To Keep or Not TO Keep...
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 82
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From: Kansas
To Keep or Not TO Keep...
Hello again everyone! I’m somewhat in a pickle! This is what's going down.
I’m very tempted to sell my 1979 Vette because of the following problems:
· Rear Diff. needs to be completely replaced.
· Gas tank, Fuel Gauge sending unit. And all gas lines needs replaced.
· All the calipers need to be upgraded (aka: Advance Auto doesn’t help),
· Transmission seals are leaking (requires tranny to be dropped).
· Other than that just a squeaky suspension due to age.
This car has 90k original and just fixing this would make the car reliable again.
My dilemma is that I demoted and only make 15k a year now. It’s a job. I just don’t rack in the money to fix my beloved car.
I do have a garage for her to sit for a long time till I get parts for her. I would just like a good dependable car. And just to test the waters, I could sell my car for about 10k-12k. So I started to look for cars in that price range. Found out that no car would have the spunk nor the curves of my baby. But I could get a ‘basic’ reliable car.
I have a strong bond with my Corvette. She is my therapy through these bitter times. I really hate seeing my Corvette sit and not being able to drive her.
What do you guys suggest? Have you ever been in this predicament? And what did you do?
Thanks Again, Derek.
I’m very tempted to sell my 1979 Vette because of the following problems:
· Rear Diff. needs to be completely replaced.
· Gas tank, Fuel Gauge sending unit. And all gas lines needs replaced.
· All the calipers need to be upgraded (aka: Advance Auto doesn’t help),
· Transmission seals are leaking (requires tranny to be dropped).
· Other than that just a squeaky suspension due to age.
This car has 90k original and just fixing this would make the car reliable again.
My dilemma is that I demoted and only make 15k a year now. It’s a job. I just don’t rack in the money to fix my beloved car.
I do have a garage for her to sit for a long time till I get parts for her. I would just like a good dependable car. And just to test the waters, I could sell my car for about 10k-12k. So I started to look for cars in that price range. Found out that no car would have the spunk nor the curves of my baby. But I could get a ‘basic’ reliable car.
I have a strong bond with my Corvette. She is my therapy through these bitter times. I really hate seeing my Corvette sit and not being able to drive her.
What do you guys suggest? Have you ever been in this predicament? And what did you do?
Thanks Again, Derek.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Cary NC
I just got my 79 and it's one thing after another. The thought has flown by my head but I will not sell it, just think how great she will
Be when you finish. I have to drop my whole rear end because my diff leaks, need brakes too, tranny is fine but I've spent close to 1k on ac and related.
More incentive: your vette will sell for around
4k not 11/12.
Be when you finish. I have to drop my whole rear end because my diff leaks, need brakes too, tranny is fine but I've spent close to 1k on ac and related.
More incentive: your vette will sell for around
4k not 11/12.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Australia
I just got my 79 and it's one thing after another. The thought has flown by my head but I will not sell it, just think how great she will
Be when you finish. I have to drop my whole rear end because my diff leaks, need brakes too, tranny is fine but I've spent close to 1k on ac and related.
More incentive: your vette will sell for around
4k not 11/12.
Be when you finish. I have to drop my whole rear end because my diff leaks, need brakes too, tranny is fine but I've spent close to 1k on ac and related.
More incentive: your vette will sell for around
4k not 11/12.
keep her and slowly work on her over time
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
1. Bolt in a used differential (one afternoon)
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I didn't read the thread entierly but to be honest...there is no way you'll get what you're asking for the car. I think it you love the car like you say you do and have a place to keep her? I would and I see you don't make much in terms of money but perhaps you can get a part time job and use that money to fix her up.
I think it's all a moot point if you need to sell her so you'll be moblie? assuming you have no other means of trasnportation.
I think it's all a moot point if you need to sell her so you'll be moblie? assuming you have no other means of trasnportation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
I didn't read the thread entierly but to be honest...there is no way you'll get what you're asking for the car. I think it you love the car like you say you do and have a place to keep her? I would and I see you don't make much in terms of money but perhaps you can get a part time job and use that money to fix her up.
I think it's all a moot point if you need to sell her so you'll be moblie? assuming you have no other means of trasnportation.
I think it's all a moot point if you need to sell her so you'll be moblie? assuming you have no other means of trasnportation.
With all the problems you listed....$5K would be about it. So you might as well squirell it away for now. 
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 547
Likes: 13
From: Carlstadt NJ
Danny
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
1. Bolt in a used differential (one afternoon)
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
and dont bother with the local parts stores for the brakes. Napa wanted $190 each when I researched 2 years ago. Go directly to VBP.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
1. Bolt in a used differential (one afternoon)
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
2. Replace the gas tank/lines (another afternoon)
3. Replace the calipers (another afternoon)
4. Pull the output shaft and replace the output seal on the tranny; keep it topped up, and put a piece of cardboard under the car to catch the drip.
5. Live with the squeaks.
I have to agree with the others that $10K-$12K for a '79 would only be if the thing was in really GREAT shape. If it was me, I would keep it as letting it go for $4K would kill me. OK, it wouldn't kill me, but it would hurt me real bad.
Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 23
From: Kawartha Lakes and PEC, Ontario
I would keep it only under the following conditions:
1. It's paid for (no sense paying for a loan on a car you can't drive when money is tight)
2. You have secure long-term storage (where it isn't going to rot into the ground and become completely worthless)
3. You have another means of transportation
Many years ago I was in a similar situation with a '77. I couldn't meet #1 or #2 (and I barely met #3) so I sold it. Tough decision but I think it was the right one.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
1. It's paid for (no sense paying for a loan on a car you can't drive when money is tight)
2. You have secure long-term storage (where it isn't going to rot into the ground and become completely worthless)
3. You have another means of transportation
Many years ago I was in a similar situation with a '77. I couldn't meet #1 or #2 (and I barely met #3) so I sold it. Tough decision but I think it was the right one.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
1st of all , make it safe , then make it reliable, then make it pretty..
brakes at autozone, 60$ each... if you need fuel lines you probably need brake lines?..
rear end, is it really ready to break or will it last?
prioritize your repairs and piecemeal it a little at a time so it won't be down for long...
brakes at autozone, 60$ each... if you need fuel lines you probably need brake lines?..
rear end, is it really ready to break or will it last?
prioritize your repairs and piecemeal it a little at a time so it won't be down for long...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
when you sell almost anything not working 100% you take a loss.
you will not be able to sell you car for a premiumim price in the shape it is in.
Anyone whom buys a 40 year old car had better be planning on lots of work.
to get it into proper condition, the majority of people do not do upkeep and maintence on vehicles, this Forum is an exception, most here will take care of the cars.
you will not be able to sell you car for a premiumim price in the shape it is in.
Anyone whom buys a 40 year old car had better be planning on lots of work.
to get it into proper condition, the majority of people do not do upkeep and maintence on vehicles, this Forum is an exception, most here will take care of the cars.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
Your problem is not your Vette, its your job. Keep the Vette, Swap the job or get a second one until you do. Buy the book: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsay. It has changed MY life.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
I know a few people this book has helped. Also agree with time frames given and Autozone calipers are great. Just did mine at $65.00 each with SS sleeves and lifetime garuntee. Good luck whichever way you go.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 4
From: Glenmont NY
Brooklinite and Toolman gave the best advice of what I read above. Take a second read of the wisdom they wrote. The Dave Ramsey book is solid and I think the Brooklinite advice jives with what you would learn in the book.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Collierville TN
As far as the diff, a rebuilt unit is fairly expensive, but swapping it out can be done in an afternoon (helps to have an extra person). You can do it with the car on jacks as I did, but I'd strongly recommend finding someone willing to let you use their lift.
When I had my rear suspension and diff out I took a look at the gas tank on my '74 and it did not look like it would have been extremely difficult to drop and replace it at that point--79 may be different. Of course that means more time and money.
If you do decide to sell, don't get in a hurry and make sure you get top dollar for it (while disclosing problem areas of course)--its a Shark and there are buyers. I hope you won't have to though. Good luck!
Edit: also, check AutoZone for the calipers. I had to replace one of mine do to an embarrasing mistake on my part and they had it in stock.
When I had my rear suspension and diff out I took a look at the gas tank on my '74 and it did not look like it would have been extremely difficult to drop and replace it at that point--79 may be different. Of course that means more time and money.
If you do decide to sell, don't get in a hurry and make sure you get top dollar for it (while disclosing problem areas of course)--its a Shark and there are buyers. I hope you won't have to though. Good luck!
Edit: also, check AutoZone for the calipers. I had to replace one of mine do to an embarrasing mistake on my part and they had it in stock.
Last edited by column5; Jun 11, 2009 at 03:04 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
Ah. all C3 owners have at one time or another thought about selling due to the work that always needs to be done.. I have thought the same too..
but when it is running great nothing is further from my mind.. I would keep it..
BTW...
now is not the best market to sell a car in...
but when it is running great nothing is further from my mind.. I would keep it..
BTW...
now is not the best market to sell a car in...