1980 Resto * Nightmare? * Resto Advice needed!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
1980 Resto * Nightmare? * Resto Advice needed!
Hey Everyone, so an oppurtunity has came up where I can maybe do a ** resto job
I just wanted to ask some of you for some quality advice
So this 1980 corvette has been sitting what appears to be outdoors in a park type setting since its birth (possible rusty frame) but the body work has been done lots of primer )
But how hard is the electical and vacuum work for this car? I really like the look of this era of car and everyone wants $6k+ for one running in fair-good condition
my whole thing is I am going to add the flip up GPS in dash reciever, a remote start, a nice sound system, and use it as a TOURER car, not a speed demon thing
here are some photos, and thanks in advance for the advice and constructive critisicm
I just wanted to ask some of you for some quality advice
So this 1980 corvette has been sitting what appears to be outdoors in a park type setting since its birth (possible rusty frame) but the body work has been done lots of primer )
But how hard is the electical and vacuum work for this car? I really like the look of this era of car and everyone wants $6k+ for one running in fair-good condition
my whole thing is I am going to add the flip up GPS in dash reciever, a remote start, a nice sound system, and use it as a TOURER car, not a speed demon thing
here are some photos, and thanks in advance for the advice and constructive critisicm
Last edited by lp2k; Feb 17, 2009 at 01:47 PM. Reason: sarcasm
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Clayton North Carolina
Your senses should be screaming "DANGER WILL ROBINSON"
My first question would be Why?? is this car sitting outside under tarp stripped down like it is. Has someone been parting the car out
Get someone local that is familar with Vettes to look at this. Electrical alone is not a small resto job.
Good Luck
I like the looks myself, owner of an 81
My first question would be Why?? is this car sitting outside under tarp stripped down like it is. Has someone been parting the car out
Get someone local that is familar with Vettes to look at this. Electrical alone is not a small resto job.
Good Luck
I like the looks myself, owner of an 81
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Your senses should be screaming "DANGER WILL ROBINSON"
My first question would be Why?? is this car sitting outside under tarp stripped down like it is. Has someone been parting the car out
Get someone local that is familar with Vettes to look at this. Electrical alone is not a small resto job.
Good Luck
I like the looks myself, owner of an 81
My first question would be Why?? is this car sitting outside under tarp stripped down like it is. Has someone been parting the car out
Get someone local that is familar with Vettes to look at this. Electrical alone is not a small resto job.
Good Luck
I like the looks myself, owner of an 81
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
I always get a chuckle when someone advertises a car as an "easy fix". If it was that easy, why don't they fix it? What they really mean is, "If I spend another nickel on this car, my wife will leave me."
Temvette72
Temvette72
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
Hey Everyone, so an oppurtunity has came up where I can maybe do a small resto job
if thats a small resto job ya think you may want to restore my 79 for me then? all it needs it paint!
that car is screaming "Walk away! Just walk away and I'll spare your wallet, JUUUUUUUSSSTTT WALK AWAY!"
if thats a small resto job ya think you may want to restore my 79 for me then? all it needs it paint!
that car is screaming "Walk away! Just walk away and I'll spare your wallet, JUUUUUUUSSSTTT WALK AWAY!"
Last edited by 1nicecorvette; Feb 17, 2009 at 12:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
Hey Everyone, so an oppurtunity has came up where I can maybe do a small resto job
if thats a small resto job ya think you may want to restore my 79 for me then? all it needs it paint!
that car is screaming "Walk away! Just walk away and I'll spare your wallet, JUUUUUUUSSSTTT WALK AWAY!"
if thats a small resto job ya think you may want to restore my 79 for me then? all it needs it paint!
that car is screaming "Walk away! Just walk away and I'll spare your wallet, JUUUUUUUSSSTTT WALK AWAY!"
the rest of the car comes (interior and some spare parts)
again, i wanted everyones advice on it, but i think the $20k - $6k is just about right (which i dont want to happen since i have the nick name "el cheapo"), i seen a mint running one for $6000 and i seen a article where a guy turned a '77 into a running car similar to this for like ~$5000
here is the link that kind of inspired me (below)
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/69vette/budget.html
Last edited by lp2k; Feb 17, 2009 at 01:37 PM. Reason: forgot something
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Hmmm... Well, I hit "REPLY" to give you my thoughts....but I really don't know where to begin. 
If you really, really want to do this 'thing', [and the frame is in decent shape to begin with], just get the electrical system working well enough to run the engine and get the lights working properly. See if you can fab-up some interior panels and throw some carpeting in there. Otherwise, you should either take a "pass" on the car or buy it [really cheap] and try to resell it to someone who needs a body.
If you really, really want to do this 'thing', [and the frame is in decent shape to begin with], just get the electrical system working well enough to run the engine and get the lights working properly. See if you can fab-up some interior panels and throw some carpeting in there. Otherwise, you should either take a "pass" on the car or buy it [really cheap] and try to resell it to someone who needs a body.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
I think he is desperate for the money so I will make a small offer, again the car isnt running right now, but said he will get it to run before we talk money
But moving forward, i think the steps would be:
1) Body Prep (sand paint and prime)
2) drivetrain (engine/tranny/rear end) and electrical (including the things to add)
3) interior
4) (i know i missing things)
I know this wont be easy, but a timly job
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
You and the seller are both a bit high if you think $2,500 is fair for that gigantic POS. 
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
You and the seller are both a bit high if you think $2,500 is fair for that gigantic POS.
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
That's fair, its an $800 car. You can part it out for three times that.
I looked at a 79 that was as bad as that car and the guy wanted $3k!
Figure on needing 4 calipers, rotors, hoses, master cylinder, exhaust, tires, and a full interior just to get the car moveable.
This is assuming the motor and tranny are even good.
I looked at a 79 that was as bad as that car and the guy wanted $3k!
Figure on needing 4 calipers, rotors, hoses, master cylinder, exhaust, tires, and a full interior just to get the car moveable.
This is assuming the motor and tranny are even good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Canastota Ny
You and the seller are both a bit high if you think $2,500 is fair for that gigantic POS.
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Seriously, that car needs a TON of work. Even if you sheetmetal screw a milk crate to the floor for a seat, you are spending many hours and many thousands to get that car driveable. That car is worth more dead than alive.
Originally Posted by OP
fast guy,
you think i should part it out and not bother with the resto job at all?
honesty is the best policy
you think i should part it out and not bother with the resto job at all?
honesty is the best policy
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
Hi, No I have not bought the car, I am doing some research, I guess I fell in awe with it, but I just may have to tell the guy it isnt worth it anymore for me
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
I think that there needs to be a reason a person guts a car like this and then abandons it.
I believe that you should start with a whole car when you begin a project unless you have access to the parts you'll need.
Years ago we called these cars 'junkers', and you kept them around until you needed the $50 the junk yard would give you if YOU towed it there.
Regards,
Alan
I believe that you should start with a whole car when you begin a project unless you have access to the parts you'll need.
Years ago we called these cars 'junkers', and you kept them around until you needed the $50 the junk yard would give you if YOU towed it there.
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Seriously, you are better off spending more money now on a decent looking and running vette then involving yourself in such a deep project. For 5K you can get a better vette on eBay!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Saint Cloud Florida
I think that there needs to be a reason a person guts a car like this and then abandons it.
I believe that you should start with a whole car when you begin a project unless you have access to the parts you'll need.
Years ago we called these cars 'junkers', and you kept them around until you needed the $50 the junk yard would give you if YOU towed it there.
Regards,
Alan
I believe that you should start with a whole car when you begin a project unless you have access to the parts you'll need.
Years ago we called these cars 'junkers', and you kept them around until you needed the $50 the junk yard would give you if YOU towed it there.
Regards,
Alan
Again, thanks every one for a reality check
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
Even one that has all it's bit and pieces attached will absorb $20 bills as fast as you want to shovel them at it. My wife wishes mine would burn where it's parked. It runs, starts without fail, used to be my daily driver for a few years and there is always something that needs attention....I mean always. I am talking about a car I can drive anywhere, not some clunker. They just suck money out of your wallet at an unreal rate with all the nickel and dime things. If you want a Vette, buy the most complete Vette in the best shape you can afford and only then will the financial drain be just under moderate.
While I find your "awe" of the car you are looking at commendable, don't be lured by it's sexy lines for she is an evil temptress that will cause your marriage to fail and your kids to wonder where their college accounts went.
While I find your "awe" of the car you are looking at commendable, don't be lured by it's sexy lines for she is an evil temptress that will cause your marriage to fail and your kids to wonder where their college accounts went.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
It will cost you plenty in time and money to get that into shape, that's if the frame and birdcage are OK which I doubt.
Forget about it and buy the best one you can afford. This is the best advice out there, let someone else sink allot of time and money into one and when he wants to sell, buy it.
Forget about it and buy the best one you can afford. This is the best advice out there, let someone else sink allot of time and money into one and when he wants to sell, buy it.