Author Topic: 1969 L-78 convertible  (Read 8814 times)

DJordan442

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
1969 L-78 convertible
« on: September 22, 2007, 04:09:32 AM »
Does anyone know how many of these were manufactured?  I found a basket-case and need to determine if it is worth the cost to restore.  Any experts out there know what one of these would be worth if it was restored as a number 2 driver?  Thanks

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2007, 05:02:55 AM »
I found a basket-case and need to determine if it is worth the cost to restore.  Any experts out there know what one of these would be worth if it was restored as a number 2 driver?

What other options does it have? = Automatic or manual transmission?, RallySport option?, cowl induction (ZL2) hood?, spoilers?, rally wheels?, L89 aluminum heads?, etc... 

Does it have any documentation? = Protect-O-Plate?, dealer invoice?, build sheet?, etc...

All of the above plus the overall condition of the vehicle affects it's value.  My estimate would be $70,000.00 and up if it's a true L78 convertible in #2 condition.  But don't buy the car because it's worth alot, buy it because you love it!    ;)

Paul   

Mark

  • CRG Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1089
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2007, 12:55:11 PM »
Don't buy it to slap a coat of paint on it and think your going to get 70K for it either.  It will probably take you 40K worth of work to get a basket case back to no 2 condition, and the only way it will command any more than that at sale time is if it has the original drive train with paperwork or some other history. Otherwise its just a big block convertible that might even be considered as a clone and you won't get 40K for it.
Mark C.
1969 Indy Pace Car
350/300HP RPO Z11

william

  • CRG Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3119
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2007, 06:47:25 PM »
Unfortunate but true.

With so many well-done technically correct clones out there a car without original VIN-stamped drivetrain and/or genuine original Chevrolet paperwork will be valued as a clone. To quote an an auctioneer clones are..."the cubic zirconia of Muscle Cars".

$40,000 is at the low end. You will be competing with the COPO crowd for the unique parts the car needs [837 alt, 499 dist, XTs, shifter] and they will pay whatever it takes.

Unless you are handy with tools & money and have lots of automotive friends you do not want to get involved with a basketcase.
Learning more and more about less and less...

DJordan442

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2007, 10:01:37 PM »
Guys,
Thanks for the input and advice.  The only attractive part about the car is that it has the original block with the VIN clearly stamped on it.  It also has the correct dated and coded 12 bolt.  It is a 4-speed, hugger orange, with black top, white stripe, and white interior.  What a great looking car that must have been out of the factory!!  It needs all new sheet metal except that it has already had new floors installed.  I'm leaning toward passing on the car as he wants $45K as it is.  It easily needs $40-50K to get it to #2. 

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2007, 02:11:34 AM »
It needs all new sheet metal except that it has already had new floors installed.  I'm leaning toward passing on the car as he wants $45K as it is.  It easily needs $40-50K to get it to #2.

I'd pass too!  For $95,000.00 you can buy a numbers matching one that is ready to drive.    ;)

Paul

KevinW

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 857
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2007, 11:39:44 AM »
Guys,
Thanks for the input and advice.  The only attractive part about the car is that it has the original block with the VIN clearly stamped on it.  It also has the correct dated and coded 12 bolt.  It is a 4-speed, hugger orange, with black top, white stripe, and white interior.  What a great looking car that must have been out of the factory!!  It needs all new sheet metal except that it has already had new floors installed.  I'm leaning toward passing on the car as he wants $45K as it is.  It easily needs $40-50K to get it to #2. 

With a black top, it would have had a black stripe.

Charley

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 708
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2007, 02:46:58 PM »
Where can you buy a #'s matching 69 L78 convert for 95K ?

69LM1

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 50
    • View Profile
    • http://www.69lm1.com
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2007, 04:49:27 PM »
Beware, there is a known scammer on fake stamped 69 Convert L78's in the Tennesee area. I was lucky to get my moneyback. Search for Jaminnow and Ringblow on this site and camaros.net for details. Not saying this is the guy, but just to make sure that you get an EXPERT to review those stamps before you buy.
Rich Pern
2012 Mustang Boss 302
69 COPO Camaro "Tin Soldier"
70 Z28 COPO
69 Camaro 307. Orig car from High School

1968RSZ28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6188
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2007, 05:02:57 PM »
Where can you buy a #'s matching 69 L78 convert for 95K ?

Ebay.   ;)

Paul

NickeyChicago

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 25
    • View Profile
Re: 1969 L-78 convertible
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2007, 07:12:47 PM »
Guys,
Thanks for the input and advice.  The only attractive part about the car is that it has the original block with the VIN clearly stamped on it.  It also has the correct dated and coded 12 bolt.  It is a 4-speed, hugger orange, with black top, white stripe, and white interior.  What a great looking car that must have been out of the factory!!  It needs all new sheet metal except that it has already had new floors installed.  I'm leaning toward passing on the car as he wants $45K as it is.  It easily needs $40-50K to get it to #2. 

Not to get in the middle of your deal, but it sounds like you are going to pass? I would certainly be interested in any  real HO 4 speed original L78 rag top and willing to pay a birddog fee, if I purchase the car.

Regards,

Stefano Bimbi

 

anything