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Hi all, I’m looking into a 76’ C3 for sale up in portage Michigan area. I was hoping that someone on here recognizes the car (custom paint job) or the previous owner is on this forum. The dealer has answered all my questions but was hoping that the previous owner who traded this car in was on here and could give me a truthful background on the car. Thanks in advance and I know it’s a long shot.
Also, does anyone know what the symbol on the car hood is?
Did you check the VIN and engine code to confirm it's an L82?
Doesnt have original carburetor, probably Edelbrock.
Passenger side air breather pipe not connected to air cleaner so sucking in unfiltered air into valve cover.
Write up says factory AC but where is the AC compressor?
Have no idea on hood design.
Did you check the VIN and engine code to confirm it's an L82?
Doesnt have original carburetor, probably Edelbrock.
Passenger side air breather pipe not connected to air cleaner so sucking in unfiltered air into valve cover.
Write up says factory AC but where is the AC compressor?
Have no idea on hood design.
Man I love this forum, I am not nearly familiar enough with these engines to recognize the issues. Where would the AC compressor be? What does the "air breather pipe" normally connect to? I'll ask about the VIN/engine code, but how do you cross check those numbers, (website)? Thank you for this, y'all are the best.
Man I love this forum, I am not nearly familiar enough with these engines to recognize the issues. Where would the AC compressor be? What does the "air breather pipe" normally connect to? I'll ask about the VIN/engine code, but how do you cross check those numbers, (website)? Thank you for this, y'all are the best.
The car didn't come with factory air, and no ac has been added. The compressor would be on the passenger side, front of engine.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; Aug 20, 2020 at 04:49 PM.
Man I love this forum, I am not nearly familiar enough with these engines to recognize the issues. Where would the AC compressor be? What does the "air breather pipe" normally connect to? I'll ask about the VIN/engine code, but how do you cross check those numbers, (website)? Thank you for this, y'all are the best.
Buying from a dealer like this and not having a full background on what to look for could be a big costly mistake. Find someone local to help you or post a link to what you are considering on this site or try to join a local Corvette club to help you.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
71 Green 454 is right. Notice also that the A/C vent above the gauges has a block off.
Want to know if it was a L-82 at birth? Easy Peasy.
The 5th digit on the VIN for the L-82 is X
5th digit on mine, the L-48, is L
Tell Mr. Bonehead at the dealer that it does NOT have leather. Those are the standard vinyl seats.
Door panels have wood-grain accents & lower carpet trim with the custom interior option.
That breather pipe hooked into the original air cleaner.
Not sure what yr leather seats became std, but I know in '77 it was std. That looks like leather, who knows?
Gauges are aftermarket additions but that's ok.
I would be concerned if the power steering pump has been removed and if so why? That would explain the empty crank pulley in the middle. The PS belt is a dedicated belt meaning it does not run with the ALT / W.P. pulley.
Thank you all for your input, this is why I need this forum. I've been looking for over a year now and I really just want a C3, so I don't see a lot of these things you guys point out. I'm gonna talk to the guy a bit more but right now I think I'm gonna pass on it. Thanks again for your help!
Edit he sent me these pictures of the underside. How much is too much rust? I’m really trying to just learn what’s good/bad.
Last edited by Punkchachi; Aug 21, 2020 at 12:09 PM.
Southern Mich is the salt belt of the state. And it shows in the frame rails.
I am from Mich and knew I did not want a Vette from the salt belt. In my opinion you would be farther ahead looking at Vette web sites indicating from southern Ohio on down.
And I think I would rather have primer gray body than that paint job, sorry.
Try Corvettes For sale. Search the states in your area.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by HeadsU.P.
Not sure what yr leather seats became std, but I know in '77 it was std. That looks like leather, who knows?
'76 was the last year for vinyl, and only about 10,000 out of the 46,588 made had it.
This is one of them.
Leather, or "custom interior trim" was a $164 option in '76. About the rust. And your decision to pass. That's one weird, non-stock color.
You can get lucky with a salt belt Vette. Mine has been in Nebraska since day one.
But I bought it new. And I never drove it in the winter..........
Thanks for replying and I feel good about passing on this one. As far as the rust, I was more so trying to learn what is too much rust? I can see on the this vette that they spray painted black over a lot of areas that were rusted but would this still be surface rust or does this count more as deep rust that is going to ruin the frame soon/one day. Thanks again for the help.
Last edited by Punkchachi; Aug 22, 2020 at 08:58 PM.
Reason: Grammar
I would be concerned if the power steering pump has been removed and if so why? That would explain the empty crank pulley in the middle. The PS belt is a dedicated belt meaning it does not run with the ALT / W.P. pulley.
power steer pump is there , you can see the back of it in the later pics.
Edit , O.P is passing on this anyway .....good idea for him
Info for 76 Stingray
About the rust. And your decision to pass. That's one weird, non-stock color.
....
good idea for him