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Choosing between a '79 and a '90

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Old Jan 12, 2008 | 07:18 AM
  #21  
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The price of the 79 is a little steep IMO unless it is very, very cherry and excellent mechanical condition. However, given your choice, I'd also go with the 79 unless it needed to be a DD.
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Old Jan 12, 2008 | 09:45 AM
  #22  
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I am hooked on the C-3, it is a great head turner and very fun to drive. I would not trade my C-3 for anything, however if I plan on cruising on the open road and traveling great distances then I prefer a
C-4 over the C-3.
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Old Jan 12, 2008 | 12:55 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Photomania
Thanks guys for all the advice and insights. This is almost like choosing between two women. I like the fact that the C3 doesn't have a computer. I have a friend who has a C5 and when I told him about the C3, he said, "A carburetor? Do you want your life to be miserable?"

I told him my first four cars had carburetors and they all worked fine for me.

I really like the C3 body style, and much more than the C4. Even my 16-year-old daughter says, "The C3 has nice curves. The C4 is too straight." My current Corvette is not a daily driver. We have a Honda and a Dodge. But when I drive the Corvette it's seldom for less than 36 miles and quite often it's for 50 miles. Wednesday night, I drove it 105 miles to two meetings.

So, if I got the '79, I might have to take it on a 50 mile or even a 100 miles trip. I live out in the middle of nowhere and everything is 20 to 30 miles away. I've also driven the C4 on trips that were almost 400 miles one way.

In a way, I hope someone buys the '79 so I can stop wanting it. It's in Mechanicsville, Virginia. I don't think it's on Ebay. It has such a great paint job because before 1992, it was owned by a man who owns a well-known paint shop in Richmond. The frame has been painted black, and I think that was done before 1992. I didn't see any rust.
First off, don't listen to your C5 friend, he is ignorant. Ask him what drag racers and nascar use! Once they are dialed in, you have virtually no problems whatsoever. The only time a carb can be a problem is in the winter when the engine is cold. Once the engine is warm, there are no problems with them. In fact, throttle response will be better with a carb than the EFI (that has always been my experience).

I use to drive my white '73 as a DD. It rarely skipped a beat. I havent done anything to the engine, and it has approx 40,000miles ona rebuild (1979). The car has always been reliable. I have made numerous 200+ mile trips. I have taken the car to bloomington gold which is a 500+ mile trip. Age doesn't kill a car nor the engine. It is maintenance that kills the car!
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Old Jan 12, 2008 | 03:44 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by Photomania
Thanks guys for all the advice and insights. This is almost like choosing between two women. I like the fact that the C3 doesn't have a computer. I have a friend who has a C5 and when I told him about the C3, he said, "A carburetor? Do you want your life to be miserable?"

On a car? I will take the carb any day.. On a bike that is a different story..
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Old Jan 12, 2008 | 08:05 PM
  #25  
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79 is a great C3, fun to work on...I would make sure you have another $9,000 to go with the $9,000 you pay for it.
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 12:20 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by cruise83
79 is a great C3, fun to work on...I would make sure you have another $9,000 to go with the $9,000 you pay for it.
Seriously, Cruise83? Another $9,000 for repairs? That's scary.
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 01:22 AM
  #27  
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I wouldn't say they are for repairs... More for upgrades such as 5 spd. mono springs and etc...
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 07:53 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Photomania
Seriously, Cruise83? Another $9,000 for repairs? That's scary.
sorry, but here is quick list:

new mounted seats $600
new heads, intake manifold and carb $1800
upgrade exhaust $800
new heater core $600
new water pump $400
upgrade radio $300
new console $45
new lugs and hubs $100
restore 3 compartment area $250
new starter, oil pan seal, front and rear transmission seals $400
all new weather stripping $300
replace all power steering components $800
restore rear suspension $1200

may not be $9000, but I'm not done yet
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 08:45 PM
  #29  
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Nothing we say will change how you feel about either car, performance or appearance-wise.

Let us know when you decide.

Did you say you couldn't have both? Give the wife the one you don't chose.
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 09:36 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by cruise83
sorry, but here is quick list:

new mounted seats $600
new heads, intake manifold and carb $1800
upgrade exhaust $800
new heater core $600
new water pump $400
upgrade radio $300
new console $45
new lugs and hubs $100
restore 3 compartment area $250
new starter, oil pan seal, front and rear transmission seals $400
all new weather stripping $300
replace all power steering components $800
restore rear suspension $1200

may not be $9000, but I'm not done yet
Wow, $400.00 for a water pump, $600.00 for a new heater core, etc...I want to be your mechanic.
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Old Jan 13, 2008 | 11:20 PM
  #31  
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go for the 79
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