Looking at buying my first Vette
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Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Looking at buying my first Vette
My wife and I are looking around for another car. With 3 kids in college, a new Vette isn't possible. However, we stumbled upon a '78 that has been completely rebuilt (engine, trans, etc.) and repainted in its original color. Haven't test driven it yet but the car looks great. I am looking for some advice on how to proceed. Thanks!
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Have someone who really knows these cars from your area go over the car for you. Even if you are not a member, the NCRS local chapter can assist you or inquire on the Regional section of the forum for assistance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
Are you mechanically inclined? You may need to be unless you know a mechanic that is good with the older carb'd stuff. Often with "rebuilds" you have to navigate through someone else's work that may not appear anywhere on the stock assembly drawings. Electrical can be particularly time consuming, if not down right frustrating.
If you are prepared to negotiate a few bumps, then I say go for it. Throw some pics up here on the forum and get some opinions too.
If you are prepared to negotiate a few bumps, then I say go for it. Throw some pics up here on the forum and get some opinions too.
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Navigator
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Thanks for the quick replies everyone. Here's a little more info. The guy restores and fixes Vettes in my area. The car has a frame off restoration, rebuilt engine, trans, new front end components and brakes. Here is link to pics: http://mypins.com/vettepics.html
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
It looks nice from the photos - but as eveyone has said -you should study up and have someone familar with C3's look at it for you just to be sure. They will check the mechanicals, birdcage, undercarriage, etc. How much is he asking?
You may want to read through this post as well just to get an idea: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-first-c3.html
Good Luck!
You may want to read through this post as well just to get an idea: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-first-c3.html
Good Luck!
Last edited by JW3101; Jul 7, 2010 at 04:09 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Somerdale NJ
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17-‘18
If all checks out, it sounds like a reasonable price. You could find one for less - but it most likely will need more work and ending up costing you more $.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Sebago Lake Maine
St. Jude Donor '09
14 for a '78. "Frame Off" to me means absolutely everything- restoration of a good frame, complete drive train, suspension, brakes, etc, etc.
If it is a total restoration with a good quality paint job and needs nothing then it is a good price. Should still be checked out good.
I can see a hobbyist doing a frame off on a '78 for whatever reason, but a restoration shop to resell?
If it is a total restoration with a good quality paint job and needs nothing then it is a good price. Should still be checked out good.
I can see a hobbyist doing a frame off on a '78 for whatever reason, but a restoration shop to resell?
Thread Starter
Navigator
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Thanks for the comments folks. I have my list of questions to take with me!
Sebago: a private party started the restore and ran out of funds; the shop bought the car to complete the job and resell.
esatltd: Job was completed one month ago.
Sebago: a private party started the restore and ran out of funds; the shop bought the car to complete the job and resell.
esatltd: Job was completed one month ago.
Thread Starter
Navigator
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Hi folks. Picked up more info this weekend:
1. Car was involved in a collision and fire in late 70's. Sat in body shop for 25 years.
2. No original numbers; everything is new.
3. Car is pristine, looks great, but had no time for test drive (yet!).
4. Has 28K original miles; less than 100 on new components, engine, etc.
5. New windshield and door windows, new weatherstripping, all new electrical throughout.
6. Spent one year putting in engine and transmission, etc.
The one thing I do not want to do is put any money into the car...I just want to take the tops off, drive and be happy. So, I will give the car a once over on the lift and a test drive. Thoughts?
1. Car was involved in a collision and fire in late 70's. Sat in body shop for 25 years.
2. No original numbers; everything is new.
3. Car is pristine, looks great, but had no time for test drive (yet!).
4. Has 28K original miles; less than 100 on new components, engine, etc.
5. New windshield and door windows, new weatherstripping, all new electrical throughout.
6. Spent one year putting in engine and transmission, etc.
The one thing I do not want to do is put any money into the car...I just want to take the tops off, drive and be happy. So, I will give the car a once over on the lift and a test drive. Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
PASS ... as said, other nice cars for less $
not original '78, 14K ... PASS
Unless you're really stuck on C3 ... you can get alotta mid-production C4 for $10K ... & they ride & perform better than most C3 ... yes I own a C3 ...'71.
not original '78, 14K ... PASS
Unless you're really stuck on C3 ... you can get alotta mid-production C4 for $10K ... & they ride & perform better than most C3 ... yes I own a C3 ...'71.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: West Chester OH
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St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
Hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like a decent car. After hearing the history I'd have to say pass though. $14k for a non-original 78 doesn't sound like that good of deal
Don't fall in love with the first corvette you find, there are lots out there - especially in this economy.
Good luck
Don't fall in love with the first corvette you find, there are lots out there - especially in this economy.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Thanks everyone. After a test drive and a thorough review, we passed. Afterward's we stopped at the Chevy dealer and looked at 2010's. They are offering zero % interest on Vette's, so who knows, maybe we will end up in something a little more roomier!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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UPDATE! Could not pass up the zero percent interest and the great deal I made. I am now the proud owner of a 2010 convertible 3LT, crystal red metallic/cashmere, dual mode exhaust, nav system and all the amenities. Thanks for everyone's previous replies. I guess I now have to go to the C6 section. Will miss ya!