If you decide to keep the car, save yourself some aggravation and come on this website with questions before you do ANYTHING to the car. Everything that can break and everything that can be fixed on these cars, these guys have already done it.
I'm curious about the replacment of the tranny and diff. Did you drive it to the mechanic? Was it shifting hard or clunking in the rear end? Being a 30 year old car, changing transmission fluid and rear end gear oil with posi additive would have been a good first step before replacing the parts. If the mechanic was honest, he should have suggested that first. Not saying the parts couldn't have been worn out, but unless it was obvious there was a problem when driving it, then they may not have needed replacing. My '77 clunked like crazy in the rearend when I first bought it. New gear oil stopped it. Repair shops don't actually like to repair things. Most like to replace large complete expensive parts that they can charge a lot for. It's quick and easy on their part.
As for spraying acrylic on to certain surfaces, yep, I learned that lesson the hard way years ago. Acrylic and certain plastics and paints do not mix.
Broken alternator bracket: simple fix.
Replacing the interior: $1000-1500 will have the inside of that Vette looking like new. Easy do it yourself job.
As for the technology of these cars being old, heck, that's one of the main reasons a lot of us have these cars. That, and girls love 'em.
Bottom line, these cars are actually quite simple to repair and keep running. With the info on this and other Vette websites, there's no reason you can't make 90 percent of the repairs on that car yourself. That's if you like to tinker. You've already replaced two of the most expensive parts on it. The rest of the stuff is nickel and dime. You also mentioned buying a crate motor. Is the motor in it now running bad. May just need a tune up. Plugs, plug wires, carb adjusted, timing set. All stuff you can do in an afternoon.
Sounds like you're already through the big stuff. If you like to tinker with the car, then I'd say keep it. Me personnely, I get a great sense of satisfaction everytime I fix something on my '77. If you're really don't feel mechanically inclined then you probably are better off with a newer car that's a little more dependable. When I was your age, I hated having to work on my old car because I was always in a hurry to go somewhere. Just wanted it to crank and go. If you do decide to sell it, the one thing you'll miss are the looks, thumbs up and conversations at the gas pump. One statement I hear from a lot of guys is "I used to have a Vette years ago, but I sold it. I wish now I still had it." Good luck with the car either way.
KC

 

DO NOT USE RUSTOLEUM ON THE INTERIOR! USE DUPLI COLOR PAINT THAT YOU CAN GET FROM AUTOZONE. or dye from ecklers. they will have the look your going for. wipe the surface with lacquer and spray on light coats.

all our cars are hot, insulation helps, side pipes help.

also never trust your mechanic, i don't care who they are. your young and they want as much money as they can get. your Trans could have been rebuilt. 1000 max. why did you replace the diffrential? if you could drive and it made no noise then what was wrong? dont trust any mechanic! even if you replaced both you still would have paid at least 40% less if you didn't have to pay anyone to do it for you. corvettes are the easiest cars to work on imo. its harder to get to some things then it is to fix them.

 

It wasn't driveable, actually. The diff needed to be replaced as the handling was out the azz. The transmission I could have waited on however I knew I was going to do the switch to an OD tranny in a few months anyway so I just pulled the trigger while it was still disassembled. Theres new bushings, and brakes, as well as trailing arms.

 

I don't know for sure, but I think there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Just think come next spring (or whenever) you'll be VERY satisfied. There won't be anything you don't know about your car. A guy asks you about your diff and you can say, "Well when I opened it up and found . . . " With a C5, you'd say, "Well the Chevy dealer said . . . "

It will be worth it.

 

Way to funny !.... crack ho date....

I agree with AIMHIGH. Keep at 'er - you'll have a nice vette in the end.

 

That's the right attitude, My Man. Unless you have unlimited financial resources, you have a baseline established in your car that would be a potential goldmine to the next buyer (assuming the work was done according to GM specs). Why lose the economics lesson, if not the actual cash by selling?

It's true that 'mature' Vettes require an equally mature outlook before purchase. I imagine that many of the available 'for sale' units have been run hard and put away wet. They're going to need attention to those components that wear every time it's started and driven.

One thing I learned early on: the Corvette was not intended to be my daily driver. I don't treat it like one. I spend whatever I need to bring my ideas into reality and being a fellow gearhead, it's enjoyable [in a macabre sort of way.. ha!]. I farm out work I am not prepared to do to qualified service providers otherwise, I twist my own wrenches then look forward to the oohs and ahhs from other enthusiasts.

So, do what you want and remember nothing worthwhile is ever easy. You gotta earn it. Just like life in general. Good Luck.

 

Well, now that all of that is off your chest....how do you feel about owning a [classic] Corvette? If that doesn't excite you any more, it's probably time to cut your losses and change to something more trouble-free and reliable. If you still like the idea of having the 'Vette, you should realize that you are well on your way to having the car you wanted in the first place. Had you done better research and asked some 'experts' to help you assess the car, you may not have bought that car. But now that you have it and have started to fix it up, you might be "over the hump". The only way to know is to sit down with pencil and paper, listing all the remaining work to be done and determine how much that list will cost you. If you need to have other mechanics do the work, that is a big issue as well. Do some "rational thinking" about your car and its future and see what you come up with.

 

It's not about money, You can drive anything.
It's an experience.

Elkhartgreen72 (Dave)

 

Your profile says your from New York and this is going to be your daily driver? Sounds like you should have a second car anyways to drive when the snow is flying.

You just need to remeber that this is a project and Rome wasn't built in a day.

 

I feel your pain. I'm new to Vette's (bought mine in October of last year). The only difference is that i have never thought of tossing in the towel. I'm fortunate enough to have an honest mechanic who explains to me what can be rebuild and what needs to be replaced (he had a chance to stick me up on 2 occassions and didn't). I replaced the interior (which looks great). Just understand what you have when you buy a C3. I spent about a month here before I pulled the trigger. Just remember, the aggravation of repairs is far less than the feeling of owning and driving one!!

 

Connor,
You're WAY ahead of other 16 year olds. Owning a vette at your age isn't even a pipe dream for most. You chose a very cool American Icon. You've had some of the most PITA work done and now are ahead of the game. When you do a project like the console and it comes out terrible, start again and learn from the mistake. We've all been there. It all takes time and you will get it the way you want it eventually. Patients is a virtue here so don't get frustrated after only a month of ownership! You've come a long way already. Your Vette is very presentable and in far better shape then many here on the forum. You can drive it! So take a deep breath and enjoy your Vette.
Glenn

 

Can't be let down with the Vette, it didn't do anything but sit there while you bought it. Stick with it, it'll get better as you work on it and so will you, your decision making and your character as you become a man. It's a win win situation.

 

Hang in there man. I have been in your shoes..........I had my first Vette when I was 17 and it needed lots of work. I had no patience back then and wanted it to be perfect overnight. I remember thinking about all that needed to be done, and the funds that it would take to do it and how overwhelmed I felt. You have in your posession an American Classic Sportscar (the only real American Sportscar I may add), and no rice burner that you might be contemplating will ever hold that status. I know it is overwhelming, but just make a list of all that needs to be done, and focus on one thing at a time. Before you know it, you'll make more progress than you think. And the best thing would be if you do most of the work yourself, it will mean much more to you in the end. Keep your chin up and know that you many freinds on this forum who have mega tons of experience with any and all problems or issues that you may face who are willing to help guide you through it.

 

My first vette was a 1977 4 speed. I purchased it on impusle aswell, I fixed many things built the engine bt the car itself was falling apart faster than my funds would allow me keep up. Not big things as you mentioned but 500 here 250 there 100 again and so on. I finally sold it for $4500 and I paid $4000 & I put about $6000 in parts in the 4-1/2 years I owned it. But It was a good run with the car and I learned alot about C-3's in that time. It was that learning that brought me to purchase the 69 I own now. So even though you are not happy with it now, You will make a better choice should you decide to purchase a C-3 in the future.

 

I feel for your 8 grand man, but I tell you, if you buy a newer honda, you are going to see a 8 grand depreciation on it pretty quick, if you buy just any non-classic car, you will get bit with depreciation.

let's assume you want to sell your car in 3 years..

buy a honda for 20 grand, pay sales tax, plates, and depreciation, in 3 plus years it will cost you 10 grand bottom line to put it and keep it on the road factoring in depreciation when you sell it., it won't cost you 10 grand in 3 years to put and keep that vette on the road, factoring in if you sell it..

 

The tech is crap?

You should sell it and take up a less complicated hobby, like drinking beer or bird watching. These cars are very well thought out design-wise, are quite bombproof, have a huge aftermarket supporting them and a user base with more knowledge about them than is seemingly possible. Sorry to sound harsh, but if you are blown away by these cars, all kidding aside, you need to get out of the car hobby.

 

Wait a second, he's 16? As in "years old"?

Oh, Jesus. That changes everything.

Hold on there, kiddo. This is obviously your first car, your first big-time toy or both. Yeah, this is a big project for a noob. Huge. Relax. Take your time. Be patient. Like I indicated in my last post, these cars are rock solid and there is an s-load of help available. And be patient. Yes, I know I already said that.

When this thing starts really coming together, it will all make sense. Trust me. You'll be very pleased with the results. These C3's are a BLAST.

 

corvettes are love or hate cars.we have hade them in our family since i was 8.the one i currently have torn apart in my garage is a 73 that i have had over 26 years.and i geuss its love for me.because i have over $13000. just in mechanicals.hell the car sold for just over $5000. new.and i have not even got to the interior and paint.so if you want somthing old that is nice expect to spend.but the end result will be something you can be proud of.i know it can play on your patient but hang in there.

 

also so remember you got the vette because you wanted somthing different.anyone one can buy a dime a dozen car off any corner lot.you have a vette.to us vette freaks that is a whole life style.and is one of the best group of car nuts you will find.no snobs and very helpful.so i hope you find what your looking for.

 

Hey there Connor....Don't give up..... For reference...You remember seeing the old white 68' out back...(not pretty)

Well, when I was your age....LONG AGO...I spent 3 years and 30 grand (remember what 30 grand was 20 years ago) on my C6 and I loved it to death....and I still do.

Engine performance in your year was certainly weak...but that's fixable.

Right now, you've got a good foundation and what's most important is that your car is SOLID.

It doesn't happen in a few weeks....It takes time.

Remember what I told you when you and your dad were here...."...I'm not sure what you drive day to day....but, regardless of what it is...don't expect this car to drive the same...."

The car is awkward cause it's new to you and still needs some work...but, you're more than half way there. Don't give up.

BTW did you have Fred do the alignment??

Chuck CoW