cgarcer

I am currently not a Corvette owner but considering buying one. I know where a 77 4-spd is. The owner is asking $800. I know the 77 is not the most desirable year, but I like them. The car is complete. Here's the catch. The owner stripped the paint a while back but did not finish it. The car sat outside for a while. The fiberglass body is now "fuzzy" from the sun exposure. My dad is very knowlegable in fiberglass repair and can provide guidance, but it will be via phone since he doesn't live in my area. What do you guys think? I figure the 350 and transmission alone are worth the asking price. Can the body be reasonably salvaged in its condition?

Alan 71

Hi cg,
Even for a 77 an asking price of $800 would lead me to believe there's something more going on here than just a fuzzy body.
"Phone" and "needy fiberglass" don't do well in the same sentence.
There are usually bad reasons that projects get abandoned. Is it possible that this body isn't repairable?
Although your dad may be able to be of some help with the body it would be wise to learn what else is going to be needed to make this a 77 Corvette.
Regards,
Alan

adamdinat

That can certainly be fixed. The question is how sound is the rest of the car. If it runs ok and does not need much chassis work it could be a bargain even if you have to pay for some work. I would find someone local who knows about C3s and have them check it out. My body shop experience is limited to pounding dents out of my kids cars where I quickly realized there is some craftsmanship involved. That said, if you have the time and patience you could develop some new skills and have a rewarding project.

cgarcer

The man is my dad's neighbor, so I've known him for years. At one time, he owned several Corvettes, but he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, and this is his last one as far as I know. He had a Z06, but could no longer drive it because of his health. I'm not sure if he sold it or if it's still in his garage. I've been around cars my whole life and am very mechanically inclined. While I have basic fiberglass knowledge, finish work is my weakness. I believe the man's health is a big reason for the asking price.

cgarcer

It is one of those "running when parked" deals. It's all there. I don't expect it to start up and run, but I am certainly capable of getting it back to that point. The body is my big question.

qwank

Your dad is the expert on fiberglass and has access to car, what does he think?

and you'd be surprised what a tired smog era small block and th350 are actually worth in the real world.

cgarcer

Here is a pic of the current state of the fiberglass. Assuming the rest of the car is sound, how do I begin repairing this?

cgarcer

To clarify, the owner was my dad's neighbor until my dad moved last year. Now my dad is 3.5 hours away. He never saw the car, which is why I'm asking the ones with Corvette experience to chime in. The car is only about 20 minutes from where I live. I've seen it. My dad hasn't. That's why I say any help my did gives will be via phone, not hands on.

The13Bats

I love a bargain but I was told by a fellow who does top end c2 restorations that a 78 wide body he has in the back of his shop that has this same fuzzy look was not worth fixing,.not at all what I wanted to hear as I love customs..granted he is rather picky but..well, then if the car sat out long the frame and or birdcage is likely rusty, or would be here in FL,
So many times a "bargain" corvette that is too much of a bargain is just a mess that is more something to part out than try to revive....

John 65

Post your question in the paint and body forum. I am sure DUB will have an answer for you. Good luck.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/paint-body-138/

persuader

Bare fiberglass is very porous like a sponge. Fiberglass that has been left bare and outdoors for a long time has had the opportunity to absorb who knows how many contaminates that can come back to bite you big time. I am almost certain that the birdcage has also suffered from the porosity of the body. IMHO

briankeery

For $800 buy the car, worse case scenario, you part it out to us and make your money back.

70LQ4

Block sand with 80 grit to remove the oxidized outer layer , wipe it down real good with Acetone. Then apply 2-3 heavy coats of quality Epoxy Resin . The dried out Fiberglass will soak it up like a Sponge, and it will restore the structural integrity. Heres a link to a quality Epoxy Resin , I won't even use the Poylester crap any more. Stan.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/310116238243?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#ht_44562wt_1000

The13Bats

It's just decide is it really worth it to you,
A few years ago I sold a good running sound bircage and frame 76 for 2800.00...you could never make this car as nice as that 76 for 2000.00. CL is full of great c3's at good bargain prices and some are great cars but you have look all the time to be ready to pounce with toat pelts in hand...

cgarcer

Yesterday, I went to take a closer look at the car. I decided that I am going to get it. I should be moving it to my place in the next week or two. Thanks for the pointers and opinions so far.

Dale002

Check the birdcage, floorboards and frame. If they are rusted out it will cost you a few dollars.