I need some input from members of the board...I'd like to know what you would pay for a frame off restored 68 Coupe, 99% complete MINUS an engine?

Boy, that's an easy question. :p I'll assume it was originally a 350 since you did not tell us. I believe it would be worth $10,000 at the most--and that is for a close to perfect car. I appreciate a nonnumbers matching car, but a car with the original engine/transmission is more valuable than with a similar nonoriginal engine. And it will be rather costly to find an engine and most likely rebuild it.

I would probably not pay more than $8,500 though.

I'm probably not close to other opinions, but I went first--lol.

lets assume someone buys a pontiac crate engine...$4000 and have a 'restored' coupe...should be worth 15-18k? so deduct 4k plus installation, maybe also shipping ,since it cant be driven...you`d have 9-12 k? would I be close...? just trying to put an eductated guess on it....not a buyer myself...

I would be afraid to buy a restored car and would only consider cars ranging from showing its wear and tear, down to a basket case if the price were right.

Looking at from an outsider and never have seen the car, first guess would be anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000. Everyone's definition of "frame-off" restoration is different. And this is not a personal dig, so please don't take it that way. But there are many different degrees of a restoration. For example:
1. Was the shell, panels and frame acid dipped?
2. How much powder coating vs. painting was done?
3. How many receipts/pictures do you have to show the work?
4. Did you use all original/NOS parts?
5. How much rot had to be replaced?
6. Who painted the car and what system dig they use?
7. What kind and brakes/suspension are in place?
8. Std or Deluxe Interior?
9. AC?

And the list can go on. The reality is what Amervo says, I would be afraid to buy a restored car for a large sum. But there is also the other side of the coin and that is the seller. He/she may feel it is worth much, much more due to the time/labor spent on the car. I know I'd never get out what I put into my car. If you had a lot of positive answers to the above questions with documentation, then the price is closer to $10,000. If not, then it goes down from there.

Personally I`d not buy a car that was "just painted" either...you never know how well the body work was done.,... a few years old job would better tell...but if done 'right'...it should be worth the money....

myself , also would probably not get out what I have in mine, at least right now....I now have over 23k in it, but maybe after a few years ,as values rise......

I feel that if Kens car is done 'right' and he has the info to 'prove it'...it would/should be a 10-12k car...if basically all you need to do is add a motor and go..

Hey Guys...Thanks for the input...A little depressing and not really what I wanted to hear though...No wonder why Firebirds have a lower value than Camaros!...I know if this was a Camaro, I could easily get around 12K minus the motor.

When most people spend some coin on a car, they like to be able to test drive it first. That usually seals the deal. If they like how the car drives, and how the engine responds, it speaks to their emotions.

Best bet would be to drop a motor in that car, get it fully operational, and then try to sell it. Motor prices can vary from $500 to $4k depending on when it was built, etc.

Then again, there are people who are just interested in a nice, clean, rust free body that can drop in their own favorite motor themselves and enjoy! :p

For better or worse, if it was a similar shape Camaro it would be gone in less than an hour for 12k. BUT, i still think your car is worth 12k if it is truly a quality frame off restoration. 12k doesnt get you much these days.