The Nightmare 1972 Corvette I Bought on eBay -- Cobbled Together Junk

[@drthompson1962]

id be filing a claim with eBay on that

[@llg3pe]

Agreed

[@endtimes2100]

Whoever sold you that car is a straight up thief and should be behind bars.

[@robertfury295]

It’s a used car. Do due diligence. Never trust pics. I’ve learned that the hard way.

[@Jonhobbs64]

​@@robertfury295exactly! Around here (Texas) if you buy one at the auction on a red light and the car breaks in half, you are responsible for taking both pieces home with you!

[@rickmassey1272]

He said he bought other trash online so he kinda asked for it,not learning his lesson from past purchasing....​@@robertfury295

[@mybigfartsreallystin]

@rickmassey1272 SHADDUP...

[@jimharvard]

i've been a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Attorney for over thirty years. i also have a mopar collection and have had six Corvettes. most of my vehicles have come from out of state and one i had to file suit over as the seller tried to back out of the deal. i won the case and got the car and damages. i often help fellow car guys with problems and if you were my client, i would advise you to go to the local "small claims court" and file a claim. i think you are in Florida and your local court is either a District Court or a Magistrate Court - but your local Courthouse can tell you where your local small claims court is based upon your residence address. you could probably file a suit for around $100 dollars and have the seller served with the papers for another $200 dollars. if you served the seller with a "formal" lawsuit, he would likely want to offer you a settlement. if you paid $4k for the car, i would ask for half the money as a refund - $2k. as you noted, you could probably get $2k out of parts from this car. most people will take a lawsuit seriously as they would not want to travel to your court to defend the action. and if the guy doesn't show up for the hearing, you will get a "default judgment" for the full amount you asked for which you then can send to the Sheriff Department of the County where the seller lives and have the Sheriff collect the money judgment for you. if you don't want to sue the seller, then i guess this is just a "learning experience" for you or a topic for several youtube videos. buying a car sold "as is" does protect the seller "up to a point." however, if the car has been "substantially" misrepresented, a buyer can still file a suit claiming that the seller "intentionally" engaged in "fraud" or "deception." good luck with whatever you decide.

[@Rick_Foley]

Every warning about buying a used car sight-unseen that I have heard since I was a kid brought to life in one video.

[@robertfury295]

Couple big warnings. 1) no truly good pics underneath 2) one sentence description 3) no close ups. I love this channel and I’ve learned a great deal from Ben. But this happens sight unseen. I’ve bought some stuff on Facebook marketplace, a couple times pre paid, and it wasn’t very good. Not cars but. Honestly, the seller posted pics that weren’t fraudulent and a one sentence description. In my view that’s not really being dishonest. It’s a used car. There’s nothing guaranteed.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

The main thing is I expected a 1972 corvette to come with a 1972 chassis and front clip. Is that really out of line?

[@robertfury295]

@@TheCorvetteBenI’m with you, not really a criticism. He certainly wasn’t upfront but I wouldn’t go so far to say he was fraudulent. I’d guess technically it still is, by law, a 1972? I don’t technically know what must remain for a car to be that car if that makes sense. Btw if that was a good ish, meaning fairly restorable, what would it go for? Was it a steal? I just don’t know their value but I’d guess a chrome bumper vette must be worth far more than a mid late 80’s? I guess if the price was too good to be true then…..maybe every bidder was fooled though. My best friend’s Dad had a silver anniversary corvette and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. And 70’s corvettes are still my fav body style. Someday I will restore one and your videos will, I’m sure, be my best reference on how to do it. Cheers!

[@stevebilenky4059]

obviously 100% deliberate, you have a strong case if you decide to take action with the authorities, it's across state lines, and eBay.

[@ericswenson7528]

Ebay won't do anything about it unless you didn't get the title. If the car is older than 10 yrs old it won't be covered by there protection they offer. I bought an 1981 corvette off ebay and was scammed by the seller and the shipper and received zero support from ebay. Never buy a car from off ebay unless you know and trust the seller and if you do get insurance on the car before its shipped. The shipper broke the T-tops when shipping and weren't on the car when I received it. He admitted to breaking them and wouldn't do anything about it so I contacted his insurance company and they wouldn't do anything about it either because it was a loss of under $2500.00. The seller was from NC and shipped to Florida.

[@crawford323]

I hate to see you being taken. $3600 is not so much but the loss in trust in your fellow humans is the real loss.

[@jamiemaloney1552]

I'm amazed t the amount of effort someone put into putting together such a piece of crap.Hopefully there's something you can salvage from it.

[@stevevarholy2011]

That's what amazed me too. Why would anyone go through that much labor?

[@heavyearly2232]

It's unbelievable. How much time did he spend bondo-ing that crap?

[@surfer5352]

​@@stevevarholy2011 $4000. That's why. They should be charged with a crime of some kind for this.

[@rickmassey1272]

..he made two prior bad purchases..he clearly is incapable if learning anything

[@mybigfartsreallystin]

​@@rickmassey1272SHADDUP...

[@charlietuna350]

Benny, don't hold back on who the scumbag is, dude. You have a large audience. These days, people get put on blast for less, dude.

[@jeffreyshepherd8488]

arminhott87. Just looked up completed listings, and he probably didn't say the name because he knew someone would 😂

[@brandons72vette]

He posts C1’s frequently that are in the $30-40K on FB. My Dad has tried to buy a few and has been less than friendly and straight. Seeing this video, it might be a blessing he didn’t buy from armin in Miami.

[@KariLPVideos]

The seller has his information out there on the Corvette forums. He's had multiple complaints before.

[@stevenmatsoukas7905]

The side mirror looks okay.😂

[@randysinger2673]

Just checked, he has two corvettes listed on ebay right now ! Did a little digging, looks like the car was done at Auto Club Body & paint service, 4101 E 11th Ave Hialeah, FL 33013, other cars he is selling on ebay right now have that location in the back ground.

[@billywird]

Gives a heads up for other potential buyers who are looking on Facebook Marketplace and happen to view vehicles from this establishment.

[@radiodave1]

Hang on to it till this summer... take it to Alaska where they launch cars off a cliff on July 4! Hopefully you'll get views that will triple what you paid for the car! THAT.... would be epic!

[@neilschipper3741]

Surprise, surprise, surprise ! I do believe bubba sold you a saltwater flooded car😮

[@danielpage8249]

File a complaint with ebay! Ebay sides with buyers especially in a case like this, do it and post a follow up.

[@valengreymoon5623]

That one came from "Bubba's Broken Backyard Bondo Buggies".

[@michaelhill2844]

I know what you're thinking. Complete disassembly. Acid dipped. Frame-off rotisserie restoration to a Concours D'Elegance Pebble Beach standard.

[@texasmotorcyclerideradventures]

😂

[@donalddonovan2220]

I'd still file a claim

[@markharkey2480]

Sorry Ben. I think you have the right attitude. Cut losses and move on and chalk it up to experience.

[@jimburig7064]

This is the worst I have seen!

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

I would be hounding ebay for resolution..

[@cross3fire]

Sell as a prop car, to be destroyed in some show or movie.

[@patdolan7418]

It's not worth suing over, but the seller deserves it. It's not even a Corvette: it's a pile of Corvette parts glued & screwed together. Just putting a few Corvette badges on a pile of rust and 'glas doesn't mean that it's a Corvette. Sorry you got taken by that seller. That sucks. Just like it sucks that they created that Zombie 'Vette. No car deserves that.

[@specialroy2140]

I saw that car on eBay...The rear jacked up like that looked shady... Chrome bumper C3 '72 Stingray for under 4 grand ?...Too good to be true...Vettes are tricky...

[@toddcoen7822]

It's 3600 for a reason, don't buy cars sight unseen. It's sucks you got taken, but you have to use your own eyes to judge things your buying. 3600.00 is a parts car, or a rough project, which is what you bought. It's on you dude.

[@Raptor3388]

Even a C4 you shouldn't buy sight unseen. I managed to buy the only rusted out C4 in existence like that. It looks allright, suncooked interior, but I expected a paint job and to replace the interior. The frame rails were trash. It came from Florida as well.

[@TheCorvetteBen]

I knew it was a parts car to begin with, I mean, what $3,600 1972 isnt a parts car? The main thing that surprised me was the chassis/front clip not being 1972. Also the fact that the seller was willing to take pics of the frame rails, and then not take pics of the crossmember being totally gone.

[@MAGAEATSBOOGERS1]

Maybe sell it to a movie prop house so they can use it crashing into it. lol That is trash.

[@jeffreyshepherd8488]

Yes glad to see another video from you!

[@jeffreyshepherd8488]

But not glad to see this car. Yikes lol

[@jimschafer9196]

WOW what some people will go through to steal a buck, thank you for the content, I guess you will be doing more in-depth photo shoots on the next car.

[@Jeff_Pendleton]

I am so sorry this happened. It’s a shame that some people would do this. I appreciate your integrity.

[@RestorationObsession]

Cardboard floors!?? And all that bondo and wrongness! How heartbreaking! Maybe you can make a yard sculpture out of it?

[@Sigforty40]

This video reminds me of a channel I came across where a guy buys vehicles and he found some people in Florida who selling similar junk. They would take some copart vehicles and strip them of anything good then cobble them back together to make them look less wrecked and try to get more money.

[@GenXVette]

Frankenvette.

[@tonya9955]

I think you should file a dispute with Ebay out of principal.

[@donolbers]

I would guess there is more than 3600 dollars in labor alone, tossing all of that crap together into a rolling pile. You came out ahead! What a pile, omg!

[@crawford323]

I wonder if the intention of the car was to be destroyed in a Fast and Furious movie.

[@wkjeeping9053]

You can't even use it for parts. Nothing there to save. That motor is guarantee to be seized with holes in the cylinders

[@mickeymooseize]

Don't ever buy a Car on ebay period folks!!!

[@surfer5352]

Agreed!

[@steves9905]

I've never seen a cross member rusted like that. Its like it was sitting in mud for years

[@mitch300sdl]

It’s like a coffee cup or ashtray a child made in art class . Has the shape but no function . It hurt to be misled , but you shared the experience so other folks can be better prepared . That is what separates you from the dishonest .

[@tompalcie6284]

They had to have more labor hours in that shit show work than if you even half assed it. Wow that's clearly been done to fleece someone

[@deanjones1041]

3D printed!!! I know how to get my C8 NOW!!!

[@LilHoss]

Come on, that shit'll buff out!!!! Lol 😆

[@Charlieswirld]

Drinking game, take a shot every time you hear the word "trash". Good luck living through this video.

[@geraldfischer6049]

Ben, I saw a car (Impala about 1980) that was pulled out of a swamp in Florida that looked better than that under carriage! I saw the sign in the eBay pictures! Good advertiseing!

[@rxn.713]

Seeing this makes me feel more appreciative of my project '78 Vette

[@bigospig]

You bought a very expensive '72 title and they threw in a Corvette shaped pile of garbage. 😆

[@jbutjo]

Who was the seller?

[@tinkerne-round4079]

They put an incredible amount of work into building that. It's not like the seller made money after all the time and effort they spent cobbling it together. It's like they did it out of enjoyment knowing they were screwing someone.

[@dkelly8939]

It almost seems like they were trying to make 3D Art, instead of a drivable car

[@larrysutherland4870]

i restored vettes for a few years and i got pissed off all the time but man that car maukes me feel like i got lucky

[@zachreese6540]

I saw this car on ebay too and wanted to run screaming. Unethical POS seller intentionally hid nearly everything on the Corvette. Is there any recourse since this is not even a 72 chassis?

[@neoachemist74]

The guys tat clueged that steaming.pile together were howling with laughter

[@jimcabezola3051]

At least the windshield is not...Saran Wrap... I hope you and the family can still have a Merry Christmas despite...this...

[@rickmassey1272]

You've convinced me...I'LL NEVER PURCHASE A VEHICLE OFF EBAY.

[@danlaur7973]

What terms did the Ebay listing provide? Even with a "no returns" sale, Ebay would cancel this deal if the item was not as described, contact Ebay first

[@seagull4800]

from your 200th like, thank you for not only allowing us to live vicariously through you, but also how to do it right

[@magpiemak5981]

You can't blame Bubba for this. He got higher standards. The underside and birdcage looks like an older saltwater flood car. Everything else aside, who does this to a body? Sculpted with a hammer, a wire wheel & bondo...It looks deliberate...It honestly looks vandalized. Unbelieveable, Ben. Feel for ya.

[@SamDancing-s2p]

Watching from Texas

[@Novaman66]

You’ll laugh,you’ll cry, you’ll kiss 3.6 k goodbye!!!😳😳😳

[@Supermankev2001]

I always think, buying the best car you can afford is better than a Fixeruper. I bought a 1975 convertible L82 4speed I still spent 4000 to rebuild the transmission and I have to fix the roof release spring. But It is a great car shiny and no rust of any kind and everything works including the clock. Spend more and save yourself a ton of expenses.

[@goratgo1970]

Sounds sweet regardless - last of the C3 conv. Congrats!

[@stevew9247]

The seller is a Corvette specific seller.....and he sold that car on Ebay at least once before he sold it to you. I guess the first buyer took one look and ran.

[@warrengee-f9l]

LOL ... remember as a kid in the 70s hearing a Corvette is fiberglass it cant rust & im in Ontario its a Dimond in the WOOF Id literaly throw it back at EBAY

[@davidkimsey9591]

So sorry you got took like this. File a complaint with eBay and excoriate that seller on their review. You might help prevent someone else for falling for another scam.

[@a.c.m.e.ink.4568]

The first Red Flag, 🚩 those ridiculously hideous bubble taillights. Screams, Bubba's been here. Why, why, why do people insist on putting them on!!????

[@edsanderson8603]

Because they look so cool!

[@a.c.m.e.ink.4568]

@@edsanderson8603 Says the guy working for Autozone, making minimum wage!.😂

[@billydee8051]

Merry Christmas to you and yours, CorvetteBen! I hope you guys have a Safe and Happy New Year!! The sole purpose of putting that 'car' together was to deceive and defraud the Buyer. I can't imagine how someone would feel purchasing that car from overseas where the expense would be much greater with an even less chance of having any recourse. The act itself was criminal and reprehensible...almost wanton. Personally, I'd aggressively (as much as practical) go after the Seller from a punitive and civil standpoint. I'd engage eBay. I understand the meaning of 'let the buyer beware' but eBay does have a vested interest in protecting their brand and may be able to help in any recovery. Besides, there's too much grift in this world and the more we accept it, the more we'll get. On the bright side, you're able to laugh about it and share an interesting 'lessons learned' video. I look forward to seeing your follow up. It seems you only have a few hundred dollars' worth of parts (glass and some trim) but you'd know for sure. Maybe I'll have a better understanding when I see your follow up video.

[@vettegreaser6590]

Holy crap, I think I bid to $3k on that car. I will never bid on anything he sells again. Arminhot or something like that

[@dkelly8939]

I bought an old car on eBay. First and last. Never again. Can’t believe how many issues hidden. Let the buyer be aware. Sorry for your issue

[@oldredchevy-hh6de]

Someone put in a lot of time & gathered up a lot of materials to make it.

[@DanielNiclas]

Dude that Quadrajet looks correct!!?? 7041212?? That’s $1000 right there!

[@briang4470]

Sounds crazy, but I wonder if this car was deliberately thrown together to look ok from 20+ ft away, to be used as a sign/decoration for a business or "yard art" at someones house. Because it seems like they truly never intended for it to ever drive but to look like a 72 from afar, I have seen people do stuff like this with tri 5 Chevy's and turn them into business signs.

[@jessicawells5145]

Hate to say it but you walked right into to this.3.500 he would have to have detailed pictures of it on a lift or would have to do a live video.never bye sight unseen ever!!

[@ccnixon]

I found this corvette on Ebay under sold and completed listings. The listing say's need complete restoration. Ben has no recourse since it was listed as needing complete restoration. It was pretty low down what the seller did, but he covered his ass by the words he chose in the listing.

[@carguy4658]

I don't buy anything online without seeing it eyeballs on, hands on, before $$$s are exchanged.

[@davidward4329]

You not alone.

[@edjacobs8876]

Ebay motors vpp is a real thing. I believe you have recourse.

[@99goat99]

Yard art. That's all that is right now. I'm sorry someone did this to you, and that someone did that to a Corvette. ANY Corvette.

[@trimmerman1]

I am not laughing Ben. I do not think it is the least bit funny. I have seen Corvettes for a grand that were better. This theft went to a lot of trouble to commit this con.

[@elarson312]

That's not a car. It's not even a mockup of a car. It's a third graders construction project. Scrap that thing and let that seller know that they are thieves.

[@joemunoz8378]

I can't stand Ebay sellers like that. Heartless jackasses. Karma will get these crooks.

[@rbarker4426]

It is a rolling eyesore. Not even good enough for a flower pot, very good educational video. I thought Corvettes were made from fiberglass. Put the body on top of a boat. You could probably get your money back.

[@juliamiller2299]

You should take a cheap flight or drive out to see the next car. You're crazy to keep buying these cars using just a couple of photos. That guy from the Vehcor channel will drive 1300 miles to see a car he is buying and he rebuilds wrecks.

[@daviddunn773]

I had a 72 LT 1 wow that is Junk

[@drjohnosterman9681]

PS, although I am an NCRS member, I got bit once a number of years ago and fortunately was able to sell out of it. but it is a pure pain in the ass. Much easier to sell chrome bumper parts C3 than any others but as Ben is showing, Buyer be effen aware. Only buy what is in your pay grade and restoration experience.

[@rockeroller]

It's a cool looking car, but you need to source a frame, and do a whole Lotta fabbing, and sourcing parts. Basketcase

[@samgraham9930]

I almost like the color. t's close to a slot car color I had in the 60's. Don't do this again Ben.

[@sayrerowan734]

Maybe you can salvage the new windshield

[@vettekid3326]

It appears that someone or more then one person gathered up bits out of a junkyard to sell as a car. I've seen this type of quality before but it was just to make a junkyard display on a pole and never meant to be sold.

[@johnpye7177]

I may have paid twice as much , but this made me feel alot better about my car.

[@asteverino8569]

Well, 70's era Corvettes. What can I say. Live and learn. The question is, was it legally misrepresented? A bad review of the seller may be in order. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@crawford323]

Nothing to do but laugh.

[@edwardalamo2507]

Name the person and place we can help get your money back

[@mikespringer9343]

Yard art? Paint your business name on side?

[@Simplyput3451]

Hopefully the youtube revenue from your video will help. Let's all like and share this video to help Ben.

[@scottmaz4063]

Lmao Merry Christmas Ben lol

[@RandBLSWorld]

I saw that car on eBay .. wow what a bag of poop 💩

[@robhowe2240]

You are really good Technician and seem to be a really nice young man you did not deserve this

[@Jonhobbs64]

I noticed that the leaf spring was not broken in half. I had a 72 that had every single leaf broken in the middle😮

[@EllisonLowrimore-y8h]

As said many times! Buyer beware! So sad!!

[@c3dk]

Well into 5 min into the video, I was thinking, ok Ben make it back to factory, it will cost $ and time, but you could make a long and build serie, but after seeing +5 min, then it's scarp. Shame it is a 72 !

[@jimdavis2848]

I did eBay back when it started but dropped out after about 5 years because of this kind of crap,I buy nothing unless I personally can look it over or have someone I know in the area of the car do it for me. Don’t worry the pains in your gut will go away in time,take it from someone who knows…..!!!!!

[@turkeylegfredxpress5592]

Bro this gave me anxiety... to think that when i started following your channel back in 2020 I went thru a divorce and sold my 72' Texas vette with a 69' engine that needed some tlc but she was complete, white with red interior... sold her for $500 thought about contacting you but didn't, chucks 😢

[@stevekar1597]

I know a guy he brought a t type 1987 on ebay and when it was shipped to his house he discovered the the frame was cut and welded on from a accident never buy a car from just pictures