chlorinesteve

I've been looking for a C3 for several months now and I've come across this 1981 which particularly sparked my interest:

http://www.ohitradingcompany.com/web...px?iid=2383542


The cash buyout price is $6,900

I'm going to test drive it tomorrow so I'm not sure about what the current running condition is, but it is advertised as running great with only 48k miles.

Now some things I've noticed are:

The car does not have A/C
The windshield wipers do not work
The headlights are bolted up
The interior is very faded and needs alot of work
The shifter looks like it is about to fall apart
The original T tops have been replaced by a one piece top with is not sealed very well around the door edges
The radio does not work nor does the car have speakers


If the car just so happens to be in great running condition, how good of a deal am I getting at $6900?

Mark Battersby

I am no expert, but I suspect for not a lot more $$$ you could get a LOT MORE CAR. Here is just one example for sale on the forum:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3s-...red-vette.html

Aussie Mark

chlorinesteve

That's what I've been assuming, however pickings are pretty slim in my area, I'm okay with a project car, and I'm thinking about debating the price.

So far this is the best deal I've found in my price range

Leung

That shifter..
There are better ones you can get than that for your price.

chlorinesteve

Considering the car is running amazing good, should it still be taking into consideration?

Tomorrow I'm picking up a list of engine work

Kahle76

I enjoy working on my car and if you don't. I would look for a more reliable vette. They are old cars and have just as many problems because they have been sitting instead of being driven.

chlorinesteve

I'm looking forward to doing work on it, and I'm definitely not expecting an everyday driver.

I'm just looking for reasons to get the price dropped

Leung

Well in addition to the issues you stated there are also non original items on that car like the sidepipes, missing snorkel system in the engine bay, non original rims, and more that I'm probably missing. Looks like a car that wasn't well taken care of. The paint looks nice but there are still a few flaws. I am sure you can do better than this though for 6,900. What's your budget? Looks like a money pit to me and will take a decent amount to bring up to speed. I'll let others chime in on this one.

chlorinesteve

I would like to try to stay under 10k

Leung

You can definitely find a good condition rubber bumper c3 for under 10k.

Fast81

do you like the Ronald McDonald theme (yellow ext with red guts?) most dont
That should be a $5k car. interior is shot ($2K), missing rocker panels, non-functioning headlites, chrome alt but lots of rusty stuff underhood, didn't see AC or any smog stuff.
... and that is the most beat up wiper module i've ever seen

Use these points to drive em down

JMS71VETTE

Steve;take these guy's advise and run away from this one.Take a couple deep breaths and keep looking.The interior alone should be enough to scare you away.If your budget is $10,000 you'll for sure find a great car and value,one you can get in and drive without the hassel of budgeting weekend projects to make it correct.

Fast81

THAT car is worth the $$$$$$$$$
Compare those pics with yours and ask yourself, isn't THAT worth the $2.5K difference...............(9500-~7000)
+$500 to ship it to your location

larryg3

steve, I just took a look at the pics of the car. I can only say this RUN STEVE RUN!!!!!. i like the fact the coolant recovery tank is missing the lid. a very bad repaint. this car will cause you many more headaches than what it is worth.

jdp6000

Thats in rough shape. I agree don't buy it. Looks pretty worn out. I see the one door is rubbing on the body...thats a sign of a weak frame. Never mind everything else it needs.

Jim

jdp6000

You kidding??? There is over 1000 hits on the word Corvette in the Houston Texas area alone.

Go to www.craigslist.com and chose cities in Texas.

Here is decent one I think...

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1643073645.html

jr105

I have an 81 that I'm thinking about selling this spring so I've been doing price comparisons. From what I've seen here in the Boston area, for $7k you should be able to find a pretty decent driver not needing a lot of work. Mine needs nothing and is in much better shape than that and I'm only looking at asking $9-10K.

Vampyre

I don't see this turning out well if you buy it.

The car looks beat on, and the engine is well neglected, all the things you listed will costs lots of money and you have not even started on the interior..

RUn away from this one... you have buyers fever, and it will cost you, sit back and relax and keep looking , it took me about 8 months to get mine, and I looked at lots of them!

RonR80

Pretty pricey, but it has a nice air filter! I think I'd look at getting a real good deal or looking elsewhere, Ron

garage-ghost

Rust...Rust....Rust....................R un....Run...Run