Questions about 78-82
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Questions about 78-82
What years had the opening rear hatch?
Is there a mod to convert a non-opening hatch to one that opens?
What do you guys call that segment (78-82)of the C3s? Fast back? Hatch-back?
Thanks
Is there a mod to convert a non-opening hatch to one that opens?
What do you guys call that segment (78-82)of the C3s? Fast back? Hatch-back?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
82 Collectors Edition is the only one that has a rear opening hatch. I've heard that there is a kit that can convert the others to opening, but have never seen one, so I can't comment on it. I"ve heard the 78-82's called bubble window C3's.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
Only OEM hatchback is the 1982 Collectors Edition.
You could mod any 78-82 with either the parts off a junked CE or a kit (of all OEM parts) called a HatchVette Kit sold by Cars & Concepts back in the mid 80's.
I call the 80-82's "my favorite body style"
You could mod any 78-82 with either the parts off a junked CE or a kit (of all OEM parts) called a HatchVette Kit sold by Cars & Concepts back in the mid 80's.
I call the 80-82's "my favorite body style"
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
Agree on 1980 ~ 1982 being my favorite, but they also have the best drag coefficient of any C3 made. 1981 also is the lightest C3 made... 
I have heard the rear window called a "Sugar Scoop" design too, but not sure where I heard that...
I have heard the rear window called a "Sugar Scoop" design too, but not sure where I heard that...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: N E area of state Kansas
That refers to the flat window coupe. I fyou look, with the flat piece, and the flat back, along with the flow on the sides it looks like a sugar scoop.
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Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Thanks again for the insight.
So I guess now I need to find an 82 CE roller for around $3000 or less.
I doubt that's gonna happen...
So I guess now I need to find an 82 CE roller for around $3000 or less.
I doubt that's gonna happen...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
Dont throw the towel in so quickly
There are a fair amount of these hatch conversions around. It was a popular conversion kit for non-CE's. Some are even 82CE's painted other colors.
If that's what you REALLY want, look for that feature in the ad or make it 1 of your first questions about the car.
BTW- there are even some kits still laying around that pop up on Ebay from time-time, but be prepared to spend $2-3K for it.
If you're looking for a cheap rollar, pick up something super cheap missing the back glass and jump on a Ebay kit with $$$$ you saved.
If that's what you REALLY want, look for that feature in the ad or make it 1 of your first questions about the car.
BTW- there are even some kits still laying around that pop up on Ebay from time-time, but be prepared to spend $2-3K for it.
If you're looking for a cheap rollar, pick up something super cheap missing the back glass and jump on a Ebay kit with $$$$ you saved.
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Thanks for the advise and info.
My goal is to build an LSx powered drag car. I just think it would be a PITA to work with Nitrous bottles through the passenger door. lol
Hopefully I'll find one. I'm in no rush but if I do find one I'm prepared to buy right away.
My goal is to build an LSx powered drag car. I just think it would be a PITA to work with Nitrous bottles through the passenger door. lol
Hopefully I'll find one. I'm in no rush but if I do find one I'm prepared to buy right away.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Look for a kit or the parts you need at a swap meet. Seemed I saw a couple at Bloomington every year (and its coming up in 2 weeks).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Years ago my brothers in laws bought a new 78 that had the hatch rear window that was dealer installed.I once saw an 82,copper color that had this rear window as well.I cant remember where the hatch relaese was on the 78 but on the 82 it was in the door jamb on the driver side in a small recess.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
If you're doing a drag car, just ditch the pass seat and mount the bottle(s) there...............
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,755
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,694
Likes: 833
From: WI
I would think for a drag car you'd want to have the front/rear window glued in with urethane adhesive for extra rigidity. In their day, there were several companies selling conversion kits, but they were rattly and leaky. I'm sure the General saw it as a safety issue as well. On the C4's they reportedly spent a lot of engineering dollars to get the back window/hatch system to work right.
I once owned a vehicle (non vette) that had an aftermarket hatch kit and it was awful. The whole thing giggled and rattled and the locater pins and latch constantly wore out. I finally machined out a new latch bolt and hardened it. Still rattled though. It would be interesting to hear from any vette owners who have kits on their cars. I'd like to hear from 82 owners to see how their glass hatch's have held up.
Mark G
I once owned a vehicle (non vette) that had an aftermarket hatch kit and it was awful. The whole thing giggled and rattled and the locater pins and latch constantly wore out. I finally machined out a new latch bolt and hardened it. Still rattled though. It would be interesting to hear from any vette owners who have kits on their cars. I'd like to hear from 82 owners to see how their glass hatch's have held up.
Mark G