New here - looking for a '78-'82
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
New here - looking for a '78-'82
I'm interested in a '78-'82. I live just outside of Philly.
My budget for the car will probably be $8k max if its from a dealership, and more like $5K if it's from an owner.
I have absolutely no experience or knowledge of fixing cars myself. I can change a tire and put gas in the tank. I'm willing to learn, but I'm starting from zero.
I've read some tips about what to look for/look out for when checking out an old Corvette. I guess any tips and additional pros/cons for the range of 78-82 would be very helpful.
My budget for the car will probably be $8k max if its from a dealership, and more like $5K if it's from an owner.
I have absolutely no experience or knowledge of fixing cars myself. I can change a tire and put gas in the tank. I'm willing to learn, but I'm starting from zero.
I've read some tips about what to look for/look out for when checking out an old Corvette. I guess any tips and additional pros/cons for the range of 78-82 would be very helpful.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
Why a different price from a dealer as oppose to a private seller. If your will to spend 8K then 8K should get you a better car from a private seller tan 5K will IF you know what your looking at. I personally would much rather buy an older car from a private seller than a dealer any day. I think your selling your self short but thats my opinion.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Why a different price from a dealer as oppose to a private seller. If your will to spend 8K then 8K should get you a better car from a private seller tan 5K will IF you know what your looking at. I personally would much rather buy an older car from a private seller than a dealer any day. I think your selling your self short but thats my opinion.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
There are 3 on my local-ish radar at the moment. It's probably too soon for me to pull the trigger, but this is what I have my eye on currently.
1 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5153466777.html
2 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5154057272.html
3 - http://www.contes.com/en/for-sale/car/view/6/226
1 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5153466777.html
2 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5154057272.html
3 - http://www.contes.com/en/for-sale/car/view/6/226
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
There are 3 on my local-ish radar at the moment. It's probably too soon for me to pull the trigger, but this is what I have my eye on currently.
1 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5153466777.html
2 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5154057272.html
3 - http://www.contes.com/en/for-sale/car/view/6/226
1 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5153466777.html
2 - http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/5154057272.html
3 - http://www.contes.com/en/for-sale/car/view/6/226
The others look fine. My BIGGEST concern with any of the 3 would be RUST. You will have to look under carpet, around and down the windshield frame, under the car...everywhere you can. I would pic the most solid car I could find.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Palmyra NY
My suggestion to you is to buy a few books about them and read and study all you can. This way you know what to look for and knowing what you are looking at! Going in blind will only hurt you in the end.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Unless I was going bucks up really pristine I would never consider buying a c3 from a dealer, and even then with the private seller you almost always get more bang for your buck,
I'm in florida and 8 K will buy a rather nice 78-82 not trailer queen but nice driver but 5 k gets into the ones needing a heck of a lot more work, if I had 8 k to spend on a 78-82 and had limited wrench spinning skills I would take my time finding a really good car in fact you need someone more vette savvy to look at the cars with you an unbiased eye,
If you can save up to 10-12 k then you can get into super nice 78-82's but you will have to shop around and be ready to jump.
I'm in florida and 8 K will buy a rather nice 78-82 not trailer queen but nice driver but 5 k gets into the ones needing a heck of a lot more work, if I had 8 k to spend on a 78-82 and had limited wrench spinning skills I would take my time finding a really good car in fact you need someone more vette savvy to look at the cars with you an unbiased eye,
If you can save up to 10-12 k then you can get into super nice 78-82's but you will have to shop around and be ready to jump.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Unless I was going bucks up really pristine I would never consider buying a c3 from a dealer, and even then with the private seller you almost always get more bang for your buck,
I'm in florida and 8 K will buy a rather nice 78-82 not trailer queen but nice driver but 5 k gets into the ones needing a heck of a lot more work, if I had 8 k to spend on a 78-82 and had limited wrench spinning skills I would take my time finding a really good car in fact you need someone more vette savvy to look at the cars with you an unbiased eye,
If you can save up to 10-12 k then you can get into super nice 78-82's but you will have to shop around and be ready to jump.
I'm in florida and 8 K will buy a rather nice 78-82 not trailer queen but nice driver but 5 k gets into the ones needing a heck of a lot more work, if I had 8 k to spend on a 78-82 and had limited wrench spinning skills I would take my time finding a really good car in fact you need someone more vette savvy to look at the cars with you an unbiased eye,
If you can save up to 10-12 k then you can get into super nice 78-82's but you will have to shop around and be ready to jump.
I would never buy from an average dealer. I would buy from a classic dealer. However the classic dealers will usually have nicer cars at a higher price.
If you have to barrow got yo your bank. Get an approved line and buy a nice car from a Pvt. Pty. Bigger bang for the buck.
If your not skilled to do it your self it will be costly for a fixer driver.
$8 to $10 K will get you a decent driver that you can enjoy.
$5 k will get you a builder that needs $10 to $15k just in parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
You have our condolences.
Keep that information to yourself. There is no need for a potential to seller to know what you might spend.
Car #1 has the standard steering column which got carry over Vega wheels. Only the T/T got the three spoke steering wheels, but I agree, it's out of the ordinary to see the standard column.. Everybody and his brother wanted T/T.
Good luck with the hunt.
...My budget for the car will probably be $8k max if its from a dealership, and more like $5K if it's from an owner...
...#1 car has a steering wheel from a 1976 model. Very odd...
Good luck with the hunt.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Aug 6, 2015 at 08:22 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 31
From: Pitman NJ
Take a look at all of them. I got my car from Conte's, so I'm a little biased. Take a ride down to Vineland, and take that one for a ride, it can't hurt.
Easy Mike, what is wrong with living outside of Philly? There are many of us here on this forum that live in this area.
Easy Mike, what is wrong with living outside of Philly? There are many of us here on this forum that live in this area.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Car number #3 looks like the bigest bang for the buck. Its a dealer however its in a price range that is affordable and looks like a nice driver. Never know condition of cage or frame. If it in the East or North you need to look closly. Southern or Western cars can have rust issues; just not as bad.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
Thanks for posting.
I stand corrected. I have been messing with corvettes since the late 1990's and I had no idea that wheel was used any longer than 1976 model year. I guess that also goes to show how often the standard column was used in later years.To the OP...there is no way you can tell a good car from photos at this distance. A shinny body may be hiding a rusted frame. "Excessive"
frame and birdcage rust should be a deal breaker unless its a very rare optioned car IMHO. The year models you are looking at will not apply as the "rare" options were gone by then. I would put MORE importance on non rusted frame and BC than low miles, original motor, etcetera. Again just MHO. It is a BIG DEAL and $$$$ to repair "excessive" frame and BC rust.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Definitely any excessive rust or other easily spotted issues will be a deal-breaker for me, on any of the cars.
Assuming that #2 and #3 are equal in terms of having no deal-breaker rust type issues, any pros/cons otherwise?
#2 has 60,000 miles and #3 has over 100,000 miles. Is this a big deal?
Assuming that #2 and #3 are equal in terms of having no deal-breaker rust type issues, any pros/cons otherwise?
#2 has 60,000 miles and #3 has over 100,000 miles. Is this a big deal?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
Definitely any excessive rust or other easily spotted issues will be a deal-breaker for me, on any of the cars.
Assuming that #2 and #3 are equal in terms of having no deal-breaker rust type issues, any pros/cons otherwise?
#2 has 60,000 miles and #3 has over 100,000 miles. Is this a big deal?
Assuming that #2 and #3 are equal in terms of having no deal-breaker rust type issues, any pros/cons otherwise?
#2 has 60,000 miles and #3 has over 100,000 miles. Is this a big deal?
Keep in mind if your state requires emissions test on that old a car. Visual test of emissions equipment. If so , if its all missing that could be lots of money to replace.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 550
Likes: 58
From: Columbus Mississippi
Red car looks to be missing the emissions pump. Not sure if I see a A/C compressor.
Black or white cars have no motor pix in the ads. Who posts a car for sale without a motor pic???
Black or white cars have no motor pix in the ads. Who posts a car for sale without a motor pic???
Last edited by Dean_Fuller; Aug 6, 2015 at 12:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
Look all of them. Get a feel to what to look for and read the sticky.
Rust is the biggest issue on all old cars. The place I use has several "rust free cars" that once media blasted are full of holes.
Rust is the biggest issue on all old cars. The place I use has several "rust free cars" that once media blasted are full of holes.
