supercharged87

Okay let me start off by saying I just joined this site because I am looking into purchasing a Corvette. I found a 1980 Corvette that basically needs a full restortation. It has 79,xxx miles on it, it was originally a 350 with a 4 speed manual. The motor and trans have been removed, due to a knock in the bottom end, however the transmission is still okay. The exterior is white and still in decent shape, no serious damage to body, except a few small cracks and the paint is pretty beat looking also. The interior is tan, and is basically wrecked. The floors are pretty rusty and look like they need to be replaced. It has the mirrored T-tops on it also. The motor and trans will come with the car, just not installed. Also I don't know if the numbers on the motor match the car, is there a way to find out? I want a car that I can restore in my garage for a hobby, and this seems like a good car to get, I'm just wondering what would be a good price to pay for this car? Also the car is located in New Jersey if that matters. Thank you in advance for any help given.

The_Dude

It probably has frame and bird cage rust as well. If you get this car for free, it will be too much. A flawlessly restored '80 isn't worth more than $10-15k. It doesn't take long to spend this much restoring something like the basket case you're describing.
If the frame and bird cage are solid (look closely at the windshield pillar, and crawl underneath the car with a hammer and look for soft spots in the frame), you can check the pad on the passenger side of the block for the VIN. I see projects like this go in the $1500 - $3000 range, depending on condition. With the rust you've described, I wouldn't touch it. Find a southern or western car and spend a bit more up front. It will save you $$$ in the long run.

71rdster

While I agree that top dollar on a restored 80 is going to be in the 15k range, not everyone thinks they are cheap. Here is a link to an 80 on ebay that has an opening bid amount of 40k. It is a low mileage southern car (428 miles).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1980-...QQcmdZViewItem

Wow, I just noticed that this guy has a 499 mile 84 on ebay too with a starting bid of 35k.

ksbunting

After reading the recent posts on this forum of people who were screwed on e-bay buying cars, I don't think e-bay is a valid standard to use for what a Corvette is worth. This one person who is willing to pay $40K for a $15K car may be an isolated incident or a buyer who has Corvette fever and didn't do his homework regarding what certain years are worth.

The_Dude

I can't imagine that will sell. There are lower mileage '78 Pace Cars for much less than that.

supercharged87

Bottom line for the car is $2500. I didn't look at the frame too good, but what exactly is the bird cage? The reason I think the floor is rusty is because the passenger side window is down about a 1/2" and there was water sitting on the floor. It definately needs alot of work. Thanks for the replies everyone.

Retro78

take the advise above....find a better vette to restore.

Bangkok Dean

TonySinclair

And it has a number of bids, too. Zero is a number, right?

The_Dude

birdcage

The_Dude

framerust
minor birdcage rust