C3 fever...need help!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
C3 fever...need help!!!
I need some help. Ive wanted a C3 for a long time now, and Im afraid the temptation is just getting to be too much. I dont want to spend a lot of money, and in fact I want a bit of a fixer upper. Id like a 1980, manual prefered, other than that im not picky on the options. As far as the condition, I dont mind doing interior work, and drivetrain/powertrain work, but Im trying to avoid something that needs a full frame off. Im not looking to build a show winner, just something that looks good and I can enjoy driving. paint can be rough, but I prefer something with good body panels (at least descent).
So the question is...how much is a realistic price to get into something like this? Where is the best source to find them? It seems the for sale section here is a bit thin and you guys are selling a lot of nice cars for more than I want to spend. What can you tell me?
So the question is...how much is a realistic price to get into something like this? Where is the best source to find them? It seems the for sale section here is a bit thin and you guys are selling a lot of nice cars for more than I want to spend. What can you tell me?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
6-8 is about what I though...based on what Ive seen. Maybe a little less...if Im lucky.
Easy Mike, Great find, thats what I need. Ill have to see If I can find a copy of that book somewhere. Call me a sentimental fool, 1980 is my birth year, thats what I was gong for. Ah well, life is a compromise.
Easy Mike, Great find, thats what I need. Ill have to see If I can find a copy of that book somewhere. Call me a sentimental fool, 1980 is my birth year, thats what I was gong for. Ah well, life is a compromise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
I have a 1980
shark that I am going to be parting with, it is a
great car cannot find the time to enjoy it, working
two jobs with kids in college, so I am putting it up
for sale. It is 1980 with 83000. miles frost
biegh,pw,auto, a/c,tilt,mirrored t tops pretty much
all original,looks good and runs good 350 motor asking
7000.00 would like to find good home for more info
please email me thbertish@yahoo.com
This is a guy from St. louis that I meet. Seem like an ok guy.
shark that I am going to be parting with, it is a
great car cannot find the time to enjoy it, working
two jobs with kids in college, so I am putting it up
for sale. It is 1980 with 83000. miles frost
biegh,pw,auto, a/c,tilt,mirrored t tops pretty much
all original,looks good and runs good 350 motor asking
7000.00 would like to find good home for more info
please email me thbertish@yahoo.com
This is a guy from St. louis that I meet. Seem like an ok guy.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
I have a 1980
shark that I am going to be parting with, it is a
great car cannot find the time to enjoy it, working
two jobs with kids in college, so I am putting it up
for sale. It is 1980 with 83000. miles frost
biegh,pw,auto, a/c,tilt,mirrored t tops pretty much
all original,looks good and runs good 350 motor asking
7000.00 would like to find good home for more info
please email me thbertish@yahoo.com
This is a guy from St. louis that I meet. Seem like an ok guy.
shark that I am going to be parting with, it is a
great car cannot find the time to enjoy it, working
two jobs with kids in college, so I am putting it up
for sale. It is 1980 with 83000. miles frost
biegh,pw,auto, a/c,tilt,mirrored t tops pretty much
all original,looks good and runs good 350 motor asking
7000.00 would like to find good home for more info
please email me thbertish@yahoo.com
This is a guy from St. louis that I meet. Seem like an ok guy.
Where are you at in St. Louis? my parents live there and I head up that way from time to time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: starting to wonder if im welcome here texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
I need some help. Ive wanted a C3 for a long time now, and Im afraid the temptation is just getting to be too much. I dont want to spend a lot of money, and in fact I want a bit of a fixer upper. Id like a 1980, manual prefered, other than that im not picky on the options. As far as the condition, I dont mind doing interior work, and drivetrain/powertrain work, but Im trying to avoid something that needs a full frame off. Im not looking to build a show winner, just something that looks good and I can enjoy driving. paint can be rough, but I prefer something with good body panels (at least descent).
So the question is...how much is a realistic price to get into something like this? Where is the best source to find them? It seems the for sale section here is a bit thin and you guys are selling a lot of nice cars for more than I want to spend. What can you tell me?
So the question is...how much is a realistic price to get into something like this? Where is the best source to find them? It seems the for sale section here is a bit thin and you guys are selling a lot of nice cars for more than I want to spend. What can you tell me?
Realistically, if you look around, I'll bet you could find one, as you describe for around 4k. that's reality, no body wants to admit it, but believe me, if we're talking cash in hand, for an un-sought after '80, as you describe 4k would be a reasonable price. PS- don't waste time with the price guide, it's only printed to make owners feel good about what they bought. Reality is $$$ talks,,
walks. C.Look around,, try Craigs lists near you, etc. People never cease to amaze me.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Realistically, if you look around, I'll bet you could find one, as you describe for around 4k. that's reality, no body wants to admit it, but believe me, if we're talking cash in hand, for an un-sought after '80, as you describe 4k would be a reasonable price. PS- don't waste time with the price guide, it's only printed to make owners feel good about what they bought. Reality is $$$ talks,, walks. C.
Look around,, try Craigs lists near you, etc. People never cease to amaze me.
walks. C.Look around,, try Craigs lists near you, etc. People never cease to amaze me.
. Ive never tried craigslist before, so Ill look around there. I gotta get into one of these before the prices get out of control.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Be careful using price as your guide.Make sure your comparing apples to apples.$4000 compared to $6000.....$2000 difference??? Be very careful or your first Corvette will be a bad experience.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Oh, it will be my 2nd Vette...my C5Z needs some company
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
The less money you are willing to spend now then the more money you will spend later in restoration or repairs. Purchase a C3 that is not beyond your mechanical capability or wallet. I enjoyed my first vette purchase and totally love my vette today and how far I have come. I do wish I knew back then what I knew today.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Im not sure what you mean here about comparing apples to apples...I mean I know its a figure of speach, but we are talking about comparing corvettes with...corvettes right? the goal is to get as much car as you can for the amount your willing to spend. Of course I dont want to get into something over my head, I think thats what your referring to? I certainly dont want to regret my 1st C3
Oh, it will be my 2nd Vette...my C5Z needs some company
Oh, it will be my 2nd Vette...my C5Z needs some company
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
There's allot of truth to what the other posters (We all have first hand 'build your own 'Vette! experience- some more,, some less) That being said, these pigs can get expensive, but if you know what your doing (and you won't really, until you do the job- but help here can take the edge off of it) you can git it done. Bottom line is this. An 80 will be a 30 year old car. when you go to buy- they've all been babied all their lives and "AC just needs a charge to blow cold". 7k should get you an 80 that needs very little, but you would have to find a true good shape car. 4k would need some work, a brake package can be had for about 550 complete, shocks and rear spring add another 450, front bearings are cheap, rears are around 750- you pull the trailing arms and ship. I'm gonna bet your best bet would be to find one with a good drive train- for now. 4 things i would look for- Near perfect Frame AND birdcage/windshield frame, good drive train, and decent paint. everything else can basically be done at a reasonable price, but these four can kill a good C3 'lets not take the entire car apart for 7 years' restore project. keep these 4 in mind and check the She-nit out of them on your potential finds, and you should be OK. C