1978 Vette
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
1978 Vette
I am about to purchase a 1978 Corvette, I have not gotten to inspect the VIN or engine for a number matching car. How do I verify the numbers? I was not impressed with the appearance of the engine. Lack of aluminum valve covers and black ugly air cleaner. The car has been sitting for a while and has a flaking off 2 tone silver paint job. Interior is ok, and everything seems legit. It only has 67k miles on it. Can someone direct me on some pictures and references to help me sell it after I acquire the car? Thanks for any help, This will either be a Money Maker or a Money Pit, any advice would be Greatly Appreciated....Thanks!!!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 127
From: Flowood MS
You don't buy a 78 Vette to make money. You buy one because you want one and want to drive a C3.
The ugly black air cleaner is factory. For options and numbers matching I recommend the corvette black book. It's cheap and useful.
Two tone silver sounds like a 25th anniversary paint job which was the most common in 78. I really love mine though.
An car this age is going to require things be repaired and maintained. But the best car you can afford up front. I walked away from two 78s that were cheaper before I bought the one I have.
The ugly black air cleaner is factory. For options and numbers matching I recommend the corvette black book. It's cheap and useful.
Two tone silver sounds like a 25th anniversary paint job which was the most common in 78. I really love mine though.
An car this age is going to require things be repaired and maintained. But the best car you can afford up front. I walked away from two 78s that were cheaper before I bought the one I have.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks
I have always Loved the curvy lines and shapely body of the C3 Vettes...I would Love to own a Stingray, but, they are very hard to find. You are right about Loving the car for what it is. There is an upcoming Swap Meet in my town and I plan on selling most of my old projects. I have a chance to literally make some money on this "Almost Barn Find". My heart tells me to keep the car and enjoy it. This will probably be my last chance to own such a Sexy car....Thanks for the input!!!
You don't buy a 78 Vette to make money. You buy one because you want one and want to drive a C3.
The ugly black air cleaner is factory. For options and numbers matching I recommend the corvette black book. It's cheap and useful.
Two tone silver sounds like a 25th anniversary paint job which was the most common in 78. I really love mine though.
An car this age is going to require things be repaired and maintained. But the best car you can afford up front. I walked away from two 78s that were cheaper before I bought the one I have.
The ugly black air cleaner is factory. For options and numbers matching I recommend the corvette black book. It's cheap and useful.
Two tone silver sounds like a 25th anniversary paint job which was the most common in 78. I really love mine though.
An car this age is going to require things be repaired and maintained. But the best car you can afford up front. I walked away from two 78s that were cheaper before I bought the one I have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,516
Likes: 501
From: Bussey, IA
Sitting for a long while this is more apt to be a money pit. Brakes and steering are probably needing attention, and you didn't mention if it was running. You mention the paint is flaking off. That is not going to be a money-making presentation. Haven't even considered the birdcage and rust issues. Tires likely need replaced. 67K miles isn't real high mileage, but you are not looking at a well preserved vehicle. Don't let starry eyes guide you. Just because some cars sell for big bucks quick on TV auctions doesn't mean the car you are looking at has that kind of potential. Find some folks that know C-3s inside and out and let them teach you and show what makes a worthwhile car. Jusst because it says Vette and you think you can buy it for a good deal doesn't not mean you are gonna make money on it. Most of us have far more money and sweat equity on our cars than we will ever get out. If you want to buy it to rescue it or make it your dream car, go for it - after having someone verufy it is worth the while. But don't plan to get rich on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
From Google > Images
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...1HD2sQ_AUIBygC
What is the seller asking for the car?
Pics would help.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...1HD2sQ_AUIBygC
...This will either be a Money Maker or a Money Pit...
Pics would help.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 30, 2016 at 09:33 AM.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Southlake, TX
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Too Late
I've already bought the car. 5K, it has been a blast just to drive and it get's the looks, it runs Great, has a little hesitation when cold. Tires are Great and I have always wanted this car. My stepson loves it too. Smokes a little on acceleration but runs great. Upper control arms loose and a little crazy to control when braking at a faster speeds. I'm waiting for it to cool down to check engine number. Thanks for all of the Input you guys are Great. I hate to admit it but I've wanted a car like this since I saw Corvette Summer when I was in High School....Sorry, but you know it's hard Not to love a Corvette.... 8 track doesn't work and I had show the kids how to set the radio presets....LOL.....I have a lot of stuff going to the swap meet next weekend, so I will see what offers I get, but I don't have to sell it, It's just TOO COOL....Here's the first part of the vin if anybody can give me any info: 1Z87L8S42.....Thanks, You Guys ROCK!!!!!
Sitting for a long while this is more apt to be a money pit. Brakes and steering are probably needing attention, and you didn't mention if it was running. You mention the paint is flaking off. That is not going to be a money-making presentation. Haven't even considered the birdcage and rust issues. Tires likely need replaced. 67K miles isn't real high mileage, but you are not looking at a well preserved vehicle. Don't let starry eyes guide you. Just because some cars sell for big bucks quick on TV auctions doesn't mean the car you are looking at has that kind of potential. Find some folks that know C-3s inside and out and let them teach you and show what makes a worthwhile car. Jusst because it says Vette and you think you can buy it for a good deal doesn't not mean you are gonna make money on it. Most of us have far more money and sweat equity on our cars than we will ever get out. If you want to buy it to rescue it or make it your dream car, go for it - after having someone verufy it is worth the while. But don't plan to get rich on it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 397
Likes: 127
From: Flowood MS
I've already bought the car. 5K, it has been a blast just to drive and it get's the looks, it runs Great, has a little hesitation when cold. Tires are Great and I have always wanted this car. My stepson loves it too. Smokes a little on acceleration but runs great. Upper control arms loose and a little crazy to control when braking at a faster speeds. I'm waiting for it to cool down to check engine number. Thanks for all of the Input you guys are Great. I hate to admit it but I've wanted a car like this since I saw Corvette Summer when I was in High School....Sorry, but you know it's hard Not to love a Corvette.... 8 track doesn't work and I had show the kids how to set the radio presets....LOL.....I have a lot of stuff going to the swap meet next weekend, so I will see what offers I get, but I don't have to sell it, It's just TOO COOL....Here's the first part of the vin if anybody can give me any info: 1Z87L8S42.....Thanks, You Guys ROCK!!!!!
From your VIN you have a 78 corvette with the standard L48 engine. And since you said it's two time silver it's a silver anniversary paint scheme car.
Auto? 4 spd? 8 track, fun. Interior white, black or red? A/C?
My 78 gets far more attention than any car I've ever owned. I have a newer much faster corvette too and no one gives it a 2nd look. Drive the 78 and everyone is my new best friend.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
For 5k drive and enjoy it. A C3 is worth that in smiles alone.
From your VIN you have a 78 corvette with the standard L48 engine. And since you said it's two time silver it's a silver anniversary paint scheme car.
Auto? 4 spd? 8 track, fun. Interior white, black or red? A/C?
My 78 gets far more attention than any car I've ever owned. I have a newer much faster corvette too and no one gives it a 2nd look. Drive the 78 and everyone is my new best friend.
From your VIN you have a 78 corvette with the standard L48 engine. And since you said it's two time silver it's a silver anniversary paint scheme car.
Auto? 4 spd? 8 track, fun. Interior white, black or red? A/C?
My 78 gets far more attention than any car I've ever owned. I have a newer much faster corvette too and no one gives it a 2nd look. Drive the 78 and everyone is my new best friend.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by Tigger67
I tried to attach some pictures, My stepson Loves the car!!!!
also of course your stepson loves it haha theyre the most appealing cars to younger people, I just turned 17 two days ago and have wanted one for 4 years and just got a project and everytime we'd pass a c3 on the school bus or something all the guys would freak out and dream of owning one!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by Tigger67
I tried to attach some pictures, My stepson Loves the car!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Looks quite good! The paint problems on the rubber bumpers (especially the front) are pretty much normal and not too expensive to repair.
To address something you said earlier, "Stingray" is only a badge that appeared on some years of the 68-82 Corvettes. When there it was on EVERY Corvette for that year so it has never denoted anything special.
Granted the metal bumper Corvettes--particularly those with high performance engine options--are the highest valued C3s but in my experience both before and after ownership of my '79 the '78+ models with the fastback are the ones that non-collectors [seem] to most admire for their "style". Buyers in the day also agreed because such were the most popular years of Corvettes ever sold.
To address something you said earlier, "Stingray" is only a badge that appeared on some years of the 68-82 Corvettes. When there it was on EVERY Corvette for that year so it has never denoted anything special.
Granted the metal bumper Corvettes--particularly those with high performance engine options--are the highest valued C3s but in my experience both before and after ownership of my '79 the '78+ models with the fastback are the ones that non-collectors [seem] to most admire for their "style". Buyers in the day also agreed because such were the most popular years of Corvettes ever sold.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
While it won't be as durable as the original you can easily restore the appearance with steel wool, lacquer thinner, rattle-can semigloss black paint and wax.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 42
From: Grand Ledge, MI
Originally Posted by SwampeastMike
In the day that "black chrome" was a big deal! I was 15 year old at the time and it was the first I'd seen. It was particularly attractive with that two-tone silver paint!
While it won't be as durable as the original you can easily restore the appearance with steel wool, lacquer thinner, rattle-can semigloss black paint and wax.
While it won't be as durable as the original you can easily restore the appearance with steel wool, lacquer thinner, rattle-can semigloss black paint and wax.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
In the day that "black chrome" was a big deal! I was 15 year old at the time and it was the first I'd seen. It was particularly attractive with that two-tone silver paint!
While it won't be as durable as the original you can easily restore the appearance with steel wool, lacquer thinner, rattle-can semigloss black paint and wax.
While it won't be as durable as the original you can easily restore the appearance with steel wool, lacquer thinner, rattle-can semigloss black paint and wax.
Cars didn't come with much bright work and we enjoy the look..Jim