Just bought a really nice 1981.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Bluffdale Utah
Just bought a really nice 1981.
I've had a 1980 for a bunch of years that I've been working on. I've updated all the suspension, put a ZZ4 in it, rebuilt the tranny, etc. I started down the road of redoing the paint, stripped the car, put new fiberglass bumpers on it, yanked the dash since it was dried out and broken up. I guess, I got tired of it...appeared that it was still going to cost me at thousands more and a bunch of time to finish.
To make a long story short, I found a red 1981 that has excellent paint and new black interior. It needs very little work, but I figured I'd take the good stuff from my 1980 and install on the 1981. FYI, the '81 cost me $8100. The thing that sold me was the condition...it is exceptional.
Changing out the engine is only a couple day job. It will be great to get rid of the computer anyhow. I think this will make me happy and get me out of a rut. Meanwhile, it drives great and looks really sharp inside and out.
I suspect I'll be parting out the remainder of the 1980 when I'm done.
Anyone else been here?
To make a long story short, I found a red 1981 that has excellent paint and new black interior. It needs very little work, but I figured I'd take the good stuff from my 1980 and install on the 1981. FYI, the '81 cost me $8100. The thing that sold me was the condition...it is exceptional.
Changing out the engine is only a couple day job. It will be great to get rid of the computer anyhow. I think this will make me happy and get me out of a rut. Meanwhile, it drives great and looks really sharp inside and out.
I suspect I'll be parting out the remainder of the 1980 when I'm done.
Anyone else been here?
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Congrats on the 81 find. I'm working on an 82 so if you do decide to part out the 80 I'll be interested in some parts/pieces. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Bluffdale Utah
I do owe you guys some pics. Here you go...what do you think? BTW, the red t-tops are sitting in my basement now awaiting a new home. I purchased a set of black galaxy tops a couple years ago. I need to get more pictures already.
Also, the stock engine is as gutless as they come. I will be replacing it with the ZZ4 out of the '80 this winter. The rims on this car are in good to great shape with like new tires, but I'll likely be pulling them off soon and putting on the Weld Pro Stars from the other car also.
Also, the stock engine is as gutless as they come. I will be replacing it with the ZZ4 out of the '80 this winter. The rims on this car are in good to great shape with like new tires, but I'll likely be pulling them off soon and putting on the Weld Pro Stars from the other car also.
Last edited by 1980ZZ4; Sep 26, 2010 at 11:17 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 346
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Engine swap
You mentioned you are going to change out the engine. If you do not have an engine,I have an engine the runsgreat. It would fit a June July or August build car. The nicewthing is that the engine doesnot have a vin number on it. It it the original pad but it has no vin number on it. All you have to do is stamp your number on the pad and it is perfect for the car and even original if you have a car built in those months.
Just thought I would throw that out there.
Just thought I would throw that out there.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
Nice Car
Man, that is a nice car. I have a 63 and a 72, but now that I am starting to look at those 81's, they sure are nice cars. A friend had one when we were kids. I had a 69 and he had an 81. They are such different beasts, but the 81 has such beauitiful lines you guys may have just convinced to to start looking for one.
Enjoy your car. It sure is a pretty one.
I know all the mid year stuff and most of the stuff up to 72, but if I am going to start looking for an 81, what should I watch out for and what is desirable to own.
thanks for the input.
Enjoy your car. It sure is a pretty one.
I know all the mid year stuff and most of the stuff up to 72, but if I am going to start looking for an 81, what should I watch out for and what is desirable to own.
thanks for the input.
Last edited by L84s R Us; Sep 27, 2010 at 09:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Bluffdale Utah
You mentioned you are going to change out the engine. If you do not have an engine,I have an engine the runsgreat. It would fit a June July or August build car. The nicewthing is that the engine doesnot have a vin number on it. It it the original pad but it has no vin number on it. All you have to do is stamp your number on the pad and it is perfect for the car and even original if you have a car built in those months.
Just thought I would throw that out there.
Just thought I would throw that out there.
