I need some expert advice
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Pine Bluff AR
I need some expert advice
Hey guys, my name is Bryce and I'm looking for a 'Vette! But I don't really know what I'm looking at.
I have a '67 Goat I'm restoring and my dad has a '76 T/A he drives. What I'm looking for is a DD classic Vette.
I need to know from you guys what to look at. Numbers matching isnt important to me. But performance and amenities (like A/C) are important. I've been reading the forum for a while and have seen that you guys can point me in the right direction.
And if anyone that has one for sale can email or pm me. Any kind of info you can throw my way would be hugely appreciated. As a 20 (almost 21
) guy this car seems to fit my style. My budget is under 15k, and I'm working on financing. Hopefully I can join you guys in the 'Vette owners circle soon!
I have a '67 Goat I'm restoring and my dad has a '76 T/A he drives. What I'm looking for is a DD classic Vette.I need to know from you guys what to look at. Numbers matching isnt important to me. But performance and amenities (like A/C) are important. I've been reading the forum for a while and have seen that you guys can point me in the right direction.
And if anyone that has one for sale can email or pm me. Any kind of info you can throw my way would be hugely appreciated. As a 20 (almost 21
) guy this car seems to fit my style. My budget is under 15k, and I'm working on financing. Hopefully I can join you guys in the 'Vette owners circle soon!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
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Depends on how classic you're looking for. C3s are getting old and don't really make good daily drivers. They require considerable TLC and maintenance. For $15K you can certainly get a nice C3, but remember the newest C3 is 27 years old, for that kind of money you could look at a C5 or the nicest C4 out there, both would make better daily drivers.
If you have your heart set on a C3, look at an 82, better fuel economy and 4 speed auto for better drive-ability.
Good luck!
If you have your heart set on a C3, look at an 82, better fuel economy and 4 speed auto for better drive-ability.
Good luck!
CF Community Team
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Although AC may make it a bit pricier. While numbers matching may not be important to you, it is an important factor to consider since it has a profound impact on the price of the car. Non original motor cars are great drivers but can be purchased for less money than a similar car with the original drivetrain.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
Well, technically all C3s are "bumper" cars, but '68-'73 are "chrome bumper" cars and '74-'82 are "rubber bumper" cars. Actually, '73 is split because the front is a rubber bumper and the rear is a chrome bumper. Generally, the rubber bumper cars are less expensive than chrome bumper. I think they are suggesting that if you are willing to go NOM, you can afford a chrome bumper car is good condtion, maybe a '72 or '73 coupe.
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Michael S. Palmer
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
While numbers matching may not be important to you, it is an important factor to consider since it has a profound impact on the price of the car. Non original motor cars are great drivers but can be purchased for less money than a similar car with the original drivetrain.
Wow, I thought I was the last person left alive to make this point. Good one.
As stated, just because a non original car isnt something you want, don't use that as an excuse not to pay attention to such things. Wrong number cars are worth less, period, and always calculate that in your purchase decision.
If a correct-numbered car isn't important, use that to your advantage in getting more car for the same money, or by paying less.
PS, in the $15k range, a bumper car (I would stop at '72) is a better investment and certainly a higher interest car, however, probably less of a driver than a later C3 which will enable you to afford a better-conditon car. The 74-82s are nice entry level cars for the money. As a newbie, though, Id stay away from the '82 Cross Fire because not only will you have to pay for repairs, you will have to believe whatever your mechanic tells you. Id try to get a nicer '80 if I were in your spot. You will get tons of car with money left over.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; Apr 20, 2009 at 05:14 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
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From: Indy Indiana
although a/c is pretty cool in a bumper car ( chrome )... it is pretty rare and if the car has it, it usually does not work, if it does it blows barely cold, and the vents don't work.. and I myself have yet to see a bumper c3 driving around with the top up, or t tops in and windows up cruising around. I have had my top up twice, driving in the winter in a sunny day.. otherwize, it is always down... AC is great for the car's value, but will you use it, and is it worth paying for?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,885
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I have to agree with the others. C3s do require much loving care and expense if using it as a DD. I wouldn't use my car for a DD anymore because of this.
A footnote on the A/C issue - my 78 (rubber bumper) use to be blow cold enough when I drove it to work everyday. I stayed very comfortable during the hottest summer months (June through August) in the desert of Arizona. The cabin is small enough so there's not much cubic space it has to keep cool. But gas mileage suffered really bad with a/c running and that's the price you pay! I did have to be a careful while stuck in rush hour traffic at 5 PM as to make sure car wouldn't over heat as outside temps ranged between 100 to 112+. That was back when the a/c use to work!
It died three years ago - either needs a charge or maybe work done on the compressor. Eventually I'll get around to addressing it. R12 refrigerant is expensive @ $100+ per pound for a recharge. I'm aware a R134 conversion is a possibility but I'm not sure right now if I want to change what was original since the car is not my DD anymore.
A footnote on the A/C issue - my 78 (rubber bumper) use to be blow cold enough when I drove it to work everyday. I stayed very comfortable during the hottest summer months (June through August) in the desert of Arizona. The cabin is small enough so there's not much cubic space it has to keep cool. But gas mileage suffered really bad with a/c running and that's the price you pay! I did have to be a careful while stuck in rush hour traffic at 5 PM as to make sure car wouldn't over heat as outside temps ranged between 100 to 112+. That was back when the a/c use to work!
It died three years ago - either needs a charge or maybe work done on the compressor. Eventually I'll get around to addressing it. R12 refrigerant is expensive @ $100+ per pound for a recharge. I'm aware a R134 conversion is a possibility but I'm not sure right now if I want to change what was original since the car is not my DD anymore.
Administrator
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The biggest thing about A/C, especially on a chrome bumper roadster, is that its a resale enhancer. I wouldnt think about trying to get it to work on a regular basis; can't imagine the aggravation or expense would be worth it. But, if A/C does find its way onto a 68-72 that you buy (especially, especially on a convertible) it will demand a premium at sale time.