Hey friends,

The search continues and I am looking at this 78 Pace car, L-82 four speed. I am new to C'3s and their values.
What are your thoughts on this car?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...TQ:MOTORS:1123
What should I look for? Anything look out of place/inaccurate? Engine bay?
How much is a good buy price on this car?
Any info you can provide will help. I like this car,
Frank

 

Accord to the VIN, it's and L82 which is what you want...

Things that noticed at a glance...

Non orginal valve covers
Non orginal Air Cleaner
Missing Distributer cover

Looks like the ebrake cover in the interior doesn't match

None of these items are difficult to fix.


Make sure the numbers match, as advertised. The car looks like it's in good condition, but check the usually places for rust. It also looks like it has a new exhaust system.

As far a price... not enough information but if it all checks out, I would guess that the seller is looking for at least 20k.

I see you are in Georgia, but the car is in Texas. I would avoid buying a car sight unseen...

 

I agree with blk79 which is not a bad thing...it just means that most likely other original items that become perishable over a 30 year, 50k mile driven vehicle...have also been replaced like alternator, starter, etc. It's helpful to know what your intent is for the car. Keep it as is and as a driver or looking to restore back to its factory original status. My comments are from a "back to original factory status."

The console cover is Oyster because the smoke gray cover is not produced so that means the interior was probably replaced and other items are not correct. Ask for pictures of the armrests, and seat hinge covers...see what color they are. Ask about interior replacement.

I believe those are Firestone tires...Good Years were original factory equipment. Mufflers hang low and as blk79, point out look like replacment and at 51k, probably the entire exhause system. Ask if the catalytic converter is still installed.

Ask what number is on the carb (driver's side toward rear and stamped vertically). It will tell you the extent of "tweaking" to the motor that's been done. Can't tell if the AIR system is still in place but it looks like its missing...but that's probably $1500 if no longer there. L82's were equipped with A.I.R. The air cleaner is not original...that will cost you $250 but there's something running out of the passenger side valve cover...looks like a PCV valve which typically plugs into the driver's side. But you get the idea...we could rag it for pages but that's why its important in your mind your intent and objective for the car and price it accordingly. Ask for engine compartment photos with air cleaner off.

I picked up last year a 78 Pace L82 4-speed with 56k miles, fully documented for $16k...so I wouldn't not go over mid teens with this one.

 

These cars are very hard to put a price on. You really need to define your intentions. If you want "perfect" or "collectible" spend the extra money and buy one that is very low milage and all original. In this economy I would guess just north of 30K would get one with all the documents and 1978 "perfect" curb appeal. Just keep in mind if you do spend that kind of money it's still a 35+ year old car and you will have to do brakes - belts - hoses - tires ect. As you enjoy it and put miles on it it will also depriciate. If you want a driver I think you can find something very nice and very correct car for 15 - 20K. Just take your time till you find the right car. They do come up on the forum from time to time.

 

All pics are from too far away.Make contact and ask for better pics.Good chance it wont sell then go look at the car before you buy.Judging from the engine compartment this baby has a "road hard put away wet history".

 

Repainted, faded interior, incorrect valve covers and engine trim, replaced exhuast-seems like a lot of wear for 50K miles. Either this thing has been sitting outside it's entire life and abused or it has 150K miles. Be Leary!

I've seen much nicer Pace Cars for $15-$20K.

I would not give more than $15K for this car.

Also be careful buying a car sight unseen.

 

I am very pickee when it comes to buying something. If you just want a pace car and you don't care about paint or interior then go look at the car. From what I'm seeing it is a 8,000 or less car, would love to see the bottom of the car. If you spend 15 to 20 you can find a real nice car that you won't put much money into. If I bought this one I would be dumping another 8,000 into it. That's just me.

Remember pics always look good, another picture when your in front of it.

My 2 cemts

 

Great advice. Too many things scare me with that PC. Is this one more in line with everyone's advice?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=220290664587

 

I'm still not believing the 58K miles. Cleaner than the first and less molested, but the door jambs are rough which shows a lack of professionalism in the recent "professional paint job". The nasty jambs also give reflection as to what the original paint looked like. Under the hood looks rough for a 58K mile car also. I'd believe this is more like a 158K mile car with a newer paint job on it.
More well kept than the first car though. $15K-$17K tops.

 

looks like more than 58K miles. Blckslvr is right, the door jambs look bad and one must assume the original paint was not much better, in either case, not a sign of a good paint job. The engine compartment is also a little rough, not what one would expect with 58K miles. My 81 has 78K miles and looks much better and I have not touched it.

 

Well, I like this one better than the last. This was in not a 22K car either but I would go to look at this one. Again I would love to see the bottom of the car. Alt has been changed, new alt was never clocked to the right position and wrong belt is on it. My best guess from pics I'd be looking at 10K - 13K for this car. Maybe a bit higher but I would have to see it in person. Remember even this one your going to put money into it.

Check Bird cage
Rear wheel bearings
Leaks
etc