! I second that, Joe! Thanks to all that have served and are serving ( My son-in law is with the Air Force in Iraq! Hoping for a safe return! )!

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"Down on the Boardwalk...

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Hi Rich, 
Wow!  That is a tough one. I served after the Vietnam Era.  I did grow up on Air Force Bases and remember well the "I'm moving off base because my dad got killed in Vietnam."  It was common from the middle 60 thru the early 70s.  It seems pretty crazy now but, we all accepted it then.  My dad had two tours in Vietnam.  He also served in WW2 and Korea.  These guys are very modest and don't talk about their service much. 

The project is going to be costly. He (the owner) may be best served by donating it to a Vet organization that might pay for the restoration and then sell it through an auction, lottery or what ever.  The owner should be able to take a tax deduction for the donation to a non-taxable non-profit organization. 

I would love to just write a check for what ever he wants for the car.  I can't.  Good luck and be kind but, don't get yourself in over your head.

You might want to connect with: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/off-topic/1283294-viet-nam-vets.html  and see what they might suggest.

Best Regards,
Keith


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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

I am glad you brought up that song when I first read this thats all that when through my head I could not remember the title. Didnt we do a vets poll on this site way back.