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C4 owner that needs advice on a C3
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Monmouth County New Jersey
C4 owner that needs advice on a C3
Hey everybody, i'm a C4 owner...sorry. My dad is interested in a 1979 L82 that an old lady is selling in my area. I did a little research and I realize that '79 is not the most desired Corvette, nor is it a great performer. The car runs fine. It has about 45,000 miles on it. The interior could use some TLC (seats could be replaced, maybe want to replace the radio, passenger window doesn't quite go all the way up). The engine appears to run well and there does not appear to be any rust on the undercarriage.
The seller is asking about $8000, but i told him that the car isn't worth any more than $6000. Understand that my father is an experienced mechanic, but he's never owned a Corvette.
Should he hold off for an earlier C3??? Or is a '79 a good project car?
The seller is asking about $8000, but i told him that the car isn't worth any more than $6000. Understand that my father is an experienced mechanic, but he's never owned a Corvette.
Should he hold off for an earlier C3??? Or is a '79 a good project car?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
I owned a 74 and drove it everyday for 14 years. I don't see why a 79 would not make a good project car. Take a close look at the trailing arms, they get loose at the pivots and are prone to pinhole rusting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
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From: Austin, TX
Typical areas of concern for rust are:
The trailing arms as already mentioned.
Rear frame kickups (in front ot the rear wheels)
The base of the windshield in the corners -- any bubbling of the paint on the inside is likely a sign of significant damage.
I agree that $8K is too high. $6K sounds reasonable, but you could check over in the C3 for sale section or run a search on the web to get some comparable pricing info.
As far as a '79 being a good year, it's really personal preference. Like you said, they're not much on performance, but the potential is there if your dad likes modifying. There's a boat-load of suspension upgrades available and obviously with a standard small-block chevy he can build pretty much any power level he wants.
Personally, I prefer '68-'72 because of the lines with Chrome bumbers, but the prices are a bit higher. That being said, the market is pretty soft right now so if he's looking for something to tinker with, he can find it for less than $8K (depending on how how much work he wants to do and how perfect he wants it to be).
The trailing arms as already mentioned.
Rear frame kickups (in front ot the rear wheels)
The base of the windshield in the corners -- any bubbling of the paint on the inside is likely a sign of significant damage.
I agree that $8K is too high. $6K sounds reasonable, but you could check over in the C3 for sale section or run a search on the web to get some comparable pricing info.
As far as a '79 being a good year, it's really personal preference. Like you said, they're not much on performance, but the potential is there if your dad likes modifying. There's a boat-load of suspension upgrades available and obviously with a standard small-block chevy he can build pretty much any power level he wants.
Personally, I prefer '68-'72 because of the lines with Chrome bumbers, but the prices are a bit higher. That being said, the market is pretty soft right now so if he's looking for something to tinker with, he can find it for less than $8K (depending on how how much work he wants to do and how perfect he wants it to be).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
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From: Gainesville FL
Actually, 79's are one of the more desirable rubber bumper C3's. Horsepower was coming back up from the mid-70's low point and it still has a traditional carb with no computer control. That said, $8K sounds a bit high, since interior stuff can add up in a hurry. The other place to check for rust is the #2 body mounts, behind the left and right kick panels. Leaking T-tops channel water down the windshield frame and into this area.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
8k is a rip for that car, L82 badge is no big deal , either. Better than an L48 but still a turd. Hold out and get one thats nice/drives well and build up your own motor. THey make great cruisers but I wouldnt buy one based on future value unless its a BB vert or a 72- shark. My .02
If youre not into that, any year C3 will do, just dont buy a project, trust me on that one.
If youre not into that, any year C3 will do, just dont buy a project, trust me on that one.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
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sounds like a great project car to me.
dicker the price down (we can only go by your description without pics)
I think you're right there with 6k. (Unless it's a 4 speed ~ sorry, I'm really old school) then I'd say a little more maybe
click some pics of it anyway. If he doesn't buy it, you'll have some good pics to add to the story of the one he eventually settles on (IE: Threw this one back
)
dicker the price down (we can only go by your description without pics)
I think you're right there with 6k. (Unless it's a 4 speed ~ sorry, I'm really old school) then I'd say a little more maybe
click some pics of it anyway. If he doesn't buy it, you'll have some good pics to add to the story of the one he eventually settles on (IE: Threw this one back
)
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 107
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From: Connecticut
i remember reading that 79 got all the old optional features standard that year, so theres a small plus if creature comforts and such matter to you
i recall reading standard rear end ratio was 3.55 on the autos even also.. thats not too bad either
i could be wrong about this info.. my 79 is in a zillion peices
i recall reading standard rear end ratio was 3.55 on the autos even also.. thats not too bad either
i could be wrong about this info.. my 79 is in a zillion peices
Team Owner
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
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From: Southbound
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Monmouth County New Jersey
sorry....the "him" i was referring to is my dad. i told my dad that it wasn't worth any more than $6000