I am having a real hard time with that question. I am looking for a 71-72 Chevelle. I am torn. Do I buy a project again? Fix it stock? Add power? Also do I really want a vert? Or hard top? I know poor me what a position to be in. But I have been looking around and I know something will come up. I love projects, but a vert doesn't come up cheap to restore even. I saw a 70 vert locally for 23K but it is bone stock with side moldings and everything. Nice color, but boring all around. And I would need to put in 10K to make it what I want. Or do I go hard top? So hoping the community can chime in on their experiences on the good and bads of both...
bowtie said
Sep 27, 2012
If you're going to keep it for a decent amount of time, buy the vert. That's what you want in your heart. If you're looking for another car to build because "it's the fun of doing the project", then a hardtop might be a better answer-cheaper, more available, better chance of finding one in the proper condition. Who knows, Stans vert might be available by the spring......
Derek69SS said
Sep 27, 2012
I'm not really a convertible guy (prefer shade over sitting in the direct sunlight) but my opinion is to get what you really want. It may cost more up front, but it's easier and probably cheaper than buying something, sticking money into it, deciding you're not happy with it, selling at a possible loss, and then buying what you should have bought the first time.
OscarZ said
Sep 27, 2012
I prefer the hardtops but a convertible would be fun too. If you decide hardtop I know of one for sale. It's the same one I posted when Stan brought home the blue hardtop he traded in on his current one.
SShink said
Sep 27, 2012
You know I'm the last guy to tell you what to do regarding buying/selling Chevelles...
Having said that, one of the benefits of the vert is that Tina is much more open to going for cruises in the Chevelle, and I think the other Vert owners would agree that their wives feel the same. So, it makes it fun to do some of the car things together. Wives dig the verts!
But as others have said, you have to figure out what kind of car you want, and what you want to do to it to make it yours, and make it fit the budget.
Lost in the 60s said
Sep 27, 2012
Derek69SS wrote:
I'm not really a convertible guy (prefer shade over sitting in the direct sunlight) but my opinion is to get what you really want. It may cost more up front, but it's easier and probably cheaper than buying something, sticking money into it, deciding you're not happy with it, selling at a possible loss, and then buying what you should have bought the first time.
chevelle said
Sep 28, 2012
SShink wrote:
Having said that, one of the benefits of the vert is that Tina is much more open to going for cruises in the Chevelle, and I think the other Vert owners would agree that their wives feel the same. So, it makes it fun to do some of the car things together. Wives dig the verts!
But as others have said, you have to figure out what kind of car you want, and what you want to do to it to make it yours, and make it fit the budget.
all i can say is my wife is often asks to go out riding in the chevelle convert. my OT Celica convert, not so much and she will ocasionally ride in my 59 Wagon.
if you can swing it get what you really want
rgoble said
Sep 28, 2012
I didn't know there was really a question.... :)
gearlube said
Sep 28, 2012
Agreed. I am leaning vert. Workin hard in my side biz and saving up. If you all see one 70-72 please send me a link. Want automatic, air. Big or small block doesn't matter. 0-35K range.
dashboard said
Sep 28, 2012
Tom, I never thought it would happen or that I would say this; after we got the Buick all the love for the El Camino went away, just puff it was gone. In fact, I’m putting it in storage tomorrow for the winter just to get it out of the way; I’ve always driven it up to the last available day. I expect it will go up for sale next spring.
However, back to the vert, you just can’t have more fun with your cloths on there great. We are asked to do parades and other events always something different.
Agreed. I am leaning vert. Workin hard in my side biz and saving up. If you all see one 70-72 please send me a link. Want automatic, air. Big or small block doesn't matter. 0-35K range.
Buy a vert! We love ours, put 900 miles on the 65 last weekend, probably 750 with the top down. Have been looking around for about the same thing you are, they are hard to find a good one. Would love to find one with an LS with air and auto. More or less have the 71 for sale, need to find one that doesn't need body work or get serious about fixing the one we have.
Chris R said
Sep 28, 2012
Have you ever had a convert of any kind before? You had a 71 coupe and a Camaro. Perhaps a convertible is just what you need this time around. You may be more inclined to keep it this time.
Jon H said
Sep 28, 2012
You are the only one that can make that decision. If you don't know what you want I wouldn't buy anything as you won't be happy, always second guessing yourself. I will say the vert is a lot more noisy. A top has to be maintained, etc. A vert is very hot in the sun. If you want fun get the vert, if you want comfort get a hard top.
SShink said
Oct 1, 2012
I don't know Tom... I'm still likin' the '70 I sent you, and it's for sale locally. Even though it has 4 head lights!
It could be 'Gear Lubed' pretty easily.
And yes Jon H., it does have factory door guards!
-- Edited by SShink on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 01:17:15 PM
SShink said
Oct 1, 2012
gearlube wrote:
Hmm looks like he may have sold it...not up anymore....
Sent you an email.
Oh, and I meant to mention that you need to be aware that there is a club member that thinks that only old guys drive verts. I keep reminding him that chicks love the verts!
-- Edited by SShink on Monday 1st of October 2012 09:49:20 PM
gearlube said
Oct 2, 2012
Stan I have been going back and forth on that one. We should go and check it out. I like the color and the fact it is really clean. If I could get him down some it maybe worth it. You free tomorrow night?
gearlube said
Oct 2, 2012
Hmm looks like he may have sold it...not up anymore....
gearlube said
Oct 2, 2012
Found it. Saw he relisted. Sent him an email.
Tim H said
Oct 2, 2012
SShink wrote:
Even though it has 4 head lights!
Oh here we go again...
I now only restore 4 headlight cars
Chris R said
Oct 2, 2012
Its funny how Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Buick kept the 4 headlights on the A body cars up to 72. I actually really like the two headlight cars but I guess Chevy didnt get the memo.
Lost in the 60s said
Oct 3, 2012
Tim H wrote:
SShink wrote:
Even though it has 4 head lights!
Oh here we go again...
I now only restore 4 headlight cars
COOL..............does that mean I can get my '66 in before that '72 ......
Tom....BUY A '70...........
gearlube said
Oct 3, 2012
Well Stan and I checked out that 70. Very cool guy. Was selling for his dad who is now in a nursing home. Had the car over 35 years. Bought in MN. He had the build sheet too! However, reach under neath to the frame rails the frame was literally falling off and breaking off in my hand. So much for no rust. Outside was ok top was good. 350 2 barrel. Just not for me. Some guy who knows nothing about cars will enjoy it. Oh well the hunt goes on....
Tim H said
Oct 3, 2012
Lost in the 60s wrote:
Tim H wrote:
SShink wrote:
Even though it has 4 head lights!
Oh here we go again...
I now only restore 4 headlight cars
COOL..............does that mean I can get my '66 in before that '72 ......
Tom....BUY A '70...........
Sure thing... right after my 70 (Actually the 72 would be leaving my place with 4 headlights but don't tell the guy that. All I will say is)
I can hack a 66 just as well as anyone. I may need different buffing compound.
Lost in the 60s said
Oct 3, 2012
I try to ask history before going to look. If a car has been in the upper Midwest/East it's whole life, there is NO WAY it doesn't have rust.
I would suggest looking to the south but my latest experience with that wasn't good either..
bowtie said
Oct 3, 2012
Mine's pretty clean for a MN car. Frame is quite clean. The only rust is from a collision repair, and it's minimal.
Derek69SS said
Oct 4, 2012
Tim H wrote:(Actually the 72 would be leaving my place with 4 headlights but don't tell the guy that. All I will say is)
If you're adding lights, why stop at just 4?
Cindy said
Oct 8, 2012
I have owned Vert for 36 years, I will never sell him! Posts are right women love convertibles! Sure am glad Tim will still maintain 2 headlight chevelles!
I am having a real hard time with that question. I am looking for a 71-72 Chevelle. I am torn. Do I buy a project again? Fix it stock? Add power? Also do I really want a vert? Or hard top? I know poor me what a position to be in. But I have been looking around and I know something will come up. I love projects, but a vert doesn't come up cheap to restore even. I saw a 70 vert locally for 23K but it is bone stock with side moldings and everything. Nice color, but boring all around. And I would need to put in 10K to make it what I want. Or do I go hard top? So hoping the community can chime in on their experiences on the good and bads of both...
I prefer the hardtops but a convertible would be fun too. If you decide hardtop I know of one for sale. It's the same one I posted when Stan brought home the blue hardtop he traded in on his current one.
You know I'm the last guy to tell you what to do regarding buying/selling Chevelles...
Having said that, one of the benefits of the vert is that Tina is much more open to going for cruises in the Chevelle, and I think the other Vert owners would agree that their wives feel the same. So, it makes it fun to do some of the car things together. Wives dig the verts!
But as others have said, you have to figure out what kind of car you want, and what you want to do to it to make it yours, and make it fit the budget.
all i can say is my wife is often asks to go out riding in the chevelle convert. my OT Celica convert, not so much and she will ocasionally ride in my 59 Wagon.
if you can swing it get what you really want
Tom, I never thought it would happen or that I would say this; after we got the Buick all the love for the El Camino went away, just puff it was gone. In fact, I’m putting it in storage tomorrow for the winter just to get it out of the way; I’ve always driven it up to the last available day. I expect it will go up for sale next spring.
However, back to the vert, you just can’t have more fun with your cloths on there great. We are asked to do parades and other events always something different.
Buy a vert! We love ours, put 900 miles on the 65 last weekend, probably 750 with the top down. Have been looking around for about the same thing you are, they are hard to find a good one. Would love to find one with an LS with air and auto. More or less have the 71 for sale, need to find one that doesn't need body work or get serious about fixing the one we have.
Have you ever had a convert of any kind before? You had a 71 coupe and a Camaro. Perhaps a convertible is just what you need this time around. You may be more inclined to keep it this time.
I don't know Tom... I'm still likin' the '70 I sent you, and it's for sale locally. Even though it has 4 head lights!
It could be 'Gear Lubed' pretty easily.
And yes Jon H., it does have factory door guards!
-- Edited by SShink on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 01:17:15 PM
Sent you an email.
Oh, and I meant to mention that you need to be aware that there is a club member that thinks that only old guys drive verts.
I keep reminding him that chicks love the verts! 
-- Edited by SShink on Monday 1st of October 2012 09:49:20 PM
Its funny how Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Buick kept the 4 headlights on the A body cars up to 72. I actually really like the two headlight cars but I guess Chevy didnt get the memo.
COOL..............does that mean I can get my '66 in before that '72 ......
Tom....BUY A '70...........
Sure thing... right after my 70
(Actually the 72 would be leaving my place with 4 headlights but don't tell the guy that. All I will say is
)
I can hack a 66 just as well as anyone. I may need different buffing compound.
I try to ask history before going to look. If a car has been in the upper Midwest/East it's whole life, there is NO WAY it doesn't have rust.
I would suggest looking to the south but my latest experience with that wasn't good either..
If you're adding lights, why stop at just 4?