View Poll Results: Should I sell it or keep it?
Sell it?
23
82.14%
Keep it?
5
17.86%
Voters: 28. You may not vote on this poll
Should I sell her?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Virginia
Should I sell her?
I know there are some serious collectors, hobbyists, and Corvette crusaders here on the forum, so I need your honest opinions. I've had my 1981 Corvette for about a year now. I've had some fun, and I really enjoy total strangers complimenting my ride. But she's far from perfect. She's a 20-footer that could continue to throw money into for the rest of my life. There's a pin hole in the radiator, the suspension sags on the driver's side, which is causing uneven wear on the tires. Not to mention that I have no earthly idea what brand of wheels someone threw on her in the 1980s. 
So here's my question - should I continue to restore, upgrade, and modify what is considered an "entry-level" model?
OR - Should I relish the time that we've had together, and look for something a little more "collectible" and easier to find parts for? If I do sell her, what would be the first things on the list I should make sure are up to par or better to get the best price?
I'm all
So here's my question - should I continue to restore, upgrade, and modify what is considered an "entry-level" model?
OR - Should I relish the time that we've had together, and look for something a little more "collectible" and easier to find parts for? If I do sell her, what would be the first things on the list I should make sure are up to par or better to get the best price?
I'm all
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
If you are asking the love affair is over. These cars are not for the faint of heart. They require a lot of time, effort and money. You have to love them.That is one fine looking car. Love the wheels. If your price is right you shouldn't have any trouble moving it. Good luck.
Charlie
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Agreed. The love affair is over. Time for a separation.
Regarding what to do to bring the best price, I'd try to lose the stripes on the fenders and roofline if possible. Are they vinyl? Easy. Painted? Not so much.
Not sure what the engine looks like.
First thing though is take those hideous wheels off and find some cheap alloys (not rallys) at a swap meet... the correct '80+, not the wrong '79 style. Much easier to sell.
Nice clean black/black car shouldnt be hard to move.
Regarding what to do to bring the best price, I'd try to lose the stripes on the fenders and roofline if possible. Are they vinyl? Easy. Painted? Not so much.
Not sure what the engine looks like.
First thing though is take those hideous wheels off and find some cheap alloys (not rallys) at a swap meet... the correct '80+, not the wrong '79 style. Much easier to sell.
Nice clean black/black car shouldnt be hard to move.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Sounds like you are unwilling to fix the minor problems, so the best thing to do is sell it.
FWIW: I've seen worse wheels and paint jobs on Corvettes here on the forum. So I doubt if that will be much of a price factor.
FWIW: I've seen worse wheels and paint jobs on Corvettes here on the forum. So I doubt if that will be much of a price factor.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Virginia
So most people so far have said to sell her. Here's an ad I put on Craigslist. Does this sound feasible?
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/3224707979.html
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/3224707979.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
If someone asks me whether they should divorce their wife, they've pretty much made up their mind already. Same as a car. I don't see anything that horrible about the car. It is what it is. If you're looking for something thats stock , yeah sell it. Too much time / $ to turn it into something else.
Good luck with the sale.
Good luck with the sale.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
So most people so far have said to sell her. Here's an ad I put on Craigslist. Does this sound feasible?
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/3224707979.html
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/3224707979.html
I wouldn't spend any more time on replacing rims etc, just sell it as-is.
BUT, I would include some worthwhile pictures.
Well lit, front, rear and side shots along with an engine shot would help.
3 pictures alone on the sound system (we really don't need to see how many colors it can produce, do we?) but none of the engine is a big miss.
A dash/console shot should cover the radio, I wouldn't bother with a speaker shot- You can always provide that for someone that is interested.
You're trying to sell a car, not the stereo.
Otherwise, I think this will sell to the right person.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
If I were looking, the last thing I would be interested in is the stereo, I'd want to see engine, under frame, interior and upgrades to same. If your engine compartment isnt clean and organized, I would wonder bout the rest.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Hmmm... are those Canada geese I hear flying south? What's with those pesky leaves all over my grass? Why is the house cold in the mornings all of a sudden???? Could Winter be near at hand?
If you want your asking price (or near abouts) I suggest waiting until spring when warming temps, longer days and the promise of refund anticipated tax loans will make the sale more approachable.
If you want your asking price (or near abouts) I suggest waiting until spring when warming temps, longer days and the promise of refund anticipated tax loans will make the sale more approachable.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: SIGONELLA Sicily
If you have to ask then let her go. These cars should be somthing you look forward to not dread. I understand that at some point we all get frustrated but when I think about my 72 there are times that I put off a project but always cant wait to see how it improves the ride or how she runs. I know that my time with this car is growing short due to kids and moving half way around the world again. I also know that I will have another chrome bumper c3 in the future. I just cant justify this pasion with multiple kids and a wife. I want them all to go the car show with me then I need more then 2 seats. So I understand the delima but if you are not in love with it anymore pass it on to someone who is and find something that fits you budget, skill level and life style a little bit better. Thats just my 2 cents
CM2 (SCW) Aldinger Andrew H
CM2 (SCW) Aldinger Andrew H
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
From: Poquoson Virginia
Markids, you are as wise as you are eloquent. I don't think I'm ready to let her go just yet, and the thought of having some time to tweak her for a spring sale makes perfect sense! 