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We are looking at buying a classic manual transmission car and this has popped up nearby. I don't know much about C3s, but I know this is far from stock. I'm awaiting pictures of potential rust areas for the frame, birdcage, and a few other places.
What is a fair value for a car like this with so many non-stock parts? Trying to get all my ducks in a row before I drive out to take a look.
The clusters have been replaced and a modern radio has been installed along with an aftermarket AC system.
I hate to say "run away", but that car would scare me due to the electronics in the gauge console and the birds nest of wires along the firewall. Overall, it's got a very rough interior that is going to be at least $1k to $1.5k to make nice again - that's assuming you keep the gauge console and seats. Engine compartment is pretty "rode hard, put up wet" too. I think $12.5k is a bit optimistic given its condition - more like $6k-$8k? And that is on the condition that the suspension and other stuff underneath is in excellent working order.
I hate to say "run away", but that car would scare me due to the electronics in the gauge console and the birds nest of wires along the firewall. Overall, it's got a very rough interior that is going to be at least $1k to $1.5k to make nice again - that's assuming you keep the gauge console and seats. Engine compartment is pretty "rode hard, put up wet" too. I think $12.5k is a bit optimistic given its condition - more like $6k-$8k? And that is on the condition that the suspension and other stuff underneath is in excellent working order.
My thoughts on the wires were that it was a sloppy install for sure. Easy cleanup for me with conduit and extra wires of course, but it leads me to think of how other repairs or updates were made.
They don't have the original seats or parts either for any swaps I would like to do back to stock, which isn't a huge deal, but something I would like for seats and gauges.
Sorry to say, but I concur with the other members here. That is way too much for this car, given its condition. It's examples like this that give C3 Corvettes a bad rep.
What a mess of a car! If you are planning on doing nothing to it and running it in the 24 hours of Lemons, it may be worth 5K. Otherwise, probably best to just keep looking. There is no shortage of inventory out there to force you to settle for something like this, especially if you have 12-13K to spend on a later model (rubber bumper) C3.
Last edited by Corvette-ZL1; Jul 7, 2022 at 03:28 PM.
I'm guessing they are going to be hard pressed to move down from their high number. Just be bit disheartening this is the only manual transmission nearby.
I like the thought of putting in work on this car at a fair price. Seems 8k may be around the value to talk about for now.
Barely looks like a '77.
On the plus side:
Seats out of a C4? C5?
New ALT
Power windows.
Optional Sports Mirrors
New aluminum Rad.
Better A/C compressor.
However.
You can tell a lot about the character of the owner by the methods of fixing things. He / she didn't like the HEI IGN. Coil is outside of cap.
Drivers T-Top has issues.
Some type of gauge on the recovery tank?
But the God-awful wiring. Must be a drinker.
My thoughts on the wires were that it was a sloppy install for sure. Easy cleanup for me with conduit and extra wires of course, but it leads me to think of how other repairs or updates were made.
You are also dealing with an installation that probably does not follow any set standards - a mix of parts installed and wired to make work. If you have issues with it, there's little anyone can do without hands-on because there's no standard to advise by.
I think there's also the consideration of the ability to resell it when you or your heirs are ready to move on. Unless you do a lot of work to it and spend a decent amount of money, it may be a hard sell to someone else. Given its current condition and price, I don't think you'll see this going anywhere any time soon, so may be interesting to watch.
Buying advice / feedback on 1977 C3 - 12.5k
