thoughts on '79 L82
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
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From: Jersey Shore
thoughts on '79 L82
I'm looking at a 79 L82 4spd white/blue w 33K. Original owner. States nothing has been changed or modified and never been in accident. Owner states the only problem is headlamps don't move smoothly and peeling on the nose. My problem is, it's too far for one on one inspection (will be transported) it's reasonable priced based on days of searching on the net of other 79s. Other than usual questions, "has the vehicle been in an accident" ...what should I ask or be concerned with?
Thanks
whits
Thanks
whits
Last edited by AmericanVet; Mar 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
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From: Jersey Shore
One Mike to other...you are absolutely correct. However, this could be a diamond in the rough but than again a money pit. You just don't know. I since I am not very versed on vettes, even if I saw it in person, I might not pick up on the subtle details of a bad buy. Though I have been doing my homework the past month, still a novice.
Easy Mike, to nice to be chattin, over on the Harley for a run
whits
Easy Mike, to nice to be chattin, over on the Harley for a run
whits
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I'm looking at a 79 L82 4spd white/blue w 33K. Original owner. States nothing has been changed or modified and never been in accident. Owner states the only problem is headlamps don't move smoothly and peeling on the nose. My problem is, it's too far for one on one inspection (will be transported) it's reasonable priced based on days of searching on the net of other 79s. Other than usual questions, "has the vehicle been in an accident" ...what should I ask or be concerned with?
Thanks
whits
Thanks
whits
I wonder what is so striking about this deal, complete with peeling nose, that you need to buy it sight unseen and have it transported without at the very least a personal inspection by somebody.
I've been buying Corvettes since the 70s, and I wouldn't buy it sight unseen.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,351
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From: Feeding Hills, MA
I bought my 77 with similar mileage. The car was all original down to the faded paint, included all documentation etc.. I purchased it from a dealer in PA. who had a really good reputation so that helped a lot. They sent lots of pictures but I still had an inspection completed as I couldn't make the long drive to check it out. My bank offered this service for $125 which was well worth it. He test drove the car and confirmed the overall condition which was as stated by the dealer. I've had no surprises and the car mechanically is actually better than I thought it would be.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
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From: Scottsdale AZ
You might at least complete your profile or indicate the location of the car - - maybe someone here on the forum either knows the car- or can go eyeball it for you.
Never, ever buy sight unseen - it's generally a disaster waiting to happen.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: long beach California
the most helpful corvette people you will ever find are on this forum give more info on the car and its location and if you are willing to give a little compensation i am sure that someone here on the forum if close to the car can inspect it for you piece of mind is priceless dont throw your money away
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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I would be really careful on that, especially if you are not that sure about what to look for. You are going off of what somebody, who wants to sell a car, is telling you. Even if they are not misrepresenting the car on purpose, the condition of a car is a bit subjective.
If you can find out for sure the condition of the car and the critical points (as always rust of frame and bird cage, etc...) then you can come back and tell us what you intend for the car (weekend driver, show car, restore to factory) and get an idea of how much it will take to get it there. These cars can suck up money in a hurry. Ask anyone here :-)
Having said that... it could indeed be a great car. At this point we just don't know.
Keep us posted and good luck.
If you can find out for sure the condition of the car and the critical points (as always rust of frame and bird cage, etc...) then you can come back and tell us what you intend for the car (weekend driver, show car, restore to factory) and get an idea of how much it will take to get it there. These cars can suck up money in a hurry. Ask anyone here :-)
Having said that... it could indeed be a great car. At this point we just don't know.
Keep us posted and good luck.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
Not to be critical, but I'm a little concerned with your ability to determine if the price is reasonable. You state yourself you aren't very versed on these cars. You do know '79s are the most common Corvette produced before the C4s, right?
I wonder what is so striking about this deal, complete with peeling nose, that you need to buy it sight unseen and have it transported without at the very least a personal inspection by somebody.
I've been buying Corvettes since the 70s, and I wouldn't buy it sight unseen.
I wonder what is so striking about this deal, complete with peeling nose, that you need to buy it sight unseen and have it transported without at the very least a personal inspection by somebody.
I've been buying Corvettes since the 70s, and I wouldn't buy it sight unseen.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
First, regardless of whether you know anything about Vettes or not, LOOK at it or have someone look at it for you.
Second, how much are you paying for it! Tell us, how can we tell what kind of deal you're getting.
Third, if you thing the going rate for 79 L82 4speeds are $16K to $30K(I WISH) you're way off, especially in todays market.(I have a 8K mile original I'll let you have for $22500
)
And your figures are off, too.
4062 CLOSE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, ALL of those in L82s, not even available in the L48s.
8291 WIDE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, some in L82s, some in L48s.
Was just a matter of checking the option box or not.
For a 79, not really any consideration of color combinations with motor and trans combinations! No body CARES! And I LOVE the 79s
Second, how much are you paying for it! Tell us, how can we tell what kind of deal you're getting.
Third, if you thing the going rate for 79 L82 4speeds are $16K to $30K(I WISH) you're way off, especially in todays market.(I have a 8K mile original I'll let you have for $22500
)And your figures are off, too.
4062 CLOSE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, ALL of those in L82s, not even available in the L48s.
8291 WIDE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, some in L82s, some in L48s.
Was just a matter of checking the option box or not.
For a 79, not really any consideration of color combinations with motor and trans combinations! No body CARES! And I LOVE the 79s
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
First, regardless of whether you know anything about Vettes or not, LOOK at it or have someone look at it for you.
Second, how much are you paying for it! Tell us, how can we tell what kind of deal you're getting.
Third, if you thing the going rate for 79 L82 4speeds are $16K to $30K(I WISH) you're way off, especially in todays market.(I have a 8K mile original I'll let you have for $22500)
And your figures are off, too.
4062 CLOSE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, ALL of those in L82s, not even available in the L48s.
8291 WIDE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, some in L82s, some in L48s.
Was just a matter of checking the option box or not.
For a 79, not really any consideration of color combinations with motor and trans combinations! No body CARES! And I LOVE the 79s
Second, how much are you paying for it! Tell us, how can we tell what kind of deal you're getting.
Third, if you thing the going rate for 79 L82 4speeds are $16K to $30K(I WISH) you're way off, especially in todays market.(I have a 8K mile original I'll let you have for $22500
)And your figures are off, too.
4062 CLOSE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, ALL of those in L82s, not even available in the L48s.
8291 WIDE ratio 4 speeds were sold in 79, some in L82s, some in L48s.
Was just a matter of checking the option box or not.
For a 79, not really any consideration of color combinations with motor and trans combinations! No body CARES! And I LOVE the 79s
Anyway, I think my deal fell through. The person was asking 10K which I thought was a very reasonable price for a 79 L82 4spd t-top with 34K miles on it.....from the original owner
Time to move on to other car, just so I can ask another annoying question on this blog....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Everybody's first Corvette goes about like that. Teaches you not to do that again. You'll have so much money in that thing before you're done that you could have just bought a good one.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
I am just weary of the cars where they have changed engines from originals.
OMG here is comes: Another annoying question from AMVET:
One: doesn't non matching numbers change the value of the car? or am I just putting to much stock it that notion?
two: a month of reading dozen of articles, it appears (of course their are mechanics that are just magical in the shop), changing out OEM parts can be a death sentence...nothing but problems...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
Hey Forum...thoughts on this...it was an L82 but it was modified:
1979 corvette very nice condition for a 34 year old car runs great starts right up aprow 12000 milse on rebuilt jasper engine 4 new tires new exhaust t tops brakes havr aprox 2 k on them amfm cd player with boster speaker new starter ac needs charge and power door locks neet repair .i am selling this car because i dont have the time to use it this is not a show car it is ment to be driven and enjoyed
1979 corvette very nice condition for a 34 year old car runs great starts right up aprow 12000 milse on rebuilt jasper engine 4 new tires new exhaust t tops brakes havr aprox 2 k on them amfm cd player with boster speaker new starter ac needs charge and power door locks neet repair .i am selling this car because i dont have the time to use it this is not a show car it is ment to be driven and enjoyed
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Try to buy a car with the original engine unless you plan to modify it which then it probably does not matter. A Corvette is always worth more if it still has the same engine it drove off the assembly line with.
Try to buy a car from a fussy owner. Try to buy a car that has records of its history.
Bear in mind until you get enough experience you will always underestimate repair and refurbishing costs.
Try to buy a car from a fussy owner. Try to buy a car that has records of its history.
Bear in mind until you get enough experience you will always underestimate repair and refurbishing costs.
