Good morning Corvette forum,

I’ve owned my 1976 for more than 5 years now, have gone through just about everything, and love driving it. That being said I’m thinking about selling.

I have my plans for a different engine, transmission, rear end, and entire computerized overhaul, but when the car works so well now as an analog machine do I really want to tear all that out? All the hard work I’ve put into the engine just to tear it all apart again?

I’m not thinking about being done with Corvettes or C3s in general, not by a long shot. But when I think about the kind of car I want to own and never get rid of I think of a model with chrome bumpers, at least in the rear, a dedicated chassis that eliminates the shortcomings of a suspension designed in the early 60s, and a sort of clean slate where I don’t have to feel bad about changing things.

I bought the nicest car I could afford when I was younger, but if I want to take it further does it make more sense to start over? Not even from a monetary standpoint, but just the work put into the car to make it what it is today? I’m beginning to think so.

The car has very nice paint, no rust anywhere, different heads, cam, and intake on the numbers matching engine, coilovers front and rear with a bunch of other suspension mods, aftermarket brakes, and a whole lot of other custom touches as you can see in the photos. Am I crazy for even thinking about getting rid of it? Or if I do end up selling what do you think a fair asking price is?

 

In my opinion that is a very nice looking C3

 

I agree that it is a very nice looking C3, I can't imagine taking apart a car in that condition. Maybe go buy a C5 to sit next to it to satisfy your urge to modernize.

 

I think it just depends on one thing.....How bad do you want to scratch that chrome bumper itch?

Price wise it's always tougher to gage on a modded car..

 

Honestly it’s not as big of a deal as I had made it out to be when first looking for a C3. The chrome bumpers are what everyone wants, but I’ve come to love the polyurethane ones, even with the bumperettes. I can understand why you’ve had yours for so long.

It’s still a minor preference though. If I were to start over again I’m kind of thinking about getting a vert too.

 

Hello P,
I've read your post several times.
I think I understand what you're feeling.
Before a reply ...one question... what is a 'dedicated chassis' ?
Regards....

 

Something newer and stiffer that uses more than one forward link on the trailing arms, doesn’t use the half shaft as the upper link of the rear suspension, and can accept a rear end that can handle more power and be worked on by more than a small and shrinking amount of talented craftsmen.

 

The way I read this, if you had your choice, it would be a chrome bumper car. But then would you do all the mods to it, i.e. computerized everything? Upgraded chassis. Any of that would wipe out the premium you would pay for the chrome bumper. Not to mention the HATE you would get for molesting it!

Your C3 is pretty much exactly the way you wanted it, so I am sensing some boredom with it and not having anything to do with your spare time, And it will never handle like a modern car, no matter what the dedicated chassis might be.

Here is what my solution was to a similar problem with my 78 project, which isn't done BTW. My wife suggested that although I was having fun with the C3 and all the boxes of stuff that were being delivered, we could have more fun with a corvette we could actually drive. GOD I love that woman. So we bought a 2012 C6. But I am not allowed near it with a tool in my hand. It is pure stock but more power and better handling than anything I could do to it. Great for road trips too. Maybe you should keep the C3, then pick up an early C6 ( skip over the C5), maybe with an LS2 to keep your investment low. Then play with it anyway you want. You will be starting with a great platform to build on. Then as time and money allow upgrade it. Maybe get a LS3. Tune it with your computer. Make your chassis mods. There are lots of upgrades you can make as the wallet allows. I have the best of both worlds right now. Good luck with this decision, because it is not an easy one.

 

Hi Piersonpie, interesting question and situation. I think you and I, and many (most) others on this forum have the same 'desease' when it comes to cars. And that's part of what makes it so fun. We've owned over 150 cars (kind of lost count) over the years. My wife supports my habit and I support her hobbies. I've made money on a few, sort of broken even on some, and lost money on most. For me (and you?) much of the fun is in the hunt, then making the car mine the way I want (sometimes stock; sometimes stockish, and sometimes well modded). Then I sometimes (most of the time?) get bored and sell it, and then repeat. Sometimes I'm a purist and keep whatever the car is stock, sometimes a mix, and I've modded the snot out of several cars (including new ones) just because I like to tinker and go fast.

Your C3 is beautiful and modded the way you want. It sounds to me like you're leaning toward a restomod bumper car. If that's the case you're probably better off selling your most excellent C3 and finding a fresh way to start. Do it your way and enjoy it! Whatever you do, I wish you well. Best, Paul

 

Great advice. The two nicest Vettes I've driven to date were a base '07 Coupe & an '11 ZR1.

I could never sell mine, but if something happened to it I'd be all over a C6 Z06..

 

There really isn't a downside either way you go. Your '76 looks fantastic, you've done really nice job with it. I have no idea what your garage space or checkbook condition is, but if you can swing another without selling it that would be something I would look at. As others said above, it's the best of both worlds.

 

As large as my garage is I’ve only got room for one “fun” car. I’d love to have a C7 too though. Perhaps in the future I’ll have the space for both.

Yes, my ideal C3 is a chrome bumper restomod. One that I can get into and start with the first hit of the key and drive as far as I want in comfort and full confidence in the powertrain. As much fun as they are, side pipes and no overdrive are not “comfortable.”

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks, I have a lot to think about.

 

I would keep your C3 that you have now. I guarantee you’ll have sellers remorse. Ask me how I know….

As others have said get a C6 or C7…..

Good luck with your decision…not an easy one for sure.

 

Not quite in the same boat but we have a short distance hot rod. A 80 Camaro with a LS3/4L60E swap. Total rust free no hit car. Goes down the road really well. But it doesn't hold a candle to our 20 Mustang GT vert with the 460 HP 5.0/10 speed auto combo. It's our long distance hot rod.
In regards to your question. The thing about parts today they have gone up a lot compared to pre Covid prices. Many have doubled in price so building a new or redoing an old hot rod will be expensive..
Maybe time to add on a another garage space? LOL.
Oh and your C3 looks great!

 

I like how the general consensus is the solution to thinking about selling my car is to buy another one. I wish I had the space for it, really!

I’ll start to add up all my receipts. That will give me at least an idea of what I have into it. I know I’ll never get that amount back, but if I do end up selling I’ll probably list it high enough to justify it.

 

I have a tendency to get bored with a purchase I was once so excited about... I love the hunt for another car, the excitement of getting it and look forward to tinkering with it... I am almost 60 and swore after a few factory five builds some years back I was done with full build up long term projects, I travel weekly and only a 2 car garage, I recently did a complete body/paint, interior on a 70 and was about as much of a project as I want to do now in life... body parts hurt at night I didnt even know I had.
I am always intrigued with an unfinished project and even look for one from time to time... recently found an unfinished cobra im considering.

So just out of curiosity have you looked for something close to what you would build, with so many being sold much under what's been put into them have you considered a chrome bumper vert like you would have built it or perhaps unfinished... might make the decision easier.

 

I think you’ve read my mind. 5 years ago I wouldn’t be comfortable buying an unfinished project, but after spending so much time working on multiple C3s it’s a serious consideration. Nothing has caught my eye currently, but I make sure the C3s for sale section title on here is never bold.

 

some years back I found this FF gen 4 Cobra with brand new ford motorsports coyote and TKX installed in the rolling frame... the builder had knee surgery and couldn't get back to the project, came with all parts... I just needed to do body/paint and assemble, I purchased it for $30k and took it to the end... was a great experience and great way for me to buy a Cobra... currently another one in Denver I just passed on to a buddy but now thinking of buying it.
I now look for an unfinished project as long as the work was done well and it has the right story... best of luck in your decision and search.

 

I get what you’re going through.
I enjoy the build more than owning or driving.
I can only afford one build or toy at a time so mine will go up for sale as soon as it’s finished.
I’m already planning my next build which is also another Factory Five build.

 

After adding up your costs,list it for sale at the price you want to get for it. If it sells, your question has been answered. If it sits on the market long enough, you'll get a good idea what it will sell for. Decide from there. Take the loss or keep it.
Looks to be a nice car. If you are bored with it and want something else, that is normal. Can be spendy though.
I was wanting another project car to add to the 3 I already have to make sure I have plenty to do when I retire. Given the high costs of parts and supplies, not likely to happen. It just doesn't dollar out these days. I was looking at getting a DV1 clear coat spray gun and they are close to 1000 bucks! Nope, I'll make do with my current gun.
Good luck on your decision.