82 What To Do
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Lowell MI
82 What To Do
I have a 1982 Vette, quite nice shape inside and out, low mileage according to odometer and dealer opinions. I have no real documentation to support mileage other than the usual searches through SOS and a build sheet is not available for this cars VIN, not sure why but the web site identified a range of 82 VINs that were not available. I'm not overly concerned with the value of this car and I am considering some changes but don't know what to do. I just don't want to make the car more difficult to sell should I decide to sell at some point. Interior needs no work and the paint looks good from 10 feet away. Has original engine with no modifications, 33,000 on odometer.
So here is the question; If you were going to put $2500-$5,000 into this car where would you spend it?? Or would you not even bother?
So here is the question; If you were going to put $2500-$5,000 into this car where would you spend it?? Or would you not even bother?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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If I was going to keep it, I would paint it. If your focus is on losing money by putting too much into it, I would sell it and look for a chrome bumper car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Here is my priority list of spending money on my car:
#1 fuel, oil & maintenance; #2 insurance, license & taxes; #3 repairs to safety related features: brakes, lights, steering, tires, seatbelts, wipers; #4 repairs to operational items: drivetrain & accessories, A/C, heater, fan, horn, radio, cruise, power windows, etc.; #5 paint [if needed]; #6 interior refurb.; #7 upgrading engine/drivetrain.
You can easily spend whatever 'extra' money you have on your car. Lots of folks do #7 first...because they want to "go fast and impress their friends". Make wise choices on spending the money where it is needed first...and where you want to last.
#1 fuel, oil & maintenance; #2 insurance, license & taxes; #3 repairs to safety related features: brakes, lights, steering, tires, seatbelts, wipers; #4 repairs to operational items: drivetrain & accessories, A/C, heater, fan, horn, radio, cruise, power windows, etc.; #5 paint [if needed]; #6 interior refurb.; #7 upgrading engine/drivetrain.
You can easily spend whatever 'extra' money you have on your car. Lots of folks do #7 first...because they want to "go fast and impress their friends". Make wise choices on spending the money where it is needed first...and where you want to last.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
I have a 1982 Vette, quite nice shape inside and out, low mileage according to odometer and dealer opinions. I have no real documentation to support mileage other than the usual searches through SOS and a build sheet is not available for this cars VIN, not sure why but the web site identified a range of 82 VINs that were not available. I'm not overly concerned with the value of this car and I am considering some changes but don't know what to do. I just don't want to make the car more difficult to sell should I decide to sell at some point. Interior needs no work and the paint looks good from 10 feet away. Has original engine with no modifications, 33,000 on odometer.
So here is the question; If you were going to put $2500-$5,000 into this car where would you spend it?? Or would you not even bother?
So here is the question; If you were going to put $2500-$5,000 into this car where would you spend it?? Or would you not even bother?
Can you post some pictures?
Is it a CE?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
I bought my 82 year and a half ago. The odometer said 57K, which I have a hard time believing, but it dosen't leak oil. I spent the money on suspension, brakes, cooling system, paint touch up, interior is next. I figured get the car safe and ready to drive and enjoy this summer. It probably won't be a race car or show car. Just an enjoyable one...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Here is my priority list of spending money on my car:
#1 fuel, oil & maintenance; #2 insurance, license & taxes; #3 repairs to safety related features: brakes, lights, steering, tires, seatbelts, wipers; #4 repairs to operational items: drivetrain & accessories, A/C, heater, fan, horn, radio, cruise, power windows, etc.; #5 paint [if needed]; #6 interior refurb.; #7 upgrading engine/drivetrain.
You can easily spend whatever 'extra' money you have on your car. Lots of folks do #7 first...because they want to "go fast and impress their friends". Make wise choices on spending the money where it is needed first...and where you want to last.
#1 fuel, oil & maintenance; #2 insurance, license & taxes; #3 repairs to safety related features: brakes, lights, steering, tires, seatbelts, wipers; #4 repairs to operational items: drivetrain & accessories, A/C, heater, fan, horn, radio, cruise, power windows, etc.; #5 paint [if needed]; #6 interior refurb.; #7 upgrading engine/drivetrain.
You can easily spend whatever 'extra' money you have on your car. Lots of folks do #7 first...because they want to "go fast and impress their friends". Make wise choices on spending the money where it is needed first...and where you want to last.
Good advice here.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Have you checked with the NCM? They have documentation for most of the Bowling Green built cars.
https://store.corvettemuseum.com/ser...buildsheet.asp
Tune her up and leave her as she is. Sounds like she doesn't need much.
https://store.corvettemuseum.com/ser...buildsheet.asp
Tune her up and leave her as she is. Sounds like she doesn't need much.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,706
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
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2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Since you asked. I would replace the fuel pump. Preventitive maintenance really. There is a small rubber hose that attaches the in tank fuel pump to the fuel line and since the rubber hose is now roughly 28 years old its only a matter of time when it will split and fail. Mine did.
The fuel pump is removed through the gas filler door and isn't that hard to do. The new pump comes with a new rubber hose but you will need to order the fuel strainer screen seperately. Total cost of a new AC Delco pump and strainer, if you do it yourself, around $100.
The fuel pump is removed through the gas filler door and isn't that hard to do. The new pump comes with a new rubber hose but you will need to order the fuel strainer screen seperately. Total cost of a new AC Delco pump and strainer, if you do it yourself, around $100.
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