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Just bought my first Corvette!

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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 01:00 PM
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Default Just bought my first Corvette! - WITH PICS

Hey, I am 21, I already own a 1979 Camaro Z28, and I just really liked the stingray corvette. So I made a deal and bought one. I also have a 74 Firebird, but it is my dad's car.

It's a numbers matching 1978 silver anniversary L82 with 64k miles/103k KMs (Canadian vette). It has been repainted white though. I paid $4000 for it.
Body is in good shape, but the paint isn't that great.
Lights need help going up, power locks don't work, heater blower does not work. But rear suspension, and brakes/rotors all around have been replaced within the last couple years. All the guages work, engine runs and starts smooth, and shifts good also.

I think it is worth what I paid. I am also paying for college at the same time, so restoration may be a bit slow. Expect a bunch of new help threads from me.

What do you think?

Just went out to shoot some pics. Here you go.

Now, opinions?

ALBUM with a few more pictures.






















Last edited by Domobomb; Apr 12, 2012 at 02:16 PM.
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 01:17 PM
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No pics = no opinions... But I do look forward to some pictures!

$4,000 isn't a ton of money for a C3 in decent shape. How are the frame and bird cage?
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 01:26 PM
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Congratulations on your 78 SA purchase! That's an attractive price - if you send it out for paint, that will cost more than the purchase price you paid. Why anyone would paint a SA white is beyond me, love the two tone original. At least it sounds like you can make repairs and improvements to it while driving it, so at least you can enjoy it and learn more about what it needs, rather sitting on jack stands. Have fun and welcome aboard!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 01:48 PM
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Congratulations.

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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:09 PM
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I thought you said you wanted a Stingray?

When you say silver anniversary, do you mean it's a '78 with anniversary emblems like they all have, or do you mean it was actually originally a silver/silver Anniversary model? When you say repainted white, I don't know if you mean the color was changed.

Tough to tell if the price was right without seeing pictures and more detail, but the price was low. Did you verify the numbers yourself or have someone do it?

Good luck with the new toy.
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by wgarneau
No pics = no opinions... But I do look forward to some pictures!

$4,000 isn't a ton of money for a C3 in decent shape. How are the frame and bird cage?
Updated the pictures.

Frame is solid, and i think the birdcage looks ok. Here is the body mount, lower bird cage.

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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:12 PM
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Congrats! Have fun driving it!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Vettebuyer5869
I thought you said you wanted a Stingray?

When you say silver anniversary, do you mean it's a '78 with anniversary emblems like they all have, or do you mean it was actually originally a silver/silver Anniversary model? When you say repainted white, I don't know if you mean the color was changed.

Tough to tell if the price was right without seeing pictures and more detail, but the price was low. Did you verify the numbers yourself or have someone do it?

Good luck with the new toy.
Flat window, or aerodynamic window, they still look like the same car to me. Still a stingray imo, even though chevy stopped putting the badge in '75 or so.

Updated pictures. Trim tag says it is a silver anniversary, and vin says it is an L82, and the engine is an L82. It was originally silver/charcoal, repainted white.

And updated the pictures!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Domobomb
Updated pictures. Trim tag says it is a silver anniversary, and vin says it is an L82, and the engine is an L82. It was originally silver/charcoal, repainted white.

And updated the pictures!
Pictures go up as I was typing!

OK, price is getting better now that its really a SA.

However, L82 in the VIN and "the engine is an L82" is not matching numbers.

Did you look at the engine pad and "match" the VIN derivative to the body VIN? Thats what matching numbers are. The engine pictures suggest there's been a lot of changes going on under there.
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:20 PM
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That's a sharp looking car! I've got a 78 as well and I'm very happy with it - Stingray or not it's a Vette.

It looks great - $4,000 may have been a steal. Welcome and enjoy!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Domobomb
It was originally silver/charcoal, repainted white.
White. WHITE! Why does everybody paint them white???

Congrats!!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Vettebuyer5869
Pictures go up as I was typing!

OK, price is getting better now that its really a SA.

However, L82 in the VIN and "the engine is an L82" is not matching numbers.

Did you look at the engine pad and "match" the VIN derivative to the body VIN? Thats what matching numbers are. The engine pictures suggest there's been a lot of changes going on under there.
I do believe it is matching the vin, I will double check.

I know ac the was removed. He also gave me all this stuff, and he's got more original stuff I'm going to get from him. I don't know what a stock engine bay is supposed to look like.

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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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Kinda like this:



The parts in your photo look like stuff that belongs in your engine compartment- good news.
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 03:58 PM
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Congrats you little whipper snapper......hope you have a long and happy relationship with her......
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Congrats on your great deal, give it some TLC and your on your way, enjoy and have some fun.
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 05:31 PM
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That's a good find at a great price! Restore it to the original two tone silver and you got a great lookin vette.Those S/A are nice cars...
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 06:41 PM
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Welcome to the forum and the '78 club!
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Old Apr 12, 2012 | 07:36 PM
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I can't believe a stock (with those spare parts) 1978 could be had for $4,000. What a deal!!
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Old Apr 13, 2012 | 09:18 AM
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Nice!! I am jelly! Wishing I would have done the same when I was your age. Even if it has to sit covered up for a while, it will still be there when the funds do become available to fix her up. Congrats!
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Old Apr 13, 2012 | 10:29 AM
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You got a great deal, most of what you listed that the car needs shouldn't be that expensive. I thought I got a deal on my 75, well I spent $4,000 in the first two weeks to get it back on the road.

I think you are in alot better shape than I was and for alot less $$$.

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