Pulling the trigger after the Holidays
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 228
Likes: 13
From: Arizona
Pulling the trigger after the Holidays
Ive looked and looked for years. Now after various dilemmas and an illness im looking to get the car I have always wanted.
They most likely will last until then but there is an 82 collectors edition in Az for 16k. Also an 80 that's asking 9k, its the L48. I haven't looked yet but both look in decent shape.Both local Az cars.
Then there's a L82 maroon 1980 that's located in Utah that i may be able to get for 14k.
Juet looking for a little direction and if anyone in Az knows of people that can deal eith crossfire injection
They most likely will last until then but there is an 82 collectors edition in Az for 16k. Also an 80 that's asking 9k, its the L48. I haven't looked yet but both look in decent shape.Both local Az cars.
Then there's a L82 maroon 1980 that's located in Utah that i may be able to get for 14k.
Juet looking for a little direction and if anyone in Az knows of people that can deal eith crossfire injection
Pro
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 526
Likes: 156
From: Chicora, PA
Buy the one that you want. They are all old, and they all need some love. Try not to get a lemon, but understand that more tools are in your future. If the frame is solid, not a lot out of place and it sings to you, write the check.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2024
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From: Toronto, Ontario
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Racer
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 360
Likes: 147
I've never went by what someone else's tastes were, get the car YOU want brother! As already stated, you are going to have to either fix them, or have them fixed. That could be immediately or along the way. I know for a fact you really cannot say whether the dang thing is going to successfully make it back home after a run around the block, lol. So, assuming the seller is totally honest, you'll be getting intimate with your new additon. The dishonest sellers is a completely different issue, but the end result is the same - fixing is in your future. But, get the one that makes you smile...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,669
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From: Minnesota
If you want the marginally better performance and want to do further engine modifications I would go with the L82. If you want the openable rear hatch and overdrive for reducing RPMs on the freeway I would go with the collector’s edition. Like others have said if the frame and birdcage check out none are a bad buy.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,169
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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read this. start at post 107 for the 10 rules for...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-4.html
Then buy the one with the best body and paint...it will cost you the car plus another whole car just to get a great paint job....unless you want to do it yourself and it will still cost ALOT..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...orvette-4.html
Then buy the one with the best body and paint...it will cost you the car plus another whole car just to get a great paint job....unless you want to do it yourself and it will still cost ALOT..
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 648
Likes: 452
From: Napa, CA
Good advice so far. Terry at ProTeam Corvette in Napoleon, OH always said it best, “buy based on cosmetics”. I always wonder why prospective buyers get all hung up on the L48 base engine vs L82, L46, LT1. If one of these cars is still around after 40 or 50+ years, the engine has likely been freshened up if not completely rebuilt and nobody in their right mind rebuilds an L48 to stock specs. They are all just small block chevys and turning a 190hp smogger into a healthy 350hp is as easy as choosing the correct pistons, cam and valve train components for the rebuild. The choice of 4 speed vs automatic is where the focus should be followed by rear end ratio and has the rear suspension been rebuilt. My vote is for the 1980.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,927
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Good advice so far. Terry at ProTeam Corvette in Napoleon, OH always said it best, “buy based on cosmetics”. I always wonder why prospective buyers get all hung up on the L48 base engine vs L82, L46, LT1. If one of these cars is still around after 40 or 50+ years, the engine has likely been freshened up if not completely rebuilt and nobody in their right mind rebuilds an L48 to stock specs. They are all just small block chevys and turning a 190hp smogger into a healthy 350hp is as easy as choosing the correct pistons, cam and valve train components for the rebuild. The choice of 4 speed vs automatic is where the focus should be followed by rear end ratio and has the rear suspension been rebuilt. My vote is for the 1980.
The engine is the easiest thing to improve/replace in these cars.
Rust, and paint, are by far the most difficult and expensive to fix. That's the part that is most important to get correct the first time, if you don't own a body shop.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 228
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From: Arizona
I looked at the 82 CE. Paint is probably an 8, maybe 8.5. The hood stripe is faded. Interior is an 8. Radio doesnt work but all original. Brand new tires. 50k original miles. Listed at 16 or 17k depending on the listing site. Willing to take 15500. It has some kick to it, changed gears nicely. I didnt make an offer since im.going to check a couple other C3s. But definitely a nice car
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,180
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From: out of nowhere
I know you don’t intend to buy to sell, but to ad to the already great given advice… you make or lose $ when you buy, not when you sell. Patience is a virtue. No different than buying a house, a gun, etc. Glad to hear that you tested one out, sounds like you liked it, but are being patient enough to look at the others. Crazy good deals do come along where if you are ready to pounce financially, you can walk away way ahead of the game. It makes upgrades easy knowing you have great equity built in. Many buy, build it the way they want, only to be upside down. If you keep your mindset of waiting until the right one comes along (price/condition) you will always feel good about throwing a little money at it here and there. If you are married, and this is explained to your wife, buying future parts also equates to less stress. Good luck on your hunt.
Drifting
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Melting Slicks
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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I have an 82 CE that really like so that would be my choice. I believe a full set of decals is up to $1400. There is 32 (or 36?) decals on a 82CE.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Arizona
Le Mans Master
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