oldschoolvette

I just picked up a 77 for the wife for a resto project we can do together.

the car is ruff but a fair price.

Opinion:

It would cost $$$ to get this old girl back to factory, but I could put my 454 in it, redo the gage console my self with Autometer gages and just sort of reto-mod it to a Big Block side pipe AC car with a hot rod flavor

I understand that it would hurt the value?? it would be nice and clean.

Thoughts?

I just happen to be a Big Block Nut and already have all the stuff laying in shop waiting for a home. I could keep the L82 wrapped up in plastic or something just in case. but really is the 77 going to ever be the holy grail of Vettes? I don't see it?

TurboStitchCW

If you're looking at doing that much modification, I wouldn't worry about diminishing the value. If/when it comes time to sell it, sell it as it is....a stock under-powered car that has a big block with side pipes. A "non-numbers matching fun machine".

77s were a part of the low-power era in Corvette history and had the rubber bumpers, so it's doubtful that they will ever be worth as much as a chrome bumper car.

IMO, sell off that old L82 to someone that cares about and wants date codes, for funds to put back into her.

markids77

Build it your way. Used Kias can sell for more than nice 77s, and if it is rough now you can make it your own without remorse.

Easy Mike

What does your wife say? This one is supposed to be her car.

qwank

i vote for the big block. but the L82 is a good engine for a head and cam swap.

Dustup7T2

You're a lucky guy if the wife wants to get involved to build "her" car so like the others have mentioned, build it any way that pleases both of you and then go enjoy it.

The biggest value you'll get out of the car is whatever floats your boat.

You'd probably get more push back if it was a NCRS Top Flight car and telling us that you want hamburger now, instead of filet mignon.

Have a ball and show us some pictures, "while you're at it".

cb.bums

have fun, big block that mother and drive the wheels off of it.

oldschoolvette

she wants to paint it to match my 53 pick up and put the big block in it so that she can keep up. The 53 has mountain motor (582)

Redwing01

Well ... If that what she wants then that's probably the direction you should go... If you know what's good for ya!!!
Have fun.

oldschoolvette

10-4 I had an account with photo bucket but it doesn't work since the reboot

leadfoot4

Always remember, if mama's happy, EVERYBODY will be happy!!

oldschoolvette

tonight we got the new calipers painted so we can put breaks on it. along the way discovered that the L-82 350 is not that its a turd 2 bolt truck engine.

I believe we are gonna build a nasty small block for it instead.

Everything will fit, and I can save the BBC for a different project.

Boss says its fine, better on gas and easier to get the AC to work

as long as it beats the ground

oldgto

If you bought it to restore and sell for profit.... you made a mistake.
If you bought it to build, play with, and put a big smile on momma`s face, what does "value" matter?
I have cars with more into than I`ll EVER get out, but my children helped me build them, and there`s no amount of money that can account for that.
I say get her in the garage, give her some tools, and GET SOME PICS of her covered with grease and under the car!
I probably wouldn`t even HAVE a corvette if it wasn`t for my wife`s insistance that we get this one!

oldschoolvette

AMEN, I lost my 66 to a divorce, so the new wife wanted to get an old one and build it together.

ur right I got this thing to build and enjoy, my guess is that it will be worth 1/2 what it takes but that is not the point

oldgto

Whatever it costs to keep the other half happy is WORTH it! Check this out.... she claims she HATES wet-sanding!
Yeah, right!

Mark G

The one consideration I would toss out there is if by making those modifications (like big block swap and custom gauge), if it takes a long time to implement because you have to hunt down extra parts (that you don't have) and fab up a bunch of stuff, you might be saving money but pushing the completion time of the car WAY out there. If that is the case, you might be better off getting used parts that you can 'drop' in and enjoy it sooner. Then, make the mods at some future point (like in the winter). Just a thought.

I've been in a situation where I went over and above to do something 'cool' but it took a lot longer and cost more than replacing what I had originally (but it took a LOT LONGER).

Otherwise, whatever trips your trigger. Good luck!

Tim H

Mid 70s aren't worth that much so use the car like an artist canvas and do what ever to it other quad cup holders in a two seater.

desue

Yup!! You're a good hubby. And I bet she's not the type to spend large amounts of $$ on shoes, clothes, etc. Have fun!

billcarson

'75,'76 and '77's are the best looking years for any corvette in my opinion.so have a ball.just make sure the frame is up to the task before you take the plunge.

John 65

True, will never be worth big $$$ so I say go for it and do it your way ! Was in the same situation also, had a 454 in the garage for a few years, found a 77 roller and dropped it in. It will be the least expensive vette I ever owned but will have the most fun with it. The fact that the Mrs wants to help out makes it that much better. Heres my project. Good luck.