in search of...

[tonyk72]

I recently came across another '72 BB 4spd. After speaking with the owner, this one is mostly all original...enough for me to consider flying 1/2 way across the country to take a peek. He admitted that the trans. sounds a little funny and suspects that it may need a rebuild soon (it's a wide ratio). Another issue is the paint. He said its bad.
So my questions are, since I can't rebuild a trans or repaint a Vette myself. What kinda $$$ can I expect to put into these things? I'd just be looking to get a nice quaility paintjob, nothing too expensive. I might also consider stpipping the paint off myself...(is that something I could do myself?)

[Rob]

Tony, I'm going to move this into the C3 forum for better exposure. Hopefully some of the C3 owners there can help you out.

-Rob

[Evolution1980]

If you are paying a reputable shop to paint your car, I'd expect a minimum of $3500 for a decent job.

Trans work could go anywhere from $500 (fix'er upper) up to $2000 (for new one installed).

My opinions & past observations. Actual mileage will vary...

[cruzer99]

It is a 4-speed manual correct? That being the case I would think a rebuild sould run 3-4 hundred. You can buy them rebuilt for around that price but given the choice I would rebuild your own so that you know what you have. You never know if the one you buy has been in a wreck, fire, or what ever. I would agree with the paint cost for a nice job, and that IS what you want.........Good luck

[tonyk72]

Thanks for the replies! Going to get some more info from the guy tonight...

[cruzer99]

Keep in mind 72 was the first year of the "smog pump" and the first year Chevy stopped rating HP because of EPA and insurance cost of BB with Big HP. I think the 72 454 was rated around 220HP which is sad.

[tonyk72]

I believe thst the '72 vette had the same LS-5 which was found in the '71. The '71 was rated at I think 385hp gross, the '72 was rated at 270hp net. Am I right? Anybody? But who cares about HP, torque is where its at and the '72 had plenty!

[cruzer99]

The 71 had a lot less smog on it. I had a 72 454 4 speed that was a nice highway cruzer but you had to be carefull what you raced because it wasn't the quickest. Also, they knocked down the compression on the 72 compared to the 71.

According to "how to restore and modify your vette, 1968-1982" the 72 was rated at 270 hp( but keep in mind that it also says the 71 was rated at 390, but according to all I've read the 71 was rated at 365 hp.)

[tonyk72]

fyi's on engine codes, hp, compresion

http://www.vette.ch/en/techinfo/rpo.htm

I've never seen a '71 listed w/390 hp either (my previous post was inaccurate, I meant 365 hp)...

ooooohhhhhh A BIG BLOCK!!

forget what it was rated lets talk potential!!

[tonyk72]

Well, I am now awaiting pictures to come in the mail. The owner states that the paint on the car is original and very faded...He also had a bunch of new parts that he never put on, weather-stripping, exhaust system, interior, side view mirrors...
too bad it's 1500 miles away! I'd like to see if for myself this weekend...

[cruzer99]

Look up the value of the car with new paint, trany, and the parts the owner has. Take his price plus what it will take to paint, etc. and if it is less.......go for it! The value of sharks is going up every year.

[vette-dude]

tonyK72:

I would just about bet if you asked real nice someone from the CAC would take a ride and go look the car over for you. Maybe even some digital pics. It will save you a wasted trip if it is a dog. 1,500 miles is a long way to travel and the money could be saved to buy chrome & hi-perf. parts for the next one you find if this one is a no go. Just a suggestion. Let us know where it is at and someone will respond ( if you say Please).

[tonyk72]

what if the person going likes it and buys it before me? haha

but your right, it sounds like a good idea...
Anybody local to Southern MO ?