"New to me" Black 1981 C3

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Jan 14, 2020 | 11:38 PM

Red_LS7

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"New to me" Black 1981 C3

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased an 81 after selling my C6Z. I wanted a fun weekend cruiser for me and my wife. We both decided the 81 was our favorite model. I started my search and found one 3 hours away. We took a chance and went to check it out. Turned out to be a great trip and we were able to bring it back the same day. The owner did all of the hard work: complete engine rebuild, dual carbs, hooker headers, and side pipes. I just had to give her a fresh look. I'm still learning from all of you but just wanted to share my progress from a month ago.

First time seeing her

First time towing a car

At the paint shop

Fresh paint and new wheels

Jan 15, 2020 | 12:45 AM

KaelFarmer

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2019

Posts: 210

Likes: 59

From: Eau Claire, WI

Congratulations! That is quite a few "firsts". Looks like.it is ready for you to enjoy the ride. Even better to do it with your wife by your side

Kael

Jan 15, 2020 | 07:59 AM

blue by you

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,179

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From: cranford nj

Looks nice, how about some pics of the motor

Jan 15, 2020 | 08:16 AM

73Corvette350

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 60

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From: New Jersey

Congratulations! That looks like a perfect weekend cruiser! Motor and interior pics please.

Jan 15, 2020 | 09:17 AM

KS69Coupe

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,800

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From: Charlotte Area North Carolina

Congrats on the new ride. Amazing what fresh paint and new tires / wheels will do for a car. I like your choice of tires / wheels. It ties the wheels, side pipes, and air cleaners together really nice. And who doesn't like chrome, especially on a black car?

Careful getting in and out in shorts or you'll be a new addition to the "Hooker Tattoo Club" as well.

Kevin

Jan 15, 2020 | 09:38 AM

Red_LS7

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Thanks everyone for the compliments. I will get some interior and engine pics up soon. I still need to do a basic tune up and clean up the motor a bit. And yes... I've learned the hard way about those side pipes. (one on the forearm and one on the calf as a learning lesson

).

Going from an 800 HP to this is definitely a changed but we just love the cruising feeling that this car gives.

Jan 15, 2020 | 02:37 PM

larryg3

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,992

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From: Antioch IL

Very nice! what size wheels do you go with? and as stated before careful with the side pipes i have burned myself with mine.

Jan 15, 2020 | 03:39 PM

73Corvette350

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From: New Jersey

"Hooker Tattoo Club"

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Jan 15, 2020 | 04:39 PM

Red_LS7

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Quote:

Originally Posted by larryg3

Very nice! what size wheels do you go with? and as stated before careful with the side pipes i have burned myself with mine.

I went with 17x8 with 4" backspacing all around. Tires are 255/50/17

Jan 15, 2020 | 07:22 PM

#10

Jstan2014

Safety Car

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 3,558

Likes: 548

From: Round Rock Texas

That’s nice. Real nice!
Congrats and enjoy!

Jan 15, 2020 | 09:35 PM

#11

jackson

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 7,739

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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina

Looks Great!

? single-stage acrylic urethane ?

? do those vanity plates help with unfettered horseplay ?

X4 tattoo

Jan 15, 2020 | 09:59 PM

#12

kdf1986

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,652

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From: Lakeland Florida

Congratulations. The 80-82 has always been one of my favorite designs also. Have a great time cruising in it.

kdf

Jan 16, 2020 | 11:56 AM

#13

Red_LS7

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jackson

Looks Great!

? single-stage acrylic urethane ?

? do those vanity plates help with unfettered horseplay ?

X4 tattoo

Not sure on the paint process but all I can say is they did a fantastic job.
Haven't had the need to test out the plate.. lol I just wanted to represent my fellow men and women in the service. Been on the force for 13 years and counting

Feb 1, 2020 | 08:05 PM

#14

Red_LS7

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Instructor

Joined: Jul 2019

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Today was way too nice not to cruise in this thing.

Decided to give it some copper

One of the many cool things the previous owner updated.

Had a chance to cleaned up the interior

Feb 1, 2020 | 08:09 PM

#15

brent319

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,541

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From: iowa city iowa

2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)

C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019

that's a good looking car. Congrats.

Feb 2, 2020 | 06:08 PM

#16

av81

Racer

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 399

Likes: 53

From: wilmington Ma

Beautiful ride

Feb 2, 2020 | 06:22 PM

#17

Mark G

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 3,704

Likes: 838

From: WI

That's what ya call a 'shaker hood'!! There's something mesmerizing and visceral when ya see an engine bobble around under the hood as ya drive it.

Nice.