C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

thoughts on this silver ann.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 12:05 AM
  #1  
pewtercoupe00's Avatar
pewtercoupe00
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default thoughts on this silver ann.

ok guys im thinking about purchasing a 78 silver anniversary from a friend i was wondering if you guys could tell me if its worth it. He's selling it for $5000

details:
350 ramjet installed in 2003
rebuilt auto tranny
exterior electrical works (headlights don't pop up guessing a vacum problem)
power brakes don't work
all the interior guages work
none of the interior lights work though
odometer says 65,000 im sure its turned over
ac doesnt work

here are some pictures




^^^as you can see there is some warping




some undercarrage pics




im pretty knowlegeable with c5 vettes but im lost with c3s
any feedback would be great

thanks, matt
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 12:15 AM
  #2  
ratflinger's Avatar
ratflinger
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Default

I think it's easily worth that. Needs a new interior. Brakes & headlight problem is probably related, maybe the AC too, since they all require vacuum. How does it run? Pop the kick panels off & look at the body mounts there. I'd buy it, if you have the time & money. Just remember, a C3 will always be a money hole, it's just the size & depth of the hole that varies.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 12:21 AM
  #3  
shank0668's Avatar
shank0668
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Salem Ohio
Default

got this for 4 k

Last edited by shank0668; Jun 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 09:26 AM
  #4  
stingr69's Avatar
stingr69
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,475
Likes: 1,495
From: Little Rock AR
Default

Looks like a good deal to me as long as you have the money to fix it up the way you like it. I have seen people ask way more for way less car.

-Mark.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 10:00 AM
  #5  
GUSTO14's Avatar
GUSTO14
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Default

Originally Posted by pewtercoupe00
ok guys im thinking about purchasing a 78 silver anniversary from a friend i was wondering if you guys could tell me if its worth it. He's selling it for $5000

details:
350 ramjet installed in 2003
rebuilt auto tranny
exterior electrical works (headlights don't pop up guessing a vacuum problem)
power brakes don't work
all the interior guages work
none of the interior lights work though
odometer says 65,000 im sure its turned over
ac doesnt work

here are some pictures


^^^as you can see there is some warping


some undercarriage pics




im pretty knowledgeable with c5 vettes but im lost with c3s
any feedback would be great

thanks, matt
This is a very clean looking SA. Do not be so quick to dismiss the mileage. Looking at the paint, this was one very well cared for SA or it's been repainted. '78's came with very horrid paint jobs and the light colors like the SA did not hold up well unless they were very well cared for and stored inside. The wrinkling on the bumper is pretty common and I've seen much worse on many that are a decade newer.

Judging by the chassis, I would restate that this car has spent a good deal of it's time inside. The chassis seems to have a lot of light surface rust in most places and even appears to have the paper tag still on the sway bar. Also the chassis paint on these cars was very light and yet this car seems to have a good deal of it remaining, a very good sign.

Looks like a pretty well preserved '78 and well worth the price.

Good luck... GUSTO
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 12:37 PM
  #6  
CorvetteDave01's Avatar
CorvetteDave01
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Salina Kansas
Default

Was that a complete ramject 350 motor or just the intake setup? If it is a new motor and has good paint as it appears, it is easily worth 5k imo. Electrical stuff is a pain, but it is very cheap to do if you do it yourself. Headlight fixes the same.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 01:53 PM
  #7  
joshtried's Avatar
joshtried
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 39
From: Denver, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Default

i spent 3500 on a 79 that i had to put together myself, and its half primer (see side picture/avatar) paint jobs (decent ones) alone runs a couple thousand dollars.. so id say definately worth it!
plus the ram jet is a cool lil add on
not to mention the very well cleaned motor. awesome!
must ask how it performs though...
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 01:57 PM
  #8  
Dantana's Avatar
Dantana
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Default

I think it looks pretty good. Most of that scale will fall right off with a little elbow grease. A lot of this decision may hinge on your plans for the car (restore to original, customize, driver, etc). For 5K though, it's going to be hard to go too wrong.

Welcome to the C3 Forum, you will find a lot of knowledge on these pages.

Dan
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 02:24 PM
  #9  
NHRalph's Avatar
NHRalph
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Default

Looks like a great deal to me. If the body is as good as it looks and the engine is that good, you got a steal.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 02:42 PM
  #10  
terry82's Avatar
terry82
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Default

sorry not for me .for a couple of thousand more you could get one that needs alot less work .you can get a 1979 in good shape for 6 to 9 thousand ,with original drive train .imo there are better cars out there .
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 03:11 PM
  #11  
NHRalph's Avatar
NHRalph
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Default

Originally Posted by terry82
sorry not for me .for a couple of thousand more you could get one that needs alot less work .you can get a 1979 in good shape for 6 to 9 thousand ,with original drive train .imo there are better cars out there .
It all depends on what a person is looking for. If planning a full restore and matching numbers are important, then you may be right. The car looks in decent shape, 350 ramjet, The repairs seem minor, for a few more grand he'd have a nice ride.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 03:12 PM
  #12  
GDaina's Avatar
GDaina
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Default

Two major areas of concern are the bird cage and the condition of the frame by the read wheels....
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 04:14 PM
  #13  
Jon Hekking's Avatar
Jon Hekking
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,116
Likes: 283
From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
Default

Originally Posted by terry82
sorry not for me .for a couple of thousand more you could get one that needs alot less work .you can get a 1979 in good shape for 6 to 9 thousand ,with original drive train .imo there are better cars out there .


It looks like a pretty good deal, but that list of repairs can add up pretty quick and then you're in the price range where you could buy a nicer car to start with. The market is soooo soft right now I would get the most for my money, don't know if this is it.

Don't know what the big decals are on the doors, hope they don't damage the paint if you take them off, that could be a costly repair as well, and as mentioned above, the interior needs work. Looks like a carpet kit and seat covers anyways in addition to the mechanical repairs. Also, when you say the interior lights don't work, electrical gremlins are a pain. Also, not sure if the smog pump is there or not (don't know if I see the air tube either), could be an issue if your state has emmission testing or if you sell it to someone that does.

Looks like it would be a fun project though.............

Last edited by Jon Hekking; Jun 15, 2008 at 04:20 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 05:29 PM
  #14  
Vampyre's Avatar
Vampyre
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
Default

Originally Posted by terry82
sorry not for me .for a couple of thousand more you could get one that needs alot less work .you can get a 1979 in good shape for 6 to 9 thousand ,with original drive train .imo there are better cars out there .
+1
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 06:56 PM
  #15  
pewtercoupe00's Avatar
pewtercoupe00
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

thanks for all of the replies!
well the 350 was out of the crate in 2003, it drives as if it wouldve came with the car, the guy is not worried about selling it right this instant, i just offered to buy it since he never uses it and being as im a college student i don't have a substantial money tree to pull from but im not looking for a matching #s or a full restore just something i could work on and have fun with. ive only driven it once, and im trying to see if i could get him to let me drive it again
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2008 | 07:47 PM
  #16  
moosie982's Avatar
moosie982
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Default

Does the fact that its a Silver Anniversary Model carry any weight in your decision ? Yeah you can probably find a '79 for less but then its only a '79 and not "special". If it checks out frame and birdcage wise it seems like a good deal even with the ramjet which to me seems like a plus. Peace,,,Moosie
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 12:16 PM
  #17  
Dantana's Avatar
Dantana
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Default

What's a ramjet worth? I'm guessing over half of the discussed sale price of that car.

Me no likey the stickers either. Hopefully they won't leave marks in the paint if removed, or maybe you like them...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To thoughts on this silver ann.





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:48 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE