medic1555

Hello all,
I've been looking for a Vette. Found a 1978 that a guy wants $5500 for. I'm pretty green when it comes to knowing what to look for on these. Can you guys looks at some pics and see if you see anything out of place/wrong? The seller didn't send me many photos and the ones he sent are kind of limited in my opinion. I did just order ' Collector's Originality Guide Corvette 1968-1982 but it won't be here for several days. Any input is always appreciated!

ShraderMan

1977? I would think that it is an 80-82. The doors are not right for a 77 and neither is the dash. Looks like a sloping rear window. 77 was the last year with a straight window. On the other hand, great looking paint job. I'd say, be VERY careful and do your homework. There are lots of more folks here more qualified than I. Hopefully, they will hit you with their opinion as well.

ShraderMan

Ok, strike my last comment. I'm sorry, for being an idiot. You said 78 not 77. I will go hide in the other room now.

wgarneau

The pictures are all of things that are not original, but it looks like it is in great shape, and 78 is a great year for a rat rod. It's also a great price if the car is in as good of shape as it looks in the pictures. It photographs well.

terry82

i see over $1000 of interior work that would need to be done.and that would be if you did the work.how many miles ?check the trailing arms and bearings.how about the head lights do they go up and down okay?and always check for rust on the bird cage.

croaker

Title of thread does say 77. You are only half losing it

medic1555

Oops...I'll blame that on fat fingers...lol

medic1555

He says mileage is 66K

medic1555

I see what looks like bolts on the door sills. Are those supposed to be there?

wgarneau

For $5500 I would not rip it apart too much. Everyone is going to give you all kinds of advice on what to look for. Yes - look at all of those things and note whatever is wrong. But also keep in mind the price. $5500 is a good price for a 78 in decent shape!

gbvette62

I assume you realize that the car has been heavily modified. The wheels, paint, gauges, spoilers, and much of the engine; are no longer stock. The paint color isn't original to 79, and from the red paint showing around the ignition switch in the column, I'd guess that the interior may have been red originally. This, or the column has been changed.

If your plan is to restore it, or you desire a stock car, than you probably should move on. You could buy a nice original car for far less than you'd spend to return this one to stock.

Now if your looking for a modified car, this could be a good starting point for you. Check the car over in all the normal problem areas before buying it. Rust in the "birdcage" (the steel structure that supports the fiberglass body) is often a problem in these cars, especially in the door sill area, windshield posts, windshield header, the T-bar, and in the area of the #1, #3 & #4 body mounts. Also check the floors for rust (78's have steel floors), and the frame in the area where the rear trailing arms attach. Check the trailing arms themselves for rust too.

Other common problem areas are leaking brake calipers, power steering components and rear end side axle seals. These shouldn't be a deal breaker, as they are easy to correct and unlike rust, are comparatively cheap to fix. It's just good to have an idea what you may need to repair.

Two things I find interesting about the car. First, it appears to be an original no air car. This is pretty rare as only about 2,500 of the 40,000 78's built, came without air. Unfortunately, this is a case where "rare" does not necessarily mean "more desirable".

The second thing I noticed is that the car has door panel cranks for manual windows, and power window switches in the console!!!!:

Easy Mike

I'd say he's cheating. What's under the aftermarket seat covers?

You need a lot more information about this car. Roll up window cranks and power window switches, for one. Keep asking....but do not necessarily scratch this one off your list.

markids77

It's a '69, '76, '78, '79.... did Johnny Cash own this thing at one time? On my local Craigslist there's a 78 for $2700 and an 80 for $5k. Both are much more intact and original than this car, and both have been listed off and on for a couple months now, and the sellers are willing to negotiate... I would walk away from this one although it seems to have a nice paint job.

Tim H

Pass

TexasTechDad

Window cranks and electric windows ? Huh? Runaway!

KALAWAY

It's a 4-speed. That's a plus. Paint looks good in pics.

dogboy

Paint & body look great as do the rims. Other than that expect to put another $5-6K to get it up to par. I really have no idea by looking at the pics as to what issues it has. The rear wheel camber looks off?? maybe the angle of the pic, the area around the foot wells by the doors looks a little rough,suspect water damage,rust, motor looks old & dirty. Think worst case scenario engine & tranny replace $3K,interior $1K, suspension $1-2K,rust repair??. Just have funds available, or spend 10-12K on a restored one and be done with it.

gbvette62

Am I missing something, or are you looking at different pictures than I am?????

medic1555

He said the previous owner replaced the center console with the intention of replacing the roll up windows with power.

John1990

I laughed when I read this part.