I get a kick out of the steering wheel argument. While I like the three spoke wheel of other C-3s better, the 4 spoke sport wheel isn't really a bad design. If you don't like it it is easy enough to change. Have you ever heard a complaint about the C-6 wheel being used in the Cobalt etc. They are the same.

 

I love my 76, bought that year for nostalgia reasons since I had a 76 back in the day. Even though my paint is pretty much crap and my interior is worse I get lot's of compliments and have been asked more than once if I want to sell it

 

I wont be knocking any year Corvette..there are enough non-Corvette people out there already doing that for us (jealousy is an ugly thing).

 

Call me crazy (I AM), but the wheel on my '76 is growing on me. Yeah, it's not as cool as the early year 16 inchers - doesn't have that 'vibe.' Then, again, it's comfortable - and more importantly (to me) the 'correct' wheel.

Kinda looks like a go-kart 'tiller.' And - aren't 'Vettes grown up Go-Karts?

Dan G>

 

Holy Crap - she looks GOOD!

I love seeing how these cars can shine in the right hands. Gives me inspiration for the day mine will look 1/2 as nice.

Dan G>

 

Thanks everyone for your comments. I wondered about the 1976 because it was priced somewhat lower. The wheel can always be changed. I think that the C3s look terrific and 1976 is a great looking corvette. I was not sure if other than the steering wheel there were mechanical issues or body issues that were a problem. This has been very helpful. Will let you know when I find my 76.

 

76 less desirable?... tell that to a 76 owner! luv mine, and as far as go power...400 hp! and a 4 gear. I can make my girl friend scream without even touching her when we are in the 76 together! And that is worth the price od admission any day!!!

Mike

 

I just picked up a 76 a few weeks ago and am enjoying working on it and giving it the much TLC it needs. I think it looks great

 

I like 76!

Why:

Top 10 reasons to own a 76!

1. relatively cheaper on initial purchase!

2. looks like all C3's mostly, ok, forget the chrome bumpers and bubble back for the moment, little kids and most of the public will think your 76 is just as cool as any C3! Who are we trying to impress and make happy anyway???

3. my first C3 is a 76, it still makes me happy!

4. you can drive and enjoy a 76, not many 76's suffer the fate of having to be a trailer queen and continually parked in an air conditioned garage with a waxed floor!

5. Vega owners were proud to get the CORVETTE STEERING WHEEL in 76!

6. You can upgrade as much as you like so a 76 will out run most any C3 without somebody criticizing you for destroying it's "originality"

7. If you do not like the color, change it as you like!

8. A lot of 76 parts can be bought at AutoZone and you can get the "core credit" without having to feel bad about not saving the original parts!

9. If you can absolutely not stand the steering wheel, then you change it pretty easily!

10. And the best reason of all: its a CORVETTE

 

I ended up at the same juncture. Ended up dying my original 76 wheel due to interior color change.

 

Steering wheel? Give me 20 minutes with a steering wheel puller and I'll remedy that.
Low horsepower? Lots of parts in the catalogs to remedy that too.

 

Is it all about the Vega wheel? That seems silly to me as easy change. I suppose purists would not like that.

 

well the vega wheel is nicer to hold than the old skinny wood like in my 69...it will get replaced,

I like how the fellow said the vega got the vette wheel in 76

 

Personally I think your '76 was a wise choice: inexpensive, price pretty much bottomed out, not a high-priced trailer queen collectible, and basically a blank canvas to make your own unless originality is a prime concern. If you bought it to have fun, get a lumpy cam, some throaty pipes to get the neighborhood dogs barking, and then drive it like it was meant to enjoy. And there's tons of aftermarket or later model replica steering wheels out there, something C5,6 and 7 owners can't do because of electronics, airbags, etc etc.

 

Dumb question:

Do you have a tilt/telescopic wheel? I'm under the impression the telescopic feature was excluded in '76, but I'm not sure. My tilt wheel column has the knurled ring around the horn button for what looks like a telescoping adjustment, but no visible lever on it. And it doesn't move in/out unless it's frozen somehow.

Not that it's important but I'm curious.

Dan G>

 

Wasn't fond of the steering wheel..Changed it out,notice the 6spd trans swap as well.76 is a blast to drive and gets 20mpg on the hiway.Heads,roller cam,intake carb,makes for a nice street performer..
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Btw,.. I like the 76 steering wheel. It gets a bad rap!! It's the same steering wheel used on ALL of Chevrolets performance vehicles in the 70's.

It was used on ALL the 1970 thru 1981 Camaro Z28's, the SS ElCamino, the SS Nova and the ST Chevrolet PU and K5 blazers .

And the ONLY Vega that used it was the Vega GT.

That same steering wheel is one of the highest priced steering wheels selling on eBay,... For these other applications.

It was an attempt at a modernization "tweak" back in 76 for the Vette. The old 3 spoke small diameter grip steering wheel was starting to look and feel dated and GM decided to " update" the 76 Vette with the new "modern" sport steering wheel.

The outcry was so bad they went back to the old wheel.

I'm just telling you,... You drive a 76 for a while and you'll love its wheel better than the previous wheel. It's a thicker grip and a smaller overall diameter making it much easier to get in and out and it feels good in your hands.

Anyway,...just enjoy your 76!!!

 

Check this out
http://bit.ly/1a9astH

 

My 76 has the tilt/telescopic wheel

 

actually desirability is not really the question here. I think they are desirable because they are affordable. They are not rare. They are more of an entry level classic car, nothing wrong with that.