68-72, Welcoming arguments for and against Targa Vs Convertible (maybe Coupe)

[bushy76]

G'day all.
Have been advised by OIC home command  that there is a slight window of opportunity for me to purchase my absolute dream car if at the right price. As I am new to NSW and have never owned a Muscle car before so this really is my ultimate goal.
I do need some qualified advise though, as i trawl through the cars for sale.
There doesnt seem to be much for sale, so i need any information you blokes can give regarding importing Vs local sales......
and ultimately to give me some direction regarding Targa or Convertible.
While there are some beautiful Automatic cars out there, i personally need a Manual so that is the only requirement.
I have always fantasised about owning a convertible, but the great thing about Corvettes is this Targa Option, although im not utterly convinced.
Would greatly appreciate any advise given and look forward to being a new addition to your club.
Cheers n beers
Bushy

[sirfixalot]

Buy one of each, problem solved.Convertible body is prone to more flexing. Solar panel is prone to sunburn. Less wind noise with T-top. AC if fitted more efficient

[StephenSLR]

i need any information you blokes can give regarding importing Vs local sales

With importing there's more choice, however expect the waiting of shipping, import approval, etc. and risks associated, always get the car inspected.

There's a lot of imports coming through so it's driving the price down of our local product, you may be lucky and get a good one here, the advantage is you can inspect the car yourself and drive it home that day if you purchase.

s

[bfit]

Bushy
welcome to the forum
you have the ultimate question  what to get
the see if the commander and chief agrees
( happy wife happy life )
I am thinking from your post you are looking a t C3
so manual  is set in concrete
BB or SB  is the next decision

 If you are not in a hurry look local for a while see what’s out there get some idea of asking price
verse what you think a vehicle is worth

Buying local has its pros and cons as does buying internationally

First familiarize your self with the inherit problems the model you want has
Get some one that is knowledgeable in the model  to give you and appraisal

Do you want a vehicle you can get in a drive or one you can work on
 Just a few thoughts

Search the forum for what to do when buying a vette
A good posting was up a week or so back
Bfit

[StephenSLR]

Search the forum for what to do when buying a vette
A good posting was up a week or so back

http://www.nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,9492.msg1045944284.html#msg1045944284

s

[anychevy]

While there are some beautiful Automatic cars out there, i personally need a Manual so that is the only requirement.
I have always fantasised about owning a convertible, but the great thing about Corvettes is this Targa Option, although im not utterly convinced.

If this is your dream car ? Then buy a convertible.
There are a few nice small block examples for sale here, around the 40K + ballpark
Ask lots of questions, post links to cars your looking at and see the link above
Do your research and make sure you get it inspected by an expert before you commit.
Targas are nice and more rigid, but convertibles are great cruisers.
Good luck with the search

[coradict72]

Gday,first i'd stick with a left hand drive
texas,arizona new mexico if you import
be prepared to constantly keep it running
they look great chrome bumpers I say stay
with a full bodied body lowered they have
the stance.roadsters with hardtops are a pain
to me that would be first option then tilt, steer
power brakes if you need more options go
with the 72, alarm, air.
There are many owners of theses models
come along to a club meeting theres a library
you can read up on all the models
remember these are 40yr+ old cars and you will need
more than an understanding wife...good luck

[anychevy]

Gday,first i'd stick with a left hand drive
texas,arizona new mexico, remember these are 40yr+ old cars and you will need
more than an understanding wife...good luck

Anywhere it doesn't snow is probably ok.
But, just becasue it's for sale in California, doesn't mean it's spent it's whole life there.
I also agree with buying LHD, as conversions can vary a great deal in quality.
And a LHD corvette is not a challenge to drive, even in Sydney traffic.

[StephenSLR]

But, just becasue it's for sale in California, doesn't mean it's spent it's whole life there.

True and it could've been parked outside all winter.

There are also enthusiasts in the rust belt that have climate controlled garages and never drive their good cars in winter so judging by location isn't always foolproof.

And a LHD corvette is not a challenge to drive, even in Sydney traffic.

I got used to it rather quickly and wouldn't have it any other way but each to their own.

s

[Scott]

Also keep in mind that an auto can be converted to manual.  A complete kit to swap the auto for a 5 speed is around $5000 plus labour, but could be done for less. It depends on your level of mechanical ability. Many people seem to thing the best mod they did to their car is swapping from 4 speed to 5 speed.  The overdrive makes the car much more driveable on longer trips.

Just another option, since the majority of cars will be auto.

[StephenSLR]

A complete kit to swap the auto for a 5 speed is around $5000 plus labour

Ouch!

For me a 5-speed is a must as I do a lot of highway cruising.

Personally I’d wait for the right configuration to save those extra $.  I was contemplating a car with 4 speed and my wish list for it was to get it upgraded to 5 speed, the owner upped his price which was too rich for me and luckily a 5-speed came along a few months later that was cheaper overall so it may pay to hold out till what you want appears on the market.  I was looking at US cars so the wait wasn’t too bad.

s

[anychevy]

There are also enthusiasts in the rust belt that have climate controlled garages and never drive their good cars in winter so judging by location isn't always foolproof.

Absolutely, I couldn't agree more.

I've got an M20 with 3.08s and it cruises @ ~ 2300rpm  @ ~ 100 kph, so no need for overdrive.

[bfit]

Absolutely, I couldn't agree more.

I've got an M20 with 3.08s and it cruises @ ~ 2300rpm  @ ~ 100 kph, so no need for overdrive.

I think an over drive is a good idea
I running 3.08 4 speed M20  18" x 40 tires 26.1" diameter
Its run about 2900 at 110 KPH
BB  engine drinks the fuel
Bfit

[anychevy]

I running 3.08 4 speed M20  18" x 40 tires 26.1" diameter

I think your tacho might be wrong ? I know mine is
http://www.csgnetwork.com/multirpmcalc.html

[bfit]

Yes like most old mechanical devises
My guess is that it would read correctly
I rely on that to help  with boys in Blue
at 70 MPH 112K roughly the maths works out at   2855 RPM that does not take into account that rise and fall or the radius in the tire
Bfit

[anychevy]

at 70 MPH 112K roughly the maths works out at   2855 RPM

Your right, it's pretty close. Tyre size and 10ks make a big difference.

[bushy76]

Thanks guys for your input and advice.
I would just like to say thanks to those who visited Appin Pub the week before last and gave my mates a cruze to Wilton.
Honestly this was the only day i missed our weekly ritual and a Corvette show just happens to stop by.

I should probaly have mentioned that i am looking to spend about 30k, and have decided on small block as it will be frequently driven.
please keep your eyes and ears open for us, and i will contintue to trawl throught the classifieds of both countries.

Cheers n Beers

[StephenSLR]

You may want to check Shermatt's facebook page.

To meet your budget you'd have to look at the cars around the 15-20k range to cover his travelling money, etc. for him to get to the car, inspect, freight and to have it landed here.

https://www.facebook.com/shermatt.america

Others here may guide you to other ways of importing.

s

[bfit]

Bushy
some one said to me a few years back that
the majority of vettes buyer when they import a car spend about 20K on it
I thought at the time that could not be rite
I was wrong and 20K is a conservative amount.
having said that  a 30k budget give or take a little more will get a very nice car
if you  do the home work and don't get caught up in the moment when you find one that look  like the one you want.
post what colour you would prefer
Bfit

[craigh]

Welcome.

Lhd  leave it that way.

Each style has its pros and cons.

The targa has a streamlined side profile (coke bottle) that is not matched IMO by the Convertables when they have the top up.

However when the tops are down they have there own profile that is appealing.  Hard tops verts look nice as well.

Gearbox is your choice, depends on if it's for cruising and how you like to drive but I wanted a 4 speed originally but got a th400 and am very happy with that.  Only change I may consider is a 200r4 but it's not pressing as on the highway it's mid 2000's with 3.08.  383 makes up for the gearing.

If u get a chance drive a bb and a sb as they drive differently with the extra weight up front.

Nothing matches a bb exhaust note.

Hard choice and no matter what you choose it will be good but you will still lust over every other one you see.

Craig

Ps.   Be prepared to do work yourself or have lots of money.