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first message in these forums, hope I’m doing it right 😊
I’ve been eying an 1980 C3 and was asking for some advice whether there are any red flags. I’m looking to take this a project car but hoping the frame and bird cage does not need too much work. There is some surface rust that I’ve been able to see and then some rust on parts in the engine bay. I’m attaching pictures and would appreciate any feedback.
Sun bleached fenders, leaves undernieth, so I'm going out on a limb and say lots of water got into places it shouldn't be.
imagine sitting in the car, either side, beside where your outboard ankle would be, there is a plastic trim plate, or kick panel, remove the screw and look down, anything left of the birdcage?
in front of the rear wheel, inside the wheelwell, remove the little plate and look inside. What's there?
D/S windshield, by the VIN, rusty and scaley? Clean and black?
push on, or if possible, remove the Center inside windshield trim, 4 screws across the top, how crusty is it inside?
i see lots and lots of surface rust, which by itself isn't a deal breaker, but it's wants under the skin, and carpet, that'll be a deal breaker, IMO of course.
how much money do you spend to have a running and driving '80 worth $XX,xxx dollars?
I’d pull the kick panels on the A pillar and see what that mount looks like. If you have alot of loose rust in there that means the windshield frame is likely rotted out. Also check the frame kickups in and around the trailing arms. They like to rot out on the top of the frame.
Regardless of the condition of the bird cage and frame don’t pay alot for this car. I see rodent infestation. Its rough and gonna need everything.
I agree, this thing is going to need everything. Looks to me if it were free, I'd part it out.
A nice driver condition 80 is around 10K.
No way this is on the road for that.
i agree. if the frame and bird cage are perfect it is still worth less than free. and the sun damage is starting to hurt the glass itself. on top of being evidence this car spent a long time outside. and those are not leaves from trees you find in the arizona desert. oak or maple. rainy part of the country and most likely road salt part of the country and then! body paint interior drivetrain brakes... walk away.
Considering the amount of "critter debris" in the engine compartment, if the previous posts didn't already discourage you, I would think that the possible wiring issues (critters like to chew on wires) most certainly would.........
i agree. if the frame and bird cage are perfect it is still worth less than free. and the sun damage is starting to hurt the glass itself. on top of being evidence this car spent a long time outside. and those are not leaves from trees you find in the arizona desert. oak or maple. rainy part of the country and most likely road salt part of the country and then! body paint interior drivetrain brakes... walk away.
this car is tired and has been neglected for many years.. it will need everything .. the fun will fade away and reality will set in find a better project
I agree, this thing is going to need everything. Looks to me if it were free, I'd part it out.
A nice driver condition 80 is around 10K.
No way this is on the road for that.
These threads just keep coming......IMO.....I believe in saving these cars...not junking them. BUT....it will take money, time and energy, all fueled by the rebuilders desire...and money, to do so. If you have the desire, and interest, and money to do it.......saving a classic car is a worthwhile task, if you appreciate things like this. I do.....and it is very satisfying. And don't let anyone fool you that you can find great condition cars for reasonable money......they are ALL 40 plus year old cars, and they ALL need totally rebuilt....unless someone has already done that. Otherwise, you rebuild it one roadside failure at a time....which is NOT fun. This forum documents daily with one thread after the other, the technical problems that arise BECAUSE the cars are not properly rebuilt and maintained. There is NO FREE LUNCH, i.e. you pay for it one way or the other. If you don't want to deal with it....buy a new Corvette.
The decision to save this car is up to what you want out of the car, and what you get out of it. Everything is NOT a financial decision....there is more value to life than money.
Help with barn find please!
Save your money and find a Vette in better shape. 
