78/79 Owners
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Kinzers. PA
78/79 Owners
I was just wondering if all you owners of a 78 or 79 want to post some pictures of yours, Comments, What problems you ran into (things breaking on you and down side to that year and what needs to be replaced ASAP), And what to not touch on these years. Since im going to be starting mine in a week Im trying to cram all info in. And i love the looks and want to see some aftermarket Rims, and different paints on these.
Jw if everyone can take the time and post them.
Jw if everyone can take the time and post them.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
78 L48
I bought in March with 118K miles on it.
Here is what I have done so far.
1. Control Arm bushings (Upper and Lower)
2. Tie rod ends
3. Ball Joints (Upper and Lower)
4. 9 leaf rear spring.
5. GMPP 350/290
I will be putting a 700R4 in before spring.
At some points the body mounts and all other rubber parts will be getting replaced.
Here are some pictures: http://photobucket.com/albums/y297/fl_rider/
Here is what I have done so far.
1. Control Arm bushings (Upper and Lower)
2. Tie rod ends
3. Ball Joints (Upper and Lower)
4. 9 leaf rear spring.
5. GMPP 350/290
I will be putting a 700R4 in before spring.
At some points the body mounts and all other rubber parts will be getting replaced.
Here are some pictures: http://photobucket.com/albums/y297/fl_rider/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
The 78/79 cars have no "special" issues. They merely share the common problems that all C3's have! 
OK. One. Don't mess with the rear glass if you can help it. Hard to find and expensive to replace.
OK. One. Don't mess with the rear glass if you can help it. Hard to find and expensive to replace.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
Originally Posted by page62
The 78/79 cars have no "special" issues. They merely share the common problems that all C3's have!
OK. One. Don't mess with the rear glass if you can help it. Hard to find and expensive to replace.
OK. One. Don't mess with the rear glass if you can help it. Hard to find and expensive to replace.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
At 95,000 miles,I replaced the following:
All U-joints,brake calipers,fuel pump,hoses,power steering control valve,brake booster..nothing had broke..just felt it time to replace those items.new clutch assy at 112,000 miles....now,at 125,000 miles,I'm replacing all bushings..A-arms,trailing arms,struts,rear end support bushing,idler arm,etc.....and I'm getting the rear 7 leaf spring re-arched...almost forgot...new master cylinder..the original finally crapped out..
All U-joints,brake calipers,fuel pump,hoses,power steering control valve,brake booster..nothing had broke..just felt it time to replace those items.new clutch assy at 112,000 miles....now,at 125,000 miles,I'm replacing all bushings..A-arms,trailing arms,struts,rear end support bushing,idler arm,etc.....and I'm getting the rear 7 leaf spring re-arched...almost forgot...new master cylinder..the original finally crapped out..
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Mine is a '78 with 65,000 miles on it. Still doing good except the rear end side yokes are worn and need replacing. I had to replace the radiator last year. I am collecting parts to redo the interior, it is worn out and real faded from the sun. besides that it has been good to me. One more thing the A/C pump started to get real noisy last summer so I will need to replace that soon.
Good luck
Jim
Good luck
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
I bought my 78 three years ago with 71,000 miles and then restored it, one item at a time. Recently converted from Auto to a 5 speed and now building up a 383 for it. I love both working on it and driving it along with the friends that I meet in the hobby. Best thing I ever did next to my wife.
Last edited by Retro78; Dec 12, 2005 at 11:33 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I bought my '78 in may 2004 not running, so far these were done
major tune-up
full trans service
replaced front and rear bumpers
replaced all u-joints
new shock front and rear
rebuilt differential
new brakes
new exhaust and headers
new alternator
new fuel pump
radiator replaced
replaced radiator support
replaced seats
new door panels/carpet
new dash
full custom paint..
The was no real problem since I bought it, I just about fixed everything before I trusted it on the road. no problems as of yet, (knock on wood )
I still have my speedo to fix, but I can live with that.
here it is now..
major tune-up
full trans service
replaced front and rear bumpers
replaced all u-joints
new shock front and rear
rebuilt differential
new brakes
new exhaust and headers
new alternator
new fuel pump
radiator replaced
replaced radiator support
replaced seats
new door panels/carpet
new dash
full custom paint..
The was no real problem since I bought it, I just about fixed everything before I trusted it on the road. no problems as of yet, (knock on wood )
I still have my speedo to fix, but I can live with that.
here it is now..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
My 78 is a 35k original unrestored NCRS Bowtie car that participated in GM's 50th anniversary of the Corvette in Nashville. I wished it were a four-speed but the C5 six speed gives me the kicks and permits me to leave the 78 alone.
Major problems have been the brake system...this is a must first do item for any 78 owner.
I'm looking for a 78 L48 four-speed owner who has his build sheet...I'm curious about the code used to call out the four-speed.
Major problems have been the brake system...this is a must first do item for any 78 owner.
I'm looking for a 78 L48 four-speed owner who has his build sheet...I'm curious about the code used to call out the four-speed.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
This is my '79:
Things that broke down on me:
- Fan clutch,
- Airpump,
- TH 350 tranny,
- Axle driver side rear-wheel to diff,
- U-joints (normal wear though),
- Brakebooster,
- Turn signal thingy behind dash,
- Driver side doorhandle,
- Blower motor.
This is what's not working properly yet:
- A/C,
- Passenger side power window switch,
- Ignition (HEI, wires),
- Carb.
Other than that, no problems!
Ow, I'm not listing what's been replaced before the above. Guess it's a rolling total restoration by now
Things that broke down on me:
- Fan clutch,
- Airpump,
- TH 350 tranny,
- Axle driver side rear-wheel to diff,
- U-joints (normal wear though),
- Brakebooster,
- Turn signal thingy behind dash,
- Driver side doorhandle,
- Blower motor.
This is what's not working properly yet:
- A/C,
- Passenger side power window switch,
- Ignition (HEI, wires),
- Carb.
Other than that, no problems!
Ow, I'm not listing what's been replaced before the above. Guess it's a rolling total restoration by now
Last edited by worship79; Dec 13, 2005 at 07:47 AM. Reason: Note
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I'm looking for a 78 L48 four-speed owner who has his build sheet...I'm curious about the code used to call out the four-speed.[/QUOTE]
Code M20 (wide ratio) and M21 (close ratio).
Mine happens to be M20 and it noted on Dealers Invoice...
Code M20 (wide ratio) and M21 (close ratio).
Mine happens to be M20 and it noted on Dealers Invoice...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
I've owned my 79 for three years. Had a complete restore done to it, and added a ground effects kit. The L-82 motor now has 375 HP, and the automatic transmission has a 2400 stall with shift kit. I've had no problems with it since.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin WI
what has been done to mine
Bought it in 1999, and on the way home it died. After having it towed to a service station, it turned out to be a ignition coil, what a start.
So far:
engine rebuild to about 300HP
true duals
Tremec 5 speed
clutch, pressure plate, throughout bearing
VBP 360lb fiberglass rear spring
550 lb front coils
gas shocks
new power steering lines
new slave cylinder
1980 rear bumper cover
going to do: (HOPEFULLY this year)
TPI
paint going to black from beige
carpet
seat covers
dash cover
There were issues. The motor was tired, When I bought the car the odometer said 60K, by the oil it consumed I think it was a 160K. Trans was sloppy, Municie, and the differential fluids were probably OE.
The good news, they are easy to work on, sort of, I am not a contortionist, and somes areas are harder to get to then others. They can be repaired in your garage, granted you have the tools, skills, and patience. They still turn heads, are as other posts have said they are a 78 and 79's, modications improve the car because they are not the trailer queen cars of the late 60's early 70's.
So far:
engine rebuild to about 300HP
true duals
Tremec 5 speed
clutch, pressure plate, throughout bearing
VBP 360lb fiberglass rear spring
550 lb front coils
gas shocks
new power steering lines
new slave cylinder
1980 rear bumper cover
going to do: (HOPEFULLY this year)
TPI
paint going to black from beige
carpet
seat covers
dash cover
There were issues. The motor was tired, When I bought the car the odometer said 60K, by the oil it consumed I think it was a 160K. Trans was sloppy, Municie, and the differential fluids were probably OE.
The good news, they are easy to work on, sort of, I am not a contortionist, and somes areas are harder to get to then others. They can be repaired in your garage, granted you have the tools, skills, and patience. They still turn heads, are as other posts have said they are a 78 and 79's, modications improve the car because they are not the trailer queen cars of the late 60's early 70's.
Last edited by 1979L82; Dec 13, 2005 at 09:39 AM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Springhill Kansas
First off they are great years to own as there are quite a few out there, so they are cheaper and easier to get parts for. Second, look at my corvette photos, and i have more recent ones, it just won't let me post them for some reason. Third, as soon as you get it, check out all the running/suspension gear. That is the main worries. The brakes seem to be the most persistant problem, just because i use the cheap calipers that leak all the time. Check all your bushings and such under the car. If all that is ok, replace as stuff goes bad. Until i save up enough money for a complete vbanp susupension kit, i have been replacing bushing, shocks and such as needed. Owned it for 3 1/2 yrs now and its been awesome. I love these cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: staten island new york
St. Jude Donor '10
i bought mine march of 04... so far rear calipers,radiator 4-core,trans rebiuld,all u-joints,heater and rad hoses and misc. stuff... gettin ready to redo interior
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 0
From: pr, frederick md.
the brake calipers. when i got my 78', only one of the back ones was working. and i was test driving it from a dealer!! no real issues, just the standard stuff
suspension bushings and related hardware
chucked old engine, installed 383 and keisler 5 speed ( best mod )
new rad and electric fans
have touched and repaired just about every part on the car
new interior sitting in boxes....waiting
you will find some parts wont fit a 78-79 like vbp front a-arm cross brace, and rear traction bar
suspension bushings and related hardware
chucked old engine, installed 383 and keisler 5 speed ( best mod )
new rad and electric fans
have touched and repaired just about every part on the car
new interior sitting in boxes....waiting
you will find some parts wont fit a 78-79 like vbp front a-arm cross brace, and rear traction bar
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Originally Posted by redc3
forgot that there is one major issue with a 78-79. the chrome bumper guys think our cars are worthless 