Good purchase for us?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Good purchase for us?
Hey all,
Completely new to the forums and Corvettes in general. Wife and I have decided we wanted a classic convertible (it was actually her idea), or in this case, T-Top, since we are going to be in Florida for the long term. Just seems right.
Anyways, I've been doing some searches and research and think I've found a decent car for us. We aren't really concerned with long term appreciation or top end performance. We want a Corvette for the iconic look and for some fun cruising around in the warm and sunny Florida weather.
Right now we are looking at a 1976 C3 with a 1990 LT1 engine, fuel injection, off the frame restoration, 83k miles (not sure if that's total, or just since engine replacement) for $12,900 OBO. Body looks in great shape with a really nice teal/turquiose paint job.
What do you all think? If we are going to do this, $12,900 is about the top of the budget.
Any considerations with the replacement engine? I'd obviously want to see any paperwork related to the work, but I'm wondering how well the transmission in the '76 will handle the 1990 LT1 engine.
Any help or things I should be considering would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Soco
Completely new to the forums and Corvettes in general. Wife and I have decided we wanted a classic convertible (it was actually her idea), or in this case, T-Top, since we are going to be in Florida for the long term. Just seems right.
Anyways, I've been doing some searches and research and think I've found a decent car for us. We aren't really concerned with long term appreciation or top end performance. We want a Corvette for the iconic look and for some fun cruising around in the warm and sunny Florida weather.
Right now we are looking at a 1976 C3 with a 1990 LT1 engine, fuel injection, off the frame restoration, 83k miles (not sure if that's total, or just since engine replacement) for $12,900 OBO. Body looks in great shape with a really nice teal/turquiose paint job.
What do you all think? If we are going to do this, $12,900 is about the top of the budget.
Any considerations with the replacement engine? I'd obviously want to see any paperwork related to the work, but I'm wondering how well the transmission in the '76 will handle the 1990 LT1 engine.
Any help or things I should be considering would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Soco
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 164
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Hey all,
Completely new to the forums and Corvettes in general. Wife and I have decided we wanted a classic convertible (it was actually her idea), or in this case, T-Top, since we are going to be in Florida for the long term. Just seems right.
Anyways, I've been doing some searches and research and think I've found a decent car for us. We aren't really concerned with long term appreciation or top end performance. We want a Corvette for the iconic look and for some fun cruising around in the warm and sunny Florida weather.
Right now we are looking at a 1976 C3 with a 1990 LT1 engine, fuel injection, off the frame restoration, 83k miles (not sure if that's total, or just since engine replacement) for $12,900 OBO. Body looks in great shape with a really nice teal/turquiose paint job.
What do you all think? If we are going to do this, $12,900 is about the top of the budget.
Any considerations with the replacement engine? I'd obviously want to see any paperwork related to the work, but I'm wondering how well the transmission in the '76 will handle the 1990 LT1 engine.
Any help or things I should be considering would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Soco
Completely new to the forums and Corvettes in general. Wife and I have decided we wanted a classic convertible (it was actually her idea), or in this case, T-Top, since we are going to be in Florida for the long term. Just seems right.
Anyways, I've been doing some searches and research and think I've found a decent car for us. We aren't really concerned with long term appreciation or top end performance. We want a Corvette for the iconic look and for some fun cruising around in the warm and sunny Florida weather.
Right now we are looking at a 1976 C3 with a 1990 LT1 engine, fuel injection, off the frame restoration, 83k miles (not sure if that's total, or just since engine replacement) for $12,900 OBO. Body looks in great shape with a really nice teal/turquiose paint job.
What do you all think? If we are going to do this, $12,900 is about the top of the budget.
Any considerations with the replacement engine? I'd obviously want to see any paperwork related to the work, but I'm wondering how well the transmission in the '76 will handle the 1990 LT1 engine.
Any help or things I should be considering would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Soco
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 143
From: Manalapan New Jersey
Pics look ok but the price seems a bit on the high side. 90 wasn't an LT1 block, it's an L98 with TPI. I have that in my 88. Ad says tranny is a 5speed auto...doubt that. See what trans it is. Could be an original 3 speed auto or a newer 4 speed auto? Looks to me it's a 4 based on the shifter. Need underbody shots to see if it was a true frame off. See the car and check for rust on the frame, windshield , birdcage etc. I think you may be able to find some nicer C3's in that price range...was watching Mecum and many C3's were in the 9-13k range.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
you can't judge a book by the cover, the paint looks very nice and definitely an added value, the engine was modded to an LT1 and looks like it belongs their ,but with any mod it is no better than the install. Changing from the original to the LT1 isn't a big change, but still a change you'll have to live and work with.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Pics look ok but the price seems a bit on the high side. 90 wasn't an LT1 block, it's an L98 with TPI. I have that in my 88. Ad says tranny is a 5speed auto...doubt that. See what trans it is. Could be an original 3 speed auto or a newer 4 speed auto? Looks to me it's a 4 based on the shifter. Need underbody shots to see if it was a true frame off. See the car and check for rust on the frame, windshield , birdcage etc. I think you may be able to find some nicer C3's in that price range...was watching Mecum and many C3's were in the 9-13k range.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 31
From: Brant County Ontario
Yeah, I personally think that's a bit steep for this car. Talk him down a ways. He may not be the owner that restored it.
1) That's NOT an LT1. That looks like an '86-91 L98. Still a good motor, had one myself in my C4. However, it could also be a same era camaro 305.
2) The transmission, if original, would have had no problem holding up. If it's a 4 speed auto though, that's NOT original. Also could be either corvette or camaro or similar.
We'd need the casting numbers and stamp off the motor to be sure what's actually in there.
Next, a roll under the car with a camera to confirm the "frame off" restoration.
1) That's NOT an LT1. That looks like an '86-91 L98. Still a good motor, had one myself in my C4. However, it could also be a same era camaro 305.
2) The transmission, if original, would have had no problem holding up. If it's a 4 speed auto though, that's NOT original. Also could be either corvette or camaro or similar.
We'd need the casting numbers and stamp off the motor to be sure what's actually in there.
Next, a roll under the car with a camera to confirm the "frame off" restoration.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke Va.
Take your time and do the research. There are still a ton of these out there and available. This forum is your best friend right now. Unbiased opinions and a wealth of knowledge. Good luck and slow down. You'll get the "right" car by taking your time.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi soco,
WELCOME! Glad you're here and thinking about an old Corvette!
From what you've posted I get the impression you and your wife are looking for a car to drive, and not one to work on. (Maybe I'm wrong?)
Almost all old cars, and you're looking at one that is 38 years old, need continuous tinkering with. Are you prepared for that?
If you're looking for a car that will be as dependable as possible and be easy to repair when needed, I'd being looking for one that is not a mixture of parts. I'd also be looking at how the car has been treated and maintained over it's life. Cars that have owner/builder inspired changes on them are sometimes headaches for the next owner or mechanic because it not always easy to figure out what's been done or why.
I'd suggest you look for a really good running/driving car that has been maintained with the appropriate service replacement parts it's whole life.
I realize this is a different tack on what you might want to consider.
Florida... roof panels off... sounds good!
Regards,
Alan
WELCOME! Glad you're here and thinking about an old Corvette!
From what you've posted I get the impression you and your wife are looking for a car to drive, and not one to work on. (Maybe I'm wrong?)
Almost all old cars, and you're looking at one that is 38 years old, need continuous tinkering with. Are you prepared for that?
If you're looking for a car that will be as dependable as possible and be easy to repair when needed, I'd being looking for one that is not a mixture of parts. I'd also be looking at how the car has been treated and maintained over it's life. Cars that have owner/builder inspired changes on them are sometimes headaches for the next owner or mechanic because it not always easy to figure out what's been done or why.
I'd suggest you look for a really good running/driving car that has been maintained with the appropriate service replacement parts it's whole life.
I realize this is a different tack on what you might want to consider.
Florida... roof panels off... sounds good!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 28, 2014 at 10:21 AM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
All very good advice.
Alan - totally right. We are looking for fun without much hassle. After we slept on it a bit, we are pumping the brakes to make sure this (the car in particular, and a classic corvette in general) is what we really want. I have no problem tinkering, but your point about a modified car make a ton of sense, especially since I'm no mechanic. In the end, we may not find what we want in our budget, and that's okay.
Panhead - that's why I came here! Needed people to let me know if I was walking off a cliff!
lvmyvt76 - the color is the best selling feature. Very eye catching and fun.
Thanks again for the help!
Alan - totally right. We are looking for fun without much hassle. After we slept on it a bit, we are pumping the brakes to make sure this (the car in particular, and a classic corvette in general) is what we really want. I have no problem tinkering, but your point about a modified car make a ton of sense, especially since I'm no mechanic. In the end, we may not find what we want in our budget, and that's okay.
Panhead - that's why I came here! Needed people to let me know if I was walking off a cliff!
lvmyvt76 - the color is the best selling feature. Very eye catching and fun.
Thanks again for the help!
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,599
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Everyone wants you to get a good, safe car. These are areas that you MUST notice. These are a few things the other members have advised me to be careful of, since I am also new to Corvettes:
Take pics under the car of the areas where the frame makes the upward turn in front of the rear wheels
take pics under the car of the long frame area that the rocker panels are attached to
take pics of the frame that supports the door hinges and windshield where it bolts to the chassis...accessed by removing both kick panels---you will see large bolt heads in those spots.
Post the photos in this same thread.......The experienced members will be able to advise you on the condition of the chassis (which is very important to know).
Take pics under the car of the areas where the frame makes the upward turn in front of the rear wheels
take pics under the car of the long frame area that the rocker panels are attached to
take pics of the frame that supports the door hinges and windshield where it bolts to the chassis...accessed by removing both kick panels---you will see large bolt heads in those spots.
Post the photos in this same thread.......The experienced members will be able to advise you on the condition of the chassis (which is very important to know).
Last edited by doorgunner; Jan 28, 2014 at 10:38 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
The point about a well-maintained vehicle is a good one as well the need for frame pics. On the former, and I am a bit of a fussy-wussy, the air cleaner filter looks to be thoroughly plugged with filth. That does not inspire confidence in me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
to me a '76 with fuel injection and overdrive already in the car would get me to take a serious look at the car.
Is the price steep? maybe if there's a lot of issues with it. If the car is in great shape and the motor swap is clean and professional looking, I think it might be a fair starting price and negotiate down from there
However, If you guys want a convertible, i wouldn't settle for anything less than a convertible
Is the price steep? maybe if there's a lot of issues with it. If the car is in great shape and the motor swap is clean and professional looking, I think it might be a fair starting price and negotiate down from there
However, If you guys want a convertible, i wouldn't settle for anything less than a convertible
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
A recent check of eBay completed listings shows good-to-excellent condition 76s averaging around $7000. Some include 4 speeds.
There've been one or two selling in the vicinity of $9000k, but they were pristine, original examples with low, verified mileage.
The LT1 engine mod is likely an improvement, but not for $12.9K, IMO. I got a decent '76 for $3500, not in the same apparent cosmetic shape as the one you're looking at, but on its way in that direction, and for way less initial investment.
Just saying.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
to me a '76 with fuel injection and overdrive already in the car would get me to take a serious look at the car.
Is the price steep? maybe if there's a lot of issues with it. If the car is in great shape and the motor swap is clean and professional looking, I think it might be a fair starting price and negotiate down from there
However, If you guys want a convertible, i wouldn't settle for anything less than a convertible
Is the price steep? maybe if there's a lot of issues with it. If the car is in great shape and the motor swap is clean and professional looking, I think it might be a fair starting price and negotiate down from there
However, If you guys want a convertible, i wouldn't settle for anything less than a convertible
I would prefer that engine/tranny combo over oem.
But in Florida a convertible is the only way to go, but over your limit.
He says OBO, so look at it, if you like it shoot him an offer.
