Differneces between a '79 and an '80
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Differneces between a '79 and an '80
Can you help me compare a '79 to the '80 I'm looking at. I found a '79 for $12,500 with 34,000 miles and supposedly mint condition. The '80 has the same mileage but hasn't run in 6 years.
What are the differences and which would you rather own?
What are the differences and which would you rather own?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: NC USA
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
The 80 is the first year of the integrated front and rear spoilers which I prefer in appearance to the 79s. If I were to buy a C3 as a daily driver, it would be an 80 since it is the last year with no computer chip. What other info? ie engine: is either car an L82? colors? interiors? Can the 79 owner document the low mileage? What is the condition of the 80 and what mileage does it have? Both cars have original engines? Check for evidence of frame rust and bodywork. Keep in mind, with the 80 you will have some prelim work to do to get it running. I wouldn't buy a car that I couldn't test drive. Good luck!
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Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (Marks69BB)
I thought that all '80s were L82 (350?). The guy said that the '79 is an L82, I just assumed that the '80 was as well.
The '80 has red interior, not sure about the '79. Both have the original engine with no mods.
The '80 hasn't been run in 6 years. The frame looks fine, the exhaust is rusty, the discs on the brakes look rusty, the interior is mint, the body is mint, mirrored T-Tops, original owner, friend's father 34000 miles.
The '79 is mint and numbers match, supposedly. Says it runs great, new belts and hoses, owned since '85. Only thing wrong the guy says is that there is a small tear on one of the seats.
I was thinking of offering $9000 for the '80 knowing that I could run into problems. Figure $2000 for new tires, fluids, brakes, etc and another $2000 for a new engine if the current one bites the dust.
The '80 has red interior, not sure about the '79. Both have the original engine with no mods.
The '80 hasn't been run in 6 years. The frame looks fine, the exhaust is rusty, the discs on the brakes look rusty, the interior is mint, the body is mint, mirrored T-Tops, original owner, friend's father 34000 miles.
The '79 is mint and numbers match, supposedly. Says it runs great, new belts and hoses, owned since '85. Only thing wrong the guy says is that there is a small tear on one of the seats.
I was thinking of offering $9000 for the '80 knowing that I could run into problems. Figure $2000 for new tires, fluids, brakes, etc and another $2000 for a new engine if the current one bites the dust.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Denville NJ
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
Its a matter of opinion really...
I bought a 79, but after seeing cars on the forum... I think i'll eventually end up converting the body of mine to an '80- front... its lower to the ground and more aerodynamic (or atleast it looks like it). The rear is similiar, but the 80 is turn up at the top... you have to see it, you can't really explain it verbally.
Most of the car is the same, i think the only other major difference is the rear end... I don't think they're interchangable.
The steering columns were tilt/tele on the '80s, where it was only an option on the 79's.
Take a look at bseery's car, thats a nice looking 80. Massvette has a nice 79.
You can always convert a 79 to an 80 (appearance wise), look at racer78, his 79 is an 80 (more or less).
I bought a 79, but after seeing cars on the forum... I think i'll eventually end up converting the body of mine to an '80- front... its lower to the ground and more aerodynamic (or atleast it looks like it). The rear is similiar, but the 80 is turn up at the top... you have to see it, you can't really explain it verbally.
Most of the car is the same, i think the only other major difference is the rear end... I don't think they're interchangable.
The steering columns were tilt/tele on the '80s, where it was only an option on the 79's.
Take a look at bseery's car, thats a nice looking 80. Massvette has a nice 79.
You can always convert a 79 to an 80 (appearance wise), look at racer78, his 79 is an 80 (more or less).
Team Owner
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From: Houston
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
Nope, not all '80s were L82's. 1980 was the last year for the L82 option. The '79 should have L82 badges on the hood, if it came with the option. The 80 would have L82 badges on the fender if it had the L82 option.
Good luck with your car hunting.
Good luck with your car hunting.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: NM
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
what is difference in the rear end? I know the visual differences. Mainly looking at mechanical.
tom...
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From: NM
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
what is the difference between the L48 and the L82?
tom...
Instructor
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From: CLEVELAND TN
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
i would go with the 80 if u can get it a lil cheaper and fix the odds and ins I think the 80 looks a lil better and most people get a 79 and change it to look like an 80 becuase of the looks so why not start with an 80 :cheers:
Team Owner
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (Tom73)
what is difference in the rear end? I know the visual differences. Mainly looking at mechanical.
'80 introduced a new aluminumn crossmember and rear end to save weight. Was used 80-82. Is not interchangable with 79 and earlier cars.
tom...
'80 introduced a new aluminumn crossmember and rear end to save weight. Was used 80-82. Is not interchangable with 79 and earlier cars.
tom...
Search the C3 forum for how many people have broken their rear end covers when replacing the rear spring.
I obviously am biased for the 1980. The stock interior is the same as the "option" interior on the 1978-79. I think the seats are better as the hold you from sliding around a lot.
The mirrored t-tops are really nice. I could not drive a C3 without glass tops now as I look through them a lot more than I thought I would.
That and I love the look of that front and rear end on the 80-82's !!!!
If you have any specific questions about the '80, feel free to e-mail me as I have now touched about every part of this car, when the engine swap 90% completed.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
Despite what I own, I prefer the integrated front and back look of the 1980. Having said that, a car that has sat for six years might require some serious and expensive attention. It depends on what you wish to do: drive or fix. You have hinted at ~$4,000 in repairs to the 1980 and that sounds pretty close. But I would spend $50.00 or so and have both vehicles professionally/mechanically looked at before you take the plunge. These cars are over 20 years old and you can be sure there is something in need of attention. And they can become money pits and a source of frustration very quickly. In my opinion, a C3 purchase should be objective and not emotional. If you make a good choice, the romance will follow .
[Modified by paul79, 12:34 PM 10/8/2001]
.[Modified by paul79, 12:34 PM 10/8/2001]
Team Owner
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
To get a person's e-mail address, click on their name -- in my case it would be where it says "BSeery" to the left, above the post count. Then on the next screen it will tell you that person's e-mail address, if they allow it to be shown.
In my case that would be BryanSeery@home.com
In my case that would be BryanSeery@home.com
Team Owner
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From: Hotlanta GA
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St. Jude Donor '08, '15
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (1980LT1)
The '79 should have L82 badges on the hood, if it came with the option. The 80 would have L82 badges on the fender if it had the L82 option.
Good luck with your car hunting.
Good luck with your car hunting.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
FWIW, this is a stock L-82 engine. Note the aluminum intake and valve covers. The L-48 would have steel in GM corporate blue. On the hood emblems, be careful. They run around $20.00 each and can be retro-fitted.
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Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
I purchased an '80.. L48 with 4spd. About 2 weeks later a buddy purchased a '79.. L82 with auto.. We had the cars nose to nose one day and my '80 seemed a little wider and lower than the '79. It was also longer in the front which made the lines on the car roll more than the '79. Best description I heard so far was sexier.. We drove to a car show that night. I got three "Nice car" comments where his '79 only got one.. and that was after he asked "What about my car" from the last person. I REALLY like the '80's..
If you want a 4spd then you can only get it with the L48. L82 and it's an auto.. Just cause it sat for 6yrs doesn't mean it shouldn't start and since you say it's your dad's friend.. I don't think he's going to stick you.. Do you? :blueangel:
If you want a 4spd then you can only get it with the L48. L82 and it's an auto.. Just cause it sat for 6yrs doesn't mean it shouldn't start and since you say it's your dad's friend.. I don't think he's going to stick you.. Do you? :blueangel:
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: NM
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (theanswriz42)
Also note, that some people who are daily drivers have taken off the L82 badges because people like to steal them
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Plant City Florida
Re: Differneces between a '79 and an '80 (ridadyna)
As I have an '80 I am biased. I prefer the 80-82 look. But I have heard the newer front end on the '80 aids engine cooling. As with any old shark you need to check out the problem areas of the car. Be sure the check the radiator supports. If they are rusted out they can be expensive to replace. Brakes are expensive too. Why has the '80 sat for 6 years? There could be a problem you are not being told about such as oil blowby. Listen for noises in the rear end of the car. Are the tires dry rotted? Do the t-tops leak? What about the weather stripping. Look for stress fractures under the paint. You can sometimes see them before they have broken through the paint. Good luck.