1969 Corvette Stingray 359 Coupe

1969 Chevrolet Corvette Description:

Late 69 C3 Coupe with small block 350 -300hp 4V automatic TH400, 3.08 rear end. Original Florida car, brought to Los Angeles by an aspiring actress, where I purchased it 25 years ago. Over that time I have always kept it indoors and although I only put about 2,000 miles on it, I did completely transform the car.

I have done a frame-on restorationwith quality body work done on the car by J&D Corvettes in Bellflower California.I had an inexpensive paint job done on the car because my garage was very narrow and I didn't want to damage an expensive job. I put my money instead into the bodywork, drivetrain and interior.

If you know these cars, the window frame is the most susceptible to rust, which was no exception with this car when I bought it.The window and t-top (birdcage) damage were cut out, and replaced with new framing, even underthe firewall. Extensive bodywork was done on the fiberglass of the car to remove any damage.

In the process I installed a new windshield, all new weather stripping and interior panels. I replaced the entire running gear, with new bushings,springs,Bilstein shocks,fiberglass rear spring,ball joints,allu-joints,tie rods, idler arm, new rear trailing arms (another common problem rust area), bushings, spindles and wheel bearings, frontsway bar,rebuilt 3.08( freeway gear) differential. Rebuilt entire brakesystem with new lines, stainless steel sleeved calipers with braided brake lines, parking brake shoes and all hardware, BFG Radial TA's, fiberglass rear spring.

It has the motor that was in it when I bought the car. It's a replacement, so not numbers matching. I kept waiting for years for a reason to replace it, but it runs really well and just keeps going. I think for the next owner this would be a fun replacement if you want to go number matching. Coast Corvettes rebuild the distributor. Iinstalled the rebuilt steering box and coupler, mastercylinder, alternator,fuel pump, motor andtransmission mounts and a new hi-flow aluminum radiator. It has a stainless steel exhaust that was gifted to me by Magnaflow when they used the car for a template to create a small block C3 system. I replace the entirevacuum line system with the correct tubes and actuators, so yes, theheadlights and wiper door work!

The interior is very nice and was completely rebuilt by J&D Corvettes, with the original matching red leather interior. Everything inside is new, all panels, carpet, new storage box covers, visors,seatbelts restored, electric windows, fiber optic system and all gauges work. I have the original radio, but it needs restoration or replacement.

If I were to keep it, I would replace the fuel lines that run under the body, but will require lifting the body off. I haven't gotten to the front grillwork which could use some alignment, the power steering piston or valve is leaking so probably needs rebuilding, and it needs a new rubber bumper on the rear differential. The AC was disconnected years ago, but the integrity of the plumbing and vents was maintained.

Lots of documentation.I didn't spare expenses in keeping it original as well as making sure everything was done right. It's not a show car, but it's a good base for the next owner to take it there if they wanted to.

There is not a lot of unknowns here, most of the major hidden cost nightmare items have already been uncovered and addressed. As the new owner you can now focus on fine tuning the details that are the easiest, most visible and funnest to do.