Dan
05-30-2012, 06:56 PM
#1
2nd Gear
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1982 Barn Find... what's it worth?
I just found a 1982 C3 with only 3,500 original miles. It's been parked in a garage since 1983 when the owner got sick. I'd love to hot rod the car... but between it's beautiful original condition and low miles I'm worried that I may destroy the value by making any changes. Can I solicit some advice as to whether I should leave it alone or go ahead and repaint/modify? What kind of premium value would low miles like that demand? It's in brand new condition... has had a heavy car cover on it for the past 30 years. Seats and everything look brand new. If it's not worth that much more than something with 50,000 miles I'll just tear it apart and have fun... what are your suggestions?
Last edited by dbateman; 05-30-2012 at 07:01 PM.
05-30-2012, 07:01 PM
#2
Team Owner
I just found a 1982 C3 with only 3,500 original miles. It's been parked in a garage since 1983 when the owner got sick. I'd love to hot rod the car... but between it's beautiful original condition and low miles I'm worried that I may destroy the value by making any changes. Can I solicit some advice as to whether I should leave it alone or go ahead and repaint/modify? What kind of premium value would low miles like that demand? It's in brand new condition... has had a heavy car cover on it for the past 30 years. Seats and everything look brand new. If it's not worth that much more than something with 50,000 miles I'll just tear it apart and have fun... what are your suggestions?
05-30-2012, 08:24 PM
#3
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2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Pics would help but I agree it should be left as original as possible. I'm sure all of the rubber is shot.
05-30-2012, 09:31 PM
#4
Drifting
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Wow, sounds like a great car. I am all for having fun with a car but that may not be the one to do it with. Depending on the price, is it possible to get it running, clean it up, and sell it to somebody that wants that car and then buy what you want?
05-30-2012, 11:24 PM
#6
2nd Gear
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Barn find
I'll take some pics this weekend and post them for you all to see. I haven't discussed a price... but she's motivated. She sold the house where the car's been stored... and has no where to put it. Wish me luck!!!
05-31-2012, 12:17 AM
#7
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Sounds like a low miles find that should be respected rather than ruined.
Still trying to figure out the thread title, too.
Still trying to figure out the thread title, too.
How many times has someone come on this board,told us about some great "barn find" and disappeared...
05-31-2012, 08:40 AM
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05-31-2012, 09:17 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
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Big deal, it's an '82 with slushbox trans. Go ahead and molest to your heart's content. Now if you had a chrome bumper car with that low mileage then you'd be doing a disservice to the Corvette community. Modding an '82 can only be an improvement.
05-31-2012, 09:25 AM
#12
Drifting
A low mileage original is only that way once.
05-31-2012, 10:08 AM
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2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
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There are certainly more suitable candidates to hot rod than an original, 3500 mile 82. It is worth far more in original condition. How bad is the paint? It might be nice to have the car inspected by someone knowledgeable to assess it's originality. Maybe you can save the original paint with a good buffing. Sounds like a nice time capsule 
05-31-2012, 02:01 PM
#14
Team Owner
If the car is as you described it, and you can buy it for less than $4000, resell the car as "an unmolested original '82 Corvette with only 3500 miles"; then, with more money, go buy the car you want to 'mod up'. Take advantage of the car/deal you found...but don't ruin the '82 car.
