Advice on getting information from a former owner

[CopoFan]

I think many of you already know some of the story behind Ribbon COPO... and the fact that we have been in touch with every owner since 1970. The one who owned it from 1970-1978 immediately told us this was originally a 427 car, but he bought it from an insurance company as a theft recovery, minus motor, trans and wheels. He installed a 396/4spd out of a 67 SS Chevelle, which it still has in it today. (He bought the COPO after his 69 SS396 Chevelle, which he had ironically put a 427 in, was stolen). He also put the ribbon paint job on the COPO, and painted the entire underneath in a silver/cobweb paint scheme.

Since 1995, while my brother, and then friend, owned the car, they talked to this guy 4 times at his business, all pleasant conversations, lots of memories shared by him, etc. They even took the car there a few times and offered him the keys, he declined, but stood there and stared at it for a long time... like a long lost family member. They even showed him a rod bearing we kept when we rebuilt the motor... showing him the fact that it was dated 1971, back when he rebuilt it.

He mentioned that he still has a box, pictures and "stuff", in his basement. He said he'd bring it up to work and give a call... but never followed through. He also mentioned that if the car is ever for sale, he wants first chance to buy it, and was a bit disappointed when my brother sold it to my friend back in 1997. The last time they saw him was in 1999. He either has no incentive to dig up the old box of stuff and bring it to work, or probably just forgets all about it.

So the question is... what can I entice this guy with? What if he found a build sheet while painting the car and threw it in this box? What if he has documentation from the insurance company about the original owner or original drivetrain? I guess the old saying "money talks" may come into play... but I don't feel like paying a ton of money for a couple of old photographs. Another thought I had was to offer x dollars for pics and misc info, and yyy dollars for anything proving the car's history.

The other train of thought... if he knows what he could get out of an original COPO, and has the information to prove it, why help me at all?

I haven't started ripping the interior apart for a build sheet yet... partially because I don't have high hopes, and partially because the weather is nice.

I just treated her to an oil change, valve adjustment, plugs, shifter adjustment, etc... and she's itching for more driving.

Thanks,
Bob

[njsteve]

I dont mean to give you grief, but pull out the darn interior, already.

That may very well be the determining factor in whether anything in that guy's basement is worth you spending more than a case of beer for. If you find a build sheet or some other paperwork you are golden. If not, you simply spent a day removing and cleaning your interior.

As for how to reach this guy, honesty is best way to approach him. Tell him that you had nothing to do with what the prior owners did or didn't do in reference to offering it to him. But you own it now and in the future if you ever do sell it you would give him first crack at it. Tell him you'll put it in writing if he wants.

When I found the original owner of my Z11 Pace Car, the first thing I told him was that he is first in line if I ever sold it, if he wanted it. He said right then, "No thank you but thanks for the offer...and here is my original photo album - feel free to scan what you want."

[Hylton]

[ QUOTE ]


So the question is... what can I entice this guy with?

Thanks,
Bob

[/ QUOTE ]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!

[PeteLeathersac]

Look in the car for the paper first but why not offer to take the fella to a show w/ the car?.
Seeing the interest in the car and his paintwork firsthand (or even meeting some skeptics) may make him more forthcoming w/ his box o' goodness?.

If he's agreeable to go, you may as well hand the driving over to him for the full effect too...amazing how a few burnouts in the old wheels may make him feel also it'd keep you safe to partake in a few cool ones!.


~ Pete

[68l30]

Good luck Bob.....I've been going thru the same thing..I ran into the previous owner of my car two summers ago. I was at a show and he came over telling me about a car he had just like this....I asked if his name was Paul...Then watched the color run out of his face....It was his car! Talked for an hour...He then went home and got his family and took all kinds of pictures...He and his wife first dated in this car..His kids took pics of the two in my car and all over.....I didn't have a camera, so I asked if I could get his number and get some copies.No problem. Turns out we go to the same church,and live 10 minutes apart...Small world..I run into him by chance 23 years after I bought the car... Never heard from the freak again....He won't return emails or calls from me..I was even going to let him take it for a ride again and first dibs if I ever sell...Sometimes it just don't happen....


Steve

[CopoFan]

Hi Steve,

Man, thats even worse than my story, thats so strange, especially how excited he got. Maybe he got all depressed after seeing it, who knows.

Here's an angle I just thought of, and one that maybe you can try.

I'm going to ask him if I can come by his house with my car to take a picture of him next to it, since I'm going to put together a poster of the history of the car for shows. Tell him I'd love to have his name and picture on this to give him credit for being the 2nd owner, painting it, etc. I think this may give some incentive. Especially since I've already run into a couple of people who remember this car from back when he owned it in the 70's.

[68l30]

Yep, tried that route to. I invited him to a Camaro show, to spend the afternoon with "his" Camaro....Nope, nothing doing..


Steve

[Mr. Chevy]

Bob, sounds like this guy unfortunately will want some large $$$ for the stuff he may have for the car.. This is most likely because he is a "car guy" from the way it sounds.. Too bad the previous owner wasn't really into the hobby and could care less about having this information. That type of person would most likely just give it to you to get rid of it..

Hopefully this guy won't "jack you around" and just give or sell you the stuff for a reasonable offer.. Definately stay on top of this guy and be persistent for the "stuff." I definately would!! You never know what he has or what you will find.. Good Luck..

Rich