1979 VETTE How much?
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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1979 VETTE How much?
How much would you pay for a 79 vette in fair to good condition. Body is in good shape, finish is shot.Interior is good, motor has some oil leaks, but runs fairly well. Whats the most you'd pay. Supposedly has 49K in miles...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
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From: North Easton Mass
Originally Posted by mstock
How much would you pay for a 79 vette in fair to good condition. Body is in good shape, finish is shot.Interior is good, motor has some oil leaks, but runs fairly well. Whats the most you'd pay. Supposedly has 49K in miles...
I personally don't know what the going price for a god condition 79 is. I have a 79 project car that I bought for chump change.
Rick B.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Amelia Ohio
I just paid 3k for my 79 that was running on 4 cylinders and needed water pump and host of other bubba re-repairs. Most in my area are seller 4k+ for same shape. Depends on how much you want.
Chris
Cincinnati
Chris
Cincinnati
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 312
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From: Reynoldsburg Ohio
St. Jude Donor '05
For comparison, I purchased my '79 a year ago in perfect condition (3-ft paint, perfect mechanicals, even the clock works) for $11,500.
I'd say 5-7000. Depends on how bad the engine is, if all the parts are there, and what you intend to do about the paint. Also, what engine...auto or stick...any more info?
I'd say 5-7000. Depends on how bad the engine is, if all the parts are there, and what you intend to do about the paint. Also, what engine...auto or stick...any more info?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Springhill Kansas
All stock? Depends on what else there is. My best idea would be anywhere from 5-10k depending on mileage, rust, any of options that the car has, what works and doesn't, the engine and so on. All depends on how much work you think the car needs and subtract that from about 15,000.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 826
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From: Pearl MS
I bought my '79 L82 for 6k with 125k miles. the motor had a fresh rebuild but was slightly leaking around the valve covers. Interior is in great shape and the paint is a 10 to 15 footer. By the time I got it home, it was making a terrible noise from the rear of the car. Tore the rear end apart and found the noise was coming from the posi clutch pack - diff was low on oil (1/2) because the rear cover had a hole in it from bubba using a leaf spring bolt 3/4" too long. Oil leaked out over time (previous owner did not drive the car all that much 800 miles in almost 5 years).
I had no rust anywhere on the car - checked all of the big spots
-around windshield concentrating on the wiper area - motor & wipers where they bolt to the car & windshield posts.
- radiator supports - mounting frame
- frame just in front of rear tires
you can also check carfax to get an idea on mileage, if the car has been involved in any accidents, how many owners
I had no rust anywhere on the car - checked all of the big spots
-around windshield concentrating on the wiper area - motor & wipers where they bolt to the car & windshield posts.
- radiator supports - mounting frame
- frame just in front of rear tires
you can also check carfax to get an idea on mileage, if the car has been involved in any accidents, how many owners
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,848
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From: Beacon NY
Given all that you mentioned, I wouldn't pay anymore than I did for my '79 or $6,500.
I bought my '79 in 2000 with about 120,000 miles on it, paint in fair condition, interior in fair condition, and an engine that was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago.
A lot of Corvette enthusiest view the '79 as one of the least favorable years for Corvettes because of the high number of them produced and the relatively low horsepower for a Corvette. Me personally, I love my '79 despite this. Its still a Corvette, it looks and sounds like a Corvette, and, even though it supposedly is short on horsepower compared to other Corvettes, it still gives me a smile when I floor it.
If you are looking for a project car, you may have found it. Good luck!
I bought my '79 in 2000 with about 120,000 miles on it, paint in fair condition, interior in fair condition, and an engine that was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago.
A lot of Corvette enthusiest view the '79 as one of the least favorable years for Corvettes because of the high number of them produced and the relatively low horsepower for a Corvette. Me personally, I love my '79 despite this. Its still a Corvette, it looks and sounds like a Corvette, and, even though it supposedly is short on horsepower compared to other Corvettes, it still gives me a smile when I floor it.
If you are looking for a project car, you may have found it. Good luck!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: if you have a ? on my avatar, please contact me directly, you spineless twit
St. Jude Donor '09
$6500 for mine, with 56K on it. Carfax won't work, VIN numbers aren't the new standard...tried it. Runs strong, interior needs plenty of work. Paint isn't the greatest.
Alaska car now in Arizona.
Alaska car now in Arizona.
I got to drive it home. 
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
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St. Jude Donor '05
I paid $6000.00. Total engine rebuild (before I bought it) 5,000 miles ago. Bored .030 over, new cam, crank, pistons, polished valves and flywheel. All I've done since Nov. 24, 04 is rebuild the steering assist, new tires and new exhaust. I drive it every day that I can. It's got 165,000 miles on it. I feel as though I stole it at that price. Highest production??? don't care. I love this car. My heart pounds whenever I crank up the L48 with the straight pipes and 4000 series Flowmasters. Joe.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 437
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From: Key West Fl
I bought mine a couple of months ago. I got it for 6500 it had 82k on it paint is good from 5 -10 ft. I was told engin was not orginal I talked her down 1000 because of that, but after checking the numbers on the block they matched. It also came with headers and a few extra parts. Interior is ok. Since buying it one head light will not go down, lock in the door broke. Check the inside of the fenders for body work feel the lips. I did not really look till after and one is all bondoed up. was told never in a wreck. But it is not too major. Car was also dirty, apon washing it I could see more flaws and notice the bondo suck in on the fender.. But I love the car now. Just realized this after having handed the cash over. Could have gave me more bargaining room. But over all I think I got a great deal and I can't complain. Good luck
Jeff
Jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
If it's in good shape, no signifficant rust, no accident and has original 49Kmiles.... $5000-$7000 .... keep in mind that very likely you'll need new brakes/suspension anyway, even if it's only 49Kmiles old.... the engine needs some work too..... you'll very likely want a little more power....
I paid $5K for mine and spent another $5K on parts.... it's a nice hobby....
I paid $5K for mine and spent another $5K on parts.... it's a nice hobby....