If I.....

[Kap142]

Being very very new to the Corvette scene, locate a Vette that I think is worth looking at are their folks of knowledge who can inspect the car to suggest to me a yes or no on the prospective purchase. I live in central Fl and see many far away, too far to fly and inspect particluary when my knowledge is so very limited?

Ken

[Gannet]

My suggestion would be that you shop harder in Florida. This is probably the largest Corvette market in the country. I know, I know, Murphy's Law: when you get your money up, all the interesting cars move 3,000 miles away!

Resist. Screw Murphy. Look here in Florida. What are you looking for and where have you been looking? Also, whereabout in Central Florida are you?

If you're bound and determined to buy out of state, I would ask on the Corvette Forum (the big one, not this small friendly one) for help.

Have you been to Roger's yet? Do that. Now *that* is Corvette shopping.

http://www.rogerscorvette.com/

[ynkedad]

Originally Posted by Gannet

(the big one, not this small friendly one) for help.


http://www.rogerscorvette.com/

Nailed It!

[Gannet]

I just saw in other posts that you are looking for a chrome bumper C3. That's a little different, especially if you insist on 4-speed and factory air. Not too many of those around. Roger has a nice 4-speed 427/390 '69 at the moment, but no air.

Have you ever considered an aftermarket A/C unit, like what the street rodders use? These are very compact and look nice. Street rodders are even more anal than Vette owners. Vettes have a small interior volume and don't need a huge A/C unit.

We forget that A/C was an expensive and not very popular option up until the mid-70s, especially on 4-speed performance cars. Such cars with factory air are not only hard to find, they command a substantial premium.

If you're looking for one that's stock or near-stock, I would consider joining the NCRS, National Corvette Restorer's Society. This is where all the guys that are hardcore for original C1-3 hang out. Most of the action at the NCM and in online forums is with C4-C6, just from sheer numbers.

I'm sure you could find NCRS members to help check out a long-distance car. Such things are common in their world. Also, they will know who the trustworthy dealers are, and where the good cars are. Good chrome bumper cars a lot of time don't even get advertised, they go to someone who knows someone.

Lucky for you, the big NCRS winter meet is in Kissimmee on January 18-21. Go hook up with those guys, that is *the* crowd you need. Bring cash and you might well come home with a car.

Good luck, and if what I told you helps you find a car, can I get a ride?

[Kap142]

no by no means am I set on an out of state Vette. Would far rather buy within the state. No impact fees etc. I do want a C3 and yes the options are impt. I have no desire for an after market A/C unit as I want a factory unit.

I think I'll only do this once (I hope) so I want the "lady of my dreams"

Yep do have the NCRS info logged and I'll be there. Oh by the Way I live in Auburndale, Fl. kinda between Lakeland and Winter Haven which is between Orlando and Tampa.

As far as bring cash.... right... I'll be doing the X amount down and financing the bal untill retirement monies land apon my door step.

No have not been to Roger's but have been to the Toy Store in Largo. I am open to all suggestions, please send um on.

Ken

[MADN3SS]

Originally Posted by Gannet

Screw Murphy.

Ask Rich about Murphy!

Originally Posted by Kap142

No have not been to Roger's but have been to the Toy Store in Largo.

I live 3 minutes from the Toy Store. I wouldn't be much help. Not too mechanically inclined. About all I can do is look at it and take pictures!

[Z06 Rocket]

Originally Posted by Gannet

Have you been to Roger's yet? Do that. Now *that* is Corvette shopping.

http://www.rogerscorvette.com/

While Rogers does have a large and impressive selection of VERY nice vettes, don't go if you want to bargain. He LITERALLY walked away from me and left a VERY SOUR taste in my mouth when I dared to utter the simple words -GASP- "Is that price firm?". I vaguely heard a "Yep" from across the room as he was about 20 ft away by then. A friend and I were so floored by the lack of courtesey, respect, and simple customer service that we just kind of stood there looking at each other for a minute. We then walked out and never returned.

I ended up buying the EXACT SAME YEAR / MODEL / COLOR / NEVER BEEN IN RAIN CONDITION / WITH 100 LESS MILES for $500.00 less from a private seller about 2 weeks later. The private sale was not bone stock like the Rogers Vette, and I got "free" 7k worth of aftermarket stuff because I was lucky enough to get snubbed by Roger himself.

I would probably not buy a Corvette there if I won the lottery, simply because of the extremely poor attitude and customer service I received there. I have friends that feel the same way from similar service.

I also will not support his car shows because the foul taste is still in my mouth over a year later.

Just my . It's an opinion and everyone's got one.

[Kap142]

Just based on what's been experienced I won't even go look at Rogers'. I see no necessity in paying a guy to be a dick.

I did like the Toy Store Jim seemed nice and was helpful without being the least bit assertive.

I do watch a bunch of Vette sites and you guys are right, seem to be a good sellection within the state.

I hope to be ready to actually start the serious hunt in the next 3 months. Boy do I have a lot to learn.

As things get closer and I find something I think looks good I'll probably jump in and ask help in looking at the car and teaching me as you learned guys inspect. The help would be really appreciated.

Thanks to all. Hope to meet you guys in time.

Ken

[srs244]

i'm down in south florida (ft lauderdale area). i would certainly try to help someone out by taking a look (and more and perhaps better pictures) of a car down in this area. obviously even though i know enough about the mechanics etc, i wouldn't want to "inspect" a car for anyone other than for the obvious physical things like appearance, trim, etc. personally as an investment type purchase, i would certainly consider employing the services of a professional inspection/appraisal service. they are located nationwide and are worth the investment for your investment!!

[Kap142]

I appreciatre your advise and accept the wisdom. Can you (maybe) advise of any good dealerships who might be on-line with older vettes down in the south FL area? I have no idea if it's a valid conclusion but I imagine the prices down there (due to the metro area) might be a bit higher then up here.

Thanks for the input and to all my new friends out there web site addresses in FL for vette dealerships would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken