As subject says I'm looking for some advice on purchasing a '67 Chevelle, but first a little background info. I'm in my later 30s with father about to hit 6-0. His first car was a '67 that he bought the day he got his license late '68. Started as 3 on the tree, converted to a 396, 4 on the floor with a mystery shifter...speed, lots of fun and a bit of trouble with local authorities followed. Nothing terrible, just a little hell raisin as that generation would say. Sold sometime in the late 70's as family and occupation became priorities. He has casually talked about finding another one over the years. Fast forward to today and he is 2 years into his battle with the big C. Things are going well for now, but his is one of the tougher ones and father time is not on our side. After driving the same hamster wheel for the past 14 years commuting into the city I'd also like some fun factor in the garage. Which brings me to you guys & gals. Need some help and thought the local club would be a great place to start.
In no particular order this is what I want: manual, mechanically sound, good curb appeal, & Mom wants AC. NO projects, but not a high end trailer queen either. A restored car with a few modern conveniences are A-OK for what we are looking for. She is going to get driven and when appropriate let loose and if it rains I'll turn on the wipers. Can this be found for 25-30k? Where do I start? I found this http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/chevelle/1588291.html which looks nice, but could be done all wrong...I don't know. I don't know the reputable dealers from the crooks. I'm into vintage sleds (thus the goofy handle), know how NOS parts and originality can cause a project to get out of hand quickly. Can spot lipstick on a pig from the other end of the swap meet on 70's muscle sled, but when it comes to Chevelles I'm pretty much lost. Can't bring Dad in to consult as this is a surprise. Hoping you can chime in here with some thoughts or I'd be happy to send you my phone # if you'd rather have a quick conversation.
If your not looking from an original SS with the original drive train, then 25-30K should find you a good car. Vintage Air can always be added. A Guy from Rockford bought my 66 when I sold it in 1968 after getting my draft notice.
Jim
Scott Parkhurst said
Aug 28, 2013
Does it have to be a 2-door? I've got a well-sorted wagon that suits your description that I'd let go in that price range. 4 doors are handy, wagons are unique, and anyone on this board can tell you it's a good car. No secrets, no A/C (but it's a sbc so it's an easy add-on), no issues with pump gas. 20 mpg on the freeway. 383/6-speed stick. Awesome suspension/brakes.
Grajmahal said
Aug 29, 2013
Mitch - I just found my 66 vert by googling craigslist. You go to google and enter site:craigslist.org (and then a space, and then the query, like "67 chevelle") . I found it in California; it searches Craigslists everywhere. I think you are in the right price range for something nice. Retro-fit AC for these cars is about $1200 and looks exactly like stock; you should also think about a disc brake kit for a 60-Y.O. guy to be daily-driving it. Stomping on those old manual four-wheel drums isn't safe.
Good luck!
John
Jon H said
Aug 29, 2013
carsonline.com is another source. You will see lots of cars and how they compare. They are arranged on the site by make/model/year so it is easy to keep up with new listings. They do have an inspection service which also helps. I used it several times and it saved me a lot of trips and money. When you find something you like from whatever source, if you bring it back to the forum there is more knowledge here than you can shake a stick at. Everyone will give you their opinion and suggestions. GOOD LUCK!
Chris R said
Aug 29, 2013
It doesnt have AC but the price seems pretty good and its listed locally. 66/67s are nice because the dash comes out of the car as an assembly and a dash from an AC car with the vents can go in place. But Vintage Air sells both kits for cars w/ac and cars w/ non ac, but the non ac cars have the vents mounted below the dash. So the ac dash gets you a more factory and cleaner look. In other words, AC can be added later. But a BBC, 4 Speed with console and buckets for low 20's is quite reasonable.
I don't know the market on 67's but I think that is quite a bit for the one in Hemmings. With a 15 year old restoration, and not original engine it could be bought for less. It photographs really well, but there are details like the two emblems missing on the drivers door panel , 5" tach and second smaller tach, (or speedometer?), exhaust work, that make you wonder what other details are skipped over. With 4:11 gears and exhaust that dumps under the car, you won't be doing any interstate driving. I love the color combo and would love to have it in my garage, but I would think for $30,000 it should either be more original, or a better done custom. My .
I used to be into snowmobiling when I was younger, which I guess is now vintage. I've never heard of a Sprailfire? John Deere sleds were all "fires", one of those I'm guessing?
-- Edited by SteveS on Thursday 29th of August 2013 02:03:29 PM
SteveS said
Aug 29, 2013
Not trying to scare you away from the Blue car, it just makes me wonder if they leave a hole in the door panel rather than replacing the $3.00 emblem, what else is wrong.
I had a '72 Arctic Cat Panther 440 that I used to pound the ditches with when I was a kid, could be why my back still hurts . Friend of mine had a Liquifire in early 80's, sharp looking sled. Tony Hoffer, a member here, has a Brut collection.
-- Edited by SteveS on Thursday 29th of August 2013 02:36:34 PM
Sprailfire340 said
Aug 29, 2013
Nothing wrong with a candid opinion, especially when asked for one. That's why I'm here.
Will need to meet Tony. I don't have a Brut in my collection yet, but they made some hot liquid triples that I wouldn't mind having.
-- Edited by Sprailfire340 on Thursday 29th of August 2013 04:13:39 PM
Sprailfire340 said
Aug 29, 2013
Wow - thanks guys. A bunch of great info in less than a day. I knew I was in the right spot.
Scott - no doubt your wagon hauls the mail in style, but not exactly what I'm looking for. Shooting for the nostalgia of his first coupe, a dark brown with black top & vinyl, but my color choice most likely won't be brown.
Love the carsonline.com site...so much diversity. The inspection report seems like money well spent, glad to hear Jon has used and liked the service.
Couple quick financial questions. How is overall market? Soft, hot, rising, etc? Sleds (my hobby) has seen the real high end stuff continue to increase, but the more common consumer models have been soft for several years. Starting to come back but slowly. Also what's the range on a complete paint job or switching from auto to manual transmission? Let's assume all work is outsourced.
Beautiful. That is exactly the type of assessment I was looking for.
And you are correct JD didn't make a Sprailfire, but they did make Trailfires and Sportfires. A bit of joke from my youth. When you are a broke kid that rode hard, things break and need to be repaired. Dad said you broke it, you fix it. Donor sleds were cheaper than NOS parts then and are today too. ALOT cheaper.
bowtie said
Aug 30, 2013
Wondering why they couldn't at least clean and maybe paint the spare?
BB502 said
Sep 12, 2013
theres some great cars in the club that i'd bet 30,000 would buy
Are you after a 66 or 67. 66 in my opinion go for more than the 67's. That 66 looks pretty nice and numbers seem to match, if they are not re-stamps. I spotted a couple of things that make me suspect and then there is no POP or other documentation. Good luck on a build sheet, only Fremount chevelles had them in 66 or 67. Baltimore car ending up in AZ, then title in OH, now being sold in MA? No photo's of vin or cowl, Does the frame vin Match the door pillar vin. If everything is correct I could easily go for 60K+; but the red used in 66 was a Regal Red not the Bolero Red, maybe that is a typo.
-- Edited by jim larson on Friday 13th of September 2013 04:46:49 PM
-- Edited by jim larson on Friday 13th of September 2013 04:47:47 PM
As subject says I'm looking for some advice on purchasing a '67 Chevelle, but first a little background info. I'm in my later 30s with father about to hit 6-0. His first car was a '67 that he bought the day he got his license late '68. Started as 3 on the tree, converted to a 396, 4 on the floor with a mystery shifter...speed, lots of fun and a bit of trouble with local authorities followed. Nothing terrible, just a little hell raisin as that generation would say. Sold sometime in the late 70's as family and occupation became priorities. He has casually talked about finding another one over the years. Fast forward to today and he is 2 years into his battle with the big C. Things are going well for now, but his is one of the tougher ones and father time is not on our side. After driving the same hamster wheel for the past 14 years commuting into the city I'd also like some fun factor in the garage. Which brings me to you guys & gals. Need some help and thought the local club would be a great place to start.
In no particular order this is what I want: manual, mechanically sound, good curb appeal, & Mom wants AC. NO projects, but not a high end trailer queen either. A restored car with a few modern conveniences are A-OK for what we are looking for. She is going to get driven and when appropriate let loose and if it rains I'll turn on the wipers. Can this be found for 25-30k? Where do I start? I found this http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/chevelle/1588291.html which looks nice, but could be done all wrong...I don't know. I don't know the reputable dealers from the crooks. I'm into vintage sleds (thus the goofy handle), know how NOS parts and originality can cause a project to get out of hand quickly. Can spot lipstick on a pig from the other end of the swap meet on 70's muscle sled, but when it comes to Chevelles I'm pretty much lost. Can't bring Dad in to consult as this is a surprise. Hoping you can chime in here with some thoughts or I'd be happy to send you my phone # if you'd rather have a quick conversation.
Thanks in advance.
Mitch
Rockford, MN
Hi Mitch, I just looked on craigslist and did see a few on there and here is one that looks decent http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/cto/3972590417.html Keep us posted on your search and SURPRISE.
Here are some search engines you can use if you want to expand your search. Copy and paste into your browser.
www.searchalljunk.com/
www.searchcraigslist.org/
claz.org/
www.searchtempest.com
If your not looking from an original SS with the original drive train, then 25-30K should find you a good car. Vintage Air can always be added. A Guy from Rockford bought my 66 when I sold it in 1968 after getting my draft notice.
Jim
Good luck!
John
It doesnt have AC but the price seems pretty good and its listed locally. 66/67s are nice because the dash comes out of the car as an assembly and a dash from an AC car with the vents can go in place. But Vintage Air sells both kits for cars w/ac and cars w/ non ac, but the non ac cars have the vents mounted below the dash. So the ac dash gets you a more factory and cleaner look. In other words, AC can be added later. But a BBC, 4 Speed with console and buckets for low 20's is quite reasonable.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/cto/4016994898.html
I don't know the market on 67's but I think that is quite a bit for the one in Hemmings. With a 15 year old restoration, and not original engine it could be bought for less. It photographs really well, but there are details like the two emblems missing on the drivers door panel , 5" tach and second smaller tach, (or speedometer?), exhaust work, that make you wonder what other details are skipped over. With 4:11 gears and exhaust that dumps under the car, you won't be doing any interstate driving. I love the color combo and would love to have it in my garage, but I would think for $30,000 it should either be more original, or a better done custom. My
.
I used to be into snowmobiling when I was younger, which I guess is now vintage. I've never heard of a Sprailfire? John Deere sleds were all "fires", one of those I'm guessing?
-- Edited by SteveS on Thursday 29th of August 2013 02:03:29 PM
Not trying to scare you away from the Blue car, it just makes me wonder if they leave a hole in the door panel rather than replacing the $3.00 emblem, what else is wrong.
I had a '72 Arctic Cat Panther 440 that I used to pound the ditches with when I was a kid, could be why my back still hurts
. Friend of mine had a Liquifire in early 80's, sharp looking sled. Tony Hoffer, a member here, has a Brut collection.
-- Edited by SteveS on Thursday 29th of August 2013 02:36:34 PM
Nothing wrong with a candid opinion, especially when asked for one. That's why I'm here.
Will need to meet Tony. I don't have a Brut in my collection yet, but they made some hot liquid triples that I wouldn't mind having.
-- Edited by Sprailfire340 on Thursday 29th of August 2013 04:13:39 PM
Scott - no doubt your wagon hauls the mail in style, but not exactly what I'm looking for. Shooting for the nostalgia of his first coupe, a dark brown with black top & vinyl, but my color choice most likely won't be brown.
Love the carsonline.com site...so much diversity. The inspection report seems like money well spent, glad to hear Jon has used and liked the service.
Couple quick financial questions. How is overall market? Soft, hot, rising, etc? Sleds (my hobby) has seen the real high end stuff continue to increase, but the more common consumer models have been soft for several years. Starting to come back but slowly. Also what's the range on a complete paint job or switching from auto to manual transmission? Let's assume all work is outsourced.
And finally anyone have specific thoughts about this one? www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/chevelle/1588291.html
I think it is pretty sharp.
Beautiful. That is exactly the type of assessment I was looking for.
And you are correct JD didn't make a Sprailfire, but they did make Trailfires and Sportfires. A bit of joke from my youth. When you are a broke kid that rode hard, things break and need to be repaired. Dad said you broke it, you fix it. Donor sleds were cheaper than NOS parts then and are today too. ALOT cheaper.
Are you after a 66 or 67. 66 in my opinion go for more than the 67's. That 66 looks pretty nice and numbers seem to match, if they are not re-stamps. I spotted a couple of things that make me suspect and then there is no POP or other documentation. Good luck on a build sheet, only Fremount chevelles had them in 66 or 67. Baltimore car ending up in AZ, then title in OH, now being sold in MA? No photo's of vin or cowl, Does the frame vin Match the door pillar vin. If everything is correct I could easily go for 60K+; but the red used in 66 was a Regal Red not the Bolero Red, maybe that is a typo.
-- Edited by jim larson on Friday 13th of September 2013 04:46:49 PM
-- Edited by jim larson on Friday 13th of September 2013 04:47:47 PM