I'm new to the forum and looking forward to building up my first C3, or any vette for that matter...

My oldest son will be 16 on December 7th this year. We have been looking around for a good first car that we can wrench on together and get in good shape for his birthday. The motor runs PERFECT and we are extremely excited to get this car ready for him.

My brother called last week to let me know a coworker of his was short cash on getting a new boat and wanted to move a Vette he had in storage quickly. We basically STOLE it for $5,000

1979 Dark Green Corvette - 59,600 original miles
350 engine, 350 transmission - less than 500 miles during last three years after much work after the car sat for a long time. Some of that work was:
- original tan interior, full black interior replacement 3 years ago
- more aggressive cam (seller not sure on specs) 3 years ago
- Elderbrock 650 carb added 3 years ago
- true dual exhaust added 3 years ago
- shift kit during trans rebuild 3 years ago

Things we have done already since getting it last week:
- new calipers, pads, rotors, brake hoses all the way around
- full tune up with premium parts
- oil change
- transmission service
- new hood mat
- new BFG 245/60/15 tires for the aluminum wheels
- ordered new top since one was cracked

There are a few minor things that need addressed since the car sat for so long and the interior replacement was not fully finished:
- fuel filter
- all new belts and hoses
- weather stripping around windows
- door locks not working well
- air conditioning compressor not kicking on
- horn not working
- lower seat belt needs replaced
- will put a nice sound system in it as the final step for my son

I don't think I can post attached pictures since I'm not a supporting member yet. The body is in great shape though.

 

Sounds like you got a good deal Have fun with it

 

You sir, ROCK! What a present for a 16 yr old.

 

Thanks fellas. This was my end of the deal. He kept the grades up and plays a couple of sports so I will take care of the car.

The only hard part will be to not go all out on a full restore after I hand it over to him.

After playing with this thing for a week, I have already accepted the fact I have to get one for myself...

 

You bought a 16 year old a C3? My only recommendation for you is that you go to the hardware store, pick up the biggest hammer you can find, and hit yourself in the head with it so you can knock some sense in.

 

you bought a C3 corvette for a 16 y/o kid? Do you NOT remember what you did and the way you drove when you were 16? Hmmm...........
My honest advice to you would be to keep it for your self or another responable driver (over 25) or sell it and get your son a smaller SUV or 4 cylender car. A C3 corvette is not a good first car for a 16 y/o boy. They are loud, posi rear end (spin out in the rain), get challenges to race from every teenage drive ricer on the planet all the time4,, what is your kid just gonna let it go? uh,,,,, Na.

btw: hope you used O-ring caliper you may have air in the line problem. C.

 

Congrats, much fun to be had!! My son turned 16 a couple of years ago, we restored a 78 Landcruiser FJ40, then we did a 78 280Z. Great bonding!!

You CAN post pictures. I know the note at the bottom is misleading. You must use a separate photo hoster like www.photobucket.com , upload your photos to that site then copy the link to the forum. Its really easier than it sounds. Lets see those pictures!!

Oh..I have to respectfully DISAGREE with a couple of posters, who were critcizing your decision to buy a C3 for your 16 yr old son. As I said above, my son drives a 280Z, a pretty hot car by most standards. He is an Eagle Scout, varsity letterman wrestler, 3.7 GPA, worked since he turned 16 as a lifeguardand about to enter the U of WA as a freshman in a couple of weeks. A very responsible young man. I showed my trust in him by allowing him to drive a pretty cool sports car, one that HE and I worked our butts off to restore. He takes unbelievable care of the Z, does the work himself, and drives it pretty conservatively. He got a ticket (35 in a 25) and I told him the next ticket would result in a For Sale sign in the car. He takes it to heart. If you know your son well, I think you did no wrong by embarking on this great journey of a car resto. You will not be dissappointed, he will love you more for it, he (and YOU) will learn alot, and he'll realize that you trust him, and will live up to that trust. It sure as heck beats those spoiled parents with spoiled kids who are driving brand new SUV's, Bimmers, and Porsches to high school!! Way to go Dad!!!

My 2 cents!

 

I'm up for adoption. Be my dad?

 

I'm sure your son "is different and super responsible" but nothing turns a car to crap faster than giving it to someone that hasn't earned the money and bought it.

 

My father gave me my '69 vette 5 yrs ago when I was 18... the quality of the car has only gone up and it's never been close to be in a wreck...

That being said... even if your son is very responsible/careful, but drives the vette to high school where there are hundreds of other 16 yr olds driving, all bets are off

then again... it's only a rubber bumper vette, so who cares

 

The HS parking lot is a demolition derby!!

 

My dad got me a C3 2 years ago when I turned 18 and I never have thought of doing anything which could have endangered it. I love that car. I think your son will probably be the same way. And as far as the parking lots go, I never had a problem.

 

The "working together on it" thing is a really good idea. He'll never forget you for doing this. However.....do yourself, and him, a great big favor and have a heart-to-heart sit-down discussion of what YOUR expectations are for him and this car. If you don't do this, and he has a wreck, gets hurt (or worse), you'll never forgive yourself. This is your opportunity to explain the word RESPONSIBILITY to him [which doesn't come along that often], and let him know how disappointed in him you will be, if he doesn't hold up "his end" of the arrangement. If you think he might have a lead foot, take him to a local drag strip to see what he and the car can do.

 

I drove a 1977 Corvette when I was 16 it was a gift from my older brother and I did speed in it but fortunatley I never wrecked it.

Have fun with your new car

 

I appreciate all the concern and words of caution. My son is very responsible and has proven himself worthy of the car. However, I am not naive enough to think he won't ever test the limits. I do think if we build up this car together and once it is mechanically sound he becomes responsible for any upgrades/repairs, then he will take care of it. The paint job is not perfect from sitting in a garage with kids bikes and such for so many years. We don't plan to have it fully restored or painted since it will be in a high school parking lots with other kids who do not respect their vehicles the way we do.

My father and I built a 1972 Chevy C10 truck that was considerably faster than this vette. My younger brother had a firebird that we all built which would run in the 12s at the local drag strip. Neither of us was ever in a wreck or ever received a ticket in these vehicles. I have always wanted to do this with my son and it is better than I ever imagined. Nothing like pulling up a chair, cooler and a couple of beverages in the garage and passing on some wisdom. The only thing not dirty on the boy is his teeth through a huge smile. I was taught to respect the vehicle and had to live with riding the bus if I dropped the clutch and exploded the tranny (yes, it happened...) I am sure I have passed the same mentality on to my son.

And thanks to all the well wishers!

 

Court adjourned!

 

Well Said!!!

 

What a DORK...................LT

 

I'm 17 and I bought my first Vette about a month after my 17th birthday. My dad helped me out a little with the cash, but I paid for 90% with my own money. I love that car. It's value has gone through the roof since I bought it. Granted, I have "opened it up" a few times, but it's always been within reason. I've had it at the dragstrip once and it really makes you not want to get on it on the street.

I've put in a new motor (the old one finally gave out), new ball joints, tie rod end links, pads, rotors, calipers, POR-15'd the frame, run new brake lines, had the tranny re-built, installed a new stereo, fixed the horn, installed a new exhaust, and got the air working again.

If he really appreciates the car and looks at it in a mature way, he'll take care of it. I spend more time in the garage than I do in the house.

As for the parking lot, I get the first spot closest to the school every day, and I know the kid who parks next to me. Just let the lot empty out before you leave and you're fine.

 

That is great, my parents bought me a Vette when I was 16. My dad always told me if I got a ticket he would sell it. I didn't so he didn't. My parents sacrificed a lot for me and my brother, and I find myself with the same mind set with my kids.
These days many new compact cars have more power than a lot of older Vettes. My 84 only has 205 hp. If it were a new Z06, I might be a little worried
Shawn