Hi,

Whats a good condition 79' worth? I know there are many variables but just looking at ball park figure.

79'
350/th350 (basic motor)
49k miles
original paint
7 out of 10 interior/exterior (no body work; all original).
Garaged in CA for the last 28 years
Rebuilt carb
Car runs very well, all seals (motor/trans) were replaced so no leaks.

I have a c5 but don't have much of a clue about a c3.
Thanks in advance.

 

Dear JV.... there are dozens of ways to answer this.
Take a 'very good condtion' value and start removing 'defect costs'

Say a really nice 79 lo-po automatic is $15k...I mean REALLY NICE!
needs paint=lacquer take off $10,000
Interiors cost up to $5000
Suspension old and every bushing needs to be replaced $2500

you get my point

Without DETAILED CLOSE UP PICTURES and PROVENANCE, this whole exercise is pointless.

But to throw a number out there..$10-11 k

They made 54,000 of them!
Your description is of a basic, nothing-to-say-about-this-car, car.

7 out of 10 is MEH!

Look on Craigs, Ebay these forums for similar cars...build a spreadsheet.

If it's being sold by a dealer...run away very fast!

https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/...082857803.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...081045157.html

unkahal

 

I agree. I'd say 8-10 for a nice one.

 

Thanks!

 

I believe that "passes California emissions test" adds significantly to the value.
In California a '79 MUST still pass an emissions test to be licensed and from what I've read here the test [might] require even less emissions than when the car was new

If you're looking to buy insist on a certified emissions test!

If you want to sell only a fool would pay more than a few thousand without a certified emissions test

 

Should be around 7k up to 12k depending. Sounds like a nice car and remember lots of 79s out there so chose wisely.

 

What is the seller asking? Any pics of the car?

 

Photos attached....no price at the moment.

 

It passes smog, owner has a few smog results from previous years (he kept receipts of work done to the car).

 

That is an uncommon color, I hope you like it! 28 Frost Blue with a 29C Dark Blue cloth interior. Likely all original, though your interior looks much cleaner than my 79 with similar mileage, so some may be newer replacements (not a bad thing...). You should confirm all of this with the trim tag in the doorframe. This site has some other numbers to check, including the engine stamp, VIN, etc.
http://corvettec3.ca/

The front and rear spoiler are rare, and likely original. It may be possible to get the original invoice for this vehicle to confirm options (or check the build sheet above the gas tank once you own the car). I have not tried this myself on my 79, though.
http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/

Check the usual spots for rust (look for TheCorvetteBen's video on Youtube), especially in front of the rear wheels, the floorpans, around the window frame, and absolutely remove the kickpanels and check the #2 body mount.

I'm no expert on California. I'd think, if anything, a car you need to smog, even if it passes, will lower the local value, while a 75 or earlier would be worth more than the national average. For this car, $8K to $10K perhaps?

Good luck, and keep us updated if you buy it (or look for a different C3)!

 

Car looks nice from here. Good advice from everyone, and the estimates of price seem about right. FWIW, Corvette DNA lists this car (with elec windows/locks, but no a/c as I couldn't tell) in excellent condition, with no more than 50k miles, at $9650. Driver condition at $7550. Excellent with 'low' miles at $10,132.

BTW, it has some leaks somewhere. I don't think I've ever seen a C3 that didn't. If it really doesn't, it will.

Good luck - looks nice!

 

Where are the most likely places for leaks?

 

Lots of good 79' Info here. Looks like 3,203 were light blue.
https://www.corvsport.com/1979-c3-corvette/

 

Any C3 part that has fluid. But it's generally no big deal at all, just part of the C3 adventure!!

 

Looks rather good in the photos. A couple things I noticed:

1) The weatherstripping needs to be replaced. Parts cost a few hundred--I'll guess approaching a thousand for the work done by someone familiar with C3s. Keep garaged and don't drive in the rain until they're replaced!

2) That's a very nasty tear in the outboard vinyl bolster of the driver seat. Repair may be possible but after that it definitely needs to be moved to the passenger side. Fortunately the driver and passenger seats are identical.

 

Seller is now responsible by law to smog...if you try to yourself the system will reject it btdt a few yrs back
Most arent aware of this or will try to say its your job, "as is" bill of sale etc....dont fall for it
They smog or no deal.

 

......just an FYI.....Frost Blue is a tough color to sell....we had a 78 in that color and it took forever to sell based on color.
The said 1982 Corvette is rare as hell here in Ohio. I have never seen one. If there is any paint damage to a panel..other than on a door edge or chips down low....I do not believe you will ever match it. If you purchase the car...leave the paint alone.
To pull the engine and trans and go thru it...every bit of 4-6000...cost minimum. Like OP said try the high mileage oil and drive it along ways on a day trip to heat it up. Any un-boltable parts...you can do on your own. I would not be too afraid of this car as is...maybe 16,000 tops...time will have the value catch up with the cost...plus there is always someone out there willing to pay the price you want for it...it just takes time.
Remember...people without knowledge of value of anything they are trying to sell are game players...I would say to her...I would like to try to get it running...check fluids prior to starting....run fuel to fuel pump from a clean gas can...and see what happens. Have 13 k in one envelope and 3 k in your in your pocket and make her an offer base on a decision that day. If she won't do it that day...walk away as she is going to work another person.