My post is two parts

What do you guys think of this car? Any info on 1976 Vette is appreciated.

http://www.corvettetraderonline.com/...ale/l0372.html


As of last Sunday, I have gotten on a Corvette kick. I just saw a car and it hit me. I can't really explain it :-)

1. Is this car a T-Top? I see a line on the roof of the car. I would really like something that is either T-Top or Convertible

2. Is that an original paint job? I would paint that sucker black.




My heart and emotion tells me to buy a car ASAP, but my brain tells me to slow down and really think it out. I really don't know too much about cars, but I have always appreciated the looks of the C3 and I think it would be fun to own one. This car seems to be much cheaper than most other Vettes. Do you guys see any reason why? I know to look for Rust. On paper, it seems pretty clean.

I would like to keep everything under 10K, but I have noticed many here say these cars will cost you money. Is this due to the fact that many always want to update their cars, or is it due to the fact that cars have a lot of problems?

Obviously, I don't mind paying insurance and maintenance, but if it is something that will need near regular attention, I'm not sure I can justify buying one. Any advice?

This is a great site by the way.

 

All C3's are either T-tops or Convertibles, there are no hard tops. If it is in good shape it's not a bad deal, but you should get someone who really knows corvettes to come with you when you go look at it, I don't know what forum members are in your area, maybe someone would volunteer.

Edit : And all 76's are T-tops, they stopped making converts in 75.. These cars cost money because they are old, like all old things, stuff breaks, wears out, or just rots.. If you can find a clean, already restored car, you've come out way ahead, and if it costs a little extra to get one like that, it may just be worth it in the long run. If, as you say you don't know much about cars; you may want to spend that extra money, because nothing you can fix on a C3 is really easy or cheap for the inexperienced; But if you like to do things that are hands on, and you're not afraid to make a mistake and have to fix it every now and again, you can probably learn to fix nearly everything that could go wrong with it.. I knew nothing about cars before we started on our project, and I have made a few mistakes along the way (though nothing too big or too expensive), I now consider myself able or at least willing to try to fix most things that are wrong with the car, and I have picked up quite a few good skills along the way. What I'm trying to say is this : If you buy a car that needs fixing, you will either spend a lot of money on mechanics OR you will have a crash course in car repair

 

I live in Akron, OH. Would you be concerned about those Sidepipes? It appears that there are covers on them, but I have read some bad stuff about injuries etc.

Thanks for the reply. I would really appreciate as many respones as possible.

 

This car looks reasonably priced, but don't buy any car without giving it a real good and up close inspection. Rust is a major issue with these cars, a rotted out birdcage can cost thousands to fix and often requires removal of the body. My guess is this car will need a new front bumper cover and most likely a rear one prior to painting. A show quality paint job could easily cost more then the car. I am impressed with the interior, looks clean and un-molested. Still has the original radio. Go check it out and ask for help looking at it on this forum. Many of these guys would be happy to help you.

 

First, welcome!

If the Corvette bug just hit you last Sunday and you admit that you don't really know much about cars, lock up your checkbook and slow down. If you buy the first car you see, you will very likely be disappointed. Look and drive lots of them. Keep researching here and elsewhere. You'll eventually decide what you want - years, colors, etc., and what cars are worthwhile beyond the pictures in the ads. C3s are not rare - if you are patient a good one in the year, color, and condition you want will be for sale. Remember, the cheapest part of this hobby is looking for your car.

Not to disuade you, but also think seriously about what you want in a "hobby" car. Do you just want a 2-seat car that is a vert or targa? Do you want to drive it and forget it or will you enjoy diagnosing what is wrong and working on it? If you don't enjoy doing your own work, are you willing to pay for someone to do it? If you just want to have a fun 2-seater you can drive and forget, buy a used Mazda Miata or Honda Del Sol. If you want to enjoy the good, the bad, and the ugly (and are willing to wave back when we drive by), keep looking for a vette.

 

Take somebody with you that knows vettes. Look at the car from the bottom up. Put the car on a lift and check the frame WELL. "Haste makes waste"

 

Right now, I am going through that process of weighing the pros and cons. The only cars that really turn my head on the road are a C3 and Lamborghini Countach. I would need to rob a bank to afford the Countach, so that is not an option

I know the body style I like. I like the short rear window and I think the sidepipes looks cool. Now, it's a matter of seeing how these things drive. This website has been a great resource.

It has always been a goal of mine to be able work under the hood a little bit, but I know I don't want to be working on the thing every weekend fixing repairs.

It would be a great help if another Buckeye wanted to see a car with me.

 

Maybe Paul Borowski will chime in. I think he's interested in selling his restored '74 (definitely not a fixer-upper), plus he's also in eastern Ohio.

 

Two options that I think are important to consider on a Vette. I notice this one has an automatic and air conditioning. Decide on the type of transmission you want to have, personally I prefer a 4 speed, I've only had one toy throughout the years with an automatic and I sold it because it was boring. If you want a/c, good this car has it, but does it work? It could be costly too repair, and all that a/c hardware looks real ugly especially when it doesn't work. If you don't really need a/c, then look for a car without it. Transmissions can be converted but a/c will always be there.

PS...I see a child in the photo's, probably why the price is reduced, you can use the sellers motivation to your advantage in bargaining. Probably no need for a 2 seater anymore.

 

Thanks for all of the replies!

I mentioned in another post that I wished to repaint this thing. What would be a fair price to repaint this thing?

And is that design an original paint job?

 

3000-8000 (or more). If you go to black figure on the high side.

(yes Vettes are expensive to paint properly, no getting around it)

 

'76 = metal floor pan. Mine was almost rusted through. Check this by pulling up the carpet. Replacement floor pans are available. Pans are, in my opinion, expensive. Labor to install will be high.

 

From those pictures it looks better than mine. 52,000 is pretty good for a 76. Any vette will cost money after you buy it, you gotta play. I hope it works out for you.