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I have gotten approval from the finance committee (wife) to proceed with a c3 purchase. I have loved the '78 Pace Car since I saw them new at the Pontiac dealership in Paris, Tx. Why Pontiac and not Chevy I don't know. Anyway found this on very close to home. i would like opinions. I have not seen the car in person but might try for Monday. Here is the Craig List add. https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ct...596599076.html
Not enough pictures to really judge, but based on the pics that were posted, The paint looks beautiful and the price is right. I would think if its as nice as it appears, won't last long at that price.
Usually under the hood engine pics I can pick a vehicle apart. I still can't believe how nice that black looks. No noticeable swirl marks.
Looks clean but as stated above, difficult with the limited visuals. The real test though and especially with 26k miles, is the chassis. With your visit look for leaks at calipers, power steering, engine and differential. And I suspect those tires have not been on there for all 26k miles, or I should say I hope not!
The listed retail price seems fair and reasonable but still needs a thorough inspection. This article published in Corvette Magazine lists a number of tips when looking at purchasing a C3.
Looks clean but as stated above, difficult with the limited visuals. The real test though and especially with 26k miles, is the chassis. With your visit look for leaks at calipers, power steering, engine and differential. And I suspect those tires have not been on there for all 26k miles, or I should say I hope not!
The bottom of these cars were really not prepared well for dealing with the elements and I don't mean snow and salt. Dampness can really take it's toll on all the uncoated, unpainted, thinly painted parts. If you're really serious about the purchase take a knowledgeable assistant for another pair of eyes to look it over with you.
Did you get a chance to look at it? The ad is impresssive with the cleanliness of the garage and being on a lift above his other car. Being that the paint is 40 years old it might show some spider web or cracking or chips and you would have to decide if you can live with it.
I have the December 1978 Vette Vue magazine that does a break down on the Pace car but does have it's disclaimers. "data that we feel is correct because we got it from the manufacturer" & " vette vue does not certify the data to be 100% correct" but FWIW:
L48 4spd = 70 units
L48 Auto = 3434 units
L82 4spd = 114 units
L82 4spd close ratio = 512
L82 Auto = 2384
Unfortunately the total = 6514 and other reported production is 6502. 12 unaccounted for but the numbers are probably close.
Ok, went and checked out the car. Beautiful but I think I'm a little disappointed. More leaks underneath than I expected. The rear spoiler was loose at the corners. Interior was very nice. Might be unrealistic but for 20 grand i guess I was expecting perfection.
Problem areas:
Power antenna does not work.
T-Tops have hairline cracks
Some oil leaks
The right front time looks like the brake caliper or hose might be leaking
Nice honest car but not without some issues. Of course it is 42 years old.
Ok, went and checked out the car. Beautiful but I think I'm a little disappointed. More leaks underneath than I expected. The rear spoiler was loose at the corners. Interior was very nice. Might be unrealistic but for 20 grand i guess I was expecting perfection.
Problem areas:
Power antenna does not work.
T-Tops have hairline cracks
Some oil leaks
The right front time looks like the brake caliper or hose might be leaking
Nice honest car but not without some issues. Of course it is 42 years old.
Thought I had read it had original tires but the tires are not original and I would not expect so at 42k miles.
It does look like it has FE7 Gymkhana suspension. The FE7 on the front crossmember is faint.
05-25-2018, 09:11 PM
Opinions Wanted on This Pace Car
The bottom of these cars were really not prepared well for dealing with the elements and I don't mean snow and salt. Dampness can really take it's toll on all the uncoated, unpainted, thinly painted parts. If you're really serious about the purchase take a knowledgeable assistant for another pair of eyes to look it over with you.
