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Hello. I looked at a 1978 Corvette today. Frame is solid with no rust and it looks like it is in good condition with 37K on the odometer. Minor cosmetic issues with the paint but lights work, a/c works, interior is in good shape, etc. Is there anything in the pictures below that sticks out in the engine that I may have overlooked, and what is a "fair" price for this car, if that can be estimated? They are asking 13K. I have looked at two other cars that were in the 9-10K range with several cosmetic/frame/mechanical issues and compared to those this seems like a better deal. My father used to own a Vette and I used to bounce some of these things off of him but he isn't around anymore so I am hoping to receive advice on here. TIA.
Tires might be past their prime. Not sure if it's a good idea to run those power feeds off the alternator hot post. Does he have the original air cleaner? CC servo doesn't looked hooked up-hard for me to see. No speaker grills on dash. May not be room for them with the aftermarket speakers. He have those grills? Car looks nice. 13K seems fair.
Last edited by RickM Z06; Jun 27, 2023 at 11:23 PM.
Where are you located? If you have to meet smog requirements there are parts missing and it's going to get expensive.
Originally Posted by gdegiovanni
Hello. I looked at a 1978 Corvette today. Frame is solid with no rust and it looks like it is in good condition with 37K on the odometer. Minor cosmetic issues with the paint but lights work, a/c works, interior is in good shape, etc. Is there anything in the pictures below that sticks out in the engine that I may have overlooked, and what is a "fair" price for this car, if that can be estimated? They are asking 13K. I have looked at two other cars that were in the 9-10K range with several cosmetic/frame/mechanical issues and compared to those this seems like a better deal. My father used to own a Vette and I used to bounce some of these things off of him but he isn't around anymore so I am hoping to receive advice on here. TIA.
Where are you located? If you have to meet smog requirements there are parts missing and it's going to get expensive.
By the looks of it, all emission control devices have been sacked! That 37k mile may be suspect...compressor replaced along with M/C and alternator...but PO may have just got the castings chrome-plated. I would be curious what the chassis looks like. And its been repainted...
Car looks OK from the pics, but they are just pictures.... Michigan is in the rust belt so I'd be darn sure about the windshield, birdcage and frame... If all is good @ 13K there is still room to negotiate... That looks like an 11K car to me...but thats just me... Don't fall in love with it until you own it...
The carb comes to me as a question. It rides high on the engine. Some of the GM air intake stuff is still there. Maybe he put a Edelbroke or a Holley on there with a spacer? Hope he still has the Qjet core to save. This question needs to be asked.
So I decided to buy it! I picked it up today and drove it home. I am very pleased I was able to find one with a very good frame, and can't wait to enjoy it for years to come!
So I decided to buy it! I picked it up today and drove it home. I am very pleased I was able to find one with a very good frame, and can't wait to enjoy it for years to come!
So I decided to buy it! I picked it up today and drove it home. I am very pleased I was able to find one with a very good frame, and can't wait to enjoy it for years to come!
So I decided to buy it! I picked it up today and drove it home. I am very pleased I was able to find one with a very good frame, and can't wait to enjoy it for years to come!
congrats, currently redoing a 78 I got from my dad after he passed. You would be surprised how much all new parts cost these days. Those speaker grills are almost $100!
One of the hardest things to photograph in the engine bay is the fan belts. I don't know if it's the lens, lighting or digital processing, but they always like wonky.
Yours is no exception.
It appears the A/C compressor may need a spacer here and there. ALT belt looks ok. PS pump looks like it may be off a little. You will figure it out. Sometimes people put a spacer or washer on the wrong side of a fastener and that throws the belt alignment out of whack.
The Waterpump. appears to be the oldest part on the engine. Chevy Orange instead of Corporate Blue. Lets hope that is a "true" Corvette W.P.
I agree with Rick. Way too many wires coming & going to the ALT.
Add a rubber top for the hood spring to your shopping list. An original CAI type air intake will add a handful of extra hp. The original AC hard line on the back of the compressor has been replaced with one that accommodates the dual-snorkel air intake used on L82’s and all 79’s. Original WP color on 78’s is blue.
Looks like a beautiful car!
Charlie
Thank you all for the feedback. Here are some more pictures of the car. One question I do have is should I have the frame sprayed/sealed or does that matter? it won't be driven in rain and stored in a garage (not climate controlled) in the winter time.
Thank you all for the feedback. Here are some more pictures of the car. One question I do have is should I have the frame sprayed/sealed or does that matter? it won't be driven in rain and stored in a garage (not climate controlled) in the winter time.
I wouldn’t coat with anything greasy like crown or fluid film. You could Inspect for rust and do a underside
paint to help with protection and curb appeal.
1978 corvette
Hope he still has the Qjet core to save. This question needs to be asked.
