C3 convertible conversion (value up or down)
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Wharton, NJ
C3 convertible conversion (value up or down)
I have a 1981 that was converted in the past to a convertible. Everyone who has ever looked at it has said it was a very professional job and not some backyard type stuff. My question is, since this is now somewhat rare, unique, custom whatever you may call it, does it enhance the price or hinder it? Ive done some small things to it like side pipes, dress up kits ect which may enhance it a little but since its a completly different car than it started out as in 1981, what does this do to the price, i have both soft and hard tops for it, its in very good condition i would say 8.5/10 and after a new paint job in the near future i would say it could easily be a show car. Thanks for any comments.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
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so do you know if convertible parts where transfered over and grafted on from a donor car?
...or is it a custom done top and rear body work? as well as there are quite a few very small differences between a convertible and coup; interior rear trim quarter panels, door window trim, windshield trim/seals etc. etc.
there were no C3 convertibles built after 1975 production year, so its hard to compare the value of a 1981 convertible 'conversion' to what could be the 'real thing'....and I'm not sure if convertibles are worth any more than coups now anyway, as originally they actually sold for less than a coup
can we see some photos?
...I would like to see the area where the door meets the top rear body and the rear deck lid(top compartment cover) if that was done differently than stock
...or is it a custom done top and rear body work? as well as there are quite a few very small differences between a convertible and coup; interior rear trim quarter panels, door window trim, windshield trim/seals etc. etc.
there were no C3 convertibles built after 1975 production year, so its hard to compare the value of a 1981 convertible 'conversion' to what could be the 'real thing'....and I'm not sure if convertibles are worth any more than coups now anyway, as originally they actually sold for less than a coup
can we see some photos?
...I would like to see the area where the door meets the top rear body and the rear deck lid(top compartment cover) if that was done differently than stock
Last edited by T Rush; Feb 27, 2011 at 06:02 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Wharton, NJ
Ill try to add a couple pictures i have on my work computer, they might not show much, but it does show some of the back deck lid, i would say (without knowing) that it was pieced together with a donor car, i cant see that they could have just made this a convertible by some body work. Ill add some more pictures when i get a chance from home.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pict...ictureid=76395
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pict...ictureid=76395
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Wharton, NJ
I have some photos in my CF garage http://forums.corvetteforum.com/gara...6-gunner5.html
i dont know if they will show more or not, i will add more soon, military life is pretty hectic these days, lol Thanks for the replies.
i dont know if they will show more or not, i will add more soon, military life is pretty hectic these days, lol Thanks for the replies.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
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besides the gaps looking alittle large...that seems pretty correct as to how the convertibles were originally done.so its donor car or reproduction OEM parts
...but if you are trying to find the value to sell it, that kinda all depends on the buyer, and if they want a authentic convertible, or instead like the idea of a later C3 but wished they would have offered convertibles in those years and would pay more for the conversion
...but if you are trying to find the value to sell it, that kinda all depends on the buyer, and if they want a authentic convertible, or instead like the idea of a later C3 but wished they would have offered convertibles in those years and would pay more for the conversion
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Wharton, NJ
Thanks for the replies, i was mainly asking not because i want to sell it or anything but just like all vettes, it turns heads and people always ask me "whats it worth" and i really never know what to tell them except its a buyers market and its hard to say what its worth. And i definitly couldnt tell them what i think its worth from looking around and then tell them what i paid for it, lol it would never sell. I found one of those "you only here in stories" kinda deal. I do need to replace the rear bumper before i get a new paint job because the bumper on it is one of those plastic ones and has "waves" in the spoiler part.
Hey Nutsy
anytime 
Hey Nutsy
anytime
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,682
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From: WI
I would say it most definitely adds value to the car since they didn't produce convertibles anywhere near that year. If you like the looks of the 80-82 and like convertibles you don't have much in the way of options.
Mark G
Mark G
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
I'd agree with this. 81s don't demand particularly high prices in any case. I would think it would go for a little more than comparable 81s. You just might have to wait a little longer to sell it.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Wharton, NJ
Well the nada values for a 81 coupe are :
Pricing
MSRP Low $10,450
Retail Average $14,050
Retail High$22,200
for a 74 convertible (closest thing to it) :
Pricing Original
MSRP Low $14,100
Retail Average $21,100
Retail High $28,200
Im kinda hoping its somewhere in the middle of the two "averages", obviously in a better market than now, but like i said i wasnt interested really in selling it, just curious.
Pricing
MSRP Low $10,450
Retail Average $14,050
Retail High$22,200
for a 74 convertible (closest thing to it) :
Pricing Original
MSRP Low $14,100
Retail Average $21,100
Retail High $28,200
Im kinda hoping its somewhere in the middle of the two "averages", obviously in a better market than now, but like i said i wasnt interested really in selling it, just curious.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,662
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From: columbia city in
Thanks for the replies, i was mainly asking not because i want to sell it or anything but just like all vettes, it turns heads and people always ask me "whats it worth" and i really never know what to tell them except its a buyers market and its hard to say what its worth. And i definitly couldnt tell them what i think its worth from looking around and then tell them what i paid for it, lol it would never sell. I found one of those "you only here in stories" kinda deal. I do need to replace the rear bumper before i get a new paint job because the bumper on it is one of those plastic ones and has "waves" in the spoiler part.
Hey Nutsy anytime
Hey Nutsy
anytime 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,411
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From: dayton oh
I'll take a stab at it...........
IF the rest of the car is as nice as the pics you posted, $13-17K (mileage dependent).
I shopped for a couple years for an 80-82 ragtop and that's what decent ones went for on here, CL, and Ebay. Now if had motor/trans upgrades (like LS1/4L60E), it would be closer to $20K.
Although with the recent economy, those $$$ might be down a little.
IF the rest of the car is as nice as the pics you posted, $13-17K (mileage dependent).
I shopped for a couple years for an 80-82 ragtop and that's what decent ones went for on here, CL, and Ebay. Now if had motor/trans upgrades (like LS1/4L60E), it would be closer to $20K.
Although with the recent economy, those $$$ might be down a little.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Only to a potential buyer who wants this car and would be willing to pay for the modifications done.
Sad to say, there are some tire kickers out there who would not know it isn't original.
Gunner5: Do you have a pic with the folding top up?
Sad to say, there are some tire kickers out there who would not know it isn't original.
Gunner5: Do you have a pic with the folding top up?
Last edited by Easy Mike; Feb 28, 2011 at 11:01 AM.