aeronius

Hi all. As the title says, I'm looking to get my first C3. I've got $15k-$25k to play with, but would prefer to keep it south of $20k.

I'm looking for a '78-'81 to serve as something between a weekend and daily driver. I don't want to worry about frame/birdcage issues. I can fix/replace/upgrade minor things as needed, but would prefer to spend more time driving than fixing things haha. Basically I don't want a project. Is that reasonable for the price? What should I expect to find in that price range?

Any and all comments/suggestions welcome, even if I'm completely off base!

blue by you

look in the for sale section here and look at local ads you should be able to pick one for that range. Good luck in your search

aeronius

Thanks. I've looked in the ads here and on various websites like hobbycarcorvettes.net. Lots seem to fall in that price range that seem like good deals. I guess my hangup is that I have trouble believing that someone that puts $10k in restoration could let a car go for $15k.

So I guess I should clarify, if i'm paying $15-$25k for a '78-'81 C3, should I expect to have to do some fix-up myself, or can I get a ready-to-drive, no-hassle car?

The13Bats

Oh boy welcome to c3's most fellows put many many times into these cars what they get back,
Only certain rare or pristine cars get the tall tall dollars,
With your stack of toad pelts you can get a really nice 78-82 lots of vette for the money in those years....

dan1495

You should be able to get a very nice car for that money but there is no such thing as a no hassle C3. Some are just better than others.

C3_ERROR

If you pay $15k to $25k for a 78 to 81 then it should be mint. Even a 68 to 72 for that price would be a good driving car.

I paid $4000.00 for my 75 and besides bolting the seats, some interior pieces back in (they put in new carpet and didn't finish) and bleed the brakes my car is a driver in pretty good shape with zero rust on the frame or cage.

blue by you

try to stay away from the some dealers and try to buy from someone that knows corvettes

aeronius

Anyone in California you can recommend? I'm in the LA area but will travel for the right car.

Fast81

Around here (OH), $15-$25K will get you a 78-82 with UNDER 20,000 miles in like new condition. Remember in CA, you have to be especially careful about passing emissions.

bj1k

That price range for those years 78-81 should get you a perfect car.

Bigeddie

for that price range. i can find you a 75 for 6000. now if there is a corvette shop or anything by LA you can spend 9-16k on upgrading and going trough everything(building engine,tranny rear end,suspension,cooling system and brakes) Although it won't be ready right away you will have piece of mind.there are some nice c3s tho in your price range in craigslist

aeronius

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the info and advice!

Bigeddie

http://goldcountry.craigslist.org/cto/5028410064.html

aeronius

Is that yours? Love the color and the price is great, but it's not as turn-key as I would like.

aeronius

I found this on Craigslist

https://www.flickr.com/photos/527822...57653321051056

And the description:
Up for sale today is this beautiful restored stock 1980 Chevrolet Corvette two door coupe with fresh Burgundy paint (2012) and a matching leather interior. Upgraded K&B 350 CI V-8 engine with a Chevy 350 automatic transmission completely loaded for high performance driving. Brand new radial T/A tires and meticulous maintenance records.

$30,000 in upgrades including new suspension, rebuilt transmission and engine, American racing wheels, flow master and customs dash cover. Many additions such as mahogany/leather steering wheel, rosewood center dash and glass T-tops and matching Burgundy T-tops included as well. 12,000 miles since the rebuilt engine/transmission. The car is sold as is. Test drives and inspections welcome. $18,000 OBO.

I'm asking for photos of the undercarriage and all the other bits mentioned in the '10 things before you buy your C3' thread. Also asking for more details about the upgrades and whatnot.

Based on these photos, tho, what do you guys think of the car? Good deal? Anything glaring about it that I'm missing?

Thanks!

Bigeddie

If your spending that much allow me to send another one when I get home

aeronius

For sure! I'm not settled on any one car and am not in any rush so I'm open to whatever you want to throw my way.

Bigeddie

http://stockton.craigslist.org/ctd/5040631859.html
http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/5039298375.html
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5008625674.html

Bigeddie

http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/4990096624.html

Bigeddie

http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/4988555093.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...017304340.html thttp://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/5009525939.html
this a little more than others but look at