'76 L48 Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 278
Likes: 2
From: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
'76 L48 Question
I am thinking about adding another vette to the stable. Kinda like the first one I had out of HS. I found a clean '76 that has had a great deal of work done within the last 10 years and 2,500 miles ago. He lists 7K paint job (stripped down to the glass), all new braking system, new auto trans(not orig) all U joints and suspension, vacum, sysytem, most of interior, exhaust system (w/headers). All work was outsourced and the car has been garage kept. It is NOT a frame off/on job. The under carriage is unrestored but appears not have any rot on frame or floor pans. Straight and clean body. The big question is the engine. He had the original L48 bored out, oversized pistons, racing cam, trick flow heads, aluminum high rise manifold, holley 650 carb, hooker headers, all new componets. Is this okay for a L48?? I always thought that the L48 was a 2 bolt main block that was not suitable for these types of mods. What is this car worth?? He discarded the AC compressor too (OUCH!). It has nice curb appeal with the bright red paint and factory aluminum wheels. The car is VERY stock unless you look under the hood. No history of the car but he claims to have $$$$ reciepts. Any feedback welcomed!!!
CP
CP
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I am thinking about adding another vette to the stable. Kinda like the first one I had out of HS. I found a clean '76 that has had a great deal of work done within the last 10 years and 2,500 miles ago. He lists 7K paint job (stripped down to the glass), all new braking system, new auto trans(not orig) all U joints and suspension, vacum, sysytem, most of interior, exhaust system (w/headers). All work was outsourced and the car has been garage kept. It is NOT a frame off/on job. The under carriage is unrestored but appears not have any rot on frame or floor pans. Straight and clean body. The big question is the engine. He had the original L48 bored out, oversized pistons, racing cam, trick flow heads, aluminum high rise manifold, holley 650 carb, hooker headers, all new componets. Is this okay for a L48?? I always thought that the L48 was a 2 bolt main block that was not suitable for these types of mods. What is this car worth?? He discarded the AC compressor too (OUCH!). It has nice curb appeal with the bright red paint and factory aluminum wheels. The car is VERY stock unless you look under the hood. No history of the car but he claims to have $$$$ reciepts. Any feedback welcomed!!!
CP
CP
The price will depend a little bit on the mileage of the car. If the car is in great condition, I would say the car is worth $9,000-$11,000. That's just my opinion.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
If you bought a beater, say $4K, added new paint, interior, trailing arm rebuild, trans/converter and a lot of engine work, your total would certainly be above $12K. But the problem for the seller is, he's not likely to get that kind of money for a 76, no matter how nice it is. (No flames please, I own a 77, same problem). At this time of year, if he really needs to sell the car, he will be lucky to get $9 - 10K, in my opinion. If that's the car you want, start low and work your way up.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 46
From: winter haven florida
St. Jude Donor '12
If you bought a beater, say $4K, added new paint, interior, trailing arm rebuild, trans/converter and a lot of engine work, your total would certainly be above $12K. But the problem for the seller is, he's not likely to get that kind of money for a 76, no matter how nice it is. (No flames please, I own a 77, same problem). At this time of year, if he really needs to sell the car, he will be lucky to get $9 - 10K, in my opinion. If that's the car you want, start low and work your way up.
Good luck.
Good luck.
some people are getting more for them but it is the exception and not the rule. also the L-48 block can be modded to take 4 bolt splayed caps and that can sometimes make the L-48 a more desireable block to have for a high hp build.
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Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: Sealy TX
St. Jude Donor 06-'07
I paid $7200 for a 76 L82 in 2005 that had a frame off several years before, older paint job, 383 stroker w/ 2500 miles, etc. You just cannot get out of a car what you put in it. (IMHO) If you just gotta have the car, make an offer and negoiate until you are both happy. But, have someone look at the car and take photos for you, then if you go see it, look it over and under very carefully because there are are just too many things that can be wrong that might not be evident at first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Sounds very similar to my '76 w/o the alum heads/cam/pistons. For reference, I paid $7500 two years ago and have spent roughly $3K (I'm afraid to really add it up) on interior, exhaust & headers, intake, distributor, brakes, front suspension and misc. stuff.
I still can't get over how much attention these cars get
I still can't get over how much attention these cars get
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I paid $7200 for a 76 L82 in 2005 that had a frame off several years before, older paint job, 383 stroker w/ 2500 miles, etc. You just cannot get out of a car what you put in it. (IMHO) If you just gotta have the car, make an offer and negoiate until you are both happy. But, have someone look at the car and take photos for you, then if you go see it, look it over and under very carefully because there are are just too many things that can be wrong that might not be evident at first.
I just looked at your car pictures . . . VERY NICE!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I felt the same way about my steering wheel, but another forum member suggested fresh paint and WheelSkins wrap. I cleaned, painted and wrapped. It looks great now and I like it because it is UNIQUE to '76.
Sorry MARLTON LT-4 for the hijack
Did we mention the cool steering wheel that the '76 has?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Looks like a well kept car. It would be worth a little less due to being an automatic. I bought a '76 Bright Yellow L-48 4-speed for $9500, but would have paid more for it had the bid gone up more(ebay). Was truely a garage kept car with 75K on it. Its all about what you want to pay and if it feels like the right amount for something you want.
My dad is getting ready to buy a 76 that is an auto and classic white. He is getting ready to pay 12,500.
My dad is getting ready to buy a 76 that is an auto and classic white. He is getting ready to pay 12,500.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 278
Likes: 2
From: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Looks like a well kept car. It would be worth a little less due to being an automatic. I bought a '76 Bright Yellow L-48 4-speed for $9500, but would have paid more for it had the bid gone up more(ebay). Was truely a garage kept car with 75K on it. Its all about what you want to pay and if it feels like the right amount for something you want.
My dad is getting ready to buy a 76 that is an auto and classic white. He is getting ready to pay 12,500.
My dad is getting ready to buy a 76 that is an auto and classic white. He is getting ready to pay 12,500.
CP
