1979 L82
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
1979 L82
I stumbled across a 79' L82 yesterday. Everything matches, but the car is in need of work. The guy says that the engine was just rebuilt about 5k miles ago. It has about 65k on it. The interior is completly ripped out other than the seats and the dash. THe guy said to make him an offer, what do ya' all think would be a good offer?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
This is not a lot of info to work with. The important things to look at are the condition of the fibreglas body, and the amount and severity of the frame and cage rust. Also leaks, tires, dry rot, and fade of the plastic, etc.
I think it sounds like a 3500-6000 dollar car if everthing except the interior looks OK. I'm no appraiser.
I think 3500 would be a good offer. He'll let you know with his reaction what he's hoping to get.
I think it sounds like a 3500-6000 dollar car if everthing except the interior looks OK. I'm no appraiser.
I think 3500 would be a good offer. He'll let you know with his reaction what he's hoping to get.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Tell him you dont want to offend him with an offer- It's his, he needs to give you an idea what he wants, then you can deal from there if neccessary. I always hate when people want to sell something, but dont give any idea what they want for it; it usually means they think its worth more than it really is. just my .02 Good Luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Definitley need more info to make an educated guess. Does the car run? Is it driveable? Paint condition, frame condition etc, etc, etc, all play into what it's worth. I agree with what's said though, the person knows how much they want for it, I hate when they want you to make an offer.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Ozark MO
Every used car I've ever bought had a "rebuilt engine". The Vette had about 2000 miles on a rebuild when I bought it. A hundred miles later it spun a bearing. But when we tore it down it had been rebuilt!
Some things need to be disregarded without paperwork. I mean, if I rebuilt the engine it wouldn't be a plus. Frame rot is the worse enemy but little things add up quick. Good luck.
Some things need to be disregarded without paperwork. I mean, if I rebuilt the engine it wouldn't be a plus. Frame rot is the worse enemy but little things add up quick. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Va
This is how I look at it. ONLY MY OPINION.....
How much money do you want to invest?
You can find a very nice 79 for 10k - 12k that needs cosmetic/minor work.
You can find a CHERRY 79 for 14k - 16k......
14k - 16k is the maximum value for plastic bumper vettes (MY OPINION). There are so many out there. The value only goes higher if they are autographed or have extreme low miles.....
I personally Love C3's. I would not buy one though if the cost of restoring one/fixing it to my liking, would take me over the 14-16k range. There are so many good running, repainted, rebuilt C3's in this range....
In other words. If you feel you need 10k to bring the car up to your specs, then your price needs to be ~4-6k for the car. Anything beyond that your going to blow money......
This calculation is useless if the C3 has Metal bumpers.
Do a search on cars.com or traderonline.com. You will get a feel for the value. Compare the budget you have in your mind and see what is out there that you can get for the same money....
Rd
How much money do you want to invest?
You can find a very nice 79 for 10k - 12k that needs cosmetic/minor work.
You can find a CHERRY 79 for 14k - 16k......
14k - 16k is the maximum value for plastic bumper vettes (MY OPINION). There are so many out there. The value only goes higher if they are autographed or have extreme low miles.....
I personally Love C3's. I would not buy one though if the cost of restoring one/fixing it to my liking, would take me over the 14-16k range. There are so many good running, repainted, rebuilt C3's in this range....
In other words. If you feel you need 10k to bring the car up to your specs, then your price needs to be ~4-6k for the car. Anything beyond that your going to blow money......
This calculation is useless if the C3 has Metal bumpers.
Do a search on cars.com or traderonline.com. You will get a feel for the value. Compare the budget you have in your mind and see what is out there that you can get for the same money....
Rd
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: grand junction co
Good advice, Some people think just because they have a Vette it is
worth alot of money however condition of the car is everything.
I know a few people that have bought C-3's for what they thought was
a very cheap price but after a new interior, new paint, tires, and what-
ever else the car needed. They could have bought a car in great
condition for alot less.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville NC
Tell him you dont want to offend him with an offer- It's his, he needs to give you an idea what he wants, then you can deal from there if neccessary. I always hate when people want to sell something, but dont give any idea what they want for it; it usually means they think its worth more than it really is. just my .02 Good Luck
I hate to insult people with an offer, but they've got to know I want it as cheap as I can get it. Just tell me what you want and then I'll know a whole lot more.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
I picked up my 79 for $3600 - fully knowing going in it was a project car for me. It did have full interior, but a bit rough here and there, matching numbers, 50 foot paint job, very minor damage to one fender (fixed it myself - used to build surfboards). Mine ran when I bought it (also reported 'rebuilt engine' recently - unless you have receipt, know it was repuatable builder - I don't think it means much - mine went out after a year and 6000 miles), but had bad oil and power steering leaks (oil leaks from front pulley/timing chain area good indicator of not so good, or no, recent rebuild). I eventually took out the L42 and put in an LS1, so originallity is not a big consideration for me (although for some reason still have the 350/TH350 sitting by the side of my house).
Your case - if you want a 'project car' - i.e. put some of your time and $ into it, you should be able to get this one for < $5K. If you really don't want to put much effort into it - find a nicer one and pay more as others suggest - you will be time and $ ahead that way IMHO.
Your case - if you want a 'project car' - i.e. put some of your time and $ into it, you should be able to get this one for < $5K. If you really don't want to put much effort into it - find a nicer one and pay more as others suggest - you will be time and $ ahead that way IMHO.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore MD
I currently have a 79' but it is a "R" titled car that I am doing a custom rebuild on. I already had a custom interior doen for it using Ostrich skin and leather. I got mine off a friend of a friend for $2,700. I was planning on picking this one up and since it had a clean title finishing the project on it. After I am done sell off what I have left over. Just thinking out loud, trying to get some ideas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
Start with a low number, $1500. If he gets mad or offended, too bad. He said make an offer, you made an offer. It may be less that what he wants for it, but it creates a starting point that you can work from. The worst thing you could do is give an offer that is more than what he was hoping for.
If everything else is in good shape, expect to spend a few thousand just on interior before you can drive it.
If everything else is in good shape, expect to spend a few thousand just on interior before you can drive it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I understand REXX78's position, but I don't think it will help you get the car cheap...it will just pi$$ the guy off. Make him a low-ball offer, but make it in the realm of sanity...say, around $4500. He may be thinking that he would take $5-6K for it. At least it won't make him walk away mad. Then he's obligated to throw something back at you and start dickering. From your description, I think something under $7000 would be within reason....no more, given it's condition.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
Start with a low number, $1500. If he gets mad or offended, too bad. He said make an offer, you made an offer. It may be less that what he wants for it, but it creates a starting point that you can work from. The worst thing you could do is give an offer that is more than what he was hoping for.
If everything else is in good shape, expect to spend a few thousand just on interior before you can drive it.
If everything else is in good shape, expect to spend a few thousand just on interior before you can drive it.
He won't give you an asking price?Insult him. Offer $1500 and you will find out quickly what he's looking for. I just bought a running 914 parts car for $100. No one was insulted, and the seller was very happy I had it off of his yard that evening.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Sealy TX
St. Jude Donor 06-'07
Listen, none of these cars are going to be cheap..mainly because no matter how much pay, you are going to put a ton more $$ into it. My dos centavos
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
So make a visit and take a look. If you actually want his car, ask him to give you a price. If he balks, give him your name and phone number, tell you want the car when he has a price in mind, and leave it at that.
He either wants to sell, or he's fishing for an apporximate value for his car.
He either wants to sell, or he's fishing for an apporximate value for his car.