I'm looking at two Vettes today and would like to know the opinions of the experts here.

One is a red 1978 with all matching #s, all original except for a new AC installed a while back. mileage listed at ~ 86K. It has T-tops, L1 350, original paint, etc. The photos look great and the interior has been refurbed with new leather seat covers. Looks like a gem, but we'll see.
Negotiated price, dependent on inspection by me, is $9K.

The other is a 1989 convertible that has been modified with what I call "running skirts" along the bottom of the body and a low profile spoiler on the rear. It also has a tasteful design painted on the sides, kind of like modernistic version of flames but not like the old '50s flames. Here's the ad copy:

WHITE CORVETTE CONV. NEW TIRES, NEW TOP, IN FACT EVERYTING NEW, RUNS GREAT, AUTO A/C, DISC PLAYER, FRESH PAINT, CAR BOUGHT IN LONG ISLAND, I HAVE HAS THIS CAR AND IT IS OUTANDING LOOKING, SOUNDS GREAT, A REAL HEAD TURNER, AND A GREAT SHOW CAR...WON MANY TROPHIES AT CAR SHOWS...DRIVE IT HOME, REALLY EVERTHING IS NEW INSIDE AND OUT MANY OPTIONS P/W. P/S.TILT.CRUISE, A/C, WOOD STEERING WHEEL, ONE OF A KIND. IF YOU WANT A GREAT VETTE BUY THIS ONE.......STRONG RUNNER AND ONLY 87,000 ORIGINAL MILES....FOR A 21 YEAR OLD CAR....CALL GUY @ 315-768-5466 or 315-725-0282 . ASKING $10500.00 OR BEST OFFER PLEASE NO LOW BALLERS OR DREAMERS PLEASE.

He will accept $9K for it.

If both being equal as far as good buys, I'm tempted to go with the '78 due to the Stingray body and the higher NADA value compared to the '89. But, it seems that the 89 would be more comfortable for longer trips than going to a local car show.

I know it's difficult to advise me without seeing the cars, but I don't want to get into a "problem" model year. I'm a novice as far as Vettes go and doing a lot of research online.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions you may have.

Bob

 

This helps. Worth the price of a copy.



The engine in the '78 can be the base L-48 or the optional L-82. Anything else is non-factory.

It is not my intent to disparage the C4s, but Gordon Killebrew says if there is any model year to avoid, it the 89s. Apparently they had a lot of problems with those when he was on the Action Center.

My advice is not to purchase either car without a personal inspection.

 

Thanks, Mike. It confirms what I've read on a bunch of other posts re the "nightmarish electrical systems", among other things.

I admittedly should have searched some posts before posting my first message, but sometimes more info is posted and a good consensus can be evaluated.

I'm definitely inspecting the '78 tonight. I'd never buy one sight unseen, even though I'm a novice.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers!

Bob

 

 

A customized 89 convertible with a body kit is NOT worth 9K, IMO.

 

I wondered about that, as it seems the mods would detract from the originality. Corvette purists most likely wouldn't like it, I guess.

 

I just looked up a 89 on AlldataPro and the TSB's issued on this year vette were too many to count. It just kept scrolliing and scrolling forever, or at least a mile!

 

I'd never buy one sight unseen,

it is very important to inspect it by yourself or by someone you trust.

 

my advise is to get someone with a 78-82 & go for a ride...better yet , drive it yerself...then there are no suprises, in the way it drives, feels etc

 

If it were me, I would go with the 78. But I am biased to the C3.
But you will want to check the Frame out, make sure of no rust, or at least just minor surfacerust. you also want to pull the kick panels and check the body mounts out that are behind the kick panels for rust.

Mike.

 

C3's tend to look great if they have shiny paint, clean interiors and a clean engine compartment. It's the underside of the car that is important. You have to thoroughly inspect the frame for rust, check all of the rubber (body mounts, bushings, etc.) for rot and cracking, look for leaks, check the tires for unusual wear. The shiny parts can end up sitting on a dolly while you replace everything up to and including the frame underneath. If you aren't confident about doing the inspection yourself find a forum member near you who is and take him with you. Most of us will work for beer.



Rick B.

 

Obviously, you guys are falling behind the current prices.

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/1675362328.html
1990 Corvette Convertible - $10500 (Camillus, NY)


http://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/1676865312.html
1989 Corvette Convertible - $12900 (Syracuse)

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/1679154198.html
1989 Chevy Corvette - $18500 (liverpool)


Now if you don't want a convertible, I'd check this one out if I were you.
http://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/1696451815.html
1989 Chevy Corvette - $8500 (Palmyra, NY)



As to the ground effects and the low rear spoiler, it is possible they are Greenwood items, although there were several similar designs in the '80s. If a Greenwood, there is a question of extra value, if it was installed by Greenwood and not simply a kit bought and installed long ago.


If you can get pictures, you should.

 

1978 Vette! It's my first one and can't wait to pick it up.

I took my friend who does mechanical work and he crawled all over under the car. Some surface rust, a couple of spots that might need attention, but looked real good overall.

Short test drive (no plates or inspection) in neighborhood showed nothing unusual, engine smooth, tracked straight, good brakes, excellent rubber, etc.

Paid $9K for it, and oh yeah, has 67,242 miles on it. It's a two-owner car, first owner died and widow sold it to current owner.

Will get insurance from NCM today. Glad I found this site with all the excellent information and expertise here!

Some pics:









And a donation to St. Jude's on the way.

Cheers!

Bob

 

looks like a beauty - i know you will enjoy her
Pete

 

Congrats!

 

Ditto.

 

AWESOME! Congrats on your purchase!! It is a great looking car!

I will be out of the office today on a business trip, but will return tomorrow. If you need coverage today please call 877.678.7626 and press 7 when my voicemail comes on. This will direct you to an agent.

Thanks and enjoy the car!

 

Congrats
Now the real fun begins

Mike.

 

Thanks, Adam. I need to get the VIN before I call, most likely tomorrow. I need to transfer title, register, etc., sometime on Friday. The car is still in storage without plates, inspection, etc., so no rush today.

Bob