Thoughts on 81
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 228
Likes: 13
From: Arizona
Thoughts on 81
Can I get some input from people more knowledgeable than myself on this 1981 corvette. I'll attach the link. Thanks
https://sierravista.craigslist.org/c...308709236.html
https://sierravista.craigslist.org/c...308709236.html
Racer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 161
Just like all C3 Corvettes, make sure to look at the frame, birdcage and behind the kick panels in the foot wells. Many, many cars have been on this forum that look great cosmetically, but are basket cases underneath. It looks great, but a rotten frame or cage can make it a parts car in a big hurry.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
also be ready to deal with the one-year-only computer controlled carb and ignition. stupid design that got worse with age. but a 71-80 Q-jet or your choice of holley-eddy plus a normal vacuum and centrifugal distributor will get you around this issue. the ecm's are not to be found and those that could repair them...the alzheimers is kicking in!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Having just bought a '81 myself and having looked at a lot of cars (of various years), it doesn't look too bad at all at face value but a lot will depend on its bones and overall condition, beneath the minor cosmetic flaws.
If it's a no hit, no paint car with a really solid frame and cage, then it's a good buy. If it's been hit and has rust and mechanical issues, you might look to negotiate some.
What I have learned on my own journey is that on the open market, anything under $10k is likely to require work and have issues.
Best of luck.
If it's a no hit, no paint car with a really solid frame and cage, then it's a good buy. If it's been hit and has rust and mechanical issues, you might look to negotiate some.
What I have learned on my own journey is that on the open market, anything under $10k is likely to require work and have issues.
Best of luck.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 295
Likes: 104
From: Toronto Canada
Having just bought a '81 myself and having looked at a lot of cars (of various years), it doesn't look too bad at all at face value but a lot will depend on its bones and overall condition, beneath the minor cosmetic flaws.
If it's a no hit, no paint car with a really solid frame and cage, then it's a good buy. If it's been hit and has rust and mechanical issues, you might look to negotiate some.
What I have learned on my own journey is that on the open market, anything under $10k is likely to require work and have issues.
Best of luck.
If it's a no hit, no paint car with a really solid frame and cage, then it's a good buy. If it's been hit and has rust and mechanical issues, you might look to negotiate some.
What I have learned on my own journey is that on the open market, anything under $10k is likely to require work and have issues.
Best of luck.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 351
Don't want to hi-jack the thread but will take some and post when it lands in the UK late in May - I only have the pics from the Craig's List ad LOL (which are tiny and very low-res, but a black with silver leather 4 speed, 2 owners, 42k miles.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Intact smog pump? It's priced for someone in California.
Not disclosed, and a good question to ask: What carb is actually in there, and is the CCC system intact (carb and dist), or has it already been bypassed and replaced?
I'm curious to see what the seller found that is better, after only 6 months of ownership. Perhaps a 4-speed C3.
Not disclosed, and a good question to ask: What carb is actually in there, and is the CCC system intact (carb and dist), or has it already been bypassed and replaced?
I'm curious to see what the seller found that is better, after only 6 months of ownership. Perhaps a 4-speed C3.