C5 Guy Has C3 Question...

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Oct 26, 2008 | 08:46 AM

danziger

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From: Pensacola FL

C5 Guy Has C3 Question...

Hello fellow Vette enthusiasts! I was wondering why there seems to be a mass selling of C3s lately and if you thought now was the time to jump into a C3? On my local CraigsLists, there are at least 30 very nice C3s for sale. Usually it is all C4s and C5s, so I was wondering if something happened in the C3 world, or maybe it's just the economic downturn. I find myself drawn to some of the bargain-priced 1978-82 Corvettes that keep turning up... Thanks in advance!

Oct 26, 2008 | 09:13 AM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

Owners in a financial pinch will need to sell off "toys" for cash to pay the bills in a bad economy. It's unfortunate, but that's what happens. The C4's and C5's won't bring in as much cash, so they'll be OK for a while. Now is a great time to take advantage of a 'bad' market, if you have the money available.

Oct 26, 2008 | 09:18 AM

Budman68

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From: DFW TX

Cruise-In VII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '07

Most are just project cars or high school cars that have been just setting around collecting dust. You know the types, I'm going to restore it one day vettes. 78 - 82 are very reliable cars and pretty cheap to restore. If you got the cash pick one up.

Oct 26, 2008 | 09:34 AM

danziger

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From: Pensacola FL

Thanks for the input! Some of the cars for sale are pretty nice...not beaters! There is a beautiful Pace Car on there as well. Hmmm. Might just have to pick one up!

Oct 26, 2008 | 10:31 AM

Rickman

Burning Brakes

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From: Abingdon MD

Ben,

You nailed it with your "economic turndown" analysis. C3's are toys and not DD's. When times get tough sometimes the toys gotta go. Plus, we are nearing the end of the crusing season, with lousy weather ahead.

IMO many are caught w projects now too expensive to finish. With prices levelling off for most "driver" cars, they realize that pouring the extra time, work and $$ into these cars now may not pay off. So, they're cutting their losses.

Yes, it's a buyer's market and a great time to pick up a car. Go for a 78 Pace Car or bumper car if it can be picked up reasonably. Remember that these cars are 30 plus years old and need to be checked out carefully at the time of purchase. Someone said on here once that, compared to the C5, all C3's are project cars!

Rickman

Oct 26, 2008 | 11:18 AM

danziger

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From: Pensacola FL

Rickman,
Thanks for the great response! I am pretty lucky in that the economic downturn hasn't affected us too much...yet anyway. None of the cars I've seen locally are early C3s...most all are 1975 and up. I like to look of the later C3s and they seem to be ridiculously affordable right now. Many nice examples well under $10K. I'm always looking to add to the vehicle fleet...

Oct 26, 2008 | 11:24 AM

RMVette

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From: Matthews NC

If you have the time, post the links for the cars you've found so that others who may be in the C3 market can view them too....that is after you've found yours!

Oct 26, 2008 | 01:52 PM

rudolph schenker

Safety Car

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From: Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMVette

If you have the time, post the links for the cars you've found so that others who may be in the C3 market can view them too....that is after you've found yours!

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Oct 26, 2008 | 04:46 PM

danziger

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From: Pensacola FL

OK, here's a couple that I like:

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/887762560.html a little pricey, but if it is that nice and only has 50K, might be worth looking at.

http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/848900018.html no pics, but great price if legit

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/890659745.html this has to be effed up bad...

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/889700922.html not bad for a 77

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/880943275.html a little more than I would pay for a 1977, but seems reasonable

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/871411638.html this might be a keeper!!!!!

There's a bunch more in all price ranges that have just "popped up" in the past couple weeks. Tempting...

Last edited by danziger; Oct 26, 2008 at 04:47 PM. Reason: I put the same link twice...doh!

Oct 26, 2008 | 04:50 PM

#10

danziger

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From: Pensacola FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by rudolph schenker

How's your brother Michael Schenker doing?

I still listen to the Scorps every once in a while...

Nov 2, 2008 | 09:38 AM

#11

riarms

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From: Providence Rhode Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by danziger

I just got an 81 for short money needs paint and interior but at most Im thinking 5,000 and its done. Motor may need alittle work, it was rebuilt head headers side exhaust car goes pretty good but, I think the cam is a little to big for my taste.

Nov 2, 2008 | 09:49 AM

#12

blcknd

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From: Springfield MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by riarms

I think that's the first time I've heard someone say a cam is 'too big'...
I'm impressed!!!

Nov 2, 2008 | 10:38 AM

#13

AllC34Me

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: Easton, PA

St. Jude Donor '10

Quote:

Originally Posted by danziger

I own two 77's and I can tell you that NOW is a good time to buy anything in the 1973-1982 range. My Corvette Orange 77 has 22K miles; my Mille Red (should be Covette Orange) 77 has 83K miles. They are out there and available for sure. I wouldn't just check Craigs list, ask the guys here on the forum too, they have cars in the era you are looking for and I think they are much more honorable and honest than many on Craigs list.

Go for it and let us know how it goes. Good hunting.

David
77Sleeper

Nov 2, 2008 | 03:54 PM

#14

goatjacket

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Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 335

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From: Fort Wayne Indiana

I too am a C5 guy who just got the C3 bug with the market. I picked up a 72 that needs restored; motor and trans complete but no interior and needs paint. Paid 4k which seemed like a good deal for a bumper car. One C5 guy to another, if you're in the market these cars are worth it.

Nov 3, 2008 | 11:20 AM

#15

riarms

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From: Providence Rhode Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by blcknd

I think that's the first time I've heard someone say a cam is 'too big'...
I'm impressed!!!

Just dont like the sound and the real low rpm's at idle. cant wait to get the 4 speed auto tranny put it

Nov 3, 2008 | 11:55 AM

#16

Vampyre

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Rochester NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by danziger

Hello fellow Vette enthusiasts! I was wondering why there seems to be a mass selling of C3s lately and if you thought now was the time to jump into a C3?

If you can get a decent C3 Do it, they are great cars.... speaking of sellers..

I see the C5 section has some great deals 11K for 2001 Vert and about 13K for 1999's!!! that is crazy!!

I'm glad I sold my C5 last year for decent money.. now I would have been lucky to get 12K for mine.

If you can swing a C3 grab one, as they really don't get much cheaper then now!!

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