buying a 1980
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
buying a 1980
looking at possibly buying a 1980 red on red wondering what to look at what to watch for and possible problems with these cars i'm in canada and price is about 14000 is price right i think 11000-12000 should be good what do you guys think?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
It only had 2,000 miles on a brand new 350 engine (it is an original CA car. No Rust but...sleepy 305cu in originally), newer paint, new tires.
If it's $14,000 it had better have an L-82 with very little abuse, a 4 speed would be desirable (for many) and a great under-carriage.
FYI...Even though the car "looks perfect" when you get it, be warned that in the 16 months since I've owned it, I have spend nearly $10,000 more into it. Such as...True 3" dual exhaust, new windshield, top-end engine work (carb, hi-rise intake, good quality $400 header$, fuel system), new carpet & misc interior fixens', suspension (bilsteins, poly bushings, sway bars) and steering (new PS Pump, cylinder, steering box, regulator)...Yes...It all added up for a car that was "perfect & didn't need anything."
Post some pics or go into better detail of the body, frame & engine
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,124
Likes: 283
From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
I paid $8,800 for my 81, 76,000 miles, new tires, new paint , nice interior and everything works.
http://jahprojects.blogspot.com/
http://jahprojects.blogspot.com/
Last edited by Jon Hekking; Aug 7, 2007 at 06:06 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I paid $11K for my 80 a couple of years ago in California. It was a 350 with 55K miles in very good condition. Ofcourse, like all of us, I've poured about that much more money into my hobby for a complete engine rebuild, new exhaust, paint and a hundred other small parts and maintenance. I could have bought a cheaper one for about $7K-9K, but I wasn't happy with the condition of these vettes at the time. Good luck with your decision- and check out a few other C3's before you buy.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: North Richland Hills TX
I paid $10 K for an '80 4-speed w/ 100 K miles on it...new paint, new interior...since I'd been looking for the perfect vette for almost 3 years, it was a deal to me. Very driveable--but since then, before I knew it I've dumped an additional $15 K in her; be prepared! 
