Newb Help RE 81 Corvette
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Newb Help RE 81 Corvette
Hello everyone, I find myself about to purchase an 81 vette, without enough time to do proper DD, If I buy it by the end of the weekend I can have it for $1500, needs paint and some light body work, it is described as "Corvette project that runs and drives. An easy project for the winter" Automatic.
So what do I need to look out for (I know rust can be a problem) Where is the serial number plate? And I'm assuming $1500 is a steal, I'm I wrong? I went to school for body and refinishing and have painted a couple dozen non fiberglass cars so I'm not really worried about the paint.
TIA.
So what do I need to look out for (I know rust can be a problem) Where is the serial number plate? And I'm assuming $1500 is a steal, I'm I wrong? I went to school for body and refinishing and have painted a couple dozen non fiberglass cars so I'm not really worried about the paint.
TIA.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
A driver for $1500 IS a steal.
Rust can be a big problem, but how bad it is depends on where you are, what you intend to do with it and your skills/budget.
I ended up doing a complete frame off restomod on mine (81) will have it on the road by christmas I hope, been 6 years and about $16 or 18k.
The Vin is on the drivers side windshield frame about in the middle, you should be able to see it through the glass.
Quick places to cjeck for rust is the #2 body mount behind the kick panels and the frame right in front of the rear wheels. Check there, post some pics. If nothing else drive it a while and part it out, have a hard time losing on a deal like that.
Rust can be a big problem, but how bad it is depends on where you are, what you intend to do with it and your skills/budget.
I ended up doing a complete frame off restomod on mine (81) will have it on the road by christmas I hope, been 6 years and about $16 or 18k.
The Vin is on the drivers side windshield frame about in the middle, you should be able to see it through the glass.
Quick places to cjeck for rust is the #2 body mount behind the kick panels and the frame right in front of the rear wheels. Check there, post some pics. If nothing else drive it a while and part it out, have a hard time losing on a deal like that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
If your looking, see about a 79 or 80
the 81 and 82 are one-off years, the 81 was 1 year only CCC system with the E4ME electronic carb, distributor and Computer Control system and the 82 was 1 year only crossfire injection system. They aren't bad, but do require some special attention to keep them running well and there is MUCH better technology available if that is your thing.
The 79 and 80 are virtually the same car, but without the electronics.
The 81 and 82 can of course be converted, most have already been butchered anyways because most "Corvette Mechanics" have no idea what they are doing.
Just a thought
the 81 and 82 are one-off years, the 81 was 1 year only CCC system with the E4ME electronic carb, distributor and Computer Control system and the 82 was 1 year only crossfire injection system. They aren't bad, but do require some special attention to keep them running well and there is MUCH better technology available if that is your thing.
The 79 and 80 are virtually the same car, but without the electronics.
The 81 and 82 can of course be converted, most have already been butchered anyways because most "Corvette Mechanics" have no idea what they are doing.
Just a thought
