You've
probably heard the stories time and again. Someone buys a vintage Corvette that
shines like a bright penny but is actually as phony as a three-dollar bill.
While the paint may shine on the outside, underneath there might be frame rot,
bent frame rails, damaged spring towers and other ravages. And although the
sign may say, "numbers matching," is it really? How does a first-time buyer
prevent from being
fleeced?
One way is to arm one's self with knowledge before
making a purchase. There are a variety of reference books available that contain
the codes and numbers you need to verify a correct car. An informed consumer
is a smart consumer, because he's less prone to jump on a Corvette that may
look pretty but is a disaster waiting to happen. It gives you the ability to
walk away from a rolling money pit.
That's why Corvette restorer Kevin Mackay holds an
annual seminar at his restoration shop in Valley Stream, New York. Kevin's restorations
have won countless Bloomington Gold and NCRS Duntov awards, and his craftsmanship
in restoring Corvettes is legendary. During these seminars he explains not only
what numbers and damage to look for but where to look for it. We followed Kevin
along at his last seminar as he explained the basics of what to watch for when
buying a vintage Corvette. Along the way he also showed us some aspects of a
correct restoration. This can come in handy if you are contemplating the purchase
of an older restoration.