Originally Posted by DarrellD23

That was a steal! I wish you many miles and smiles. Enjoy!

Originally Posted by brushmor

I was wondering what happened to Becky's white corvette! Not surprised with the level of the restoration, she always went all out with anything she did. I only vaguely remember her talking about the restoration. I think it was done by a corvette specialist in Clinton Twp MI? I know that the 80 was her dream car and she loved it.

I own another of her C3's, an 82 collector edition. Becky and her husband Joe owned a warehouse for their car collection and they had a yearly get together for the Detroit Camaro club. Every year I made the effort to admired both C3's. The two C3's were in the back corner on a lift with this one on top and the collectors edition on the bottom. Mine still has the scars from a brake fluid leak from it.

My vote would be to drive it. I bought the 82 a year before she passed and remember the conversation vividly. She wanted to see the car driven more and knew I'd do that.

Originally Posted by LowOptions

You have a great car to enjoy. Doing NCRS doesnt mean you buy a trailer and stop driving. NCRS is just another club that you can participate with to learn about your car. I joined NCRS about 25 years ago after finding my ‘69 and had it judged locally a few months after buying it. Met some nice people, got a second flight and learned what previous owners had done or not done with my car. The next year I drove to a National meet and got a top flite. That yas years ago and life has kept me from attending any meets but I keep in touch with the people and compare notes on cars.
My car was never a show car and I have never been a show car guy and I don’t own a trailer. I just like to know about my car as it was at a certain point in time (factory) but that’s not for everyone.
Like any club, NCRS has morphed through the years. You will always have the guys who show up with a hired mechanic to try for judging so they can brag and flip the car on BAT. But deep down the core of the group of very knowledgable people who can help understand originality as well as shortcomings of the car.
Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of not driving your car thinking it needs to be preserved in your garage. Life is too short for that.

Originally Posted by kanvasman

Great story and great thread. Enjoy the ride. You answered your own question at the very beginning...you like to drive it. SO do just that. I have a 78 project that has taken forever but also have a 2012 Base in perfect shape. Unmolested my wife calls it. And that paint was perfect. But I just got back from a 1600 mile road trip and loved every minute of it except for the flying rocks. SO I am now touching up the crystal red metallic but we are already planning the next trip in the C6. White looks a whole lot easier to touch up...

Originally Posted by Golfobsessed

Good morning C3 group, it's early and I'm awake, my apologies for a lengthy post to those of you who read it all just thought I would post a question I have been bouncing around for a while.
I recently purchased a 1980 corvette, nothing special just a basic L48 40k mile car. I planned to find a nice car, originally wanted red but I am in the automotive paint industry and putting a high end paint job color change on a car is not a big deal for me.
I found this car early on in my search but winter in Michigan where the car was kept me from the purchase, the owner sent it to the "corvette shop" to bring it out of storage and road ready, i had forgotten about the car for months of my search and out of the blue he emailed me when it was back... we made a deal and I purchased the car with some high expectations.
I got the car a few days later... the car was beyond expectations. I knew the car had been restored for show some years back, it had some photo shoots and awards but i was quite surprised at the quality of the restoration, I am in the business, built cars my whole life, ive had cars and bikes in high end show as well as SEMA and my expectations when it comes to paint is very high.
the body and paint had been done on the car to a very high level, taken completely apart and I mean everything fully disassembled, a high end correct white BC/CC paint job and wet sanded/buffed to a glass finish top to bottom... apparently this was done about 10 years (3k miles) ago and looks like it was finished yesterday, my guess is it was a $15k-$20k paint job back then... not a chip, scratch, crack on the car anywhere, paint is flawless and now ceramic coated, the surprising part is there absolutely zero signs of a repaint, not one spec of overspray under the car, engine bay etc... the jambs are perfect as well... nothing was taped off for paint, it was all removed.
all new rubber and weatherstrip through the entire car, i even look into the doors with a flashlight and all companenets (tracks and regualators) all look new, every peiece of glass on the car appears new and tight as can be, no play in the glass with windows up and doors open.
the interior was was completely restored, every single part appears repalced, from all carpets, full compartments, seats all new leather and foam, dash and console trim panels all new, steering wheel, door panels, seat belts etc. I can't find a part on the entire interior that looks like it hasn't been replaced, I even got into the dash for a ignition switch replacement and it all looks new behind the dash, the jack was restored, there is new t top bags in plastic with strap all looks new.
the wheels were fully restored inside and out, the underside of the car is immaculate, every piece of suspension and steering is all new and i mean every single piece, it is clear the drivetrain was removed all the way to the rearend as its all immaculate with clean hardware and mounts, all inner fiberglass, bonding strips are all clean and correct color.
The car runs and drives as new, engine performs exactly as it should, runs perfect, ac blows cold, i can take the car out in Az. 112 degree waether, not a squeek or rattle, zero wind noises... its tighter than my C6, not one single item on this car doesnt work... even the puddle lamp under the rear of the car.
I could go on... there isn't a day that goes by if I'm with the car that I don't discover something more impressive about the restoration... I actually do NOT understand this restoration at all, someone put more money into this car than it could ever bring, i seriously believe someone put in the $30k range just into the resto... and I do understand putting money in a car that you wont get back out of it, i do it myself and dont care but this is over the top.

I have attempted to find and talk to who ever did the restoration, the car was owned by a Becky Doyle who was high up with Rodgers Chevrolet in Michigan and Rodgers Chevrolet also owned the car all about the time of the restoration, Becky passed away back in 2019, Rodgers Chevrolet is now another ownership, I spoke with someone there who remembers Becky well and apparently a corvette a camaro guru of sorts, I have owners docs prior to that time as well as copy of window sticker but no contact information... I'm thinking perhaps Rodgers Chevrolet did the restoration as that's about the time they owned the car... which is the only thing that makes sense with the money put into this thing... the mileage looks original from all paperwork and even have some Michigan state odometer statements.

OK there is a question coming...
I added a true dual magnaflow exhaust to the car (kept original) the original radio has been replaced with a slight upgrade (have original) I added a chrome air cleaner cover (have original) radiator has been replaced (don't have original) I purchased some other items for the car but not installed and was pulling the trigger on a 200R4 transmission for install.
I am considering weather to add these items and perhaps more of my own touches or go the other way, go back more correct and show the car, join NCRS, I spoke with a local NCRS judge a month or so back and was going to join and learn more but I read some negative things about the NCRS community and didn't go through with it.
I am reluctant to drive the car sometimes as I do not want even a chip on it, I am typically not like this, I admire and respect a 100% correct corvette at a show as much as a full restomod, i am not a purest at all, i know some of you guys like to call guys like me Bubba but it doesnt bother me, i always believe make a car your own and I've also always felt that its either 100% correct or its not.

I feel that I'm at a point to make a decision weather to just drive and enjoy it or perhaps join NCRS and go the other way with it, maybe it's a stupid question as it's just an L48 1980 basic corvette, I have a C6 Grand Sport as well and a Harley Street Glide so have other Sunday cruisers but i do love driving this car, always loved driving C3s.

Again sorry for the lengthy post for those still reading, I was up early with nothing to do. I am not looking for the "what you would do" I am not looking for everyone to point out I have the wrong cotter pin in the framus valve, I am looking for some experienced feedback, what's NCRS like, am I being silly (I can take it) can I do both or just focus on one, does the car need to be absolutely 100% correct, before I add magnesium valve covers or 200R4 or ?? I would like to choose a direction... with some thoughts from here.
Its not a survivor and its not a rotisserie restoration

Originally Posted by grantstigers

Your remark is ---Its not a survivor and its not a rotisserie restoration
But a pretty nice car!!!!

Do what ever you want to do with the car to your liking as you will be driving it.
Take it to an NCRS Chapter near by and as long as you are an NCRS member and I think belong to a local Chapter,
have it judged in the ""Concurs Class""
Have it detailed and very clean especially the chassis free of dirt....like a show and shine car

You will most likely have a top flight for Concurs stock division
Go for it!!!!!
I think you will be happy!!!

Grant

Originally Posted by Golfobsessed

thanks Grant, I put the possibility of NCRS on the back burner at the moment however at the suggestion from this thread I did order a 1980-1982 judging reference manual to learn more.

Originally Posted by ustabevetteguy

That's an amazing 1980 Corvette for certain. It's a car, drive it. I have no interest in NCRS judging or shows. But have no problem with people who are into it.
Way more fun just to drive such a well put together C3.

Originally Posted by Golfobsessed

Good morning C3 group, it's early and I'm awake, my apologies for a lengthy post to those of you who read it all just thought I would post a question I have been bouncing around for a while.
I recently purchased a 1980 corvette, nothing special just a basic L48 40k mile car. I planned to find a nice car, originally wanted red but I am in the automotive paint industry and putting a high end paint job color change on a car is not a big deal for me.
I found this car early on in my search but winter in Michigan where the car was kept me from the purchase, the owner sent it to the "corvette shop" to bring it out of storage and road ready, i had forgotten about the car for months of my search and out of the blue he emailed me when it was back... we made a deal and I purchased the car with some high expectations.
I got the car a few days later... the car was beyond expectations. I knew the car had been restored for show some years back, it had some photo shoots and awards but i was quite surprised at the quality of the restoration, I am in the business, built cars my whole life, ive had cars and bikes in high end show as well as SEMA and my expectations when it comes to paint is very high.
the body and paint had been done on the car to a very high level, taken completely apart and I mean everything fully disassembled, a high end correct white BC/CC paint job and wet sanded/buffed to a glass finish top to bottom... apparently this was done about 10 years (3k miles) ago and looks like it was finished yesterday, my guess is it was a $15k-$20k paint job back then... not a chip, scratch, crack on the car anywhere, paint is flawless and now ceramic coated, the surprising part is there absolutely zero signs of a repaint, not one spec of overspray under the car, engine bay etc... the jambs are perfect as well... nothing was taped off for paint, it was all removed.
all new rubber and weatherstrip through the entire car, i even look into the doors with a flashlight and all companenets (tracks and regualators) all look new, every peiece of glass on the car appears new and tight as can be, no play in the glass with windows up and doors open.
the interior was was completely restored, every single part appears repalced, from all carpets, full compartments, seats all new leather and foam, dash and console trim panels all new, steering wheel, door panels, seat belts etc. I can't find a part on the entire interior that looks like it hasn't been replaced, I even got into the dash for a ignition switch replacement and it all looks new behind the dash, the jack was restored, there is new t top bags in plastic with strap all looks new.
the wheels were fully restored inside and out, the underside of the car is immaculate, every piece of suspension and steering is all new and i mean every single piece, it is clear the drivetrain was removed all the way to the rearend as its all immaculate with clean hardware and mounts, all inner fiberglass, bonding strips are all clean and correct color.
The car runs and drives as new, engine performs exactly as it should, runs perfect, ac blows cold, i can take the car out in Az. 112 degree waether, not a squeek or rattle, zero wind noises... its tighter than my C6, not one single item on this car doesnt work... even the puddle lamp under the rear of the car.
I could go on... there isn't a day that goes by if I'm with the car that I don't discover something more impressive about the restoration... I actually do NOT understand this restoration at all, someone put more money into this car than it could ever bring, i seriously believe someone put in the $30k range just into the resto... and I do understand putting money in a car that you wont get back out of it, i do it myself and dont care but this is over the top.

I have attempted to find and talk to who ever did the restoration, the car was owned by a Becky Doyle who was high up with Rodgers Chevrolet in Michigan and Rodgers Chevrolet also owned the car all about the time of the restoration, Becky passed away back in 2019, Rodgers Chevrolet is now another ownership, I spoke with someone there who remembers Becky well and apparently a corvette a camaro guru of sorts, I have owners docs prior to that time as well as copy of window sticker but no contact information... I'm thinking perhaps Rodgers Chevrolet did the restoration as that's about the time they owned the car... which is the only thing that makes sense with the money put into this thing... the mileage looks original from all paperwork and even have some Michigan state odometer statements.

OK there is a question coming...
I added a true dual magnaflow exhaust to the car (kept original) the original radio has been replaced with a slight upgrade (have original) I added a chrome air cleaner cover (have original) radiator has been replaced (don't have original) I purchased some other items for the car but not installed and was pulling the trigger on a 200R4 transmission for install.
I am considering weather to add these items and perhaps more of my own touches or go the other way, go back more correct and show the car, join NCRS, I spoke with a local NCRS judge a month or so back and was going to join and learn more but I read some negative things about the NCRS community and didn't go through with it.
I am reluctant to drive the car sometimes as I do not want even a chip on it, I am typically not like this, I admire and respect a 100% correct corvette at a show as much as a full restomod, i am not a purest at all, i know some of you guys like to call guys like me Bubba but it doesnt bother me, i always believe make a car your own and I've also always felt that its either 100% correct or its not.

I feel that I'm at a point to make a decision weather to just drive and enjoy it or perhaps join NCRS and go the other way with it, maybe it's a stupid question as it's just an L48 1980 basic corvette, I have a C6 Grand Sport as well and a Harley Street Glide so have other Sunday cruisers but i do love driving this car, always loved driving C3s.

Again sorry for the lengthy post for those still reading, I was up early with nothing to do. I am not looking for the "what you would do" I am not looking for everyone to point out I have the wrong cotter pin in the framus valve, I am looking for some experienced feedback, what's NCRS like, am I being silly (I can take it) can I do both or just focus on one, does the car need to be absolutely 100% correct, before I add magnesium valve covers or 200R4 or ?? I would like to choose a direction... with some thoughts from here.
Its not a survivor and its not a rotisserie restoration

Originally Posted by RC81

That's not "just" an 80, that's one of if not the nicest 80 I've seen. Absolutely! I have an 81 and it's real hard to find these - as any other C3 - in this kind of condition. And you did real well on the price, at least by Calif prices. Enjoy it, do some tasteful mods if you want, and enjoy it. My 81 gets way more attention then my C5 and in an archaic way is more fun to drive too. My C5 is like driving a Camry, fun, but a whole different experience. Much less driver involvement. What a find!

Originally Posted by Go Back To Grade 4

Thanks for quoting all of those pics. Welcome to the internet, please enjoy your new hobby.

Originally Posted by wwiiavfan

Drive the bejeezus out of it! That’s what Becky would have wanted for it. She was pretty awesome, definitely a legend of sorts in the late model Camaro community. (I have a ‘17 SS). She helped many Camaro buyers navigate the procurement process, and went above & beyond, simply because of her love for cars and car people. I understand she was also a pretty hot shoe in her cars at the track!