My dad called me today and asked me if I would be interested in buying a corvette from a friend of his. I have a 2000, but have always wanted an older vette. His friend has a 1977 with a 350 4 speed with 67,000 original miles. It is a one owner car and is all numbers matching. The car has not been started in over 12 years and will of course need a little work. The only thing that has ever been replaced is a head light that was busted. The car has been in a garage the whole time. Any ideas on what you would pay for it, and how much it would take to get it running if nothing was drastically wrong. I havent seen it in person so I dont know alot of details, but would just like a ballpark estimate. Thanks for any help.

 

Gotta get some pics, Good Luck

 

you would be upside down very fast i think by the time you paint, do motor job and the dozens of other things it probably needs. but on other hand it could be in real nice shape. gotta see it.

 

a 1977 with a 4-speed is low production.
will draw about 1000 more. in mint condition they go for about 10-13k.
start deducting work needed from there.
1977 Options:

Code
Description
Quantity

1YZ37
Base Corvette Sport Coupe
49,213

A31
Power Windows
44,341

B32
Color Keyed Floor Mats
36,763

C49
Rear Window Defroster
30,411

C60
Air Conditioning
45,249

D35
Sport Mirrors
20,206

FE7
Gymkhana Suspension
7,269

G95
Optional Rear Axle Ratio
972

K30
Speed Control
29,161

L82
350ci 210hp Engine
6,148

M21
4 Speed Manual Close Ratio
2,060

M40
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
41,231

NA6
High Altitude Emissions Equipment
-

N37
Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column
46,487

QRZ
White Letter Steel Belted Tires GR70x15
46,227

U58
AM/FM Radio Stereo
18,483

U69
AM/FM Radio
4,700

UA1
Heavy Duty Battery
32,882

UM2
AM/FM Radio Stereo With 8 Track
24,603

V54
Luggage and Roof Panel Rack
-

YF5
California Emissions Test
-

YJ8
Aluminum Wheels
12,646

ZN1
Trailer Package
289

ZX2
Convenience Group
40,872


Serial Numbers: 1Z37L7S400001 through 1Z37L7S449213

 

A non running Vette is worth between $800 and $5,000, depending on it's condition.

DO NOT TRY TO START IT WITHOUT CHANGING THE FLUIDS, AND PRIMING THE MOTOR WITH OIL.

Chances are you will need to replace the fuel tank. It all depends on how much gas is in it. If it is full, it would be better than empty. There will be less rust.

The fuel is rotten and needs to be drained and the tank needs to be flushed. I would add a cheap clear plastic fuel filter by the carb, to catch the trash left in the lines.

You would need to rebuild the carb, replace the plugs, belts, and hoses, change the water, ps fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and rear gear lube before trying to drive it. You may need to change the rotor button and distributor cap.

Check the ground wires, the starter wires, and the battery wires. Spin the alternator, water pump, and put a wrench on the crankshaft and manually turn the motor a few times with the plugs out before you try to start it.