Checking out this 1980
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
Checking out this 1980
I am looking into trading my 1996 Camaro Z28 for this C3.... I don't have much invested in the Camaro, so figured that if I can flip it for a C3, it's worth looking into.
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/2584915705.html
Just curious what the C3 folks think about this car.... Right off the bat, I would need a new passenger side t-top and probably head light motors. From reading through a few threads in the forum, I know my first priority is to check out the birdcage if I decide to check out the car. I will also look for documentation regarding the engine and tranny work. Does this car look like a lost cause / money pit just from the ad, or do you think this could be a worthwhile trade that I should pursue? Just wondering what people with experience owning / fixing / buying C3s have to say about this ad from the surface.... Thanks!
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/2584915705.html
Just curious what the C3 folks think about this car.... Right off the bat, I would need a new passenger side t-top and probably head light motors. From reading through a few threads in the forum, I know my first priority is to check out the birdcage if I decide to check out the car. I will also look for documentation regarding the engine and tranny work. Does this car look like a lost cause / money pit just from the ad, or do you think this could be a worthwhile trade that I should pursue? Just wondering what people with experience owning / fixing / buying C3s have to say about this ad from the surface.... Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Watkins Glen New York
At a glance, I'd say that it needs lots of work - some expensive, some not so much.
I also think that there are lots of cars just like it available for less money or needing less work for the same money.
Keep looking or ask for some cash on top of your trade.
It's good to know that despite the leaking, cracked T Top that it can still be removed.
I also think that there are lots of cars just like it available for less money or needing less work for the same money.
Keep looking or ask for some cash on top of your trade.
It's good to know that despite the leaking, cracked T Top that it can still be removed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
The ad doesn't say anything about rust. Check it out real good. most of the Corvettes in the northeast are junk because of frame and bird cage rot. That car looks like it's been sitting outside for a long time also. Check for water in the cabin and rusted floors and birdcage, Especially around the windshield. A good paint job will cost a lot of money usually also.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
Sitting outside with a cracked top worries me. My guess is that has something to do with the new seats and carpet.
And of course, sitting outside in the northeast makes me wonder about the birdcage and frame.
I also have a c4 owner interested in a trade. Aside from a horrendous spoiler and needing new tires, that car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. It is a 1984, so it has cross fire injection, which is a minus. I would prefer a c3 to a c4, but I guess the c4 won't pose the rust issues that this particular c3 will.
And of course, sitting outside in the northeast makes me wonder about the birdcage and frame.
I also have a c4 owner interested in a trade. Aside from a horrendous spoiler and needing new tires, that car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. It is a 1984, so it has cross fire injection, which is a minus. I would prefer a c3 to a c4, but I guess the c4 won't pose the rust issues that this particular c3 will.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
Likes: 1
From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
glass tops can be had for about $500 average, perhaps more.
fiberglass t tops for about $400.
IN MY OPINION- the car isnt worth $5500. More like $4k to $4.5k... I see red seat belt-is it an original red interior car? Is the dash cracked ?(new dash = $600+).....looks like a real fixer-upper to me.
Try to get more pics and above all- check for rust in the birdcage and kickpanel areas.
What is your Camaro worth?
fiberglass t tops for about $400.
IN MY OPINION- the car isnt worth $5500. More like $4k to $4.5k... I see red seat belt-is it an original red interior car? Is the dash cracked ?(new dash = $600+).....looks like a real fixer-upper to me.
Try to get more pics and above all- check for rust in the birdcage and kickpanel areas.
What is your Camaro worth?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
glass tops can be had for about $500 average, perhaps more.
fiberglass t tops for about $400.
IN MY OPINION- the car isnt worth $5500. More like $4k to $4.5k... I see red seat belt-is it an original red interior car? Is the dash cracked ?(new dash = $600+).....looks like a real fixer-upper to me.
Try to get more pics and above all- check for rust in the birdcage and kickpanel areas.
What is your Camaro worth?
fiberglass t tops for about $400.
IN MY OPINION- the car isnt worth $5500. More like $4k to $4.5k... I see red seat belt-is it an original red interior car? Is the dash cracked ?(new dash = $600+).....looks like a real fixer-upper to me.
Try to get more pics and above all- check for rust in the birdcage and kickpanel areas.
What is your Camaro worth?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Based on the photos and description this car is not worth $5500 IMHO. You will end up investing way more than it would be worth just to have a nice driver. Keep looking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
I'm not pushing this car at all, just an example for you. Current bid is at $1,000 more then you are looking at for the one you posted.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...item336ca819bf
Again, who knows what shape it's really in without looking at it in person - just an example.
Advice from someone who has been surfing the web daily... multiple times on some days for a mid to late 70's Vette - you can do MUCH better for that money. Personally, I would have looked at that CL page and clicked the "back" button faster then you could say
Good luck with your search!
Adam
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...item336ca819bf
Again, who knows what shape it's really in without looking at it in person - just an example.
Advice from someone who has been surfing the web daily... multiple times on some days for a mid to late 70's Vette - you can do MUCH better for that money. Personally, I would have looked at that CL page and clicked the "back" button faster then you could say
Good luck with your search!
Adam
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta Ga
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,997
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
My Camaro has 96k miles on it, but a new LT1 engine was installed at 78k miles and the tranny (A4) was rebuilt at 78k. It has shorty headers and a flowmaster muffler installed. There is a scratch and small dent on the pass side quarter panel and door where the previous owner side swiped a guard rail. Despite that, the car is in excellent mechanical shape. I would guess the value to be around $3k or so? Just have to decide if I am bettedr off with a Camaro that doesn't need anything other than some cosmetic body work or a C3 that is probably worth more, but may very well take a lot to get it to truly road worthy condition (even putting off some cosmetic aspects).
Id look at the '80 before even considering an early C4, especially an '84. I wouldnt take an '84 at any price; it is not worth trying to give them away.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
I think the '80 is at least worth looking into. A full paint job plus everything couldl get you in the 10 range which will make it tough to break even on, but the pictures just might be worse than it is. Never go by pictures.
Id look at the '80 before even considering an early C4, especially an '84. I wouldnt take an '84 at any price; it is not worth trying to give them away.
Id look at the '80 before even considering an early C4, especially an '84. I wouldnt take an '84 at any price; it is not worth trying to give them away.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2618172513.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
Just an example...this car looks way better
http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/2632933249.html
http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/2632933249.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Guilford, CT
Good point......
Don't get me wrong, I do like my Camaro as it is a fun car to drive, but a C3 would look a lot better sitting next to my C5! I have always liked the appearance / body lines of the C3, so yes, I would swap my Camaro for a C3. With that said, I don't want to make a poor choice based on emotion / impulse. I appreciate the feedback from this thread- it definitely helps to take the emotional factor out of the decision, potentially avoiding a costly mistake.
Don't get me wrong, I do like my Camaro as it is a fun car to drive, but a C3 would look a lot better sitting next to my C5! I have always liked the appearance / body lines of the C3, so yes, I would swap my Camaro for a C3. With that said, I don't want to make a poor choice based on emotion / impulse. I appreciate the feedback from this thread- it definitely helps to take the emotional factor out of the decision, potentially avoiding a costly mistake.