I am looking for a good internet resource to learn about C3's in general and also the 1980 year model.

 

Welcome, and you won't find a better resource than this site. Also purchase a assembly manual and service manual for your year car. Also the search function at the top of the page will save you alot of time.

 

I have the assy. manual and a shop manual.Is there a difference in the service manual or is the shop manual the samething?

 

The shop manual for that specific year is better than tha shop manual for several years, better detail and more info.
You already found the best source for info on that car right here.
Post some pics and lets figure out what ya have and what you want to do with it

 

I am not a C3 owner just yet. I didn't want to jump into something too quick before I learned a little about them. Thanks for the help so far, I'm sure I'll have questions in the future.

 

I am a corvette owner for the last 7 years. Did an NCRS correct restoration on a 72 and sold it. Am in the process of restoring my customized 63. The C3 tech and performance section here is the best source for information on the internet. Edzred72 is near you. He is in the process of builing a 406 for his car. He might need a hand occasionally, like when he is dropping it in. Best way to learn is turn some wrenches! Welcome to the forum!!

 

You are doing the right thing.I've owned a ton a muscle cars over the years.I was dead in the thick of things when these cars were new so when it came time to get my first Vette I did my homework good an steady for about 9 mos.until I felt ready to pull the trigger.What I'm saying is that I knew my cars and had a few friends that had Vettes back in the day and I used that knowladge and fine tuned it to Vettes until I felt right.Bought a super nice 82CE and never looked back.Buy the best you can afford.If you get a project you are really buying someone elses headach.I made sure I had enough $$ to buy a turnkey and just maintain it.Works for me and God bless those who restore these or any car.I admire them and to me their the backbone of this hobby.I'm just along for the ride.

 

2 great online sources for '80 info:

http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/80.htm
- and -
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...980/index.html

click on the Identification and Specifications links.

I personally have an '80 that I am beginning to restore after letting it sit for 3 years. I chose the 1980 for a few reasons.
1. because I didn't have the money for a steel bumpered C-3 at the time.
2. I liked the looks of it best when comparing it to urethane bumpered 74-82's.
3. I didn't want to start with a car that had a computer.
4. it was the most refined and technologically advanced of the C-3's without having fuel injection and computer control.
5. The 80-82's supposedly had the most comfortable ride of the C-3's when they were new.
6. I saw Richard Petty driving a red one in a TV commercial in 1980 and thought that was just cool as hell.

Six Footer is right. Spend a few bucks and buy the 1980 Service Manual. It is a great reference and will let you know how difficult working on some things are.
Also I recommend buying a copy of the Corvette Black Book and the Illustrated Corvette Buyers Guide - both are available at Barnes and Noble or other book stores. They are full of lots of facts about all Vettes.
Do your research first and then buy the BEST CAR you can afford. You are much better off spending a little more money and not having to fix as much.
You can buy a LOT more car for $10 grand than you can restore for $10 grand.
Mike

 

Can't be stressed enough....BUY THE BEST YOU CAN!!! A few grand more spent up front can save you a TON of cash. Finding a top quality vette is #1 priority, BUT keep in mind the VERY high price of paint/body work. I suggest you narrow your search to ONLY the color combos you like. Example- if you really like red, blue, or black....DON'T buy the REALLY NICE purple,beige or brown ones. ITcost TOO much to repaint. No dis-respect to the guys w/purple,beige or brown Vettes, if thats what ya want. There are FINE examples of ALL color combo's out there, FIND the one you like. Good luck.

 

What everyone has said is dead on. Buy the very best you can afford and yes, a decent Vette paint job can run you in the 7K-10K range. Even after you do that, be prepared to sort of generally throw cash at it every now and again just to keep the gods happy. These cars are sex on wheels but will nickle and dime you to death, just as if you were dating a stripper. And, just like a stripper, there is always something that need attention on these cars. If you like to tinker, than a Vette is for you, if you don't, then might I recommend a nice Honda or Toyota product.

 

Speed - welcome and good luck! One thing I've learned in with the purchase of mine last year is: get the car up on a rack, or on jack stands, so you can see all of the underneath. They are too low to the ground to see much of anything, and trust me - there could be lots of gremlins hiding underneath!

The main thing is always rust. All unrestored Vettes have some. Some are acceptable, and some are awful. Do a google search on "corvette rust areas" or similiar, and you should probably get some tips on where to look specifically.

A car with maintenance records can help also. The C3 has unique, thus expensive rear supension components. I'm in the middle of that right now with mine.

Would be a good idea to bring a knowledgeable Corvette person along to inspect the car, even if you have to pay for him/her.

I've been keeping a log of the work on mine. Take a look at what I've dealt with. Don't be scared off when you see. I enjoy working on it as much as driving it, although not everyone is like that. Good luck - Mark

http://www.1970stingray.com

 

How much did your C3 cost?

Mine was $ 50.00, at a time over and over again

Best, good choice, c3's are what a Corvette is........and should be.

 

Another good site is:
http://www.idavette.net/

 

I have a 10 page information packet and I will make you a copy and mail it to you if you would like.My e-mail is corvette54@hotmail.com

 

Truer words have never been spoken.