Good buy?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Good buy?
Hello, I am looking to buy my first corvette. It is a 1976 Stingray with a 350 motor and a automatic transmission and solid t-tops. I am told they are the original motor and transmission. The carb was rebuilt about 2 months ago. It has 51000 miles on it. It has a new bumper and a used bumper with it but they are not on the car. It runs and drives great, but it will need a new paint job on it. I am not sure if it is the original paint or the second paint job. It will need new tires because the belts in the tires on are bad. The guy is asking $4500 for it. Please let me know what you think. Your opinions matter. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
How about some pics of this car? Offhand, $4500 sounds reasonable, but that would depend on the overall condition of the car.
One important question: do you want this 76?
One important question: do you want this 76?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi b,
Thinking of a new, old Corvette! Nice!!!!!
I agree that you need to figure the car will need a few thousand dollars more than it appears now. So if you consider the cost of the car, a new paint job, new tires, plus the extras, you may end up with more $$$ in this 76 than it will be worth when you're finished with it.
Now most people agree that it's not likely to make any money on their car, but is still nice to not get completely underwater in it.
Speaking of water.... have you checked the car for rust? Although the body is fiberglass, the birdcage (the steel structure the fiberglass panels are bonded to) and the frame can be very prone to rust problems which may be VERY expensive to repair. Do you or someone you know have the knowledge to check this car out?
Might be a nice car... might not be. Good to figure that out while the money is still in YOUR pocket. I think you need to find someone familiar with 76 Corvettes to take a look at it with you.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Thinking of a new, old Corvette! Nice!!!!!
I agree that you need to figure the car will need a few thousand dollars more than it appears now. So if you consider the cost of the car, a new paint job, new tires, plus the extras, you may end up with more $$$ in this 76 than it will be worth when you're finished with it.
Now most people agree that it's not likely to make any money on their car, but is still nice to not get completely underwater in it.
Speaking of water.... have you checked the car for rust? Although the body is fiberglass, the birdcage (the steel structure the fiberglass panels are bonded to) and the frame can be very prone to rust problems which may be VERY expensive to repair. Do you or someone you know have the knowledge to check this car out?
Might be a nice car... might not be. Good to figure that out while the money is still in YOUR pocket. I think you need to find someone familiar with 76 Corvettes to take a look at it with you.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Just an FYI (if you did not know this) The '76 has a unique steering wheel. Most people don't like it because it is like the wheel from a vega, and IMHO it is not very good looking and often ages poorly. (ask me how I know) It can be changed out, but there is some work and some parts involved. The kit is (I think) about $180 to change it over.
If you happen to like the wheel (some really do) then that is great. I just wanted you to know you can't just go buy a wheel and stick it on there if you don't.
Good luck with the car. I hope it works out for you.
If you happen to like the wheel (some really do) then that is great. I just wanted you to know you can't just go buy a wheel and stick it on there if you don't.
Good luck with the car. I hope it works out for you.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info so far. I looked at the undercage and there is minor surface rust nothing major at all, it is solid everywhere. Im most worried about getting new paint on this car because I know that it would be expansive. Ill try to put some pics on soon. I also know there is some minor work that will need to done to the interior.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
An after market stereo will need some custom work to the dash bezel to fit.
Like they said the steering wheel is like a Vega but its also like a later 70s Z28.
I like it, its simple, requires no maintenance and if something does break all the parts are available to fix.
Like they said the steering wheel is like a Vega but its also like a later 70s Z28.
I like it, its simple, requires no maintenance and if something does break all the parts are available to fix.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Well, I don't often see prices any lower than $4500 for a complete corvette where I live. Although a 76 is not a real desirable model yr, but its a C3 corvette and is way cool anyway. But check it out carefully, remove the kick panels to the left and right of the drivers and passengers feet. Just a couple of screws, it will give a real good indication of potential rust at the #2 body bolts. Also remove 2 little rectangular panels on the forward side of the rear wheel well. Gives a good shot of the rear frame. If that all looks OK, and you feel like putting in the effort to bring it back to life and looking good, Id go for it. Remember you dont have to spend 10k or more for a perfect paint job. Its a fun car, right?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 278
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
I just don't understant why some here continually put down the soft bumper cars as being "unworthy", or "not desirable", etc. Maybe they are not as valuable as the chrome bumper cars, which are getting very expensive if they are in good condition, but that does not mean they are inferior in any way, shape, or form.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
if there's less of them , they increase in value, supply and demnd
btw, my posts in this thread are only ment in joking, as another said prev. they're all cool ....mine 'is' the last 'real stigray' though
btw, my posts in this thread are only ment in joking, as another said prev. they're all cool ....mine 'is' the last 'real stigray' though
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 27, 2012 at 12:06 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
I like uniqueness and the steering wheel is one thing all other vettes do not have. A 76 is a great year for the vette along with all the other years Its a corvette period. That is all that matters. Put as much money as you want into it, enjoy it. Its all good. I paid $3000 for mine and was able to make it a daily driver right away so I can enjoy it everyday. And even though my paint job is pretty rough and the interior needs work still. I still get people saying " nice corvette".
