The Typical C3 Owner
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Hayward SD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
After looking through hundreds (if not thousands) of CL ads, I developed a 'feel' for what might be a good C3 bargain. It had to look like it wouldn't take much to bring it back to life and not be a total disaster. Some luck is involved too, but knowing what story the pictures tell can be the difference between a decent project and a total disaster!!!Here's an example of a C3 on CL in the Los Angeles area. What story do these pictures tell?
1979 Corvette, $2900
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/3322569290.html
one that hasnt been butchered...yet
one that hasnt been butchered...yet
Vs. the other one, which wouldn't qualify as a parts car for that price even!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Not bad! 1976 L82, four speed car. Deluxe interior, power windows The seats look like they're in excellent shape. The wear on the car makes me guess less than 100K miles on it. Needs smog equipment hooked up (the air pump is still there) and a right front fender ($400 shipped from MidAmerica).
$1,800 OBO and this car runs.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3375411023.html
$1,800 OBO and this car runs.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/3375411023.html
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 2
From: Sparta Mo.
I sold this '82 two years ago in Missouri for $5K. ....The deals are out there if you look long enough. There's a few customs around here in that price range that look decent. A station wagon and a hatchback both were under $5K here locally. This '82 had a good birdcage and frame, four new tires and new exhaust, but wasn't without issues. The new owner drove it 2 hours home did an LSx swap in it. (a member here)
Last edited by earthquake68; Oct 31, 2012 at 01:04 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
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From: Chino CA
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
A lot of them had fiberglass in better shape, but other things trashed.
All depends on what you want to work on.
Need to edit this, since I was looking for specific options because I didn't want to do a conversion.
Those being a 4 speed and flat rear window, no interest in the hatchback.
Last edited by nodebtvette; Oct 31, 2012 at 03:00 PM. Reason: For specifics, talk all day long about prices but we need to know what is being looked for.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 86
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LOL. Without hair in general. Hair went on strike during basic, never came back.
And it's already back in one piece
though the front bumper isn't shown in that pic.
And it's already back in one piece
though the front bumper isn't shown in that pic.Last edited by nodebtvette; Oct 31, 2012 at 03:02 PM. Reason: Added a pitcher of a redneck vette
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
There are lots of C3 cars for sale for $5 and under. What are the guidelines that we're looking at here? Are we talking a running driving car that needs work but doesn't need any to actually drive it, or just the best/most car you can get for this price range?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
Would love a C5, just can't afford one right now. Probably will someday own one or maybe a C6, just not in the cards right now--have too many toys. Reason I am looking for a cheap car is I am selling my motorcycle and need something around the same price and insurance payment.
SuperBuickGuy: Sweet Fiat! Bet theres not a lot of Fiat/Corvette guys out there.
SuperBuickGuy: Sweet Fiat! Bet theres not a lot of Fiat/Corvette guys out there.
And that Fiat is far more Corvette than it is Fiat. The body wasn't built by fiat, and everything fiat has been removed
Saddest part is that's my wife's car - and it will be faster than my 'vette