Getting it soon
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: New Virginia IA
Getting it soon
Im still kinda new to the forum and wanted to say hello to everyone here
. I am 16 and my grandpa gave me his 1979 corvette 
. But there are some problems. The biggest one is that its in Michigan and it has also been sitting outside(if any of you know what Michigans weather is like youll know what im talkin about). He hasnt drove it for 5 plus years, its bearly moved. But the reason he stopped driving it is because of the rear main seal was leaking. So this thrusday im driving over there to pick it up 
. Also i wanted to say that ive been reading the threads and you guys are the best 
. I have got a lot of info from reading them. And as soon as i can get some pics i will post them 
.
. I am 16 and my grandpa gave me his 1979 corvette . But there are some problems. The biggest one is that its in Michigan and it has also been sitting outside(if any of you know what Michigans weather is like youll know what im talkin about). He hasnt drove it for 5 plus years, its bearly moved. But the reason he stopped driving it is because of the rear main seal was leaking. So this thrusday im driving over there to pick it up . Also i wanted to say that ive been reading the threads and you guys are the best . I have got a lot of info from reading them. And as soon as i can get some pics i will post them .
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Nice of your grandpa to give you the car, but be aware that it will cost A LOT or money to get the car into good condition. 1979 was the highest number production year for C3 Vettes so the value of the car may be less than other years even if you get it into perfect shape. If it has been sitting outside for 5 years it will need a brake rebuild, probably suspension bushings, maybe body mounts, and probably a new interior. If the frame is rusted out it probably wouldn't be worth trying to restore it.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to bring the Vette back to life, just be prepared for the shock of how much a lot of the parts cost, and how much work it takes.
Rick B.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to bring the Vette back to life, just be prepared for the shock of how much a lot of the parts cost, and how much work it takes.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Not to discourage you but,
Big project for a 16 year old, both financially and physically for obvious reasons. Unless you have tons of money to throw at it, a full workshop w/tools and don't need it for a daily driver I would normally say go for it.
If not I would sell/trade the car for something newer and ready to go. Your young and HS years would be more enjoyable not stressing on your ride and how your going to get it going.
I say sell the Corvette and use that cash to purchase a nice Camaro or Firebird that you can jump in and drive.
I bought a nice 88 Trans Am back in March for $2800, It has T-tops and a 305 TPI engine. I would trust this car on a cross country trip anyday, it's a solid beast.
You could sell the vette as-is and get something like this with plenty of cash left over for gas, insurance and a nice stereo. Plus a back seat for your friends while cruising with the tops off on a saturday night.
Big project for a 16 year old, both financially and physically for obvious reasons. Unless you have tons of money to throw at it, a full workshop w/tools and don't need it for a daily driver I would normally say go for it.
If not I would sell/trade the car for something newer and ready to go. Your young and HS years would be more enjoyable not stressing on your ride and how your going to get it going.
I say sell the Corvette and use that cash to purchase a nice Camaro or Firebird that you can jump in and drive.
I bought a nice 88 Trans Am back in March for $2800, It has T-tops and a 305 TPI engine. I would trust this car on a cross country trip anyday, it's a solid beast.
You could sell the vette as-is and get something like this with plenty of cash left over for gas, insurance and a nice stereo. Plus a back seat for your friends while cruising with the tops off on a saturday night.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: New Virginia IA
Well I do have some advantages......my dad owns a car repair shop so tools and parts are no problem, plus we get a discount at NAPA. I have also been working on cars for the past 3 and a half years at the shop .
And the last time i was over there i did find out it needs the brakes rebuilt, the wiring needs gone through, and the interior is surprisingly in fairly good condition. I do know that there is going to be a lot of work to be done but ive had some practice at it (my first car/truck was a non-running 1977 chevy pickup and now its a daily driver) and right now me and my dad are completely restoring his 1979 Trans am. Then when were done with that hes going to restore his Can Am.
But I will say that I have been counting down the days for weeks
Thanks for the replies guys.
. And the last time i was over there i did find out it needs the brakes rebuilt, the wiring needs gone through, and the interior is surprisingly in fairly good condition. I do know that there is going to be a lot of work to be done but ive had some practice at it (my first car/truck was a non-running 1977 chevy pickup and now its a daily driver) and right now me and my dad are completely restoring his 1979 Trans am. Then when were done with that hes going to restore his Can Am.
But I will say that I have been counting down the days for weeks
Thanks for the replies guys
.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 0
From: NYC - HK
I'm soon to be 18 (next month) and so far it's been great. I'm in the process of refreshing my engine bay. A car from your grandpa is invaluable. It's not that that hard unless you're doing a frame off resto. Since you have experience in your dad's shop it shouldn't be that bad. Good Luck!
