1982 CE rust
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Riverside California
1982 CE rust
Hi corvette forum, I'm about to finally purchase my dream car, a 1982 collectors edition c3 corvette.
I've found one recently for 10k, and I am really keen on buying it however my brother who knows quite a bit more about cars commented that the rust on this car is horrible and it isn't worth it. I believe that the rust isn't advanced enough to be beyond repair and I think it's worth the 10k price tag.
Can some of you guys give me an appraisal on the car and tell me if it's worth it?
I've found one recently for 10k, and I am really keen on buying it however my brother who knows quite a bit more about cars commented that the rust on this car is horrible and it isn't worth it. I believe that the rust isn't advanced enough to be beyond repair and I think it's worth the 10k price tag.
Can some of you guys give me an appraisal on the car and tell me if it's worth it?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Sorry I don't see any real rust damage either....as a matter of fact the pics seem to show a pretty clean undercarriage. For what it's worth those mufflers are incorrect. Otherwise you need to post more pics of the entire car and ask your brother what rust he's talking about.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I agree with the others; she looks good to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
You would really need to show pictures of the frame itself, especially in front of the rear wheels and under the rocker-sill, plus around the windshield; your shots are not of parts of the Vettes that rust.
Search the forum for other threads about frame and birdcage rust, and take pictures of the parts of your car that show rust in those other cars.
Search the forum for other threads about frame and birdcage rust, and take pictures of the parts of your car that show rust in those other cars.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 237
From: Utah
You would really need to show pictures of the frame itself, especially in front of the rear wheels and under the rocker-sill, plus around the windshield; your shots are not of parts of the Vettes that rust.
Search the forum for other threads about frame and birdcage rust, and take pictures of the parts of your car that show rust in those other cars.
Search the forum for other threads about frame and birdcage rust, and take pictures of the parts of your car that show rust in those other cars.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
I do not see the rust your brother is talking about. She looks good to me from the pics you have posted. Check the birdcage. and remember this is an 82 you can not expect it to look like it just left the factory for 10K
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Riverside California
The car has 27,000 miles and the interior is all original.
The driver side's seat's leather is cracked but that's to be expected of a car this old.
I don't think I can get anymore pictures because the car is no longer at a lift.
Yeah, I think I'll go ahead with it, the rust only looks like surface rust.
The driver side's seat's leather is cracked but that's to be expected of a car this old.
I don't think I can get anymore pictures because the car is no longer at a lift.
Yeah, I think I'll go ahead with it, the rust only looks like surface rust.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The best thing to do is fill out your profile so people know roughly where you are located. You can probably find a forum member in your area to look at the car with you to see if there are any problem areas. Try to find someone who is knowledgeable about rust issues.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Riverside California
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
I'm in Anaheim hills and If you want stop by with it I'll take a look at it for you. I will show you the REAL places to look for rust(birdcage body mounts etc..) Not the exhaust & sway bars like your pics show, thats normal.I've been working on and restoring C3's for over 30+ years and I'm still learning about them so since your not that far from me and if you want some help let me know.
Last edited by Douglas Mariani; Sep 11, 2009 at 06:33 PM.
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
Remove the L&R kick panels put your camera in there facing up and take a couple of pics including the body mounts which you'll see when you first remove the panels. Thats a good start and there are many threads here that get more in detail on rust issues. Do a search and you'll find a wealth of info.
Last edited by Douglas Mariani; Sep 11, 2009 at 08:20 PM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Riverside California
Remove the L&R kick panels put your camera in there facing up and take a couple of pics including the body mounts which you'll see when you first remove the panels. Thats a good start and there are many threads here that get more in detail on rust issues. Do a search and you'll find a wealth of info.
