so i'm looking at a c3.

the owner says the paint (it's white) is starting to get very thin black lines in it (only seen up close)

I want to fix this if i were to get it, but i don't want it to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be a great job. is it possible to just get a coat of white and then a clear coat on top of it? would that work? what do you suggest?

how much would it cost? it's a 78.

I hear a buffer or a good wax may help out..any suggestions?

thanks!

 

Black lines? Sounds like a repaint is in order, if you ask me. You might try a buffer, but from what you described, it sounds like a paint-job should be expected. A complete refinish can run anywhere from dirt cheap to $10K, just depending on what you want. I think a reasonable price would be somewhere in the $2500-$3000 range, and that's for a quality repaint. You might save some money by removing some parts yourself. Also something to consider, times are hard right now in the economy, and shops are willing to throw in some freebie work if they get the job. Someone might consider a "scuff and shoot" job for you for relatively cheap, but do bear in mind that you often get what you pay for. Prep work is critical in a good paintjob, so if you want something to last, it needs to be prepped well. If you just want a good 20-footer, you might even consider doing the work yourself if you feel up to it. You might be able to prep the car, and take it to someone to shoot it in their paint booth. There are a lot of choices for you here, it just depends on what you want, what work you are willing to do yourself, and how much you want to spend. Shop around and get bids in writing. A shop worth it's weight, will be happy to quote you a price...just don't expect them to do it over the phone. I equate that to doing brain surgery over the phone...it just doesn't work!

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Trevor

 

Thank you!

I'm gonna ask the question...

maaco???

(don't flame me lol)

 

Boy....Maaco? I'd try to steer as far from them as I possibly could. You'll spend hours and hours just cleaning off the terrible overspray that they will most surely leave you with. If you don't believe me, Google Maaco's customer service feedback. I'd hate to see you throw even $300 bucks at something that you will most likely be unhappy with. I've even heard of them spraying over dirt and debris on the car. (Shudder). If I were to offer MY opinion....save your money and have it done right. If that means driving it with the paint being all cracked....so be it. Work on the mechanical aspects of the car and make it reliable. The best paintjob in the world won't mean squat when you are stranded on the side of the road at 2am! And just remember.....it's still a Vette, whether it has a $5K paint job, or if it's in primer!!

 

Good point...thanks!

My sisters, best friends, dad owns a body shop so I should get a great deal for paint :P

What do you suggest I get done?

thanks again

 

That's a tough question without knowing the condition of your vehicle. There are cars that require little to be a good "daily driver" while others require all sorts of work. Yours will most likely fall somewhere in between. If the car runs now, just doing a simpe tune-up will be a good first start. Change all of the fluids. Make note of the condition of the brakes, and change the pads/rotors as needed. Then it's justsort of going through the components on your car to see what it needs. Check the steering components...tie rods, ball joints, steering rag joint, shocks, etc. There are a number of books that are out there that will help you with this...and I'd start with a Chiltons manual. This will be a good reference point for you, since it explains how to replace parts, what's involved in tune-ups, and diagrams for things like wiring, door handle rods....just about weverything you can think of. Of course there might be some stuff that's not covered, but again, it's a good reference manual.

The longer you own the car, the more things you will notice need some TLC or even replacement. Some things can wait, while others are a priority. Good rule of thumb, make sure it will start, run, accelerate, brake, and steer. Then make sure that the lights all work the way they should. I had a 78, then an 89, and now my 80...and the nice thing with the older cars is that you can actually work on them. If you have any mechanical aptitude at all, you can do it. Just take your time...don't get overwhelmed by the sheer number of things that you need to do...just focus on one area at a time. If it helps, get a notebook or journal, and start writing down the things that you KNOW are needing attention...the things that are just plain broken...and then the stuff that you would LIKE to do to the car. You may quickly find that there are more MUST-DO's than want-to's...but that's what you get when you buy a 30+ year old car. If you are fine with that, then let the good times roll!

Also, take pics of the vehicle in it's present condition. This will allow you to look back and and actually see progress on the car. This can be tricky to see if you are working on it all the time, but a photo-journal will also let others see what you are doing. I personally find it very rewarding to work on my car, and change things around to my liking. This may even be something as simple as fixing inoperable wipers...wiring, etc. Everyone gets something different from working on their cars, and I'm sure you will find enjoyment there as well.

Again...don't give up. Don't lose sight of what you WANT the car to be. This will give you something to shoot for, and will make all of your hard work that much more satisfying in the end. I'm here to lend a word of advice where I can, and this forum is a great place to pick other people's brains. Let me know if I can help out!

Trevor

 

PS.....how much is this 78 anyways? Price?

 

oh it runs and drives. 75k miles. either way thanks for all the tips!

it's gonna be about 5000. does that sound good?

it's got a new dark blue cloth interior. needs a couple random parts (about $250 worth) everything else is good

 

Again, depending on the condition, sounds like a pretty good deal. Photos will tell us a lot, so if you have any...post them up. If you need help posting them, let me know!

Trevor

 

Okay, give me a minute :P

BTW it's a L82 manual.

I'm going to look at it saturday. It's my first car so i'm excited beyond belief :P