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Presently I have an 80 that has been completely redone, new interior, new paint, new motor. I have been working on it for the last 3 years.
I am about to retire in a few years and have been wanting to get a chrome bumper car before I retire. Big block 4 speed. I saved 25k to get one. For 20-25k I think I could get one but may need some work and I really don't have the extra cash right now to do an interior or paint or suspension work. I do all my work myself including paint and body work.
So what I was thinking, because the 80 is all done take the 25k and get a 540 and a Tremac trans. Better brakes, new wheels. Do a whole restomod type of thing.
But if I could get a small block base chrome bumper car for under 20 I would have the extra money to get what I need and sell the 80 for about 15k and get the motor and trans I want.
I guess I have a decision to think about. I am not going to start looking until June so I have some time.
I think most will tell you to buy a "lower valued" small block and restomod that. Also depending on your horsepower goals you may be spending a lot to upgrade the rear differential.
I used a TKO 600 behind my 496. Make sure the Tremec can handle the torque.
I think most will tell you to buy a "lower valued" small block and restomod that. Also depending on your horsepower goals you may be spending a lot to upgrade the rear differential.
I used a TKO 600 behind my 496. Make sure the Tremec can handle the torque.
Thats what I thinking. I saw some for pretty cheap.
I think most will tell you to buy a "lower valued" small block and restomod that.
Originally Posted by 540 vette
Thats what I thinking. I saw some for pretty cheap.
Makes a lot of sence! Our "retirement toy" is a simple, 270 horse 350 with an automatic. No AC, no power windows, just a simple, good looking cruiser. Sight-seeing & easy cruising will be our main use.
So, what are your goals for the car in retirement? Will you need a fire breathing ground pounder to burn the tires to the rim.... or just a really classy ride to the local "cars & coffee"?
I got my hands on a '78 for almost nothing. I am restomodding it so that there will be no confusion when I am done that it is NOT original. "86 TPI engine, 200r4 trans, '96 front seats, elec headlights and '66 side pipes. I had a '67 for a long time, made a fortune when I sold it. Why did I sell it, because I was afraid to drive it it was worth so much. What is the point of having a car that you don't want to drive for fear of an accident or worse( think big block 4 spd chrome bumper car). I am having a ball working on this '78 and even if it never gets done ( do any of them really EVER get done?) this is way cheaper than therapy. Or a girlfriend on the side ( so says my wife of 40yrs). If you are the least bit handy, go for the cheaper and never look at the receipts for the parts. It's all about the fun. Good luck.
Found a 77 roller and built the car the way I wanted it to be with a BB and stick. It wont ever be worth big $$$ but so what. I have more fun with this car than all the others combined.
I would keep the 80 and make it your own, sounds like it's a real nice car.
Makes a lot of sence! Our "retirement toy" is a simple, 270 horse 350 with an automatic. No AC, no power windows, just a simple, good looking cruiser. Sight-seeing & easy cruising will be our main use.
So, what are your goals for the car in retirement? Will you need a fire breathing ground pounder to burn the tires to the rim.... or just a really classy ride to the local "cars & coffee"?
Get the car you want. Otherwise you will still want it and not be really satisfied.
For me, small blocks are better balanced cars, but there is something special about a 68 or 69 427 car.
Whenever someone asks me that I say "you mean the vin and title?..yep"
Get the car you want. There is so much you can do to these things you can go any direction. You already have a car that is known. To me that is a real plus!
Gary
If you want chrome bumper car u could always buy the chrome bumper conversion there is a blue 80 with chrome on this forum looks wicked. It on the c3 poll i did a couple a days ago looks killer. And where are the pics of your car
If you want chrome bumper car u could always buy the chrome bumper conversion there is a blue 80 with chrome on this forum looks wicked. It on the c3 poll i did a couple a days ago looks killer. And where are the pics of your car
AS soon as I can get the car out of the garage (snow) I will post some. I haven't seen the pictures.
To "beef up" your '80, you will have to change rear drivetrain...not able to handle lots of power. The early C3's were made to handle the power.
Find a '71-72 BB car in good physical condition with a bumb motor/transmission. Pull the original powerplant/trans and install what you want. Done deal. You should be able to pick up that kind of car for $10-15K, depending on paint/interior/mechanical condition. I'd suggest spending a bit more if the mechanicals have already been done. You can do paint touch-ups or a complete redo, if needed. But, the less you have to do, the better.
Good luck on your search!
P.S. Since you have the money saved, keep the '80 for driving until your 'new' one is ready to go.
To "beef up" your '80, you will have to change rear drivetrain...not able to handle lots of power. The early C3's were made to handle the power.
Find a '71-72 BB car in good physical condition with a bumb motor/transmission. Pull the original powerplant/trans and install what you want. Done deal. You should be able to pick up that kind of car for $10-15K, depending on paint/interior/mechanical condition. I'd suggest spending a bit more if the mechanicals have already been done. You can do paint touch-ups or a complete redo, if needed. But, the less you have to do, the better.
Good luck on your search!
P.S. Since you have the money saved, keep the '80 for driving until your 'new' one is ready to go.
Unfortunately the 80 has to go before the "new one" can be bought. I have a 2 car garage and the other bay is home to my Pro Street 67 GTO. I plan on taking the 25k and spending the least I can on a car and the rest from that will fix anything on the car, then whatever I get for the 80, should be around 15k goes towards the drivetrain.
02-09-2016, 01:27 PM
I don't know what to do here.
