Is it worth it??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
Is it worth it??
My meat supplier has a 1982 Vette for sale. I just bought a C4 before Christmas and now Vettes are being thrown at me. The history is something like this.....he bought the car new in1982 and has all paperwork. It has 60,000 miles on it and has been garage kept ever since. He told me that it's only been in the rain about 12 times in it's life. The car looks great. Almost showroom. It's silver with a black interior and T-tops. 100% original. He's the type that wouldn't change anything. The paint is perfect.
He's asking $10,000 for it and that seems like a pretty good deal. I know nothing about these years and are they good cars? Any problem areas to look for? How's about some opinions. Thanks --Bill--
He's asking $10,000 for it and that seems like a pretty good deal. I know nothing about these years and are they good cars? Any problem areas to look for? How's about some opinions. Thanks --Bill--
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Cary NC
Look for these basics:Frame and birdcage rust
The engine running smoothly (only one year of the c3 had the crossfire fuel injection system, I've read it's not the easiest thing to get repaired)
Test the electronics
Suspension
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
Look for these basics:
Yep, I like the classy looks of a C3 also. I really, really do like the performance and handling of the 95 C4 and it is a Vert. I think the 82's had like what.....220Hp and a 0-60 time of 7.9. While I realize that a sports car doesn't need a lot of power it would be nice. Hell, I've had low powered true sports cars most of my life.
948 cc Bugeye sprite. 0-60 you needed a calender, not a stopwatch.
1296 CC Spitfire
1966 Alfa Duetto Spyder 1600
So, yes, I like the class and I'm going to look at it again this weekend. Just checking for problem areas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Agreed. You'll be able to find out how many times it saw rain by simply opening the passenger door and removing 3 screws from the kick panel and removing it. Depending on what you see there will and should likely dictate the numbers and validity of the rain claim.
Other than that, sounds like a good deal for what you describe.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
make sure you know what to look for. i got my 79 for an amazing price 5000 it had 50k miles and fresh paint with 0 rust. luckily it didnt have rust or any other problems but the motor was a mess and i didnt notice because it ran great and the engine bay was clean as a whistle. i ended up spending another 4-5k rebuilding the engine and minor annoying problems it had. so in the end i still got a decent deal but nowhere near the steal i thought i had. make sure you get it checked out. but it sounds like a good car.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Maybe, 82 and 84 had the Crossfire. I had an 84 that I drove to 322,000+ miles and the Crossfire never missed a beat
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I purchased my 82 off my high school teacher after he used it for 22 years and it has well over 100k on the original drive train. Most things I have read stated crossfire is a PITA! I'll tell you it is very simple as far as fuel injection goes(just as long as BUBBA hasn't been in there) and if you purchase the hypertek chip/prom for $125 it make a world of difference in real world driving. The car delivers over 20mpg, big block torque off the line and falls on its face after 4500 rpm
I have also read the 82 cars where built very well and fit and finish was the best chevy ever put out
I have also read the 82 cars where built very well and fit and finish was the best chevy ever put out
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
Thanks for all the help and insight. I've got some things to check. Now.....if someone could please tell me (not to sound too dumb), what is a birdcage? I know Maserati had the type 31 "Birdcage" and it was one of my favorite cars of all times.
I'm pretty sure a 1982 Vette don't look like that. If you tell me what a birdcage is I'll try to check it.
I'm pretty sure a 1982 Vette don't look like that. If you tell me what a birdcage is I'll try to check it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Why are you looking to buy it?
If you like the car and have the money to buy it then buy it and enjoy it.
Is it worth it to you? It is a 28 year old car it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The price is fair for a car in the condition you describe.
If you are looking for an investment buy a CD. Cars are depreciating assets. If you remember that they are cars and not investments and you will not go wrong.
If you like the car and have the money to buy it then buy it and enjoy it.
Is it worth it to you? It is a 28 year old car it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The price is fair for a car in the condition you describe.
If you are looking for an investment buy a CD. Cars are depreciating assets. If you remember that they are cars and not investments and you will not go wrong.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
Why are you looking to buy it?
If you like the car and have the money to buy it then buy it and enjoy it.
Is it worth it to you? It is a 28 year old car it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The price is fair for a car in the condition you describe.
If you are looking for an investment buy a CD. Cars are depreciating assets. If you remember that they are cars and not investments and you will not go wrong.
If you like the car and have the money to buy it then buy it and enjoy it.
Is it worth it to you? It is a 28 year old car it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The price is fair for a car in the condition you describe.
If you are looking for an investment buy a CD. Cars are depreciating assets. If you remember that they are cars and not investments and you will not go wrong.
Why, Because if it's in the condition it appears to be, I'd like to have a C3, Why? I like them or possibly NUNYA. I'm retiring next year and I like toys. I'll have plenty of time to play with them.
Is it worth it to me?? Pay attention, If it wasn't I'd not have posted a thread looking for problem areas. I have plenty of money to buy anything I choose so that would no be an issue. I'm building a GTM on a Vette chassis as my first retirement project. Why? I enjoy it.
I also have a 41 foot Lord Nelson sailboat that I bought outright and I enjoy it too. Is that OK with you? Thanks for the help.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
You are a real piece of work pal 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
Keep it in the other thread.back to the OP. The birdcage is a metal substructure around the cockpit from the firewall/windshield frame, under the sill plates, and up around the back of the seat and forward to the windshield frame between the T-tops. Lots of info on topic in here, including an active thread or two with pics.
The windshield posts tend to rot, as well as the areas directly under the windshield posts behind the kick panels. (#2 body mount area). Another area that can be checked for rot is the #3 bodymount area. If you look just forward of the rear wheels, there is a little inspection cover that gives you access here.
Look for bubbling/swelled paint at the upper door hinge areas and around the VIN tag. Bad signs. Ask to pull the kick panels out too, and see if you can get any loose rust to drop down from inside the A-pillar while you are looking there.
Sounds like a nice car. Just don't ASSume it is, though.
