jay5729

Hi Folks,

I just joined so I could get some advice about getting into a project C3 Vette. I'm in the Stockton Area of California Central Valley, and am currently searching for a C3 to meet my criteria.

I'm looking for something meeting the following:

1st: Under $5K (really looking for something around $3K)
2nd:prefer years 72 or 73, 68-75 (no smog) but will consider 77, 79 or 82.
3rd: drive-able. (as in not salvage, starts up although it doesn't have to run great.) Mostly want to know I can register it and drive it legally. if it won't run or stop or needs body panels that's fine.
4th: I a planning on a 3 to 10 year build with a budget of say 10-15K over that time.

I am pretty handy mechanically. I had a 78 Trans-am that I did a lot of work on, (breaks, tuning, interior, paint, suspension, bearings.) I've never rebuilt a motor or trannie, and don't think I'd want to.

Any advice? Are these realistic expectations? I have a line on a 73 in Vegas that might be what I'm looking for, but the guy doesn't want to come down to my price, and that's a long way to go to look at it and check the frame etc...

Also, if you're more familiar with Vette restoration, and in the Stockton area, I'd love a second set of eyes to go with me to check out some vettes when I go looking.

Thanks,

Jay.

oldgto

For a running car in your price range, I think you`ll be limited to the upper end of the C3 group....1977 to 1982. And it will need a LOT of work.

cdavis03

Heres what I got for $3200 and thats a good deal for a running driving stopping '78 Corvette, you just gotta look around and ask people if they know someone with one they would sell because a lot of people do haha

Rescue Rogers

Heres one but you need a new frame

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/5760308135.html, might need a birdcage too. Finding a chrome bumper for this price that isnt a disaster is hard. $6000- $10000 might be a better starting point.

Heres the northeast listings

http://boston.craigslist.org/search/...by=2&sort=date

tokim

Welcome!
You may find that saving up more coin for the initial purchase, will net you a cheaper project in the long run.
There are deals out there, be patient.
Good luck.

Cooter Tech

You will have to consider what you will get for 3,000,00. It will cost several thousand dollars minimum to get it fixed to be a reliable car. Another several thousand for paint and interior to get it to look good. You will have to be able to do most of your own work or the costs will escalate. How much work and time do you have or want to dedicate to this project. In most cases it is in the long run cheaper to buy one that is solid and in good running condition. Good luck and there is the possibility that you can find a solid car but it will be in the later years. Tell us what your mechanical abilities are and approximate age. If you are a young man, or girl maybe you can get a family member interested in what you want to do.

KNOT-HEAD

I am in south Louisiana. I just bought a 77 L82 two weeks ago for $8,250.00. Good paint, tires and rims. Average interior. Motor runs great but has a lot of leaks. Hydrolic steering has a lot of leaks. Auto three speed tran. has a lot of leaks. Replaced shocks. Ball joints are shot. Suspention is shot. First trip the alternator went out.
I looked at a lot of 77's on the net. They range from $3k to $16k. The price was mostly based on the posted mileage. Most of the ones I looked at that looked good on the net were junk in person. Make sure you take the time to look before you leap. I like my car but I should have taken a better look under the car before I bought it. This is my first Corvette. I lost my 96 Harley Road King in the "Great Flood of 2016" so this is it's replacement. Sure miss my bike, but looking forward to making this 77 something to be proud of.

rgwoehr

I think a '68-'73 for $3000 would be in much worse shape than a '76-'82 for the same price. I don't think you'll find a driveable chrome bumper vette in that price range.

brick1234

Will have a real hard time finding 73 and down under 3k, I would say 4500-6000 min. At that price you could get a descent 75 -82 that won't need as much work, as long as you get something rust free frame/birdcage it is a perfect start to a Project. Get what you want being patient and you may find a nice deal and use eBay to broaden your search.

AkrHack

The 2 points below have been made over and over by the most knowledgeable Corvette guys on the C3 forum. I think most will agree that they are valid!
1) The C3 with the lowest purchase price typically will end up having the highest total cash outlay in the end.
2) To avoid heartache, buy the nicest C3 your budget will allow.

cdavis03

Disagree with number one if you can do all the work yourself, got my car for $3200 looking like this and after spending $2600 on paint/tires/brakes etc. it now looks like this

Alan 71

Hi Jay,
I certainly agree with AKrH and his 2 points have been proven to be true numerous times!
GOOD Corvettes are NOT being sold on the CHEAP.
73 Corvettes are quite desirable and when the price for one gets down into the $3000 range you're really only buying part of a 73, AND, what still needs to be done you can bet is the EXPENSIVE part.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

dochorsepower

Remember, '75 or earlier doesn't have to mess with smog in Kalifornia.

The Phantom

So many c3's out there I'm sure you will find one that will fit the bill, but there are so many c3's out there that under every panel there's a new surprise!
If you are serious about bargain hunting be sure to research this forum and look at the many horror stories that people (including myself) have uncovered. Take someone with you that has good knowledge of the our cars ... BUY THE BEST CAR YOU CAN ... it will just save you all the money on the other end, if you have to pause and save a bit more cash to get a better car then do so.
I am fairly handy, I have tools and a lift in the garage, the car I bought I knew required lots of work ... it didn't scare me, but I'd be lying if I said it hasn't challenged me. I knew this was a total frame off overhaul / upgrade, this doesn't sound like what you are looking for so be careful not to buy one. A nice 75 convertible in the California sun might be nice.

Good Luck,

Dave

cobrachuck

$3,000 may be too cheap, here is my story. Aug 2014 purchased a 75 white coupe it sat for 19 + years, L48 auto original 34,000 miles. paid $3,500. Spent $7 K more to make it right then added a 700 R4 trans. Did all work myself.


August 2014



Nice driver today very reliable. Fun to drive

RJ1AZ

Amen!

I bought my '75 to work on and learn about these cars, so I got something that needed lots of attention. I'm enjoying the process so far, but if I ever do it again, I'll spend more and get a C3 I can drive more and work on less.

jay5729

Thanks everyone for the advice. Biggest takeaway I see is to increase my base price in order to avoid nightmares. I have the patience, and waiting to find just the right starter will just save me more cash to start with.

Franks73

Hi, just glanced through the responses. Many good points. Remember, you're looking for a 35+ y/o car. A lot of the systems will likely need refurb. How confident are your mechanical skills. Do you have a space to work on the car. Read through a Vett parts catalog. Price out an interior. Wire harnesses. Brakes, suspension... I love my 73, but the hours and $$ I put in would surprise most people. And yes I do take pride in the work that I did. Save up as much as you can, to buy the best car you can, that needs the least work. There are some real beauts out there for 15K. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck!

croaker

Did you paint that yourself? Looks like a nice car now

cdavis03

Yep, my uncle has painted many cars before so I did all the body work and he sprayed her for me!