Help on a '79
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 942
Likes: 3
From: Louisville KY
Help on a '79
Going to look at this '79 posted on CL today:
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/3299206206.html
Its an L-82, but the "rebuilt engine and tranny" was done by the owner, who he says has been a mechanic for 20 years.
My other concerns are:
1. A new t-top costs $1100 from Willcox, can I buy one at a swap meet or used, and what are the approx. cost?
2. New carpet and door panels will add another $750 to the cost of the car, but I can do that myself.
3. I am not new to Corvettes (I have a 64), but never owned or even ridden in C3. I just love the looks.
This is what I wanted to own when I was 12. How do I inspect the birdcage and where on the frame are the "problem areas" to inspect?
4. What should I realistically expect to pay for a car? Is this one a definite pass at that price (I was thinking of offering 4500 if it checks out and drives ok).
5. What is the engine code (and where do I look) for an L-82? Are there any exterior differences?
I am not looking for a "numbers matching show car." I want an old car and stablemate to the '64 that I can work on and drive as I improve it.
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/3299206206.html
Its an L-82, but the "rebuilt engine and tranny" was done by the owner, who he says has been a mechanic for 20 years.
My other concerns are:
1. A new t-top costs $1100 from Willcox, can I buy one at a swap meet or used, and what are the approx. cost?
2. New carpet and door panels will add another $750 to the cost of the car, but I can do that myself.
3. I am not new to Corvettes (I have a 64), but never owned or even ridden in C3. I just love the looks.
This is what I wanted to own when I was 12. How do I inspect the birdcage and where on the frame are the "problem areas" to inspect? 4. What should I realistically expect to pay for a car? Is this one a definite pass at that price (I was thinking of offering 4500 if it checks out and drives ok).
5. What is the engine code (and where do I look) for an L-82? Are there any exterior differences?
I am not looking for a "numbers matching show car." I want an old car and stablemate to the '64 that I can work on and drive as I improve it.
Last edited by Lou64; Oct 18, 2012 at 12:28 PM. Reason: addition
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Going to look at this '79 posted on CL today:
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/3299206206.html
Its an L-82, but the "rebuilt engine and tranny" was done by the owner, who he says has been a mechanic for 20 years.
My other concerns are:
1. A new t-top costs $1100 from Willcox, can I buy one at a swap meet or used, and what are the approx. cost?
2. New carpet and door panels will add another $750 to the cost of the car, but I can do that myself.
3. I am not new to Corvettes (I have a 64), but never owned or even ridden in C3. I just love the looks. This is what I wanted to own when I was 12. How do I inspect the birdcage and where on the frame are the "problem areas" to inspect?
4. What should I realistically expect to pay for a car? Is this one a definite pass at that price (I was thinking of offering 4500 if it checks out and drives ok).
5. What is the engine code (and where do I look) for an L-82? Are there any exterior differences?
I am not looking for a "numbers matching show car." I want an old car and stablemate to the '64 that I can work on and drive as I improve it.
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/3299206206.html
Its an L-82, but the "rebuilt engine and tranny" was done by the owner, who he says has been a mechanic for 20 years.
My other concerns are:
1. A new t-top costs $1100 from Willcox, can I buy one at a swap meet or used, and what are the approx. cost?
2. New carpet and door panels will add another $750 to the cost of the car, but I can do that myself.
3. I am not new to Corvettes (I have a 64), but never owned or even ridden in C3. I just love the looks.
This is what I wanted to own when I was 12. How do I inspect the birdcage and where on the frame are the "problem areas" to inspect? 4. What should I realistically expect to pay for a car? Is this one a definite pass at that price (I was thinking of offering 4500 if it checks out and drives ok).
5. What is the engine code (and where do I look) for an L-82? Are there any exterior differences?
I am not looking for a "numbers matching show car." I want an old car and stablemate to the '64 that I can work on and drive as I improve it.
I paid $430 EACH just for door panels....
Carpet another $300
Cracked top.......hard to say...
I like the wheels
Start lower...way lower - you can always offer more - but you can't offer less after you make an offer (well, you can...but it probably wont work!)
I'd offer $3500 and go from there
P.S. - Nice looking project car
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 9
From: South Bend IN
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Has any of the suspension been rebuilt? All the bushings on that car are old and will need replaced if they haven't been already. I would say it is a fair price if the suspension has been rebuilt and everything else checks out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Isn't the $1100 figure for a pair of new reproduction tops?
Yes, or through eBay or other Corvette salvage outfits. They kick up on the Parts For Sale forum here. All glass tops are dated and you can probably match dates.
Same as your C2.
ZBA or ZBB are the codes for the L-82. Engine code and VIN derivitive will be stamped on the pad on the block at the front of the right head.The plant code for Flint is a V on C3s.
Fifth character of the VIN is the original engine code and will be a 4 for the L-82.
Only the L-82 badges.
The CL car has had at least one repaint.
Good luck.
...can I buy one at a swap meet...
...How do I inspect the birdcage and where on the frame are the "problem areas" to inspect?...
...What is the engine code (and where do I look) for an L-82?...
Fifth character of the VIN is the original engine code and will be a 4 for the L-82.
...Are there any exterior differences?...
The CL car has had at least one repaint.
Good luck.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 18, 2012 at 04:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 942
Likes: 3
From: Louisville KY
Update: As I kinda expected, the car needs more than the seller let on. It needs almost all new interior, new battery and maybe alternator too. T-top is not just cracked, has a hole in it. Cruise control broke. A/C doesn't work. Center caps for wheels only 2 out of 4 present. Several lug nuts missing.
It does run well and start on the first try with no missing or stuttering. Did not drive it for fear of wheel flying off. Frame in great shape and is an L-82. Going to pass for now but may go back after I look at a few other cars. Of course, he gave me "these cars go for 14k when they are fixed up". I almost replied, "And your car will take 13k to get there so let me take it off ur hands for a grand."
It does run well and start on the first try with no missing or stuttering. Did not drive it for fear of wheel flying off. Frame in great shape and is an L-82. Going to pass for now but may go back after I look at a few other cars. Of course, he gave me "these cars go for 14k when they are fixed up". I almost replied, "And your car will take 13k to get there so let me take it off ur hands for a grand."
