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Picked up this 81 last weekend. It belonged to my buddy who passed away. Friends for 50 years. His Dad bought the car new. This vette is the car that made he and I love vettes! (I have a C4 also) The motor was replaced at some point with an L82. It’s an automatic. The car has been sitting since 2009 - 16 years!
So far…a nightmare. Doors won’t open?! They are unlocked, just won't budge - both of them. Rear tires won’t turn. I'm guessing it is the parking brake pads frozen - or hoping anyway! Any ideas on these appreciated.
Pushed it out and dragged it onto the trailer on wheel dollies! Going to be a long project to get her back in shape like that last few pics from about 17 years ago!
Yea,, you definitely have your hands full. But, if you've got a C4 you already know it will be a bit to get this going. Maybe easier. Good for you,, enjoy..
Welcome to the C3 section! Sorry for your loss, but it looks like it should clean up really nice.
Since the engine has been swapped, does that include the whole 1981 only computer controlled carburetor (CCC) system being changed to a regular carb too? If so that’s not necessarily a bad thing since they can be very finicky if not set up correctly.
Yes it sounds like your parking brake is locked up (or am I overthinking it, is the car in park?) I had pieces of mine lock up so bad it made the car stop in place right after putting it on the ground. Since corrosion seems so bad in this area a lot of people replace the hardware with stainless steel.
What are your plans for it?
Last edited by Piersonpie; Jan 6, 2026 at 01:17 PM.
Welcome to the C3 section! Sorry for your loss, but it looks like it should clean up really nice.
Thanks!
Originally Posted by Piersonpie
Since the engine has been swapped, does that include the whole 1981 only computer controlled carburetor (CCC) system being changed to a regular carb too? If so that’s not necessarily a bad thing since they can be very finicky if not set up correctly.
I am pretty sure it still has the computer controlled carbon it. I'm not sure if I will keep it or not when I get there.
Originally Posted by Piersonpie
Yes it sounds like your parking brake is locked up (or am I overthinking it, is the car in park?)
The shifter is in neutral. Whether or not it is actually in neutral remains to be seen once the weather breaks around here and I can get her out of the trailer.
Originally Posted by Piersonpie
What are your plans for it?
My plan is to bring it back to life and then enjoy it, remembering all the good times my buddy and I had through life! That may change as I get into it. I certainly don't want to put more money into the car than it is worth!
Looks to be a solid and nice car. Definitely worth the effort in getting it back on the road. The C3 platform is relatively easy to work on and parts are available from many vendors. Good luck with the project.
Haven't gotten her back out of the trailer yet to take a look. I am hopeful that it will be in good shape. Sadly, this car spent most of it's life inside a garage. I don't think it was ever out in the rain.
Haven't gotten her back out of the trailer yet to take a look. I am hopeful that it will be in good shape. Sadly, this car spent most of it's life inside a garage. I don't think it was ever out in the rain.
Sad that the car wasn't out on the road more, but good for keeping rust away and less wear and tear. You may have less work ahead of you than with most cars of that age.
New project - 1981
Friends for 50 years. His Dad bought the car new. This vette is the car that made he and I love vettes! (I have a C4 also) The motor was replaced at some point with an L82. It’s an automatic. 
The car has been sitting since 2009 - 16 years! 
They are unlocked, just won't budge - both of them. Rear tires won’t turn. I'm guessing it is the parking brake pads frozen - or hoping anyway! Any ideas on these appreciated. 
