Hey all this is my first post so hello! Been working on an owner of a '69 for about 15 years now and he's finally ready to sell. Now we're working on an offer. First I have to say that I would love if it's a real numbers matching Z but even if it wasn't I'm still interested in it. Went to check out some of the numbers today and just at first glance here are the three observations:
1. Engine code is was machined off when the block was decked.
2. Cowl ID looks good... X33
3. Block casting number looked good... 3932386

Car ran but about 8 years ago but hasn't been started since. It obviously is a project car but it's actually it's in pretty good condition considering being stored outside for the last few years. No major rust. The owner actually started work on it and had most items for restore and already has seats upholstered.

Currently has about $8k in parts. Owner has major money so we're thinking he only wants what he has in it. So my question is what should I expect to pay considering we're not 100% all numbers match? We offered $8k and he said he's thinking he wants a little more but is going to get back to us. Again all numbers matching would be awesome but not a deal breaker for me.

What would be the max you'd be willing to go knowing what I've verified so far?

https://plus.google.com/photos/11039...Imb6IXc6cfM5AE

 

You know where to check and what to look for? Just because he has parts does not mean they are usable. If the motor has been rebuilt once and heavy scratch in a cylinder that is already bored .030 can be a block killer. A lot of your question will come back to condition. When you test drive a car you can feel what is tight and what is going to need attention. You get handed a pile of boxes you have no idea how much is even usable.

From what I have been seeing you would be at my max at 8K. I have seen a LOT of projects selling for well under what people had invested in them.

 

2. X33 is a Z28 code, that's good
3. In 69, that same block casting was used for the 302, 327 and 350. With the numbers and code shaved off, there's no way to know if it is in fact the original 302 engine, or any 302 for that matter.
If there really is $8k worth of extra parts with the car, then I think what you're hitting the owner with is fair, provided the body is as solid as you make it sound. What are the parts anyway, most of what you need to reassemble the car?

 

Ditto on the numbers pad being ground off.
However, all is not lost on VIN.
Drvr side, in the most vertical part of the bellhousing mounting on the block, above the oil filter, the block should have the VIN stamped in the rough casting area, the 3/4 inch by 3 inch long space.

Good luck with the inspection and the buy if agreed upon.

 

Coming from an owner of a X33 Z, I agree with the above's... 8K-10K is in the right direction specially if it's X33 and with 8K in extra... could be a steal ! If it's salvageable (not much rust as you stated) your gonna drop close to that easily just on a plain Camaro that's still gonna need major work.
But now what's the 8K in extras ? All new parts such as body panels or original salvaged parts ? What about the engine parts like the intake, carb, smog exhaust manifolds, deep groove pulleys and distributor ? Are they original to a Z and dated correctly within to the assembly date of the engine and Fisher body assy date of the car? Again... if so then you could be getting a real steal!

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

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